Print

[KK7IXH]

I know I know, it's probably going to be a dead end conversation but I am looking for a good (name brand with customer support) mobile radio that covers the 2m, 72cm, and GMRS bands. I have my GMRS license and am waiting on my callsign for my Tech license. Just looking for a good rig that I can use in my Jeep or in my cabin as a base. Cabin will be run off solar/battery bank so power consumption is a factor. I have 2 Baofeng's HT's right now.

New to the hobby so please forgive me if this is a stupid question. Just trying to learn from people.

Thank you everyone!!!

Travis

[WA3SKN]

The FCC likes to keep their "services" separate, so you will want separate radios for GMRS and amateur use.  You might find some "grey market" eqpt on the internet but you will not be happy with it... too many compromises.

-Mike.

[KK7IXH]

Hmmmm, makes sense (for the government, LOL!). I guess worst case when I want to use GMRS I will just have to carry my UV5R. I know the reception isn't that great inside the Jeep, but I am not on GMRS that often.

I guess I will look for a mobile analog with DMR.

73

[KK7IXH]

Was looking at the Anytone at-d578uviiipro. I am finding it at the $400 price point. Has anyone had any experience with this? Also- is having DMR in your vehicle worth the extra cost or is it mainly for home use?

Thank you!

Travis

[W9IQ]

None of the radios listed are FCC certified for GMRS use. So you could listen to GMRS but not legally transmit.

- Glenn W9IQ

[KD6VXI]

It has nothing to do with "makes sense for the government".  It has everything to do with the fact that each service requires it's own capabilities, it's own technical specifications, etc.

It also has to do with people not making mistakes by transmitting somewhere they aren't allowed with a radio that has multi-use capabilities.

Like, the 10 meter radios sold are NOT legal for 11 meters.  But, they are legal for 10 or 10-12 meters.  Different technical specifications for each radio service, and the FCC doesn't want you to be able to transmit on a service you aren't licensed to.....  By mistake or on purpose.

Saving people from themselves.  That's what our government does best (I hope you can read the sarcasm dripping from my voice LOL)

--Shane
WP2ASS / ex KD6VXI

[AF5CC]

Many of the 2m and 70cm radios available on Amazon and ebay do transmit on both the 70cm ham band and the GMRS frequency without modification, but as some have pointed out, these would not be type accepted for GMRS, so in the US it would illegal to transmit on GMRS with them.  Btech and others do sell GMRS radios, and if they could be modded for the ham band, you could use them on both.  I am not sure they could be modded for the 440-450mhz range, though.

73 John AF5CC

[K4IBC]

Nothing stopping you from modifying a radio certified for GMRS service for 2m and 70cm use. One of the Anytone models is certified for GMRS but with programming can work on 2m and 70cm.

[W9IQ]

Nothing stopping you from modifying a radio certified for GMRS service for 2m and 70cm use. One of the Anytone models is certified for GMRS but with programming can work on 2m and 70cm.

Do you have a specific model number in mind?

If a Part 95 radio is "modified" for amateur radio service, it can no longer be used in Part 95 service. If the amateur use is only through external programming, then it can be used in both services. Note, however, that the FCC is deprecating new certifications that allow for this possibility.

- Glenn W9IQ

[KK7IXH]

Thank you all for your replies!

I am still trying to wrap my head around all the "technicalities" of this hobby. I didn't know modding radios to pick up other freq's was a thing (ya ya ya, laugh it up, LOL!).

The more I am thinking about it, GMRS isn't that big of a deal. I have a couple of Baofeng HT's for that. I guess I just want a good mobile unit I can transfer to the Jeep when going on trips. If I could stay below the $400 mark, that would be awesome. I hope I didn't just open up a big 'ol can of worms! LOL!

[KK7IXH]

Got my callsign! KK7IXH. I am now live and talking on the airwaves in Butte MT!


~Travis

[W9IQ]

Congratulations, Travis! Well done and welcome to a great hobby.

- Glenn W9IQ

[W1MOW]

Congratulations, Travis! Well done and welcome to a great hobby.

- Glenn W9IQ

Welcome Travis!

Things certainly do change...Back in the late 80's & 90's most if not all GMRS were re purposed Part 90 radios with a good portion being Motorola Radius mobiles and portables. Today I will bet you that 95% of all GMRS repeaters on the air are Part 90 machines.

Gary W1MOW