GMRS station at home - Radioddity DB20-G - mobile, shack, and most frequencies FRS

So I bought a radio, a GMRS Radio because I love the versatility of the band!
Buy this radio directly from Radioddity or their Amazon store: www.radioddity.com/collection...
Use this link to save $15 USD, I believe you'll need to spend $65usd or more to take advantage of this: radioddity.refr.cc/ericramirez
If you find this helpful, please consider supporting the channel at: www.buymeacoffee.com/backcoun...
GMRS J-Pole antenna: www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/46...
Having a good GMRS radio in your mobile or home station is just a kick in the pants. I love the clarity of using a bigger rig and a bigger, external and well elevated antenna. While you don't have the portability factor of the handheld unit, it's pretty nice to have such a good sounding radio in your gear.
The DB20-G is sold as a 20W GMRS mobile or base rig. The manual indicates that the "high" setting is 18W and my test shows 15W - more testing needed.
Something that might be a deal killer for some is the fact that the interstitial channels (8-14) do not function with this radio, in part because it is not capable of producing only 0.5 Watts of transmission output.
Another video on the programming software will be forthcoming. Please leave questions about the radio below.
A note on the final sequence of the video, the "checkpoints 1-3" - that is being done from a GM-30, and the antenna configuration will surprise you. Stay tuned for more on that. Hint: "it's stealth a dipole."

[@andyboy148]

Great to see your channel growing. Been a subscriber from the beginning. Keep up the great content. 👍

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thank you so much for sticking with me! Also, your feedback is encouraging. Content is in the works, stay tuned! 73 - KI7WJP

[@joeperez-marchese1213]

Very informative. Just might pick one of those up for my emergency kit. Next time I need anything from Radioddity I'll be sure to use your affiliate link 🤘

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thanks Joe! Also, thanks for your kind words and support! Take care out there.

[@fitzventure]

I've been using this radio for a while now and there's actually more to it than you might think. It is a full UHF/VHF dual bander and can easily be unlocked. Once you unlock it, you can program it more easily. Of all of the GMRS mobile radios I've tested (many), I keep coming back to this one. I guess I should review this thing as well.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Definitely scratching the surface with this thing. The fact that it can be opened up on frequencies is really intriguing. Some of the main programming features are really smart anyway. So far I love this radio. Thanks for your comment!

[@fitzventure]

@Appalachian Nation Sure. Just turn the radio off, hold down the V/M button and turn the radio back on. Once it's on, you'll see a new screen. You can then select what frequency range you want. This will blow away all of your channels and settings though.

[@fitzventure]

@Appalachian Nation No problem.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

@Appalachian Nation I actually don't know. I've heard of people using the Anytone computer programming software to do that. But I have no experience with it. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

@@fitzventure After doing this, can you restore the GMRS functionality and then also use 2m frequencies?

[@Johnyrocket70]

I got the the ham version and plugged in the Marine band, murs channels, frs, gmrs channels and ham repeaters. Nothing like a 25 watt FRS & MURS radio lol

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Is that the DB25-D? Holy crap! 25W on MURS? that is a LOL!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I have a Baofeng UV9G hooked up to a Midland external mag mount antenna. I have been amazed at how far it can communicate, reaching a repeater 25-30 miles away. It fits in a small pack, runs independently of a car’s electrical system, and can be used as a HT or a mobile unit. Our house has a metal roof, so I just run the cord out of a window to use it as a stationary base station. My set up is quite flexible, and I really like the UV9G’s waterproofing, but I really wish I could use a USB power pack with it to extend its run time. No system is perfect. The 20 watt mobile unit is obviously going to be able to push through trees and structures better than my 5 watt HT. But so far my set up is meeting my needs well. There is a great repeater on a mountain just a few miles away, so I can communicate with family members up to 50 miles away. And the whole set up was less than $60!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Hey Clyde, I always enjoy your thoughts here. Thank you. I have had similar experiences with a good magmount antenna connected to my handheld, both ham radio and GMRS handhelds. It's this reason that I no longer use a powerful rig in my vehicle. Eventually, when the budget allows, I might go back but this works just fine. I have my 2m handheld connect to my home J-pole which sits on my garage roof line. The results are astonishing and I have, in no way, lost the ability to communicate with every repeater in my area, even maintained simplex conversation over a mountain into another valley! Like you said, it's also very inexpensive to configure things this way. Having this GMRS base rig really simplifies things for me and the family though. So I really have liked having it set up here. Take care! Thanks again for your comments, Eric

[@KI4ASK]

WRCL957 here. The North Georgia GMRS network is a linked GMRS network covering most of the northern half of the state. Our Georgia AUXCOMM sticker looks good in your shack. 73 KI4ASK

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That’s a good looking sticker! Pretty happy to have it up there. Thank you Joe. That would be kinda fun to have such an elaborate GMRS system. I think the service is really valid, and it could be a gateway for people to become hams! Pretty great stuff. Take care Joe - 73 KI7WJP/WRFS364

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

Just getting into this and having fun. We used this in Gatintberg Tennesse and had good luck talking from the Radioddity DB20-G to a handheld Radioddity at our home.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That's the best part, having a good time getting to know these rigs. Glad you had a successful test. Keep at it, push the limits. Have you had a chance to use any repeaters yet?

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

@@backcountryamateurradio Yes. I hit one in Gatilinburg. I don't have the radio in front of me but I think it was coming out of Knoxville

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That's great! I think a lot of folks are going to discover just how great of a resource GMRS is. If the repeaters can maintain several hours of power after a power failure, that means there's a way to get word to family and friends over some distance. And pretty quickly. Take care, Eric

[@M9A1MAN]

I have mine setup as a base station also and have it hooked up to a Yagi and I am hitting GMRS repeaters 25 miles away with 1.3 SWR

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That's fantastic! I love having this radio in my shack. Having a Yagi would be a nice addition. I would love to splurge a bit and run some LMR400 for this rig, but I'd quickly spend more on the feedline than the radio!

[@Johnyrocket70]

I seen people replace the power cables with some thicker wire and got a few more watts out of it.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That's interesting. I may look into that down the road! Thanks!

[@waynedoomad2573]

That's great

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thanks! It’s fun and crystal clear operating.

[@markallan4849]

I notice you didn't show us how many amps this draws on the Astron power supply. I would like to know what it draws on high power, that would be helpful. As you know this radio has a horrible instruction manual, so I wonder if you could do a video on adding a new channel from the front of the radio. Sometimes you don't want to hook up to the computer for a couple small changes. I'm going to be picking out an Astron to run two radios at different times on a Daiwa coax switch, I'm wondering if this radio even pulls 9 Amps when transmitting on high power? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I've long needed to do a follow-up on this radio. It's a great radio. Current draw isn't bad. I'll have to work up some details for you and I'll get back to you directly. The trouble with this rig is the inability to change power (tx) settings from the rig or mic. It must be done through the computer programming software. I'm running the 40A Astron switching psu and have 2 radios running most of the time. Thanks for the question. Get my gears turning over here. - Eric

[@gregorybarth930]

On high power I read 3.2 amps on a TP1830SB hope that helps

[@ramseytrain]

the manual is lacking in explaining functions like turning on the repeater function and entering a ctcss code such as 141.3, how do you add the .3, and several display indicators such as I or N what does it mean

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That is true. The manual kinda stinks. They need to hire a radio operating expert to write their manual. The I vs N setting refers to inverted DCS tones. I don't remember which is which but they need to match on all the radios in the group or they won't hear each other. As far as the CTCSS settings, the 141.3 is in the options, but involves scrolling, rather than typing. Hopefully that helps but at this point you've probably already found your solutions. - Eric

[@KV6OTT]

Your nets sound just like ours out here in NorCal. WRMW779

[@backcountryamateurradio]

It’s good that they’re similar. I feel like that’s going to work in favor for any group when emergencies come up. Does your net take place on a repeater? Or do you do simplex? WRFS364 - Eric

[@KV6OTT]

@@backcountryamateurradio always on repeaters. From my location they occur on various repeaters 5 nights per week.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

@@KV6OTT wow that’s great!

[@Number4lead]

Isn't the transmitting power supposed to be able to be adjusted at any time o these radios? Because I can only adjust the power through the programming cable and computer, the power adjusting feature on the microphone doesn't work on mine.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I have the same issue. I have asked Radioddity about it and they told me it should work. "It should" versus "it's working" are very different. Time to address this. Thanks for your note.

[@Number4lead]

@@backcountryamateurradio you are welcome. I've also contacted them through e-mail and through Amazon, so hopefully they will tackle the issue. Great little radio otherwise.

[@petermckenney7945]

Do you need to ground your radios in the shack if you are only using vhf UHF and gmrs at only 50w max power?

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Hey Peter, That is a great question. I think that grounding is a good thing on those bands, mostly for station protection against lightning. But it is common practice to ground all rigs at a home station to reduce RF buildup, even though from what I've understood that is more common with HF stations. For the first several years I did not ground my VHF rig and had no issue. But I never ran high power either. As I learn more I'll have to come back to this post. I wish I had something more for you, something more definitive. Thanks for the great question! - Eric

[@bobbyvillianueva1963]

When you are scanning your memory channels, how do you stop it scanning, my radio continues scanning in between overs, I have pressed every button nothing stops it

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I'm not completely sure. I'm still having trouble changing the power level without reprogramming the radio. Sorry I'm not more helpful and that these guys don't seem to have the best customer support.

[@rEdf196]

I would love to see high power GMRS radio and repeaters made legally available here in Canada. At present Canadian GMRS rules allow only 2 watts maximum legal power. just marginally better than FRS.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That would be cool! Canada has so much open space, it seems fitting and smart to allow a network of GMRS style radio services. 2 Watts with no repeaters just isn't going to get very far. And not everyone wants to be a ham radio operator because not everyone wants a hobby, right? some folks just want radios that work.

[@jjmeza661]

I need help to program it and hear the frequencies just bought the radio

[@backcountryamateurradio]

You ought to be able to hear everything without programming it. If you’re programming the radio to monitor non-gmrs bands without computer programming then I probably need to make another video. Fun radio.

[@ouijim]

Recently purchased Radioddity DB20-G from Amazon. Problem with No Transmit and Constant Tone. Using a Battery I found Radio is Hyper Sensitive to Power Source, using Jetstream JTPS28 with Cigarette Lighter Plug Radio functioned properly. Seems you have "influence" with Manufacturers. Hoping a firmware update can fix problem. Battery Power Source I used initially worked fine with several other radio with higher power requirement so it seems DB20-G is unique with its power requirement.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Man, that sounds a little weird. So you have other radios going and they work fine? Yeah, you might need to send this one back. Seems that something might be off. I run my DB20-G on a 13.8A 12V power supply with no problems. My 12V battery honestly works just as well. The only trouble I've run into with power was a bad 12V line on my end. I don't think you should be seeing the results you're having. I am expecting a firmware update, hopefully this year. Not that one has been announced but because there are some issues that I've discovered, as well as others. My biggest complaint with this radio right now is being able to change TX power without using a computer. I hope you get some resolution. You might just have a bad unit.

[@doombringer1505]

I've seen quite a few videos where there's a computer involved, but NOBODY SAYS what PROGRAM is being used!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That’s a great point. I need to make sure I talk about the computer and operating system. This is a windows 10 machine.

[@shawnwade302]

I got my gmrs license a couple months ago and it's down to $35

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Finally! The price thing was keeping a lot of people waiting. Glad it happened.

[@ronbotex]

Some of us bought this unit because it had the cigarette lighter plug, easily connected to different vehicles or solar power stations for EMCOM. You put too much emphasis on power poles. Otherwise a helpful review.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thanks for the feedback. I operate with powerpoles for interchanging power supply in the field, especially with others that might be using ham radio configurations that typically use this kind of power hardware. - Eric

[@ptilley2122]

which model astron are your using?

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Hi, I’m using a 30 amp switching power supply. They’re not available from DXEngineering at the moment. But it’s been great. It’s way too much for the GMRS rig alone but can power all my radios at once. Here’s the link for more specs: www.dxengineering.com/parts/asr-ss-30m

[@kb9liq]

Why take the fuse off the cord? Not the best idea

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Great point. I need to make a video about how I addressed this to follow up. I have a separate fuse link isolated on anderson powerpoles. 73

[@ragheadand420roll]

U shud always leave a fuse holder..fuse inline on radio side Not the power cord side

[@backcountryamateurradio]

This is absolutely true. I actually need to do a video on how I modify this. thank you for the comment!

[@ragheadand420roll]

Its now down to $35

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Finally! GMRS Licenses are finally down to half the price they used to be!

[@robertreedholm3217]

Why are you using a GMRS call sign on a FRS frequency?

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Haha, we’ll force of habit I guess. It’s not necessary but it doesn’t hurt anything. It is funny though😂

[@ToolsTrucksTrails]

Subscribed. As a cycling enthusiast and ham, I can tell that we are going to be friends. My bike channel is Ride Alongside. 73, KK6DKQ

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thanks! I find it really fun to incorporate radio and cycling. Hoping to do a bit more of it this year. 73 ki7wjp.

[@ToolsTrucksTrails]

@@backcountryamateurradio that’s what got me and my wife interested in ham. We hit repeaters when I was out on long rides in long, narrow canyons where cell couldn’t reach. 73