quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

quote:

Originally posted by Perception:


What do you think of the FT5DR? I've got one too, and it's my favorite radio (of what I've got) by a long shot, but the battery life is terrible and that really kills it for me.

TBH, I haven’t used it all that much. I wanted a “do it all” high-end HT and bought it shortly after getting my ticket. Then life changed and I didn’t have the time to devote to the hobby I would like too.

As such haven’t really “learned” it yet, so it sits and I grab a cheapo most of the time. I really am an infrequent HAM user at this point, but with retirement a couple months away I am hoping to change that.


I did notice battery seems to drain even when NOT being jaded, so I make a point of taking battery off when not in use (seems to be the case on all my Yaesu HT’s). I have bought some third party spare batteries for my Yaesu HT’s. Can get two or three for what Yaesu charges for one.

I think turning off GPS and APRS will help battery life if those options are on.

My FT5DR battery life is acceptable. Mine dropped from 8 to 7.2 vDC in the last three weeks just sitting on the desk.

APRS and GPS can easily be turned off in the menu settings.

I wish I hadn't sold the two ICOM V86 radios I bought here. Although you couldn't read the tiny little screen, the quality vs. dollar was super high.

Comically inexpensive basic GMRS radios. Adding in a pair of Nagoya 771g antennas (which do seem to boost the performance of this radio with all of its 1.1 watts output power) doesn't even get you (at current pricing) to Amazon's 35.00 free shipping.

Add in the price of a GMRS license (35 bucks IIRC, and no test exam) which covers your entire family, and you're all set for 70 bucks.

Kinda hard to go wrong at these prices. This radio is so basic, everyone can use it. Turn it on, select the channel, adjust the volume, push the button to talk. USB-C rechargeable

I ordered a pair, plus the antennas. I bought a roll of dental floss to meet the free shipping. I want to see these radios in person, I can always return them. Probably keep the floss, though.

GTG basic radio for short distance and you can’t beat the price.

I picked a pair up for $21.98 last November to replace a pair of FRS radios I donated to our drivers on my mission trip to Guatemala.


Always looking for a “reason” to buy or try new HT’s

I was sent a BAOFENG GT-5R PRO Ham Radio to review. I am clueless on how these things operate.
The manual leaves much to be desired. There are some You Tube video's on this model but mostly reviews that don't cover much in the way of operation. If someone can point me to a good tutorial on the basics of these things it would be appreciated.

It's this one.

First, this has been a phenomenally interesting and useful thread, along with the couple of related threads I have found. Too much information to glean once through, but a trove of info and references. I keep this thread open in its own tab to refer to from time to time.

Second, I now own 3 FRS/GMRS blister pack radios bought by my wife on sale at Sam's Club a number of years ago, 2 UV-5R EX radios recommended to me by a friend that was a comms guy in the military, and now 2 TD-H8 radios, thanks to 911Boss.

Third, unfortunately, I am still a bit over-whelmed by all of this. I did get my GMRS license, and will most likely get at least a technician's license, maybe the general if it isn't too much more involved. I looked around and found a local amateur radio club that meets just a few miles from my house. I think I will head over there and see if they can get me on the right track, plus they offer the written license exams. Since they are local, they should know what bands are useful, what repeaters to use, etc.

Finally, I was surprised, but my son seems intrigued by amatuer radio, so maybe he and I have found a new common interest.

My meager contribution to the thread: for Florida folks, the Florida Department of Emergency Management and Florida Dept. of Transportation operate a state-wide amateur radio network called SARnet (no, not SKYnet ) for emergency communications based on ham. Fairly robust with equipment on FDOT towers, backup power generators, microwave point-point communications between repeaters so a ham can talk from Key West to Tallahassee. Here is the website: SARnet. Here is a YT video describing it: SARnet video

I am working my way through this thread as I know nothing about Ham radios. I went ahead and ordered THESE as they come with the programming cable and larger antennas. It currently has an 8% off coupon and I had some credit so I only paid $29 for the set. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Now I will finish reading the thread and get a license.

Thank you, StorminNormin, for bringing this thread back to life. It's a good reminder that I've still got a batch of learning to do.

I remember this thread and now that I have my Technician amateur radio license I'm interested in the replies.
I did what Para did and ordered a set of radios off Amazon.
I'll try others when I get this ham radio jargon figured out!

Does anyone use these? I grabbed a pair for camping and keeping in contact with my kids while they are running around. I wanted something easy for them to operate.

https://midlandusa.com/product...w2Pa6E9SMu3zvH8L4rUl

quote:

Originally posted by SIG4EVA:
Does anyone use these?

No, but here's a quick review.

quote:

Originally posted by SIG4EVA:
Does anyone use these?

https://midlandusa.com/product...w2Pa6E9SMu3zvH8L4rUl

Not that exact one, but I picked up a pair of Midland FRS handhelds about 20 years ago for a trip to Alaska. They worked fine and still do, but one of them got wet and it doesn't do as well as the other one anymore. More noisier.

Thanks Para! Sounds perfect for my current use. Thanks expert for the advice.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Comically inexpensive basic GMRS radios. Adding in a pair of Nagoya 771g antennas (which do seem to boost the performance of this radio with all of its 1.1 watts output power) doesn't even get you (at current pricing) to Amazon's 35.00 free shipping.

Add in the price of a GMRS license (35 bucks IIRC, and no test exam) which covers your entire family, and you're all set for 70 bucks.

Kinda hard to go wrong at these prices. This radio is so basic, everyone can use it. Turn it on, select the channel, adjust the volume, push the button to talk. USB-C rechargeable

I ordered a pair, plus the antennas. I bought a roll of dental floss to meet the free shipping. I want to see these radios in person, I can always return them. Probably keep the floss, though.


[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TISEvFO1K-I" title="The World's Cheapest GMRS Radio, The Baofeng MP31 Walkie Talkie - The Low Price GMRS Radio That Can!" width="960"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

So at this point I know zero about these radios but I did order a pair of the AR-5RM Ham radios. I need to learn them and get my license.

I then see the conversation on the GMRS radios. Is there much difference between the MP-31 and the GM-15 ? I really couldn’t find a good comparison between them.

If something really bad happens, the last thing I'm worried about is licensing it for use.
An unlicensed radio will be the last thing the government is worried about.

quote:

Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
If something really bad happens, the last thing I'm worried about is licensing it for use.
An unlicensed radio will be the last thing the government is worried about.

This is my attitude towards it also. I either unlocked my radios, or bought unlocked models that would work on either HAM or GMRS (for best performance, you do need proper antennas). I got my GMRS license and use that for "normal" use. If there is a disaster of some type, I will use whichever band is needed at that time, and screw the lack of a HAM license as that is the last thing anybody will care about!

quote:

Originally posted by bronicabill:
...and screw the lack of a HAM license as that is the last thing anybody will care about!

Consider that if everyone does the same, the frequency ranges will be unusable with every Tom, Dick, and Harry getting on there.

A Technician license is easy enough to get and keep, and it will teach you what you need to know to use the radio in that frequency range responsibly and courteously rather than turning it into a free-for-all that nobody can use.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Consider that if everyone does the same, the frequency ranges will be unusable with every Tom, Dick, and Harry getting on there.

I could hear that whoosh over your head all the way down here in Florida. Must be some favorable conditions for propagation.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
So at this point I know zero about these radios but I did order a pair of the AR-5RM Ham radios. I need to learn them and get my license.

I then see the conversation on the GMRS radios. Is there much difference between the MP-31 and the GM-15 ? I really couldn’t find a good comparison between them.

Welcome to a very deep rabbit hole

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Consider that if everyone does the same, the frequency ranges will be unusable with every Tom, Dick, and Harry getting on there.

I could hear that whoosh over your head all the way down here in Florida. Must be some favorable conditions for propagation.

Thank you @trapper189 for understanding my point!

@Gustofer my point that you missed was "IF things got bad enough and I HAD to use the HAM band without a license, I would"! I certainly wouldn't just jump on the HAM band if GMRS was working fine for me and I had communications with other GRMSers. They seem to be a much friendlier bunch anyways...