Used Commercial Radios for GMRS! Homesteading is Survivalism.

Used Commercial radios are a great option for GMRS

[@spudhut2246]

awesome video, thank you for taking the time for putting this together. I appreciate your 'dumbing' it down for us to uderstand. I am new to the GMRS frequencies and would like to put a set together for emergency family use. I am a lone licensed HAM operator, I dont spend enough time on it as I should but can get around on the frequencies. If you can recommend the ebay seller, I would be happy to explore and purchase. from them. Thank you again.

[@michaelphennicie6419]

Great video. I have a combination of used commercial and Midlands for my family and base station. Works great!

[@handyandy7706]

Great info, thank You !!!!

[@TomsLife9]

great intel, thanks for the video

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks nice interpretation for gmrs thanks

[@cedras45]

Hi excelent concept Great video! Will purchase commercial hused radio any chance u got info on where to buy or sent my radios to program gmrs on my radios ?

[@bradleyjohnson452]

GMRS is awesome. Is there a link to the radio and or the ebay seller?

[@robertcook4809]

I'm on my phone at the moment so I can't really look down the comments to see if you have already answered this but who is the source on ebay?? I prefer someone with good references when possible

[@cdm1250uhf1]

You're right about that.

[@coolelectronics1759]

do you have link to that taxi radio you show in the video

[@dannydivine7699]

So what model is the radio in YOUR car??

[@topshot95]

I use Motorola m1225 and my buddy uses vertex and Kenwood mobiles For him and his wife

[@SamCarleton]

Your interpretation of the GMRS law is a new one for me. Normally when I hear it debated it is one of two camps: A: The radio must be Part 95 certified by the FCC to transmit on GMRS B: As long as the radio follow the power limits set by the FCC, it is ok. It seems to me that the spirit of the law is this: Since you don't need to know the technical aspects of radio, the manufacture must be 100% in compliance with the law. Once the radio is, they submit it to the FCC to get the Part 95 certification. The reason you need a license still is that at 50 watts + the use of repeaters, you can step on others pretty easily without realizing it and the license keeps folks accountable and allows others to track you down, if need be. Mind you, this is just one man's opinion on what Part 95 says and it also does not mean that said man does not have Chinese ham radio that is more powerful then his Part 95 radio, so he sues the Chinese radio most of the time on GMRS, but it does mean he does, either :) hehehehehe

[@richardallankellogg]

I believe type 95 acceptance is required.

[@SamCarleton]

@@richardallankellogg I could not agree more. What is up for debate is what exactly is required to be Part 95 certified. It is my understanding that the only way to be part 95 certified is to have the FTC give you the certification. As far as I understand the only way to get the triplication is to be a radio manufacture that committed to the FCC for part 95 certification. Here’s the great part! I am not a lawyer, judge, Nor part of the FCC, so my opinion on this really doesn’t matter a whole lot🤪. Furthermore,There’s a lose the issue of having one interpret the law and how one and ask accordingly. It’s sort of like seeing the speed limit…

[@richardallankellogg]

@@SamCarleton well, I just looked up the regs. And it looks like the use of equipment certified for Land mobile radio use, but without part 95 type acceptance, will eventually be ok, but is not currently allowed. Below is code (95.335) that prohibits any transmission from non-part 95 type accepted equipment. However, there is an exception (a) referring to 2 other parts. (95.735, and 95.1735). 95.735 allows transmission in RCRS by LMR certified, non-part 95 type accepted equipment. 95.1735 is blank, but it sits within the rules for GMRS. So it looks like they intend to eventually make it legal to use certified LMR equipment that follow GMRS rules. But given the exception is blank, then currently, given the above rules, any equipment transmitting on GMRS frequencies , requires part 95 certification. That is my non-lawyer read of it. But given this read, of the regs, and my belief that virtually all (large) GMRS repeater sites use recycled LMR equipment, and my now belief, that it”s an over-site, by the FCC, it wouldn’t bother me to see LMR equipment programmed to only transmit on GMRS frequencies, as is presented in this video. §95.335 Operation of non-certified transmitters prohibited. Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no person shall operate a transmitter in any Personal Radio Service unless it is a certified transmitter; that is, a transmitter of a type which has obtained a grant of equipment certification for that service, pursuant to part 2, subpart J of this chapter. Use of a transmitter that is not FCC-certified voids the user's authority to operate that station. See sections 302(a), (b), and (e) of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 302(a), (b), and (e)). (a) Exceptions. Under certain exceptions, non-certified Personal Radio Service transmitters, or transmitters certified for use in the land mobile radio services may be operated. Any such exceptions applicable to stations in a Personal Radio Service are set forth in the subpart governing that specific service. See e.g., §§95.735 and 95.1735. ...... §95.735 RCRS equipment certification exception. Notwithstanding the general requirement of §95.335, a non-certified RCRS transmitter that transmits only in the 26-28 MHz band and complies with the applicable technical requirements in this subpart may be operated in the RCRS for the purpose of controlling a remote device. ..... §§95.1735-95.1739 [Reserved]

[@richardallankellogg]

@miguelpancho45 i dont understand either of your points. Hams can’t legally transmit on GMRS frequencies. You must be GMRS licensed to transmit, and must use part 95 certified equipment. I don’t know who you were talking to about “crack the code”, nor what you mean by it. .

[@SamCarleton]

@Rogeball PB please keep in mind the key difference between GMRS and Amateur radio, one calls for talking a test as to make sure the operators knows the parameters, the other only requires paying money for a license. When all you do is hand over some cash to get a license, there is no way for the FCC to know whether or not that operator knows the operation parameters. So it seems pretty intelligent to right the laws such that the hardware has to comply with the parameters. On the flip side: if you do know the parameters AND you operate a none Part 95 radio on GMRS, it is impossible to tell/enforce. But then I don’t think that is who the FCC wrote the law for. I hunk they wrote the law for folks that don’t operate within the parameters. It makes for a much easier legal case to say a personal was operating illegally because of the radio, period, end of story. No need to get spout all the info about power and stuff. In the end, it seems to me that it was a wise move on the FCC’s part to keep GMRS open, easy for folks to use.

[@robertodwyer2979]

Kenwood make one that transmit 50 watts

[@rgraz4929]

How do you communicate from indoors between two homes 7 miles apart? Do you need to use roof antennnas? Or is the only solution a repeater? The area is suburban, lots of trees, not very hilly. Thanks.

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

GMRS is line of sight. IF you have high enough antenna, then 7 miles is possible...but antenna must be above obstacles. Repeater is best option

[@rgraz4929]

@@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135 OK. Thanks for your help.

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

I get 10 miles here in Orlando. Antenna is on roof

[@RKingis]

Yagi antennas, and good wattage

[@TheChico868]

Wouxun makes great radios also. The wattage also is as advertised.

[@williamlowry9585]

Keep thinking that, I threw 2 in the garbage. They are way overpriced also.

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

All of mine are wouxun. My 50 watt puts out 48 to 52 watts. The 20 watt puts out 24 to 26 watts. Excellent radios

[@Jennifer-007]

Yup, we have to make sure it's UFH like you said at 3:45 mark... (rolling my eyes). People like you who don't know what they're doing and put radios online without knowing what they're doing (or the abbreviations) are the exact reason we ALL have to have license and do spectrum management... it's UHF, not UFH... and it's not called Type Casting, it's called Type Accepted, as in Type Accepted part 90, Part 95 etc.

[@mainescapemedia4042]

How did you program the Kenwood, is there a software needed?

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

yeah, you need software. Depending on version CHIRP works. Kenwood makes a software for it but Ive had issues. From what Ive learned, an older OS is needed (32 bit win7) for everyone to be recognized. Im looking for an old PC to reprogram some older radios

[@jimw9170]

@@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135 Can it be programmed from the panel ? I looked and it seems the latest version of Chirp supports this model. It also appears there is a specific usb to an RJ-?? jack to program it. Do you have any info on making a cable or better to just buy one ? Who is the vendor on ebay you use ?

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

@@jimw9170 From panel, No. Must buy cable but beware, I am having issues with computer communicating due to OS version. From what I Know it has to be older 32bit os like WIn7

[@jimw9170]

@@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135 Thanks I got one on the way from ebay. I also bought the programming cable so I can get it on the local repeater hopefully. I have plenty of older computers with Win7. Chirp is on win10. I assume your referring to the actual kenwood program which is not free and I dont have access to that. But its Kenwood so there ya go.

[@Legend813a]

UFH frequency band

[@Adamdaj]

Connect Systems have perfect line of radios for GMRS, eventhough most of radios sold by Connect Systems were ment for Part 97 use Amateur Radio DMR. However, they are FCC type accepted Part 90 commercial public safety. GMRS falls under Part 95, which covers CB FRS and MURS.

[@RKingis]

§ 95.335(A)!

[@hddog99]

While this may not follow the letter of FCC, it certainly follows the spirit of the rules. And for that, I doubt anyone would make an honest stink about it.

[@spacecoyote6646]

What about bandwidth?

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

I think the kenwood falls within the limits of GMRS. I think...

[@mr.peplaz4287]

Can I have the username of the guy you got it from ?

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

was pcs3 ...but dont think he has any more

[@cdm1250uhf1]

what happened to Motorola, they make a 40 watt radio for example CDM1250!!!

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

yes, a good choice! I have always considered Motorola to be the top brand for most consumers. Sometimes out of price range but worth it.

[@dereklea1183]

@@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135 - I’ve had experience with Motorola and Kenwood. Both excellent quality but, Kenwood is less expensive, software easier to obtain and, they’re easier to program IMO. I used a Motorola PM1500 110 watt mobile and compared it to a Kenwood TK-790 110 watt mobile. People said the Kenwood had better audio than the Motorola.

[@coolelectronics1759]

theres also the baofeng b888s thats sold as a ham but its really just a business radio. I have several of them. Some I even converted to frs via chirp I just need to glue the antenna and plug the programming socket with epoxi or a piece of chewing gum for the final transformation.

[@Greg-zr4wm]

Btech makes a legal gmrs mobile at 50 watts. They have hand held as well.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

It gets Terrible Feedback from owners/users.I think most people these days don’t care about Laws/Rules.I Doubt that BROADCASTING is Legal and I’d think a Ham Radio Operator would know that but not this guy?

[@cmerton]

BTECH is just rebranded Baofung crapola.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

@@cmerton they do get many modifications that make them a better radio but far from my ICOM T90A or even my AILUNCE HD1 for that matter.

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

Good radios but a pain to program.

[@radiohobbyist13]

Buy two-way radios just released the new KG-905G which eclipses but doesn't replace the KG-805G. The new 905 is WAY better and is a dedicated GMRS only handheld radio. I love 💘 mine!

[@jaybarr3307]

It's a great radio for sure.

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Time for an update. Wouxun. Repeater capability.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Don’t forget the, Baofeng GMRS-50X base unit and the handheld Baofeng GMRS-V1, and the Wouxun KG-805G.

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

Do you run these? What’s your opinion? I may pick up a unit and try it out. I have had decent results with baofeng overall

[@bulldogbrower6732]

I have friends that have each, they are very satisfied with them.

[@W-733_KWX]

Forget about the chinese crap, the end up going south sooner or later.

[@timtaylor8557]

The 45 watt version of the Kenwood radios are NOT legal. Only the 25 watt models are. Must be part 95 certified.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

The TK-880-1 is 45 watts and 100% LEGAL on the GMRS Band.

[@RKingis]

§ 95.335(A)!

[@gmeister03]

Imagine paying to use free air waves

[@larryhaney6608]

Midland sucks for GMRS . I'm using a Standard GX 1510 and a Kenwood Tk 880 . Both work very well with great audio .

[@j-manwilson7154]

How'd that "insurrection" go?

[@richardallankellogg]

Are you sure it’s legal? It’s my understanding, that no one can transmit on GMRS frequencies on equipment that does not have part 95 type acceptance. And that these commercial radios would be part 90 accepted, but likely not part 95 for GMRS. And therefore, not legal. Keep in mind, however, I suspect virtually all GMRS repeaters use commercial (part 90) components, as I know of no one making purpose built GMRS repeater with part 95 type acceptance, other than the new Wouxun KG-1000G. But as always, I could be wrong.

[@williamlowry9585]

Kenwood and Motorola both dual certify certain radios.

[@richardallankellogg]

@@williamlowry9585 Thanks. Good to know.

[@n5yiz]

who cares

[@1OFGODSOWN]

@@n5yiz the people maybe who owns the repeater that you like to use.

[@Bootyhunter1971]

Cb channel 6 morons can be heard all over the USA because they are running illegal wattage equipment. So UNLESS OR UNTILL the Fcc does something about those brain dead morons, then worrying about if a radio has a part 95 sticker on it is RIDICULOUS.

[@spacecoyote6646]

These radios are not certified for GMRS. Not legal. Will you get caught? Probably not; unless you put a video on youtube

[@1OFGODSOWN]

It’s ILLEGAL to BROADCAST on Any of the mentioned bands.If you are going to try and teach others you should use the Correct Terminology so nobody gets confused.Transmitting and Broadcasting are two different things entirely.🎙

[@timsmith9169]

Gmrs is only lic. Is only good for 5 years now not 10 .70.00$

[@timsmith9169]

@@josephp1592 o looked it up .if you got your lic before 2017 it was only hood for 5 years . after 2017 they changed it to 10 years . I just found that out .so I have 2 years left before renew it . i just joined a club . it is real nice 3 repeaters with a range of around 55 miles .they are like a 100 miles apart . not bad for 10$ a month

[@timsmith9169]

@@josephp1592 yes you did . sounds great with all the repeaters you have around you . please tell me more about the decoder . sounds great . o am a disabled veteran and working on starting a group of us on gmrs .i have a real good tech coking to my houseboy install a base . he is a owner of 2 towers .i thank you fir responding .respectfully . Tim 👍

[@timsmith9169]

@404 Error Not Found when I got mine I payed 60 for 5years then it was changed to 10 for 70 . And now one license is 35 for 10 years and covers the the whole fam damly

[@timsmith9169]

@404 Error Not Found yes I know but ,it was in I think 2017-18 it was 70 do or only 5,years .the repeaters club I belong to say by summer it will be 35 for 10

[@timsmith9169]

@404 Error Not Found I know it is still 70 for ten years . But when I got mine in 2017 it was 70 for five years look it up I would post it so u could see it but they don't let you .why would I say this if it wasn't true

[@nr3rful]

Amateur radios will not "broadcast " on GMRS/FRS frequencies out of the box unless modified.

[@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135]

Baofeng...

[@dereklea1183]

@@suburbanhomesteadoutfitter4135 - I think he meant an amateur radio FCC certified for that particular service. Does Baofeng have that certification?

[@cmerton]

This guy is a mook and doesn't know wtf he's talking about anyway. It was obvious as soon as the words "I cracked the code!" came out of his gob.