DB20-G GMRS Radio Review and Tutorial

Radioddity's DB20-G GMRS radio is a great mobile or base station alternative for those on a budget. See chapter timing below.
Be sure to check out "The New Operator's Guide to GMRS." My new book will answer a bunch of your questions regarding GMRS and how you might find using GMRS radios can help solve your communications problems. Whether just around town, around your business or as an important part of your Go-Bag or Prepper plans, "The New Operator's Guide to GMRS" is a great resource.
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Chapter Timing:
0:00 - Opening
2:12- Cool Functions
3:35 - Unbox
7:10 - Panel Menu
10:39 - Mic Menu
13:19 - Shortcut Keys
14:50 - CPS
25:04 - Vehicle Mounting
26:30 - Audio
27:00 - Range
27:40 - Closing

[@robdurham7974]

I appreciate your video. It taught me how to program that was not in the manual. You know radios and I can learn alot from you. Thank you

[@HomeBrewedVapesReviews]

You do a great walk through on this device. I hate to say for the money, but, for the money you really do get a great device. It sounds great, and does its job well. Can't ask for much more than that.

[@ToolsTrucksTrails]

Howdy from Prescott, AZ. Just ordered this radio because my ham license just expired after 10 years and want to communicate more with the off road community who are all switching to GMRS it seems. Great review/setup video. Many thanks. Subscribed. 73, KK6DKQ

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. 73

[@quad-z-moto2338]

Thank you for the great video. I wish you had written the manual.

[@tcathunder]

appreciate your expert info.. I love the radio also..

[@MattKester]

Great review! Small world, I just started monitoring Shaw 725 quite a bit as it's the closest free repeater to me!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Very cool!

[@RhythmicSensations]

I find it very interesting that when you read from the radio (16min) upon completion that your transmit trequency on ch23 changed from 467 to 462 and remained this way. Ch 31 was was also added at this point. It says you were reading from the radio, but it seemed to be writing to the radio.

[@kevinscully6647]

An excellent video, I bought this unit and I have subscribed to your channel. My only suggestion for improvement is to bring the microphone into the field of view alongside the base unit when demonstrating the mike keystrokes. That way, the mike input and the effect on the base unit screen can be seen.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I'll give that some thought. Perhaps a second camera showing the mic touches. Hmmm

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Radioddity, this radio needs the 24 user programmable GMRS channel slots, just like the 24 you put in your GM-30 hand held radio. Thank you, I hope that this can be added with a software upgrade.

[@volodya4554]

Does this radio have tone scanning or can it be enabled?

[@EverydayATV]

Great review. I am looking for a 15-20 watt mobile that I can use in my F-150, ATV and also use it as a base station. The radios I’ve looked at are the DB20, the Midland MXT275 and the BTech GMRS 20V2. I crossed the Midland off the list right away as it only does narrowband. Any experience with the BTech? I like that the display is in the mic but the kludgy way of having to adjust the volume might be a deal breaker. Any thoughts regarding these two? Thanks.

[@Lawrench00]

Thanks for making this video! The manual Radioddity currently has posted is pretty sparse. Is there anything more in-depth out there?

[@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_]

I'm new to radios and just got my license and this is my first radio purchase What would be a good mobile antenna for this radio I'm considering using it as a base station at home also I enjoyed your video on this unit it looks like a good easy to use entry level radio

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I'd take a look at an Ed Fong J pole for a base station. A trunk lip mount would be a good start depending on your vehicle. I have videos on both topics on the channel you might find helpful.

[@M9A1MAN]

I have this hooked up to a Yagi as a base station at home and I am able to hit a GMRS repeater 25 miles away.

[@ouijim]

Radioddity version of same radio is hackable. Press and Hold V/M button while turning on radio then use up / down keys to change Modes from GMRS to Amateur and other ; ) Radio gets VERY HOT during transmit but hasn't failed "yet" since several long net QSOs

[@volodya4554]

Alternatively, will it display the tone being used by a transmitting station (when it is not audible) so that you can enter the correct tone on the radio to be able to hear the transmission?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Gotcha. I've seen that before. I haven't seen anything that leads me to believe this radio will do that.

[@kowen8121]

Good review of features and CPS ..!

[@Gta2O13]

Do a full unlock them program for GMRS. It will save you the programming headache

[@wiillthebarbertv9415]

I want the DB25G but it’s not really pushing out watts

[@chriscraig70able]

Ok, you have talked me into getting one. Thank you for a ,logical, intuitive , easy to understand video. I enjoy the straight forward instruction, sans the deadpan "humor" , that other videos present.

[@GodFearNman]

Thanks for this video. Very help, however this new radio user is still struggling. I am also here in Phoenix and trying to connect to Shaw repeater. I am using rpt 8, with both the RX and TX codes to 100. Is that right? I also see on the site that something needs to be set ..(DN165) ?? Thanks for any help. I’m struggling

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Sorry I'm late getting back to you. The codes and linking info is on myGMRS.com. If you haven't signed up for a free account, do so. It's a good resource. It says that the input tone is 100 and the output doesn't use a tone. So your receive CTCSS should be off and the transmit should be 100. With your receive set to 100 your radio won't break the squelch and you won't hear the repeater. Input to the repeater is the output from your radio. The digital code is if you want to access the linked repeaters from 700 to 180 daily. Again, that is explained on myGMRS.com. Cheers.

[@henrycems]

What is the minimum amp power supply do you need for this radio to be a base radio? Great video.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Getting something with a little overhead capacity is a good idea. I had a 20 amp that always got hot. I go with a 30 amp bench-style similar to this one. amzn.to/3xUJY4z

[@markpickar3279]

Thanks for another very instructive video! I am looking for a mobile GMRS radio, and had my eye on this unit. However I was disappointed by the very poor user manual, the small screen, and the its use of passive cooling - I saw a video of a variant in the UK that showed thermal scans, and it gets pretty hot. I see that Radioddity recently introduced the DB25-G that looks like it addresses these issues. In addition, it claims an output power of 25 W. Do you have any plans to look at this unit?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

It's likely the DB25 G and the DB 25 are the same hardware with different firmware. Many of the radios are built around a chip on the main board and some even have the different programming loaded if you know the proper key sequences to access the program select mode. You can probably assume very similar operation between the two.

[@treywinchester2010]

Can this radio be programmed to listen yo dmr channels if you know the cc and talk group info?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

No. It's not a DMR radio

[@stevederjones7340]

What power source did you use to power the DB20-G ? Will the Pyramid PS9KX be enough to power the DB20-G?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I'm using a 30 amp power supply. The meter shows hardly any amp draw with the radio. So maybe. I'd shoot for something larger, though. 15 to 20 amps. A 30 would allow for larger devices as you add toys. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kowen8121]

I am using a Pyramid PS15K.5 with no issues. Bought it from Beach Audio for $60....www.beachaudio.com/Pyramid-Audio/Ps15kx-p-85198.html

[@stevehorvat69]

Does anyone know if while using the scan function, you are able to specify which specific memory locations to scan and which to skip? My BTech GMRS V2 portable does this and I love this feature. If this one can do it also, I think I am sold on this radio. Thanks.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Steve, I gave mine away to my son in law so can't check. Try downloading the CPS and see if it has a scan add column or something similar. That's usually the best tipoff.

[@stevehorvat69]

@@GadgetTalk4U thanks I will try that. I know on the BTech portable, Chirp does not have a column. Rather there is an option in the BTech menu that you scroll throw to either add it or delete it from the scan list. This also prevents the radio from scanning the preset NOAA channels, which are also in the BTech memory.

[@chrismehle5716]

Hey I just got this radio, your able to monitor two channels at once?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yes

[@This_Month_In_History]

How the static feedback level and the squelch?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Here after about squelch level 2 it's quiet.

[@chriscraig70able]

Ctcss drop down menu, what's the difference between d265n and d265i ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The N and the l stand for normal and inverted. They stem from design issues in Motorola land mobile a systems radios that would reverse or invert the dcs code in the radio. Search inverted dcs codes for a more complete understanding.

[@stevederjones7340]

Was you able to get the full 20watts on high power? NotaRubicon said he was only able to get 15 watts on high power .

[@GadgetTalk4U]

the video was starting to get a bit long and the power test ended up not making the cut. Sorry. In the low channel range I got over the max of 5 watts with about 8. In the high power channel range I got 19 watts. I was using an MFJ 874 Power/SWR meter.

[@stevederjones7340]

Thank you for the reply. I have been thinking about getting the DB20-G radio or the BTech UV-25x2 radio. I have even thought about the Retevis RA-20 GMRS radio. The thing is I think with Retevis you have to order direct from China. Not to fond of that. Also most any GMRS radio from Retevis always is stuck on narrow band. I don’t have access to a computer to reprogram my radios . So I tend to stick with radios that are able to be programmed manually. Great review. I think that you and NotaRubicon have the best reviews and tips on GMRS radios

[@MikieLAX]

18 is the NEW 20! :)

[@MikieLAX]

@@stevederjones7340 See my operational tips posted earlier today! This unit is SO useful, I am thinking about buying another one for my home shack!

[@DaleMoon]

Thank you for the tutorial! I have several repeaters in my area (South Houston) the code on the repeater site shows a CTCSS code of 743. I programed DPL743I is that correct? Thank you!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

It would be code 484 that corresponds to the 743 dcs code. Check the table in the instructions.

[@DaleMoon]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thank you for replying. I looked at the chart and see 743=484 but in the channel edit I don’t see 484 under ctcss/DCS decode is this the wrong section?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Nope, you have it right. I double checked both faceplate and CPS programming and the actual codes are used. What you've done should work. Menu 3 on the faceplate setting should change both input and output. Press function to get to menu, V/M and main to get to menu item 3 and M I n to get to 000 N. Use up and down arrows to scroll to 743 or whatever number you need. Saves the time of multiple connects with the CPS. Save to the CPS when you're done. Good luck.

[@tcathunder]

@@GadgetTalk4U New to GMRS.. The programming was so helpful i would have never figured it out.. Thanks a bunch for the lesson..

[@kchedville]

Do you have a Link to share where to buy the Radioddity DB20-G Programming Cable ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Try this: www.retevis.com/ra25-usb-programming-cable-us?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU0u8BM_qpvs8-VKzLlNy0ZkPO0zS3pMgfX21F0xVEGMMoZ91JeX_e8aAmVlEALw_wcB

[@kchedville]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks for the reply, but when I received the Radio, a Cable was included, in their description they did not say one was included. On Amazon.

[@jesseespinoza367]

Can it operate in low power mode on ch 8 to 14

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Here's an article explaining restrictions on 8 through 14. www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/03/why-mobile-gmrs-radios-dont-transmit-on-channels-8-14.html#:~:text=Only%20hand%2Dheld%20portable%20units,to%20GMRS%20channels%208%2D14.

[@tjbeck7949]

After watching this video I tried to program in a local ham repeater using the software with no avail. Do you have any recommendations?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Try adding non-GMRS channels below the extra repeater channels. At 40 or 41 as I recall. Look up the repeater output frequency. Model after the wx channels at the bottom of the list. It will be a receive only channel.

[@tjbeck7949]

@@GadgetTalk4U okay bear with me here because I am new with this. Coming from repeater book, if the downlink is 145.450 and the uplink is 144.850 with a -.6 offset tone of 118.8. I’d need to put in 144.850 with the 118.8 tone, correct?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@tjbeck7949 Sure, no worries. The downlink is what you listen to so put that in the RX frequency box. You can put that in the TX box, too or leave that box empty. Most ham repeaters have an up link tone but not a downlink tone. Leave the CTCSS boxes blank. Set the spacing to 25khz and check or unchecked the scan skip as you desire. Cheers.

[@tjbeck7949]

@@GadgetTalk4U thank you, I appreciate it!!

[@leif021]

Can I run the software on Linux? I just don't do Windows nor Mac.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Not sure. Most of the CPS programs for various radios are Windows only. Makes it a bit harder on iOS an Linux users. If you try, leave a comment on how it worked - or didn't. Cheers.

[@koniconga]

Enjoy your video and subscribed to your channel. Can one transmit on the GMRS/FRMS channels or only monitor.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You can transmit and receive.

[@koniconga]

So just to ensure understanding reply. I will be able to communicate as having a GMRS license and can also communicate on the FRS channels or solely hear / monitor. Apologize as I’m new to this and seeking purchase if such the case. Thanks as always enjoy your videos!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@koniconga GMRS and FRS channels are the same. FRS power and bandwidth are different but can be understood both directions. FRS doesn't have repeater channels that are located above channel 22.

[@ScrapMetalJr]

How does this compare to the AnyTone AT-779UV?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I don't have one so can't speak from personal experience. They appear to be the same radio with the DB20-G having a firmware difference allowing the DIY repeater option.

[@kowen8121]

On the FCC website the DB20-G and the AT-779UV differences are described as: "The equipment is electrically identical." In addition, the DB20-G FCC ID: 2AN62-DB20G application granted on 4/26/2021 used the identical test data recorded by the FCC when the AT-779UV FCC ID: T4K-779UV was certified on 10/16/2020. The only difference between the radios are the labels and individual differences in programming. The hardware is " identical" per the FCC. Since the CPS can be modified by the end user, the only real difference is in the firmware installed by the vendor.

[@brianzych9695]

what mobile antenna would you recommend to use that you could transmit on both GMRS and HAM?

[@clivepenny]

Nice review, can you go through saving a channel name via the front or mic. I can enter the characters but cannot get it to save, I have display set to name.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I changed some names on mine and didn't have any troubles. Enter FUN then MONI on either the mic or panel. Go to menu 12 using the VM or Main keys. In menu 12 use the Up and Down button to select the character. Use the #1 key to move through the spaces. When you have the name you want, press function key again and the name changes - at least it did for me. I didn't try on the basic GMRS channels. They may be locked. Try one of the user defined channels.

[@clivepenny]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks for taking the time to reply, I've tried all variations to save the name but as soon as I navigate away it disappears. Software it is then.

[@mitchh6702]

Same question that I had.... I typed in the new channel name and I couldn't get it to save while I was in the field...away from the PC!

[@jamesschilling1558]

Cannot figure out my unit. Do you give lessons?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Alas, no. I have some programming and customer programming software videos on the channel that might help. These inexpensive radios work very similiarly so even watching another model tutorial could easily help. Some other reviewer might say something differently that "clicks" for you. Good Luck.

[@timsmith9169]

What does the a next to the repeater channel numbers and the blue CT on the right upper corner

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The A means vfo A and the CT means a CTCSS code is set for that channel.

[@timsmith9169]

@@GadgetTalk4U thank you .i do have my cross in there and can hit 3 repeaters .how ever some hat a yellow a right next to the channel number but still hit repeaters I think the a maybe part of a scan list .and then to the far right in blue is +ct .but even the ones that don't have the CT but do have the + ..wow hope I didn't confuse you as much as I am .i thank you a ton 👍🗽🇺🇸 I am a old disabled veteran . it is kinda a out let with the radio

[@captivatedroid69]

Is there a way to enter the nine extra repeater channels without a computer

[@Johnyrocket70]

Most people on gmrs are getting the ham radio versions of these radios so they use more than 8 or 9 repeater channels. Its a pain in the butt to change tones everyday because repeaters share the same frequencies on multiple tones.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You probably know this already but such operation is unlawful. The DB20 G Part 95 cert is unique in that it allows a small handful of duplicate channels.

[@MikieLAX]

See my operational tips posted today, which opens this radio up to transmit on both GMRS and the Ham 2 meter and 70 cm bands (for licensed users)!

[@leroyskalstad5871]

Darn, I bought this radio because the repeater I am active on uses split tone but I cant use DCS with this radio

[@GadgetTalk4U]

HI, Leroy. Try this: Go to desired channel Press fun on mic Press 1 on mic Go to menu 1 using V/M or Main key on mic Press number 1 on mic to cycle to 000 N display for menu 1 Use up and down on mic to scroll to code corresponding to desired DCS code. List is in the instructions. Use V/M or Main to go to menu item 2. Repeat selection process Press DIL on mic to exit. It's much easier in the CPS. Just scroll past the CTCSS codes and the DSC codes come next. I don't use DSC codes so if this works, please let me know. Radioddity manuals are normally very good. This one - not so much.

[@leroyskalstad5871]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks, My first time using programing software, It was a snap. I am on the Western system via the Milwaukee Armored One repeater, WRMK450

[@libarata]

I can’t for the life of me figure this thing out. Can you change your secondary channel OUT of VFO?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking so forgive me if I answer the wrong question. Menu item 29 gives options for the main display - Freq, channel and name. I have mine set to Name. Menu item 19 has the subchannel display choices of Freq, voltage or off. I have it set to Freq. When I press the V/M key to move between A and B mode (it may have been the main key), the lower display still shows the name in the subchannel area of the channel I swapped, not the frequency. Radioddity normally has really good manuals. I hope they update this one. It leaves much to be desired. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MikieLAX]

Yes: make your secondary channel the primary channel using the MAIN button and then push the V/M button once.

[@digitaldreamer5481]

I see the ads for this radio in which they use the word,”Repeater” but as I watch you set up your radio, you never say repeater. I live in a tall building and would be willing to buy this radio if it can be used as a repeater. Another question, I never ever program a radio with a computer for EmComm purposes. Do you think that this radio can be programmed manually without a computer?

[@MikieLAX]

I would not use this radio as a repeater; I am sure they mean that it does have the GMRS Repeater channels capability; and yes, see my "Operational Tips" below to manually program without a computer

[@Number4lead]

This radio is glitchy. It used to hook right to my computer for programming but suddenly after a few months it won't recognize my computer port. I tried two other computers and no dice. Also it was supposed to allow us to change the transmitting power on the channels with high power from high to low on the fly using the microphone buttons. Mine doesn't do that. I would avoid this thing. So far the basic midland gmrs works better than this one.

[@radiohobbyist13]

It's actually pronounced Radidoditty!!! 😅🙈🤦⚡