Radioddity DB20-G GMRS Mobile Radio Review - The Best Low Priced GMRS Radio You Can Buy?

[@SertEngineering]

Wasted My 5 minutes just listening multiple times as “I am not gonna waster your time” lol

[@TheNotaRubicon]

How much time did you waste leaving a comment that nobody cares about?

[@stahpit1971]

Great! now I wasted 3 minutes.

[@thesilverjedi9323]

I just wasted 2 minutes trying to figure out what the hell you are trying to say. "Waster your time"? Learn some grammar and punctuation skills, genius. Congrats on winning the pin.

[@ericprimavera6614]

@@TheNotaRubicon lmao, what a legend

[@kaziiqbal7257]

r/woosh

[@jaket.9193]

You've convinced me to add one to my travel trailer for hunting trips and long stays at our favorite rural homeless encampments.

[@jemcarmel66]

Good morning Randy! Just got my GMRS License yesterday. Today, I bought this radio and also a Tidradio GMRS handheld. You inspired me to get started into GMRS. Thank you so much for all your amazing and very straight forward videos. Keep up the good work and stay strong! Hope to one day catch you on air if I’m in Southern Cal.

[@steedandersen]

Love the Jason Alexander back ground.

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Who is that?

[@ryanfitzsimmons8136]

Sir, outstanding review! I bought the turd just for the "fun" button! Still don't know how to use it ...

[@FarmRanchHomestead]

Randy, thanks for the video. As noted in some of the other comments, this appears to be the same radio as those offered by Anytone and Retevis. I did not see anything in the video to suggest any significant differences between these variants. It looks to me like the Anytone is currently the best value on Amazon. I've had the Anytone version for a couple of months and think it's a very good value. It sounds good and works well for my purposes, so I do recommend it.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Pamphlet Is lacking needs. Real manual good video and Nice Review Randy @NotaRubicon Productions

[@TKMATHESON]

The George painting is an amazing touch. Well played my friend… Well played.

[@edgardoramos6061]

Randy, thank you much for explaining the features and making it so simple. I bought the Ham Radio version Anytone AT 779-U it is the same radio. Thanks again for your videos.

[@adamthestimator]

@TheNotaRubicon I live for your half-hearted, murmured, and cut-off sign-off outros. Thanks for the info and the laughs!

[@randyslye]

Update... Just purchased this radio from amazon... Cyber Monday deal..87$... Also, radio showed up in 24 hrs, and the Manual has been completely updated ... Advice taken... lol....

[@garretlewis4103]

Have you experienced your squelch remaining open sometimes after receiving a transmission?

[@sanstache2529]

Just ordered +cup mount

[@rickswan7201]

This radio is very similar in size to the Leixen that I have mounted in my wife's Jeep. Oversized binder clips on the center cowling is all you need to quickly and for the most part, solidly, without screws, kind of sort of permanently mount. This was a technique used because the wife unit was not sure she wanted a radio in her Jeep. Here we are over a year later and I don't think I need approval to upgrade to a nicer radio. A win! I can see adding a GMRS like this is in the making!

[@RescueEMS]

Thank you for doing this video as I bought this radio and installed it today and you helped me program it

[@stephaniecurlee6936]

When you smelled the dummy load, I lost it. One should not drink anything while watching Randy's videos

[@adamthestimator]

Can confirm. My nose is still burning from the Coke I shot though it... BUT he made me laugh, AND I can breathe better now, so its a win.

[@wardperozuk2782]

I’m just here to see what the new picture will be with each video!! Lol That’s a pretty compact radio! And once again, loving your script!!

[@frankpeletz1818]

I have a DB20 and using a Tram 1177 antenna and quite impressed with the performance of both.

[@garretlewis4103]

Have you experienced the squelch remaining open after receiving some transmissions?

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Nice, love how well your videos done. I just bought one of these and they've done some updates, one of them being that you can't transmit on the interstitial channels 8-14 the other that the manual is a little better. I used the same power meter and had the same results with low/high power tx and that quirk with function 29, CH display, you still can't get into VFO.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

2 tone and 5 tone is for selective calling or PTT ID usually (in tranceivers). So if you are receiving on a radio that decodes 5 tone for PTT ID, it will show the ID number that you have programmed in. It's like DTMF or MDC1200 if you're familiar. Or it can be used to selectively call another station that is set up for it. TX inhibit means you can't key it up only monitor.

[@sh03man13]

Kinda like the power option on this one! I normally lease vehicles so drilling isn’t an option! Good review, thanks!

[@tylerdean980]

I like to cut a slit into a preexisting gasket and run the cables through them.

[@wdsracer]

I cut a 3/4” hole in the center of the roof and use a NMO antenna mount. Drill a half inch hole in the firewall to run the power cable.

[@milohall5447]

You had us at " Today" ,,, dang it! We just ordered most of that stuff you speak of, again! A grms for my wife's lifted '05 LJ Rubi,,, carry on.

[@tomperone9338]

Came for potential Sad Ham commentary; stayed for "Radoddity" pronunciation. Love it!

[@frankruiz9108]

I really enyoy your humor and videos on everything gmrs, Thanks for all your hard work

[@Rythymace]

Enjoyed the video Randy, was about to buy one of these DB-20s but they not currently available on Amazon (or Radioddity) and they don't know when they'll be back in stock so I purchased it's twin the AnyTone AT-779UV on Amazon. It's the same radio BTW my eyes still hurt from seeing George Costanza up there on your wall, how could you!

[@shawn__blank]

Just purchased this radio today because of your video. Thank you!

[@troybrown3153]

Randy, thanks so much for the great videos. I have a few handheld radios but decided to buy this for my for the bridge trip this weekend.

[@One44Special]

Your background pictures kill me...LOL. I am never tired of listening/watching you. I'm new to this. Narrow almost sounds like SSB on a CB...but note really Thanks for your knowledge.

[@milohall5447]

I do so enjoy the humor with honest tech. reviews, did Costanza autograph that for you? Oh , yeah I thought so, good job!

[@gregoetker1389]

Fine Art!

[@kowen8121]

Randy, Be advised...Radioddity has the DB20-G on sale today, 7/27/2021, for $119.99 with an 11% discount code of Moon11 that was still valid as of today. This is surprising, as the Moon11 code was advertised to expire on 7/25. Net delivered price for one radio today was $106.80 with programming cable...which is an 18% discount from normal list price. An exceptional bargain...!!

[@kowen8121]

The $119.99 sale price is now over but the 11% discount code is still working as of 7/28.

[@DanVoels]

Love the personality. Randomly found this channel. Next thing you know I have licenses, and more radios than I know what to do with. I touch my UV5R, too. 😜

[@groberts1980]

I recommended this new radio to my wife because her other Jeep still needs a GMRS base station. She said she doesn't want a mic with all the buttons on it. So we ended up getting another Shmidland. We just did a 3,600 mile road and camping trip with two Jeeps using MXT400's and they worked great.

[@z1catfish]

Kenwood mics work on tis radio... I prefer my Kenwood TK880 make agreat GMRS radio when programmed.

[@Jeepjones85]

Just got mine installed with a midland ghost on the cargo rack and I'm very impressed so far for the money

[@jaybarr3307]

Great review. Like the radio. My wife's Midland MX275 only does narrow transmission and I've had zero issues even talking to handhelds set on wide. (Wish you'd review that radio, btw.) Hate when the manual leaves things out. The Wouxan 905G has the same issue where there's features in the software not at all discussed in the manual - even BTWR doesn't know; I talked to 'em. I've been wanting to install a GMRS radio in my car instead of using my 905G and, with a terrific GMRS repeater in town, this might be the perfect fit for my needs. Cheaper than the MX275 - wish I wish you'd review, btw. Lots of people pan that one but I've had only success and having all the controls and a speaker in the mic is a seriously invaluable feature if wanting to keep the radio tucked in someplace due to real estate issues in the vehicle.

[@garretlewis4103]

I know this is an old video. I recently purchased on of these for less than $90.00 on Amazon to replace a Midland MXT115 that was having issues. The manual now is bigger. The B channel always comes up in VFO mode and you cannot change it to start up differently. It does have good volume. One thing I have noticed after brief use is once receiving a transmission the squelch will sometimes stay open. Keying the mike will stop the open squelch.

[@aop3404]

Just want to start by saying I love your videos, and that the salt levels from “some people” in your comments is making my blood pressure spike, but I’m okay with it. Just purchased this radio in October of 2024. The manual looks different and unfortunately is not very accurate. In my attempt to access the menu via the microphone button instructions I locked the unit… which I then somehow unlocked by mashing buttons. I am going to keep tinkering until I figure out how the buttons actually work, but I must now advise that buyers beware: The radio works extremely well, and paired with a Nagoya antenna I am hitting repeaters over 20 miles away loud and clear. The manual I received, however, is garbage. I think it’s worth figuring out, though.

[@OutlawNix]

I had my GMRS license for a few days now and bought a Baofeng UV-5X for my 1st radio. Using the stock antenna I'm able to hit this one repeater that's like 20 miles away. Thinking about getting the Nagoya NA-771G antenna for my GMRS radio. Cause there is another repeater that's like 25 miles away which is linked to multiple repeaters cross the US.

[@Hero1395]

The 5 & 2 tone are paging functions. Like to set off a voice pager.

[@lummoxoverlandadventures1072]

I like the price point on this one but I think in order to be the master of my domain, the Wouxion, wooksun, wokscion, Ocean 50w is still the goal.

[@DanVoels]

Viva Seinfeld

[@Jason-iz6ob]

George! May be my favorite background. Even better than the Admiral Ricky one.

[@MrThemeddleman]

TX inhibit, prevents accidental transmission. Two and five tone, could be used for differentiation between your radios for other listeners, five tone on your mobile (change to) walkie with two tone (change to) base radio, no tones. Every radio would audibly key differently, like a designator for each. Might be applicable in trailing, shorten conversation in transition from base to mobile to portable. Trust me, this is a lot to explain but in real time it's very short and self explanatory.

[@troy3456789]

If you have children in your vehicle, and you don't want them transmitting, you could turn on xmit inhibit

[@johnnybigpotato2404]

Love your show. Has been entertaining to watch you slowly and inevitably evolve into becoming a Ham. ;)

[@photolabguy]

Was hoping for a stopwatch feature so the sad hams can keep track of how long they spend in their basement.

[@oldladyme]

hams are good people that spend hours and hours doing search and rescue to help out like in Miami searching for people for free

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Nobody is talking about hams.. We are talking about Sad-Hams.. Very different.. Except to an actual Sad-Ham, who would not be able to know the difference and would get all butthurt..

[@oldladyme]

@@TheNotaRubicon I understand now I am not a sad ham thank you for your informative videos I love my GMRS thanks again

[@richardshamp]

Thanks for the review preordered my a week ago now can't wait to get it

[@Sonicgott]

Got my GMRS license a few weeks ago, and just passed my Ham license exam, and I’m thinking of a good radio. As intriguing of a radio this is, I might opt for a KG1000G+. For $129 for this, I wouldn’t complain, though. Nice review!

[@joshuamorin2762]

I love dual monitor. Channel a is always coms channel and i usually use channel b for listening to local pd/rescue frequencies.

[@pimpinkeen19]

I just got 2 of these for basically $10 a piece and they now produce 19 watts on the high powered channels and 6 watts on the low powered channels. They have also updated it so everything is on wideband 😊.

[@gregorybarth930]

I got 18.4 W on high power input 13.6V draw 3.2A great little radio

[@chuckbessels6084]

I like it!! Just ordered one…THANKS!

[@dslayer1169]

This channel is KZbin gold

[@timothystockman7533]

Hopefully to comply with the "handheld" rule, this radio does not transmit on 8 thru 14. These channels do not allow wideband FM, so if you leave them in narrow mode maybe that will increase the receive audio level. In general, I like your reviews of GMRS equipment. Yours is the first channel I visit to check out GMRS equipment since you do good, useful reviews of most all of it.

[@stargazer7644]

This radio has an external antenna and high power, so cannot operate on FRS only channels.

[@SMShannon55]

@@stargazer7644- there’s no such thing as FRS only channels in the U.S.

[@Bksisme]

The guy who spoke with you in Indio read somewhere that: "press V/M while powering on, use up/down arrow to choose mode, repower radio" then this radio does other things.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Confirmed!

[@MikieLAX]

Yes: I posted that feature a few days ago on the Radioddity Facebook page announcement for the DB20-G!

[@DJenner8]

It appears to erase all your programming when you do this!?

[@TheChico868]

Damn u got this radio already

[@michaelt.3805]

Great review, Randy. Thanks for your time and opinions.

[@carlosalbertogonzalez7482]

the picture in the background is glorious, i'll buy it if its autographed...

[@mikesters3532]

Looks like George behind you is looking for his fun button to be pushed. May result in some spurious output.

[@brownhound8106]

When you did the power output measurement were you using the battery pack? Please do an update using a power supply or in a vehicle with the engine running - the difference between 13.8VDC and 12.6 from the battery might improve the radio output. Or does that fancy battery already do that?

[@hamradio1017]

I thought I saw 13.4 volts. I could have seen that wrong.

[@DJenner8]

The voltage was 13.2 v from the Jackery. Difference between that and 13.8 v per specs could boost output power. Also, the rating in the VHF band rounds off to 20 v. So that's probably where they get the 20.

[@pirateradiooffroad2460]

No gmrs license required in canada. We don't need no stinking license. Great vid. Have a great day.

[@The777017]

I just upgraded from the VTech 20 v20 to this radio and it's great. But like you said the manuals kind of crap but they have done some upgrading to it. When I receive my half of the microphone was out like the light didn't turn on I don't know if that's normal or not and I did reach out but I haven't heard anything back. And it's not compatible on Sharp yet that's kind of a bummer because I do not like the other software it is really hard to use. But in hindsight it works pretty well and it gets the job done once you figure out how to program it. I like it cuz the speaker is loud and the heat sink works really well and it seems to go farther that might be tech did.

[@z1catfish]

Itsa Leixan 898 case. Ham wide range dual band.Thy're good radios, used one for the last year. Power is a bit low on UHF/GMRS slighty better than 12 watts, sold as a 25w radio. It does tat on VHF

[@gregiep]

I like a Roger Beep on GMRS, less so on Ham. Sometimes I want to turn on the beep on Ham just to annoy someone, but so far, all the Hams I’ve talked to have been super nice.

[@noname47032]

Nice choice of sidearm! The Beretta 92 is a fine pistol. Also be careful with that butt plug, it gets a tad warm.

[@flpirate4565]

Shame on you Randy, you didn't take off the clear plastic from the screen. I would have really enjoyed watching it and all the rest of us. Great review thanks

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Lmfao you think you knew what this was no its not a giant butt plug to hilarious Randy 😂😂15:38 @NotaRubicon Productions

[@jasonc3827]

"ray-dee-odd-eh-tee". You can do it- I know you can!!

[@StephenFinkNRP]

I received my DB20-G today and it came with another manual with an orange and white cover. It covers other functions.

[@Johnyrocket70]

I had to turn down my radio because John was on your video and my radio at the same time.

[@chiliwalker8263]

this radio looks like an excellent starter mobile unit. gmrs can be the go to comunication radio of the future for average folks if promoted correctly..if your on the fence , get set up and help your family to be prepared or being safe while out having fun away from town. Thanks Randy wrmr967.

[@negolfman]

Hi Randy, I'm a new to gmrs programming, have you seen the recent DB 20 G's have recent versions have a UHF and VHF scan option? TX inhibit probably is a way to shut off outgoing audio transmission of a channel. Like you would use in UHF and VHF. Love the sense of humor, Thanks, it makes KZbin life fun! Cheers

[@bmoorear]

This radio is really nice for the money. I have one, used it for GMRS for a little bit and then unlocked it to HAM when my license came. I get good feedback from people and the quality of transmissions. I wish San Diego had better GMRS repeaters, it kinda sucks down here where I am in the east part of the county. The only downside is that the channels can only be assigned a name through software, you can name them from the face but as soon as you change channel it goes back to frequency mode. I contacted Radioddity and their customer service was really good, they confirmed that it can only be done through software. Kinda lame but whatever, its a good radio for 89.99.

[@garretlewis4103]

Did you have issues with the squelch remaining open after receiving some transmissions?

[@DanielStinebaugh]

Any idea how this is different than the AnyTone AT-779UV or the Retevis RA25? They all look the same to me (even the plastic mic's)

[@FarmRanchHomestead]

I have the Anytone version and did not see anything in the video to suggest there is any internal difference. The only external difference I could see was in the brand name shown. The Anytone is less expensive on Amazon, and also comes with the programming cable. As an aside, the Anytone can also be configured through firmware as a dual band ham radio, but I would not be surprised to see the same in the Radioddity version. I don't remember what came with the Anytone in the way of a manual, so the Radioddity may win in that regard... ;-)

[@kowen8121]

Per FCC filing documents, the Radioddity DB20 (FCC ID: 2AN62-DB20G) is exactly the same radio as the AnyTone AT-779UV (FCC ID: T4K-779UV) and Retevis RA25 (FCC ID: 2ASNSRA25) When you look up the FCC ID numbers for each radio you find that they all share the same hardware and differ only by labels & software programming. There are documents on the FCC web site called: "Authorization to Change in FCC ID"… which was done… “for the purposes of marketing” … that include a statement that "The equipment is electrically identical". To support that claim...All three use identical test data specifications on the FCC website. The AnyTone was the first to be certified on 10/16/2020, then the Retevis on 3/23/2021 and finally the Radioddity on 4/26/2021. When the Radioddity DB20 was certified it did so using the exact test data and specifications of the previously certified AnyTone AT-779UV radio and referenced the change from the Anytone (FCC ID: T4K-779UV) to the Radioddity (FCC ID: 2AN62-DB20G). Any owner possessing the PC Programming cable and online software can duplicate the same features programmed on any of the three models of radio… as the hardware used on all three is identical, except for name tags and FCC ID #.

[@MikieLAX]

New Radioddity DB20-G CPS software V2.02 1. Change the default bandwidth from Narrow to Wide. 2. Address the bug that "when repeater TX frequency change, RX frequency automatically match"

[@bobbynewton4555]

I wish you could have talked about a selection of antennas for the radio

[@bah5310]

Do you have a video on your Jeep's radio installation and any recommendations as far as mounting the antenna?

[@briteidea08]

My radio came with an actual manual. Only used it a few times. Edit: Just discovered this radio can be used in other bands. No reprogramming needed.

[@nickdesaint4601]

I love this guy! 😂 👏 👏

[@45AMT]

Nice honest review.

[@DanielStinebaugh]

Love your vid's as always!!! Also, that background of George is good, but now you need to find the one of Burt Reynolds on the bear skin :D

[@jumpersclerk9705]

That picture behind you 🤣

[@d.l.harrington4080]

I am not 100% sure of the following. I always assume, now I'm in trouble, that radio transmitters wattage rating is the INPUT wattage to the final and not necessarily the transmit power. That is based on frequency, line loss and antenna match etc. Next, I thought that fm narrow band (12.5 kh) was mandatory per FCC. That does not mean you can't use the full band width of 25 kh in other countries. This was done so they could get channel freq. closer together with out interference from neighboring channels (freq). I would, unlike some others, appreciate any thoughts.

[@DJenner8]

FRS is 12.5kHz. GMRS is 20kHz. So 25kHz (wide) is almost OK on all channels except 8-14, where you can't transmit anyway.

[@cvilleprepper4158]

The George Costanza picture in the back is baller! Of course, that is showing our age a bit… :-)

[@christopherkusek1362]

Love the radio check of the unit with the guy saying your repeater sounded awesome. 👌 You are just kind of wierd I hate, no love, no, oh crap I I'm just confused by our meaningless and non-existant relationship. Keep posting these Notarubicon. Funny as hell.

[@FelixLantiguaCamacho]

How can I turn "Band B" off? It is confusing when you are talking with your friend and someone else talk in the other band.

[@nielstrassou]

I have this radio but Retevis Branded ! Works really really nicely for the price !

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Love this channel. Just getting started. How do you use this as a base station may I ask? Hope that's not a dumb question. Also, I hope to use the App to talk to you out in CA from Indiana. Do you have instructions on where to get the app and how to connect to your repeater and the codes and channel needed? I've not watched all your vids yet, just the reviews mainly. Thanks in advance. Tim. Indiana. USA.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

To use any mobile radio as a base-station just get a 12V DC converter and slap on an antenna.. For info to use Zello to talk on my repeater, read this page: www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks so much. I asked then found the page of course. 🤣🤙

[@arkieguy1]

I found what I think it s pretty big bug in the programming software... When you change any repeater setting (like the CTCSS code), it resets the transmit frequency to match the receive frequency... Ooops... The only way I could get the repeater set up was to use the radio, not the programming software. Should be a MINOR code change, but until it's fixed it makes the programming software pretty much useless for repeater users.

[@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.

[@KI5BEZ]

Thats a neat little radio, thanks for the video.

[@DellFargus]

If you think the manual is bad, you should try the programming software.

[@andrewgilbride7546]

Can you use CHIRP?

[@DellFargus]

@@andrewgilbride7546 Can I use Chirp? Yes. Can this radio? No... at least, it didn't a month or so ago when I got mine. Maybe Chirp added it since then, I haven't checked.

[@arkieguy1]

@@andrewgilbride7546 Not yet...

[@MikieLAX]

The software is not so bad if you've had experience programming DMR.

[@geebroni4118]

Just received the GM-30 and would like to understand the DIY channels. Great manual but no mention of it. Could you please explain. Thnx

[@damianoverlander6766]

Awesome, Thank you for this video.

[@lawrence1md]

Have you reviewed the anytone at-778uv radio? Just curious as to what your thoughts are on it.

[@SlipperyStubble]

I have the Anytone at-779uv, I use medium power, if I tx alot, the radio gets hot, but overall is a neat little bare bone radio

[@legallimitoutdoors9917]

Thanks for the quick reply back about antennas I thank you very much. one more question and I'll leave you alone brother. So do I have to take a SWR meter to the DB20-G or any GMRS radio and tune them up like a CB? Thanks

[@RLPnKY]

So, given that the manual is useless, is this radio CHIRP compatible?

[@MicroOutdoors]

Just picked one up yea I know a year late! Have you figured out what happens when you push and hold the v/m and turn it on at the same time? 😉

[@sploittastic]

You mentioned it's easy to disable channel B, but I'm a dummy and not seeing how to do it. Can it only be changed with programming software?

[@jwholey1370]

love your videos! keep them up!

[@garrettscott4094]

I am looking for my first radio. For my first I really want something low profile and simple. I really enjoy the controls on the mic. I'd be interested to see a follow up video and review. Maybe even compare this to the Midland mobile. Thanks for the video's

[@oldladyme]

Good job as always thank you again

[@danielji2742]

Good job on learning how to use a tape measure! Keep up the great work.

[@rmcelfr]

It’s a toss up between this and the midland mxt115. Need to talk with both GMRS and FRS. In your opinion what works better?