Standardized comms (2 Viewers)

[Comet]

I have the 25x4 from btech and really liked it so far. The 500 i got my hands on was at a good price point at the time.

 

[Comet]

@Pip Bernadotte I totally missed your question. MTX-500 is a radio that is repeater capable. Sadly, I have not installed it yet. I have the BTECH 25x4 and it hasn’t’t let me down yet. I also got some of the Midland GTX jobs and they are currently in assessment mode (wind noise really makes they squeak on transmission).

 

[Elbert]

Has anybody else had the same nightmare as me while trying to apply for an FRN and then a license? I started last night. I registered my email username and PW and used the link I was emailed to complete the process. From there, it took 4 tries to get accepted while logging in on that screen. Then came the random closing of screens and redirects to various login pages. I finally completed the FRN form, but after taking 20 minutes to accomplish that, there was a banner on the screen saying the system will be down for maintenance...starting in 10 minutes! So I went to bed.

Today, I was able to get right in and went to the GMRS License option. Then this started... Roughly 2 out of every 3 CONTINUE button attempts throughout the process immediately got me this screen:

View attachment 2987941

So, start the process again. Each time. WTF? All told, I had over 45 minutes in this before finally completing the payment process. Government-run processes, amiright?

yes.... the design and approach of that web site is &^%#

 

[weejub]

I had to re-up my HAM license and went ahead and applied for my GMRS license while I was in the aforementioned system LOL.

I also found this, which I think is about as good an explanation of the two as I have seen. Bonus points, it shows a 40:

Ham Radio vs GMRS: Differences and Which is Best for You?

Explore the differences between Ham Radio vs GMRS, including licensing, range, equipment, and community. Learn which suits your needs best.

hamradioprep.com

 

[weejub]

I'm looking to get some GMRS radios - probably a 50W for the truck and a couple 5W handhelds. Sifting through online recommendations, etc :\ Would like them to be water/weather resistant, at least (not necessarily waterproof). The ability to get NOAA alerts would be nice. Some even have scanners, which would be nice vs EXPENSIVE Uniden scanners. Please let me know if you have anything here - not "afraid" to mix/match, but going through one site would be nice (like a Gigaparts, etc)

 

[gasman4u]

Yaesu vx6r’s are nice for handhelds. Super robust builds. I think 5W.

I’m NOT a pro, but like their specs.

I'm looking to get some GMRS radios - probably a 50W for the truck and a couple 5W handhelds. Sifting through online recommendations, etc :\ Would like them to be water/weather resistant, at least (not necessarily waterproof). The ability to get NOAA alerts would be nice. Some even have scanners, which would be nice vs EXPENSIVE Uniden scanners. Please let me know if you have anything here - not "afraid" to mix/match, but going through one site would be nice (like a Gigaparts, etc)

 

[weejub]

Yaesu vx6r’s are nice for handhelds. Super robust builds. I think 5W.

I’m NOT a pro, but like their specs.

Coincidently, I was set on one via GigaParts with the MARs mod. But . . see it as my HAM replacement "with benefits." Will leave it at that for here

 

[gasman4u]

My comms level of training is sh*t. I have some kit, but not the knowledge and experience base to apply it. I even went as far as buying a programming bundle for the radios, but never executed. I need to get after it.

This MARS mod thing sounds like a good idea....

 

[Comet]

Midland MTX500 in my 100. Robust, Noah, intuitive, Del’s kinda radio (set and forget). The MTX575 will go in the 40 if I ever find time to resurrect it. Both can be programmed but I haven’t gone down that road yet. Their handhelds are just as simple but the 700mA battery SUCKS. Barely makes it through a day.