Radioddity DB25-G Review - New Radioddity GMRS Radio Overview & Comparison to the DB20-G GMRS Mobile

This is a quick review of the new DB25G GMRS mobile radio from Radioddity. I review many of the features, do a power test, go over how far you can talk on this GMRS radio, and I compare it to the Radioddity DB20-G radio.
You can get a Radioddity DB25-G all for yourself here : amzn.to/3zX91Qc
You can get the power & SWR meter that I use here: amzn.to/3hh2kkB
Info on my Jackery 1000 Solar Generator: amzn.to/3lno6oj
You can compare the Radioddity DB20-G here: amzn.to/38XWuQt
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--- Step-by-step guide to purchasing your GMRS license:
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---- How to listen to/talk on my repeater from anywhere in the world using the Zello App: www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmr...
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#GMRS #Radioddity #db20G

[@davtech]

I enjoy your brand of humor and look forward to each new video. You Sir are the first and only KZbin Hobo that I have joined. Also The information you provide from trails to radios is very helpful.

[@ferdinandtorres3930]

Just received mine yesterday. Great little radio so far. The menu on the radio itself is easy to navigate for custom settings and adding channels to memory, so I haven't used the software yet. Not sure if I will. I remedied the plasticy weight of the mic by installing a steel nut inside, looped around the top screw plastic sleeve. It’s not so light now.

[@markpickar3279]

Thanks for the nice review of the DB25-G. You hit all the key points of concern to me. I just ordered it!

[@DaVilla1126]

Love this channel. Have to say I was admiring all those HTs lighting up in the back ground. Lol

[@michaelt.3805]

Great review as always, Randy. Thanks for your time, and honest review.

[@zachfinley3908]

This is my first gmrs mobile radio that I just received recently and I love it so far.

[@paulbuckley1565]

I just bought this radio lastnight on Amazon, I love your reviews! You are one of a kind person! Dont change! I should get the radio tomorrow and hook it up in my car, (im in Texas). I will come back and let you know how it goes.

[@Chris-ro8ft]

Best 13.03 minutes of day so far… Outstanding video

[@Sagart999]

Thanks for the videos. My church is in the planning stages of setting up a local net for emergency reporting purposes, and your reviews of the available spectrum of gear (pardon the pun) have been very useful.

[@scottclark2298]

So, Steve Austin, I bought this based on your review, and I was not disappointed. Thanks for your videos Randy, I love your videos, you make me lmao and inform me at the same time. Thank you my friend.

[@dfaber56]

Thanks for the review. Amazing sense of humor! I really enjoy your vids.

[@bobbmann5]

I just got this delivered yesterday and so far, i like it. The 4 channel monitoring is great! Lots of ways to customize etc. Able to hit my local repeaters no problem-One 23 miles away-26 miles away for the second, and another at 42 miles away. A great little, compact radio. Thanks for this review Randy. Much appreciated. -WRKH707

[@jasonosborne7926]

You are so funny and straight forward with your mannerisms love this channel keep it up.

[@robertewbank1440]

These gmrs radios are getting better and better ..... Luv the videos Randy...

[@alanf403]

Thanks for the clear and concise review Randy. I was in search mode looking for info and got served up all the “influencers” contributions when I found your review. Obviously I watched yours. Thanks for an unbiased review in a way only a hobo can provide.

[@jaybarr3307]

Good overview. Expected to learn whether we could display only one channel at a time, you know, for those of us that get confounded. Given that the DB25 was putting out under 20 watts, I found myself trying to recall what the DB20 put out for wattage. Perhaps it was enough to matter (some). I do wish all these guys would make a display mic. The recently reviewed radios are so nice and small, I could get 'em anywhere but I have like zero real estate and few surfaces on the dash that I'm willing to compromise. Good review. Made me better, stronger, faster...

[@zac_in_ak]

Db20 was close to 15w

[@ronaldsmith7567]

Just purchased 2 of these and have been waiting for your review. 1 set up as a base unit and the other for mobile use. Just haven't figured out how to monitor the 4 channels. So far i like the radio.

[@paesano4422]

Took me a while to figure that out also. In Optional Features, change the TMR entry to M+A+B+C+D. I also recommend setting the TDR Return AB entry to something lower than 10 seconds (I did 1).

[@ronaldsmith7567]

@@paesano4422 Thanks Donald....beep

[@OldArkwright]

I am in the UK and I do enjoy your reviews of the various equipment. Your sense of humour is good and is what makes the videos interesting.

[@wheel1775]

Just curious, do you have GMRS, or an equivalent in the UK?

[@DonzLockz]

Love the deboxings and your humor, music and editing, cracks me up everytime!😁👍 I am going for my "Happy HAM" license next month and will still eagerly watch for my future cousin "SAD HAM's' nuisance and embarrassing appearances! ✌🇦🇺

[@donvance7716]

I LIKE LISTENING TO YOUR REPEATER WITH ZELLO. I'M NEW TO GMRS I LIVE IN KNOXVILLE IOWA. WRNU910 YOUR KZbin CHANNEL I WATCH EVERY VIDEO YOU DO.

[@hamradiobone5966]

I have this radio and use it as a base station. A very good radio!

[@JamesSmith-rt6fu]

Just ordered one of these, hope to have it by or on the weekend. The radio bracket will be bolted to a RAM amps adapter plate held by a RAM Pod mount (using the front passenger seat bolt). The radio being paired with a Nagoya UT-72G. A nice, no drill installation.

[@timothytimebomb1569]

Just recently received my radio ditty. My #4 option is something called SCR on/off not radio gain like the Manual says. Thanks in advance for any and all help. Love your videos by the way

[@lanerounkles1427]

I enjoy watching your videos 👍😎

[@mikeperry2561]

Just received my Wouxon KG-XS20G today. Now to acquire a mount and antenna.

[@davidmythalamouth2583]

just got my gmrs license decided to go with the db25g and picked up a set of uv-9g's as well used your affiliate link below ;) since i didn't really need the extra features of the wouxun kg-xs20g plus that you deboxed in one of your videos

[@tritonum]

I was thinking for a long time about buying a radio of some sort and your channel popped up when doing my research. Now I own a UV5R and I'm having so much fun. Thanks, man! Great content indeed.

[@HyperXprojects]

I miss watching the Six Million Dollar Man - It would be nice it it was rebooted. I enjoyed the video too!

[@ArkJohn]

Not going off topic...... but love your vids!!!! Keep up the good work

[@user-dw4cv3xq5u]

“This is California” 🤣🤣🤣

[@nc4tn]

But it could be Florida…….lol

[@ewicky]

Came here to comment the same quote haha

[@rustyhaddock7954]

@@nc4tn or Texas.

[@majorlee76251]

It is Florida, the last 2 days in Broward county, all I heard was Spanish on my gm30

[@KU9L]

My Acer Chromebook is pretty worthless for running SW programs like many Chinese radios use. My Icom does allow me to upload a memory and frequency spreadsheet via an SD card, but glad to see this radio allows keypad access to many of the programming functions. Thanks for your reviews.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I love this channel. Very informative and you crack me up ..🤣 Keyboard scholars are everywhere. 🤣

[@1000to1]

I Contacted Radioddity all is well Yours truly was not applying enough force! The SO-239 has little slits in the copper allowing it to expand after looking at it with a magnifying glass.DAH! Thanks for the reply!

[@HAMRADIO1981]

Thanks for a great tutorial. Far superior to most. I could not find the link for the license application. I tried the FCC website. It's a total mess to navigate. Thanks for your time and help! 73's...

[@kcstafford7997]

Thanks Randy

[@vdub5818]

Been debating what mobile to use in our rubicon, this R-diddy will do but the Ocean sure is nice.

[@scottmeyers7297]

Just got mine. Can't wait to hook it up

[@harleythor62]

Just hooked mine up this past weekend.... 👍..... Can't wait till next Jeep event.....

[@robertrager6793]

I’m new to GMRS. I just got the DB25-G. I was wondering if you could do a video about the menu settings. What should the settings be to get the most out of the rig. Keep the videos coming. Love the humor.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

there really is no "getting the most" out of a GMRS radio.. just set the settings to do what you need to do.

[@dacaboya237]

Steeve Austin bionic sound at 6.45! I still have the action figure somewhere.

[@stweasel]

I remember running around in slow motion pretending I was fast and good jumper.

[@foreyfriend145]

Years later I did that at work and my boss was watching.

[@frankpeletz1818]

I had the generic version given to me (soco tran st7900d) that is wide banded. Took a while to figure out how to program it ,but it works just as good as my DB20g. I like the display on the "25g" better since it is larger then the DB20-and I set the back ground to black with white numbers . Update. : The radio worked great until mounted in the mobile ,then lost all transmit output power. The problem was caused by the factory mounting screws being TOO long and extended into the radio damaging the board and shorting a transistor.

[@wjf213]

If you're scanning four channels, and you receive a transmission on a channel, and as soon as the message is finished receiving, does the radio stay there for a minute or so to allow you to respond, or does it go right back into scan mode, and if it does start scanning right away, how do you stop on that channel to respond? I hope that makes sense. I'm just thinking about while I'm driving if it's easy to do or not. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@austinhaga3146]

What antenna do you recommend for this radio?

[@rarpcprinter1641]

As comment seven, would you please consider reviewing different mobile antennas?

[@HaseltonT]

Just got the license a couple of days ago. $35 now fyi. I’ll get one of these radioes for my truck when I roll up to my propert, also might get one for my big rig.

[@williamnichols6282]

Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@rickramirez7710]

Great review thank you. Request: I received the DB25-G and the GM-30 as a Christmas gift. Being a Newbie I'm having problems programming these radios. In particular the Notarubicon/Ranchino Repeater into the radios. Any chance you can do a video on programming for these radios? Thanks again, 73!

[@richardfunke9906]

Great review of the DB25G, helped me decide to get one (was already looking at it before the review). Love the features, however, when I installed mine i did a test with the same SWR that Randy has and the maximum wattage that I was able to get was 14.9 watts. Randy's test only yielded about 19 watts, which is not 25 but acceptable. I have returned my radio to Radioddity and they are sending me a replacement. Bottom line of my comment, if you buy a DB25G, I would recommend running the same SWR test to verify what the radio's transmit wattage is. My radio was only transmitting at 60% of advertised wattage, which is not acceptable to me. Hopefully the replacement with be closer to 25 Watts, because the rest of the feature of this radio are great.

[@skinnerfam95]

Hi Richard, how did the replacement radio work for you? I have the exact same problem. I also have a very similar meter as Randy and my showed 14.9W as well. I provided Radioddity photos of the watt meter readings. Radioddity support responded with "I think a more convenient method is to directly measure the distance transmitted. If there is indeed a large difference after comparison, I can directly help you replace the radio." I'm going to attempt to measure how many "fars" it produces tonight and see if that satisfies them.

[@fitzventure]

@@skinnerfam95 Input power matters. If you aren't putting in 13.8v, you won't get very close to the 25 watts advertised. Randy is using a Jackery which is outputting about 13.0v so his measurements are a bit low compared to what you can get out of this radio. Either way, if you have a good antenna, wattage isn't really that important.

[@richardfunke9906]

@@skinnerfam95 The replacement radio was better and was transmitting at about what Randy was getting (just under 20 watts). This is still a bit annoying because I think a radio should deliver close to what is advertised (20 watts puts it at 80% of the advertised wattage). That said, I find the other features of this radio very nice to have and therefore I am living with the lower wattage. I also have a Wouxun KG1000-G, and it delivers 46-49 watts which is very close to the advertised 50 watts.

[@richardfunke9906]

@@fitzventure @skinnerfam95 Fitz Venture's comment is very correct and I will add the transmit wattage is also affected by testing on an antenna vs. a dummy load. I tested my radios with an Astron power supply that delivers 13.7 volts and a dummyload.

[@richardfunke9906]

@@skinnerfam95 Sorry, I thought I had posted a response for you, but apparently it didn't post. The replacement radio was much better with the max wattage at 21.2 to 21.6, which is quite acceptable.

[@anicetopontillas8121]

I won this radio in a local online auction and it was missing the power cable and the fan. Went to a local ham radio for the cable but the fan to the back is missing. Do you know where I can the fan?

[@OutdoorsTech]

lol that bionic sound on instant replay got me

[@timh3662]

With the power plugged in and the radio off will the cooling fan turn on if the inside of the vehicle gets hot? I know some radios do this and it's kind of annoying. -- Tim

[@CarlosSuarez-xq5jx]

I live in the san fernando area and i hear those guys speaking spanish all the time theyre on gmrs chanel 15 and repeater chanel 1

[@backyardblowoutsfirearmsch572]

I really want a mobile to put in my jeep the handhelds have been really fun but these license required Riggs seem fun asf

[@LandseerNorth]

Beginner question Randy, can you use FRS freqs with this radio? Thanks.

[@christophersmith1155]

How many watts on channels 1-7 ?

[@bretwoodard3631]

How did you get it to monitor 4 frequencies at once ? Mine seems to only monitor the channel that the arrow is pointing to.

[@CreativeRome]

So I got the radio and I tried to download software but it will not work with my PC or my iPad just tried it just in case... I was wondering can you show us using chirp how to program a repeater?

[@yayinternets]

The pronunciations of radoity raddiodity Radioddddddittty get me every time. 😂

[@felixvalenzuela6052]

question. the units that unplug from power, do they have an internal power source? if yes, how long will the radio hold settings till it no longer holds a charge ? hope i asked that correctly. i haven't heard any info about these units having an internal battery. thank you.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Most radios will hold all of their settings indefinitely when unplugged.

[@spyder4069]

Does the DB20-g get as hot as the DB25-g? Wanting to mount in a SxS and wondering if either can go in a cubby or do they need good airflow

[@craigtegeler4677]

Hi Randy! At the time of your power output testing, I couldn't help but notice that your SWR reading was virtually near absolute PERFECT! With a SWR like that, I would surely be asking you what brand and model no. base antenna, might you being using??? Also, are you using the old standard 50 ohm cable and what is it's length? Hell's bell's you couldn't ever ask for a better SWR like what you have!! ALSO: A very nice job on your video! Thank-You in advance!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The tester has a dummy-load connected so that is why the near-perfect SWR.

[@craigtegeler4677]

@@TheNotaRubicon My goof! I'm just plain tired this evening. But surely when you are able to reach out to a repeater 69 miles away, you surely must be doing something right! In the way of a GMRS base antenna, which is your absolute best favorite and what are you using now to get great results? There are several antenna's out there that just may very well be classified as junk, if you know what I mean! Have you utilized your new SWR/power meter to determine good antenna matches yet? IE using the meter inline with your base antenna, thus with excluding the dummy load?

[@DD-Aerial-Photography]

If you're not squeakin you're not Jeepin

[@JST4CYL]

I just purchased the DB25-G and see was wanting to run a mic that also has a speaker in it. I seen that their DB20-D has exactly what I'm looking for and uses the same RJ45 connector. Any idea as to I it would work? Second question, can I use a mono to stereo aux cord to input into another device (Bluetooth fm transmitter input) and use it as an external speaker? C - Thanks for not censoring yourself and the channel and displaying your humor! RTFM!

[@emilionides5520]

What are you using as a desktop power supply? I would like to set up a home base station.

[@roymenke1909]

You can tell a lot about a radio by the disdain in which Randy throws the box contents on the Tekmat.

[@bwhartman1]

Just ordered, and looking forward to checking it out. One thing I just noticed on the Amazon pictures for the radio it said note, to reach full 25 watts, it needs 13.8 volts. Curious if you've checked the output when hooked to your running Jeep? Thanks

[@garyganser2451]

Related question, what voltage does that solar battery put out?

[@carolinasonsoutdoors2483]

Can you tell me what the number is for on the right side of the display after the frequency I can’t seem to figure it out. You can type in the frequency then another # before it will accept I don’t know what it’s for

[@stevecolby6505]

Is the DB25G a radio on a chip or superhet design? Does the squelch work or is it more like a UV-5R? Is there only one squelch setting for all 4 receive channels or do they each have an independent squelch setting? If so, does that independent squelch setting get saved in the channel memory? Thanks. Love your channel.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

As with all low-cost radios, the DB25G is an SOC.. The squelch works pretty well and as with every radio I've ever used, there is only one squelch setting.

[@kdubfromthefuture]

It gets hot but will it smoke a ham?

[@randylinn502]

A what? This radio transmit? Oh and I talked thru your repeater thru Zello-jello the other day, from Central Oregon, thanks for approving me...

[@yellowduckass]

You can download the software on a windows 11 computer. I have been having trouble with it all day just to find out I can't use the software. I just picked this up and didn't know that was a thing after watching so many reviews on it. No one mentioned that.

[@visiter127]

How many fars o thanks for not wasting my time, also what's the best mobile grms radio u think pkease for off roading /hunting

[@Rockbobster]

Now I know that sometimes in your youth you would run in slow motion making a chchchchchch bionic sound. Nice radio.

[@Mr.Brightside92]

I'm thinking of getting this radio. I can't do a mag mount antenna because my f150 is aluminum body. What antenna would be recommended

[@KTMcaptain]

Is there any way to enable roger beep?

[@mattblack133]

Dude only took 45 sec in to this particular video to slay me! haha... Are you born and bred in CA?

[@joediepoole1237]

Sir, simple request, can you do a side by side of the Radioddity DB20-G and Radioddity DB25-G. I am looking for a GRMS radio for my Gladiator but as you already know, Jeeps don't have a lot of space LOL

[@stealth210]

Same here on looking for a GMRS radio for my JT. Looking at Wouxun KG-1000G, but wondering where a good place to route and mount the antenna. I think right behind the cab on the side of the bed. For 70cm/460-470MHz, should only need a 15" antenna. For now, I've got my (slow glance) UV-5R with the 771G antenna. What are you looking into? WRNC669

[@chuckzechman7390]

Nice leisure suit Steve Austin.

[@curtboroff]

FYI This unit fits nicely, but not perfectly, in the Daystar above dash radio mount(part# KJ71064BK). No need to trim anything at all, but the opening is about 1/2” wider than the radio and the spacing of the mount holes are not perfect. A little ingenuity goes a long way and now it looks like a factory install. 🍻

[@randykitchleburger2780]

Looking at one of these as a potential base station?

[@concernedpatriot9314]

Wow it’s always 5 o’clock here ! Randy needs a beer 🍻 and shave ! 🤣📻🍻

[@brianlettieri5263]

A few questions; can you use a regular UHF/VHF antenna? Can you use a Ham UHF/VHF radio to talk on the GMRS frequencies? Thank you......btw, great reviews on the 20 & 25 radio.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

For the best performance you need an antenna that is tuned to the GMRS frequencies, 462Mhz - 467Mhz - a 70cm HAM antenna is very close but would need to be tuned, as would any UHF antenna. You can also buy pre-tuned antennas specific for GMRS.

[@brianlettieri5263]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thank you for the reply.

[@dougdaniels]

What GMRS mobile radio do you have in your Jeep?

[@1000to1]

I ordered a Radioddity DB-25G GMRS I tried to hook up my UHf PL-259 cable and it would not go on the center hole on the SO-239 is .145 dia and the PL-259 center pin is .157 dia and you can not call and talk to anyone. Great!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Me (and the several people I know with this radio) have not experience this. Maybe try a different cable? You may also be able to "stretch the hole a bit" to get it in.. But it is possible you got a defective unit - it happens with inexpensive radios.

[@stevie8842]

Can you do a video on the programming software

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

will it tx on ham frequencies

[@travistexian]

What is the best mag mount for this Radioddity DB25-G. Thanks again, Travis...

[@TheNotaRubicon]

any GMRS mag-mount antenna will work great.

[@chrissewell1608]

"Radio-Ditty"? Didn't Queen have a song called that, back in the day?

[@bobbottom2893]

New to the subject but learning. Just purchased and received FCC license. ( followed your guide). Question? Is the radiodditttttyty db 25 pro dual band better than the 25g? G has NOAA and pro has reg radio channels after researching. Is the pro repeater capable? Can both communicate with frs?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

"Dual band" means it is a ham radio.

[@bobbottom2893]

@@TheNotaRubicon gotcha......I ordered the 25g. Thanks!

[@scottevans1662]

Is the circuitry in this radio similar to that of the BTECH or more like the Wouxun?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

This is an inexpensive "SOC" (System On A Chip) radio like a BTech... You will not find a "SuperHet" (like the Wouxun) at this price.

[@locodel2007]

Hello, probably a stupid question haha here it goes; Can I program channels to use the radio as a scanner for police activity? and Can I use Midland forbthe Same purpose?

[@kchedville]

I downloaded the Programming Software from Radioddity and installed it -- worked great the first time -- next time i opened it , I click on Download the Data from the Radio and all it does is sit they telling me not to close the Program, Radio is downloading the Data -- but never does. Will CHIRP ever work with the Radioddity Radios???

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Only the people at CHIRP who do the programming to make radios work with CHIRP can answer that question.

[@kchedville]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks for the reply- :)

[@vancescott8932]

Where is the most important setting located? (roger beep)

[@donfreese1440]

Does this radio have sub groups ??

[@AnDy_ToM22]

Dang it! I always over skip and have to skip back to just rewatch it all over again.. 😂

[@AnDy_ToM22]

This is California 😂😂😂

[@billmiller9901]

Are theGRMS radios waterproof? Interested in putting them in my dunebuggies?

[@robv60]

Price being equal right now, would it be worth getting the 25W over the 20W version? I'm in an area with very little gmrs coverage, so figure that every little extra bit of power might help me reach the nearest repeater.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You will never see any difference between 20 and 25W .. get whichever one is cheaper or has other features you want.

[@robv60]

@TheNotaRubicon Yeah, I kind of figured that'd be the case. Thanks for confirming! They are both virtually the same price, at the moment, so I don't really know which way to go. The 20W has 500 "channels" that I'll ilikely never fully utilize, I'm sure. They seem so similar otherwise, other than the fact of the 25W eeking out a few extra watts. I like the display on the 20W better, if Im honest. That may be the deciding factor. Thanks for your reply and reviews. Your videos crack me up, and I am enjoying them!

[@rkaag99]

What's the current value of the inflation adjusted 'six million dollar man'? I was in grade school when he was invented.

[@wyattkeys2938]

Did a little research. Between 30-35 million USD in 2021.

[@ffdlsfd]

Can you get the noaa weather i Channels

[@METALfanUSMC]

Bait is set... waiting for the Sad Hams to stroll in