What To Look For When Buying A GMRS radio. GMRS HT features explained - (GMRS HT Walkie Talkies)
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- In this video I explain many GMRS features to think about when you are shopping for a GMRS HT (handheld walkie-talkie) radio - This applies to all brand GMRS radios - Wouxun, Baofeng, Retevis, Radioddity, etc. By popular demand, this video features 75% less Randy-face!
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Why not just get a HAM? I'm seeing to many of these cheap gmrs radios these days.
Because a ham is not as easy/simple to use as a GMRS radio and I dont feel like taking a test just to talk to my friends.
Me and my friends are too dumb to get a HAM license. We can legally all get FRS radios and just start talking, or with very little work GMRS.
Why when the fun people are on GMRS talking about interesting things? On the amateur bands, it's angry old people talking about nothing but antennas, their radios, and the weather?
@@ke8mattj Don't forget the colonoscopies, preparation H and boomer politics. Also, @Chris Peterson, it's "too" and not "to". Oh, and GMRS not gmrs. Just policing the ham guys (yes, it's lowercase). I've been a grammar specialist since 1942. I have a license and stuff.
I'm not sad enough for a ham.
I've been a GMRS license holder for 2 hours and I disagree with almost none of this. Carry on.
Almost?
I think she meant almost 2 hours.
Are you an "expert"?
The UV-5R will always be a GMRS radio in my heart.
But if you get caught transmitting with a UV-5R, you will get HURT!
@@toml.8210 Oh no! I don't want to get hurt! Especially by those spurious emissions or the FCC flying above my house, dropping in through the roof, and handling me an angry letter!
Fear the angry letter, 🤣
@@ke8mattj If you use a Baofeng as a GMRS radio, they will post a glitter coated Ferret through your front door, and it will run amok in your house for months!
I program them with ham repeaters, gmrs, and murs. They are better than a gmrs radio.
I can t wait for that UV9GX release video/review. Wouxun has taken many of my dollars lately thanks to you Mr Notarubicon! You sir keep up the content and helping us newbies! Thank you!
"Thank You ", Sensei, for another excellent, informative, and educational video on the world of GMRS radios! 👌👍👏
I just used you advice in a number of your informative videos to purchase my first HT (GM-30) and license. Thank you very much sir.
This might be the most helpful RUclips channel I’ve even seen. Right to point. Pragmatic. Excellent.
"So stiff knobs are a good thing" 16:28 🤣
Always super good and easy to understand thank you mister Rubicon
Just ordered the UV9GX. Thanks for all the info.
I am very humbled to be your favorite viewer!🙏🤓
Just got my GMRS Callsign!! I'm excited to get into this!
Great to finally see the MTX575!!! Can't wait! Yes, please review it if you're able.
I saw that too. A few friends and I are looking into them to replace current radio setups.
Outstanding Job Sir… once again very informative. Roger Beeps Rock!
You make me spend too much money on radios. Keep it up.
buy a Rolex, so you won't have money for a radio. ;)
Great Vid. Thank you. Keep’m coming!
Another enjoyable and informative video. I recently began to apply for my GMRS license. I had a bit of a problem navigating the FCC website when returning to pay. Thankfully, your instructions allowed me to get back to the place to complete the application process.
I purchased a Baofeng UV-9G mostly because it is inexpensive and for the IP rating. I have a couple of issues that I seemed to have overlooked or missed entirely...
1- The interface for programming or for extension mic is not the k1 style. I purchased a adapter on Amazon but could not for the life of me get it to attach properly so I ordered the appropriate Baofeng mic from Amazon.
2- I have yet to attach the belt clip after many attempts.
3- I failed to notice that the unit is not USB chargeable.
I'm new to off roading and throughly enjoy both your wheeling and your instructional videos. Thank you. WRPI455
Excellent presentation!!! Of course, this is very normal from NotaRubicon Productions. Please keep making technically informing videos for us newbies. Thank You 👍
Thank you for the info
Definitely a video comparison with base/ mobile gsmr radios!
Hi Randy, another great video, thanks. I've been binge-watching and binge window shopping as I am about to pull the trigger on a pair of radios. While the Baofeng UV-9G is very attractive, I really like USB charging as that is much easier in certain emergency situations (no need to carry the charging cradle). Interested to hear your comments on this topic. Thanks. Joe.
As always, great video Randy! I have mentioned this before but in hopes that radio design engineers and producers see it, I will mention it again.
Regarding the roger beep, I wish the manufacturers would make the roger beep settings on a per-channel basis rather than global (across the whole radio) as is now the case with every GMRS radio I own. In my state, open system repeaters are few and far between in most areas. Many repeater owners specify that your roger beep must be turned off when using their machines, which is their right. If I activate rb on one channel, it is on on all channels, therefore I leave it off to avoid conflict. If it were available on a per-channel basis, the roger beep could actually be useful. Think about it. You could set the rb, or if available one of several rb tones, for specific channels or repeaters so you would know without looking, what channel you are on. How about setting the rb to be present on simplex channels, but not on repeaters? This way, you would know in an instant that you are transmitting in simplex mode rather than on a repeater and vice versa.
It shouldn't be too difficult for design engineers to make the rb feature assignable on a per-channel basis.
Anyway, thanks for hearing me out!
The new KG-916 GMRS and KG-UV9GX still have a global roger beep setting, but it's disabled on the repeater input frequencies, so it's impossible to have a roger beep on repeaters, which is arguably the way it should have always been. :)
I had an experience in the last few days. Ive been on gmrs for a good while now so I have a pretty good feeling about the technology. 5 or more years ago I had purchased a couple bubble wraps from wally world and just picked one of the higher priced ones. They were intended to be in our storm room to use for help if everything came down.
Cutting to the chase Im part of a radio club that combines all radio types not just ham. During a conversation I went and got one and was playing around and saw in small ish print the acronyms gmrs/frs. Holy crap. I had never gotten a license to use these Hts lol. The are not repeater capable but ater entering the ctcss code I could easily hear my repeater.
For another test I had two buddies on another freq where we ran simplex . Even though one was 6 miles across town and I was in my walk out basement, I could talk simplex with both of them. I dont have manual anymore but after searching I cant find the wattage of the strictly gmrs freq are. Damn amazing though. There are probably 1000s of "illegal" gmrs users out there.
Frs and gmrs use the same frequencies, except the repeater INPUTS. The outputs are the same as 15 to 22.
I love that shirt!
“Radios that fit your active GMRS lifestyle”
😂😂😂 I love it
"Stiff knobs are usually a good thing" Giggity 😆
I'd like to see a similar comparison on the mobiles ... And if you can, a discussion on a few of the ham type radios that can also do GMRS HT or mobile
LOL i like your shirt 🤣😂
Oooooh...teased an MXT575! 😍
Thank you
Another feature to consider is the ability to charge the battery via a USB cable, such as is available with the Radioddity GM-30. When bouncing around in a Jeep, it's usually nearly (if not) impossible to recharge batteries using those base stations most radios only provide, but it is usually easy to recharge the battery if it can be recharged via USB cable.
It would be great if manufacturers would get with the times regarding this. The GM-30 is great in that family can put theirs on a USB charging hub and not take up multiple outlets.
Perhaps there are voltage issues to be overcome that negate them taking this leap with some radio/battery combinations. A typical USB puts out what, 5-7 VDC? If a larger radio's design requires a larger battery (both capacity in mAh or Ah, and voltage) charging with lower voltage USB systems might not be practical. A charger will necessarily produce higher voltage than the battery is rated at in order to force current (mAh/Ah) into the battery. If your battery is running 8-13 VDC, charging it at 5-7 VDC is going to be problematic.
Producing current needed for larger capacity ht batteries from a USB system may also be problematic.
Other than a super small, low-voltage and low-current, batteried radio, I prefer a high capacity battery for my radios capable of doing at least 12 hrs of heavy use. For that, I am quite happy to use a drop-in charger or cigarette lighter plug type charger.
Gotta hand it to you with this video
Awesomeness on a video sir. I enjoy watching your videos. I am moving to Puerto Rico next year I am going to be about a mile and a half from the ocean. My wife works at home we have a straight line of sight with some obstructions. What can you recommend on a radio for us. I would be very grateful for your input I have😂😂😂😢 narrowed down to two or three but I respect your knowledge and would like a little bit more input. Please help if you have the time. Keep the videos coming we love your sense of humor
A video on the features to look for on mobile radios would be great.
Aftermarket antennas can add to the reach or efficiency as some stock antennas can have high SWR even though they are in the box. Also it can, as I've noted, aided the reception.
If you're on travel, having a keyboard can be useful for inputting the PL tones on a repeater if you don't have a computer on hand. Therefore the ones with a keyboard can serve a purpose even if they are less waterproof.
Randy didn't mention antennas in the video. Ham guys like to consider an aftermarket antenna with a purchase of a ham radio. I focus on a sexy , custom-made leather hip holster, so my radio doesn't get "moist."
Good point about the PL tones. In fact, a radio with a keypad will allow you to enter a non-standard CTCSS/DCS tone/code also (on some radios like the 935G/916 GMRS/UV9G/UV9GX), which you can't do without a keypad.
@@toml.8210 Actually, I got an aftermarket antenna for my GMRS radios before I got a ham license (my current one is the second GMRS license as i let my first lapse many years ago). The reason was that accessing the weather channels on my GMRS radio was difficult and when I put on the aftermarket reception improved greatly. I've done the same with my ham equipment.
@@toml.8210 those sexy (sometimes hamsexy) holsters are all the rage with the ladies.
When you get to your mobile radios topic, I'd like to see a comparison between the Midland 50-watt vs. the Wouxun KG-1000G. The KG-1000G has the detachable faceplate, while it looks like the Midland simply puts the display and controls on the handset. Which approach do you think is superior from the perspective of installation and usability? I'm sure both radios can reach the same number of fars....
I would like to see a video like this for the mobile radios. I’m almost decided on a KG-1000G for my jeep and a hand held for my wife’s Jeep, but I’m considering getting two KG-XS20G and a cheap handheld.
I could hear the experts gasp when you waved around that boefang by the antenna lol
Roger Beep rocks!
I have a great GMRS radio, Baofeng UV-5. :)
I would enjoy more information of car/truck mounted GMRS offering like the Midland 575 that you referred to at you intro. I am actually considering that model and would appreciate your assessment and comparison with like offerings etc. Thanks for what you do, my boss / wife now constantly reference your hummer in our day to day exchanges. Again, Thank you
Yes, mobile GMRS would be good to hear about.
I am sooo jealous! Look at all them Wouxun radios. I so badly want one and I cant get one cuz they apparently are illegal in Canada. Not fair!🙁
Love the vids man!😁😎
Hello. Another Canuck here. We certainly are left out in the cold on many things.
Please do a video on the differences between Narrow and Wideband.
I prefer something in order of preference
1) Has repeater capabilities. MUST HAVE
2) USB charge capability.
3) No preset "privacy" CTCSS codes. I want to be able to pull out a radio and get people talking if we need to replace one. Sometimes I just like listening to general chat. I will program one channel with a CTCSS tone to reduce interference if needed. Only useful at something crowded like a Hamfest or for intentional interference. People here probably already know but "privacy codes" aren't private.
4) Removable antenna because I may use it as a low power base station.
5) Computer programming - nice if you need to match a lot of radios
6) At least 32 channels - 1 extra channel will get a CTCSS tone and a few will be for repeaters. A few may be set for scanning purposes.
7) Battery life
8) Volume knob not rubbing when on my belt. I have taken the knob off radios to stop the volume from turning down.
Nice to have:
Dual receive. Not dual watch!
FM radio
NOAA
Flashlight - I have used this function a lot. Sometimes to find a better flashlight. 🤣
RF power isn't a big issue because of diminishing return on power. Whole different story for mobile or base.
IP protection - Only a consideration for expensive radios.
EDIT: Ability to program from the face of the radio is great to have. Sometimes you just want to add or remove a tone.
Since I’ve bought way too many GMRS radios in the last month, I feel like I’m an expert now and have the authority to make people listen to what I’m saying…..😂. On that note, I get the impression that the Wouxun Ocean radios are the ones to get. I just got a KG-935G and I’m really impressed. The Baofengs I’ve ordered work fine but the antennas are crooked, the UV-5R seems cheaply made, and the UV-9R has a menu option for FM radio but the two I have won’t tune. While every other GMRS radio I own picks up several channels just fine. So my point is, just buy a Wouxun and be done with it. They are more expensive that other radios but they seem to be worth it.
The FM won't work on your UV-9R because baofeng took that feature off. Word is that the chip shortage affected this. Unconfirmed, but baofeng added the FM not working into their product description on their Amazon page.
Definitely interested in mobile GMRS as well as amplifiers for GMRS HTs
I wouldn’t bother with an amp. It just makes for a messy install and costs as much as a mobile.
Check out the Mugguts magazine kit for you P365.
After having my GMRS radios for just over a few months now I begin to think that having GMRS repeaters is kind of ruining the fun of GMRS... It seems like it has turned into a Ham-lite repeater... It is all so formal with call signs being thrown around instead of using people's names... And ham operators telling us how the repeater etiquette should be used... It doesn't sound much different than a ham repeater most days... I posted this on a gmsr facebook group and had a bunch of hams tell me that it was me who is wrong for not wanting to make it stuffy and it would be bad if it became like cb
I would like to see a video on vehicle radios and also options with a HT with an amplifier but not mounted in a vehicle
Perfect 👍
If I could get a custom manufactured sticker to place over the word Wouxon that says Motorola on it, I could join the "big boys" and boost my self-esteem exponentially.
How do you like the KG-UV9GX vs The KG-935G Plus? Could you do a comparison video on these 2 radios ? @NotaRubicon Productions
Looking to expand from UHF to GMRS. Any ideas for a first GMRS HT ? Using for outdoors use and car to car on road trips.
Any chance you could do a review of some of the Midland HT's, like their 5w GXT1050, for us techphobes? Thanks for the great information, as always.
I like the video but have a question is there a HT. That has GMRS channels plus has the capability of using the zello to monitor and transmit. I yes know that you would Wi-Fi. Just decided to get back into things. My back ground I had 4 commercial repeaters. Before I Retired sold them. But need a hobby now. Thank you Mike WRXK361
You are fun!
i would like to see BASE / MOBLE radios also.
I've recently found out the Handie-Talkie and the Walkie-Talkie is a thing. It is a boring historical thing, so proceed with caution.
In ww2 the US Army called officially the handheld version of their military radios Handie-Talkie and the backpack versions were the Walkie-Talkies. Nobody cared even back then, so every radio which was portable by a single man was called a walkie-talkie by everybody in the army, except those who invented the two terms.
Randy, I could not find your shirt on amazon. I want the one you are wearing.
With the btech V2 gmrs 5watt HT radio-can you scan tone for REPEATERS?
IF SO HOW?
Thank U IN Advance!!
Important feature: lockable buttons. Can the controls be locked down to prevent losing comms by accidentally pressing a button? Important for any user, especially important when giving a radio to your curious 9-year-old kid who will otherwise quickly render the radio incommunicado.
Would love a video on mobile units. Maybe a ham radio that can be unlocked wink wink
When it comes to screens, do _color screens_ suck more electrical juice than a _mono-color_ screen? Or does _screen size_ make more of a determination in how much electrical juice is sucked? Color screens look great, but the amber screen models remind me of earlier cp/m days, when amber-screens cost a bit more than green screens. Anyway, the Baofeng BF-H6/H7 radios have a very nice 7-digit black on white hi-res display. One day I'd like to see you do a range/power review of the H7. It's my favorite Baofeng. I'd also like to see you review the cross band repeater function of the TYT8000D/E.
Oh, one more thing. Given that you have Baofeng's ear, so to speak, and that you have some influence with them, would you please ask them to back off of these ridiculous 18W/4500mAh ads. It's one thing to put then in an eBay ad, but they're going too far by putting the claims on the sticker on the back of the radio and on the battery. We don't know if the battery is a 1500mAh, 1800mAh or 2000mAh! We can guess about the wattage, but Baofeng is shooting itself in the foot by making these...stupid claims.
I'm NOT a fan of the "roger beep" (and I don't use it) but that's Me. It's the operator's option.
Yes you are right
I would really like to see a comparison of he mobile radios… please…
I just paid for my GMRS License and waiting to hear back from the FCC. Do you know if Wouxun is coming out with any new radios soon?
Which of these radios is super-het vs. SOC?
What did you miss? Antenna upgrades! Yours truly, your favorite viewer :)
I get the distinct impression you prefer Wouxun radios over other brands.
Wouxun makes several good models.
IF contact can be maintained on Channels 08-14, battery “talk time” will be extended (account maximum 1/2 watt transmitter power).
Or you can just turn your radio down to low power and operate on any channel - most radios have 0.5 W ERP on low power, not just on the "FRS" channels.
I like my 365's
Any thoughts on which type of batteries are best suited for GMRS radios. My radios go through alot of batteries!!!!
My thoughts are to use the batteries sold by/specified by the manufacturer.
Dear Professor, my hope was to find a good buddy for my KG-UV9G that had the same clarity and transmission power (equivalent fars). No need for 2 channel programming on the “little buddy”. Superheterodyne? Which ones in this line up ARE superH?
The KG-916 GMRS is a great companion for the UV9G, if I do say so (it was designed as such). ;) It even uses the same desk charger. It's superset and sounds amazing, has great battery life, a very readable display, and a keypad. It puts out a tad less power, but you won't notice it, even with the stock antenna, which is getting great distance reports so far. :)
I'm trying to purchase a set of radios for my husband, I've been enjoying your videos but can't figure out how you can tell if a radio has a superheterodyne or SOC receiver? For example I am interested in the BTech GSRM Pro which costs $135, am I to assume by the cost that it would be? Even looking at the Wouxun radios I don't know how to tell which receivers have it. There is nothing that I can tell on the product description of any of the radios that indicate this. Thanks!
If it is a superheterodyne radio they will brag about it in the description.
Any details on the KG UV9GX???
Yes! The UV9GX has many details! But you'll have to wait for the review to see any of them.
Does it have GMRS on box?
UV9GX???? When can I get one and why haven’t you done a video on it yet?
I'm not allowed to talk about it yet... I will do a review when the radio is released and I'm no longer under any NDA.
Where in the hell did you get that KG-UV9GX? You must rank with Wouxun!!! I can't find it on sale anywhere!!! Or any info about it, for that matter!
It's not released yet. People like Randy get to play with one sooner.😔 I have ordered the Wouxun KG-UV9P"X" and was told it would be released soon, maybe 3 weeks but its anyone's guess. In the "happy" HAM version, it has stiffer knobs (repeat twice. Lol)😄 a brighter torch and it's a tri-band in lieu of a dual band. Not sure on other features or additions though.📻🍺👍
Coming soon, only from BetterSafeRadio. :)
KYD makes good radios & jelly
Which one of these four has the best sounding audio?
They all sound very similar, but I think of these four the KG-935G and UV9G-X sound the best. The KG-916 (not shown) sounds better than all of them.
@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks, Randy!
QUIT PLAYING WITH US!!! And drop a review of the uv9gx already!
Knocking of the knobs? Is this a bad thing or ?????
I tried downloading the programming software for my Wouxun KG916 using the link on Better Safe Radios and it keeps getting blocked. Its being flagged as ransomware. Is the link and software safe to use and is it just a false positive?
The software is safe.
Since I am new to GMRS, I have a question?
Why is it most all the time I see Amateur Radio Operators making videos and giving their opinion about GMRS? Do they not have enough frequencies to use?
You tease! a 575!!!
Why would I want the 'Roger beep" on or off? What is its purpose?
I made this video to answer that very question: ruclips.net/video/IuWiyiiWWgw/видео.html
Are emp proof radios a thing?
no
@@TheNotaRubicon is it possible to make one? Or get one to work after that kind of event?
I feel like I should take what I learned here to the bog-box store (BestBuy)and educate the sales "expert" who bragged about the 250 extra GMRS channels, and that S-O-C radios are better than Superhet, because they are digital, just like GMRS!
in any case, I won't be getting said GMRS license, because it's still $70. 😠
It’s $35 now
UV9GX?
Yeah, no affiliate link below? What the hey?
I'm not allowed to talk about it...YET...
@@TheNotaRubicon You sure, are a tease. But you know that already.
I never use my Roger beep, because I have to call Roger on my cell phone to tell him to turn his GMRS radio on so I can beep him ....
******THIS IS THE OFFICIAL SOME PEOPLE COMMENT********
Oh, so you're who he's talking about. Nice to finally meet you. We have many, many questions.
LoL 😂
Belt clips get the ladies
HT doesnt stand for Handheld Transceiver?
Odd
Tightness. Aahh. 🚬
A stiff knob is how you impress the chicks.
Now, I gotta advise you not to show that thing to just any chick. 😂🤣
@@bendeleted9155 Lol.
Gets the "moisture" level high.
@@rogerj.3640 That's fine. My knob is IP68 compliant.
🙂
My fingers are talking, they want a video on the mobile GMRS radios.
The electricities have spoken and demand to be called by their proper name angry pixies. Don't shoot the messanger.
This "expert" finds you hilarious. We're not all Nerds, but I have yet to find an "Expert" that didn't have something wrong with him.
Blaa blaa blaa sad ham blaa blaa blaa sad ham.
Beeeep! Ha ha ha sad ham ha ha ha sad ham.
Beeeeeeep!