I very much enjoy the no nonsense style in this review. He gives a good detailed report of the radio, which is what I need to make a decision whether to buy this radio. I also appreciate that he has taken the time to thoroughly know this radio before starting the review. Well Done!
Great review. Well organized and complete. Thank you for taking the time to do the range testing. My concern with many of these GMRS radios is the manufacturers not taking advantage of the full 5 watt output. The only one tested so far that complies are the 2 Wouxun models which are substantially higher in price. I hope these people get their act together and get these radios up to their full capability. In the woods this 2 more watts makes a difference.
The Ham Radio clone of this radio is the TYT TH-UV88 (2 meters and 70 cms), which easily "opens" up transmission on all GMRS simplex and repeater channels, too.
Using a radio on GMRS channels that is not Part 95 certified is a violation of FCC regulations. Several ham radios have transmitting capability in the 460 mHz range. They're unlawful, too on those frequencies. Several good, inexpensive radios are GMRS certified. Why intentionally violate the regs?
Thanks for the video. I liked the part where you did tha range check. Do you think you could have gotten better ranger, say with either a Nogoya GMRS antenna, or the Radioddity 15 inch whip antenna?
Probably so. It's hard to find published gain specs for little rubber ducky antennas. I'd guess anywhere from 1 -2.0 dB. Nagoya antennas publish gain in that frequency range of 3.0. The Radioddity antenna claims a 2.15 dB gain.
Audio might improve if you make sure you are in "wideband" mode. Anything about the Freq Hopping? (menu 39)? I ordered 2 units they will arrive next week.
Nice. I think you'll like them. I believe the freq hopping is for other than a basic user US user. Note it is restricted to receive. Part 95 radios can't use what the FCC calls voice obscuring techniques.
Dear sir I don't have a question about the GMRS radio, Well I do have a question about though is the war bird Airplane hanging on the wall behind you behind you in this video, Who is that picture painted by is what I wanted to ask you, A very dear friend of mine used to paint airbrush and painted war birds a lot, He had even introduced me at 1 time to good old pappy Boyngton, I just wanted to know if that was one of his paintings Please get back to me I look forward in hearing from you
The print is by Jay Ashurst and is called Fortress Alone. It represents a scene from an actual WWII event. This print was also signed by the pilot of this Flying Fortress, Wm Lawley.
I was looking to use this to program my own vhf frequencies that I have FCC license for - but it seems not possible with this radio? Do you have any suggestions on the best radio to be able to do that with?
Meredith, a couple of years ago the FCC demanded that all transceivers sold in the US be FCC certified for the service they were being offered in. In this case, the GM 30 is a GMRS radio. That certification included tests to ensure a pure signal and set specifications for the level of harmonics to pass the test. For example, older BaoFeng UV-5Rs were notorious for having a dirty signal. It also demanded that Personal Radio Services transceivers such as those used in GMRS be limited to transmit only on the GMRS channels. I think that is what you are running into. Even recent ham transceivers are locked to transmit only within the ham bands. Older radios were often unlocked and folks used one radio for multiple services, despite FCC rules prohibiting that. New radios don't allow that. You can program all kinds of VHF and UHF frequencies into the GM-30 as receive channels, but it will only transmit on approved GMRS channels. While it may be inconvenient, these little HTs are small, cheap and light weight. You'll need one for each personal radio service and the Amateur Radio Service you use to stay within the rules.
Can you make a video on how to program non GMRS channels into the GM-30 with out the software? I want to listen to emergency and ham frequencies, but can not figure out how to do this without the software. I have a Mac, and can not program with radio with the software. Please Help! I am lost on this! Thank you for your videos!
Since the GM30 has multiple banks of DYI channels, can multiple CT codes be programmed to the same repeater frequencies on different DYI channels? Some say yes and some say no. What is your take? Thank you for your response.
Hi, Steve. The main advantage to DIY channels is to do what you describe. Do an easy channel change to access the same-channel repeater instead of stopping to program in new tones.
@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. I understand that some radios will not allow more than one repeater to be programmed on the same frequency. I’m glad the GM30 does this. For example, if I have repeaters in my area programmed and named in the CPS and I go out of town to find a repeater on the same frequency, that repeater can be programmed in to a DYI channel without changing the CT codes of the local repeater that I already have programmed. That’s a great feature for an inexpensive radio.
GM30 not listed on Chirp. Is there an alternate model that will work on the GM30. I wanted to input the weather channels and 2-70 channels. The CPS does not have the handy Repeaterbook option. Thanks.
Enjoy your channel and its content. I have a question about the difference in frequency range between the GM30 and the KG-935G (I received one too, a couple weeks ago- thank you for the great review). Both units list the basically the same ranges. GM30- Rx Frequency Range: 65-108MHz, 136-174MHz, 400-470MHz; KG-935G- 400-479.995 MHz Receive Only UHF Frequencies (70cm). On my GM30, one of the Public Safety channels I programmed in to scan/monitor is 482.86250 (L.A.County Sheriff dispatch) with no programming input issue, however the KG-935G won't even allow the input of that same frequency. Have you noticed any similar limitation? Can you enlighten me on why the differences of this particular scanning limit?
The spec sheets for both radios say the top end for the UHF receive range is in the 470s. Did the GM30 allow programming the the 480s and actually received or just allowed programming? In any case, the KG935G isn't supposed to go that high.
Great review, thanks! I have an off-grid cabin and I'd like a radio that will enable me to listen to a local FM station (mostly for news), but also monitor NOAA weather reports for the area. That's all I'd use this for. At $40, it seems like the perfect way to go. Do you think it will work for those purposes? Thanks!
Michael, I'm focusing on two things in your question. First you say you are off grid and second you say, "that's all I'd use this for." So with that in mind, I'm thinking you don't plan on transmitting. If that is the case, consider the KA500L emergency radio. I've done a review of that radio and use it when I go camping. The KA500L gets good FM reception and can tune the NOAA stations as well as be set to sound alerts if bad weather alerts are issued. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery, mounted solar panel, hand crank or power bank. Here is a link to my review: ruclips.net/video/YkGXBRxE-X4/видео.html. On the other hand, if you do want a GMRS transceiver so you can also transmit, the GM-30 would be a good choice. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@Gadget Talk: I prefer to carry one HT at a time and I am licensed for both GMRS and Ham Radio, and my transmissions are consistent with the technical specifications (power output, bandwidth, etc.) of the FCC rules for GMRS; so no harm, no foul! Does it make any difference to you that my mobile and shack rig, the Anytone AT-779UV is Part 95 certified for GMRS and also has the capability to transmit on the 2 meter and 70 cm Ham bands?
We had this exchange before. Section 95.337 states that what you are doing voids the Part 95 certification of the radio. Part 95 also states that only certified radios are authorized to operate on GMRS channels. Being able to do something and being authorized to do something are two different things.
Obviously, I take a contrarian view on that issue and I am just letting your viewers know there is another clone of the Radioddity GM-30, which TYT chose to allow transmissions on both the Ham bands and GMRS When the SHTF, having a radio that in emergencies that can communicate with Hams as well as GMRS users, could be the most important tool available at that time! As you did ask: "why intentionally violate the regs?": Your viewers can make their own decision on these issues and thank you for your review.
I am looking for a hand held radio (a pair of them actually) so that when I launch my pontoon boat and the wife has to drive it to a location while I drive the truck with the trailer to same location she can contact me if there is any problem. Will this radio work for that scenario?
At that price point, I'd go with the GM-30 and then the UV 9G. Both from Radioddity. I have the GM-30 on the console of my truck. Use the affiliate link and get a nice discount.
I've had one for over a month (new for $29 on Ebay) scanning the frequencies and I haven't heard anything except the weather the entire time I've had it. It seems rather unintuitive to me. The programming cable?? It doesn't work on my radio. Apparently there's not much in the way of GMRS traffic where I happen to live. Oh well my Baofeng's work very well!! Call me unimpressed with this one on the Washington coast...
@@GadgetTalk4U When I turn my Radioddity GM30 on it says "Baofeng" and has that logo on the screen. Does yours do the same thing? It looks like a clone of the Boafeng gmrs gm 15.
@@Rich-zv3iu I did a review of the GM 15 and made the same point. Normally, the logo and splash page stuff gets changed. Too funny. Still a good radio. Use the CPS and change the welcome if you can.
I ordered Two a few days ago from Amazon with a gift card I had and I wondered why I had not gotten any tracking information and when I checked it says it’s Out of Stock until June 11,2021 but they made no mention of it when I placed the order? They did ship the programming cable and it’s supposed to arrive Tomorrow.Good thing I was not in a hurry.😱🥴
Thanks for watching and commenting. Imports from China are slow and I think these have become quite popular. They show in stock on Radioddity web site today, June 4. Hope you don't have to wait too long.
@@GadgetTalk4U I got an update from them last night 6/3/21 and it says they are Out of Stock until next week? Maybe they are getting caught up on back orders? I got the programming cable Today but no radios.😱
DTMF codes broadcast tones like a touch tone phone. Dual Tone, Multi Frequency. Some applications allow for remote operation of a repeater or with business radios advanced squelch codes and even remote radio kill signals. Nothing a typical user would use.
@@GadgetTalk4U - Thanks, but that still does not answer the question. You stated it could be a lot of things, but what is it specifically? The radio is nice, but there is no manual for the poor programming software that actually explains the settings such as the "signa" setting. Might reach out to Radioddity to see if they have an answer. Hope Chirp supports it in the future.
When you download the latest CPS and Firmware zip file there is a folder called documentation that has the update instructions including how to find the current version. With the radio off, press and hold the button below the PTT (with a square on it) and turn on the radio. The firmware will display on the screen for just a couple of seconds. Be ready to write it down!
Look at the frequently bought together section on the radio's product page on the Radioddity web site. I like the FTDI version. At about $14, it's worth the extra couple of bucks.
Nice video. I have tried for four days to get the radio to be recognized on my windows computer using the software. No joy. Radioddity is of no help. I have the current software on the radio. Also no luck with CTCSS working with my Wouxon or Midland radios (I did convert using the table). Same issue with any repeater code not being recognized. Wouxon no problem.
Sorry you're having trouble with your GM30. I normally don't mess with firmware upgrades unless there is a significant upgrade but I did the latest from Radioddity in response to your comment (Thanks for watching and commenting, by the way). I followed the instructions in the download and upgraded to the 2.06 CPS and the 20210615 firmware. It all worked as described. The only thing I do differently is I use a FTDI chipped programming cable. I sometimes struggle with Prolific cables. If the PC isn't seeing the radio, it's likely that the Prolific driver is assigned to a different com port. Use the Windows Device Manager as described in the instructions to verify which com port the computer assigned the Prolific driver to and select that port in the CPS Program/Communications Port option. I was also able to program CTCSS codes, no problem. Are you using Windows 10? Also, please keep in mind that CTCSS codes effect your radio, not others. If you set a CTCSS code on your radio and another member of your group's radio then they will only hear your transmission and will not allow other non-coded or different coded signals to break the squelch. Someone with no CTCSS code will still hear you. Every signal will break the squelch on a non-coded radio if the signal is strong enough to cross the squelch threshold you set on your radio's settings. Good Luck
I am having the same problem. I am using Windows 10 and can’t get any of the software to load. It may have something to do with enhanced security on the updated Windows 10. In device manager they have eliminated the Com port line and only have USB devices. Of course I can’t see the driver there either. I will have to upgrade the cable as you mentioned. The one from Radioddity doesn’t work?
I have a few of the BTech v1 GMRS radios. I also have a Wouxun KG805G and a Retevis RT76P. I like them all . Honestly if the BTECH V1 GMRS was a 5watt on high power it would be my favorite radio. Although the KG805G is a better radio. I have the first BTECH v1 I’m not sure if it’s the 5watt model . Soon after I ordered the V1 GMRS. BTech changed the V1 to 2watt high power out put
GMRS radios are supposed to have fixed power settings based on the channel number. The radio's menu doesn't have a power setting for that reason. The version of the CPS I used did have a power variable and probably shouldn't have. No need to adjust power on an HT whose power is quite low anyway.
I have the Baofeng model of this radio - essentially same radio. Nice radio but… does not support Chirp, uses proprietary software for programming. Same as the Baofeng GMRS-15pro. I purchased RT Systems for programming. I programmed 30 GMRS repeaters within 100 miles of my location. If CHIRP was supported this would be a 5 minute task. But with the proprietary software and RT systems both, it took over an hour to hand program. Very difficult. Nice radio but I would not recommend any radio that does not support CHIRP.
Thanks for watching and commenting. The issue with Chirp is that it is user supported and most of the radio inputs to their list are ham radios. It seems like some manufacturers are more interested in getting their GMRS radios listed than others. You're not wrong.
Pretty sure I'm not able to list "all" the reasons as I'm not a battery engineer but I'll offer two. First, the manual says not to. Section 2.3(c) says to turn off the radio before inserting it into the charger. Second (though it's more of an explanation than new item) in Section 2.6 there is a note that says it is recommended to turn off the radio while charging using the Type C charger. It goes on to explain that the charger may not sense a fully charged battery if it is being discharged at the same time. I have a couple of ham band, fairly expensive digital mode handy talkies that also warn against charging while the radio is on. The Baofeng UV-5X GMRS radios have the same warning. I have a lot of lipo batteries for my RC model airplanes and over charging is one of the biggest culprits in battery failures and fires. This is not a universal recommendation as other Radioddity radios don't have this annotated in their manuals, nor does the Wouxun KG-805 GMRS radio. We all charge our phones while using them - same with tablets and laptops. It may be that with these inexpensive radios they simply chose to cut costs by not including robust battery protection circuitry. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Even with the Radioddity software - I cannot program a repeater. Pretty useless in that regard. Trying to input offset frequency and it does nothing - just says 'CANCEL' Any notes on repeater setup with these oddity radios?
To program a repeater you must use the pre programmed repeater channels, not a new channel in the channel list. Those are receive only. Your getting the cancel response leads me to think that's what's happening. I have a local repeater listed on myGMRS.com as 462.7250. With a 5 MHz offset that corresponds to repeater channel 8 or 467.7250 on the GM-30. I selected channel RPT 8 and programmed the CTCSS codes given in the myGMRS listing using the radio faceplate and got it fine. No cancel response. Again, only the pre-programmed GMRS channels will allow transmit. That's a gov't requirement for the radio to be type accepted. Hope this helped and thanks for watching and commenting.
@@GadgetTalk4U Ok - I see that now. Thanks for the clarification. Kinda hoped you could make multiple repeater entries with whatever details you want - but that does not seem to be the case. You cannot duplicate a frequency and have different CTCSS and naming. For $40, it is pretty good though.
I very much enjoy the no nonsense style in this review. He gives a good detailed report of the radio, which is what I need to make a decision whether to buy this radio. I also appreciate that he has taken the time to thoroughly know this radio before starting the review. Well Done!
I ordered one yesterday
It will be here in a few days,
Can't wait
Great review. Well organized and complete. Thank you for taking the time to do the range testing. My concern with many of these GMRS radios is the manufacturers not taking advantage of the full 5 watt output. The only one tested so far that complies are the 2 Wouxun models which are substantially higher in price. I hope these people get their act together and get these radios up to their full capability. In the woods this 2 more watts makes a difference.
I'm working on a video testing power output on nine ham and GMRS radios. Look for it in next couple of weeks.
The Ham Radio clone of this radio is the TYT TH-UV88 (2 meters and 70 cms), which easily "opens" up transmission on all GMRS simplex and repeater channels, too.
Using a radio on GMRS channels that is not Part 95 certified is a violation of FCC regulations. Several ham radios have transmitting capability in the 460 mHz range. They're unlawful, too on those frequencies. Several good, inexpensive radios are GMRS certified. Why intentionally violate the regs?
Great review, is it the same as the Boefung gm15pro?
Thank you for making this easy to follow.
Thanks for the video. I liked the part where you did tha range check. Do you think you could have gotten better ranger, say with either a Nogoya GMRS antenna, or the Radioddity 15 inch whip antenna?
Probably so. It's hard to find published gain specs for little rubber ducky antennas. I'd guess anywhere from 1 -2.0 dB. Nagoya antennas publish gain in that frequency range of 3.0. The Radioddity antenna claims a 2.15 dB gain.
@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks for the explanation.
Audio might improve if you make sure you are in "wideband" mode. Anything about the Freq Hopping? (menu 39)? I ordered 2 units they will arrive next week.
Nice. I think you'll like them. I believe the freq hopping is for other than a basic user US user. Note it is restricted to receive. Part 95 radios can't use what the FCC calls voice obscuring techniques.
Gave these to my kids for Christmas. They love walkie talkies
Hope they have fun. Merry Christmas.
I really like all these baofeng type radios. And I like radioddity stuff.
Dear sir I don't have a question about the GMRS radio, Well I do have a question about though is the war bird Airplane hanging on the wall behind you behind you in this video, Who is that picture painted by is what I wanted to ask you, A very dear friend of mine used to paint airbrush and painted war birds a lot, He had even introduced me at 1 time to good old pappy Boyngton, I just wanted to know if that was one of his paintings Please get back to me I look forward in hearing from you
The print is by Jay Ashurst and is called Fortress Alone. It represents a scene from an actual WWII event. This print was also signed by the pilot of this Flying Fortress, Wm Lawley.
Learned the hard way that you program the CTCSS codes from the Channel Menu not the VFO menu.
Ahhh, but you learned! That's the important part. Cheers.
hi interested newbie here, and my question is what goes wrong if you program the ctcss codes from the vfo menu?
I was looking to use this to program my own vhf frequencies that I have FCC license for - but it seems not possible with this radio? Do you have any suggestions on the best radio to be able to do that with?
Meredith, a couple of years ago the FCC demanded that all transceivers sold in the US be FCC certified for the service they were being offered in. In this case, the GM 30 is a GMRS radio. That certification included tests to ensure a pure signal and set specifications for the level of harmonics to pass the test. For example, older BaoFeng UV-5Rs were notorious for having a dirty signal. It also demanded that Personal Radio Services transceivers such as those used in GMRS be limited to transmit only on the GMRS channels. I think that is what you are running into. Even recent ham transceivers are locked to transmit only within the ham bands. Older radios were often unlocked and folks used one radio for multiple services, despite FCC rules prohibiting that. New radios don't allow that. You can program all kinds of VHF and UHF frequencies into the GM-30 as receive channels, but it will only transmit on approved GMRS channels. While it may be inconvenient, these little HTs are small, cheap and light weight. You'll need one for each personal radio service and the Amateur Radio Service you use to stay within the rules.
Can you make a video on how to program non GMRS channels into the GM-30 with out the software? I want to listen to emergency and ham frequencies, but can not figure out how to do this without the software. I have a Mac, and can not program with radio with the software. Please Help! I am lost on this! Thank you for your videos!
Since the GM30 has multiple banks of DYI channels, can multiple CT codes be programmed to the same repeater frequencies on different DYI channels? Some say yes and some say no. What is your take? Thank you for your response.
Hi, Steve. The main advantage to DIY channels is to do what you describe. Do an easy channel change to access the same-channel repeater instead of stopping to program in new tones.
@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. I understand that some radios will not allow more than one repeater to be programmed on the same frequency. I’m glad the GM30 does this. For example, if I have repeaters in my area programmed and named in the CPS and I go out of town to find a repeater on the same frequency, that repeater can be programmed in to a DYI channel without changing the CT codes of the local repeater that I already have programmed. That’s a great feature for an inexpensive radio.
GM30 not listed on Chirp. Is there an alternate model that will work on the GM30. I wanted to input the weather channels and 2-70 channels. The CPS does not have the handy Repeaterbook option. Thanks.
Ok found the weather channels after playing this video again.
Unfortunately, most radios on Chirp are ham radios. Don't know of one. GM 15 Pro cps works for both, but that's not listed either.
Enjoy your channel and its content.
I have a question about the difference in frequency range between the GM30 and the KG-935G (I received one too, a couple weeks ago- thank you for the great review).
Both units list the basically the same ranges. GM30- Rx Frequency Range: 65-108MHz, 136-174MHz, 400-470MHz; KG-935G- 400-479.995 MHz Receive Only UHF Frequencies (70cm).
On my GM30, one of the Public Safety channels I programmed in to scan/monitor is 482.86250 (L.A.County Sheriff dispatch) with no programming input issue, however the KG-935G won't even allow the input of that same frequency.
Have you noticed any similar limitation? Can you enlighten me on why the differences of this particular scanning limit?
The spec sheets for both radios say the top end for the UHF receive range is in the 470s. Did the GM30 allow programming the the 480s and actually received or just allowed programming? In any case, the KG935G isn't supposed to go that high.
Great review, thanks! I have an off-grid cabin and I'd like a radio that will enable me to listen to a local FM station (mostly for news), but also monitor NOAA weather reports for the area. That's all I'd use this for. At $40, it seems like the perfect way to go. Do you think it will work for those purposes? Thanks!
Michael, I'm focusing on two things in your question. First you say you are off grid and second you say, "that's all I'd use this for." So with that in mind, I'm thinking you don't plan on transmitting. If that is the case, consider the KA500L emergency radio. I've done a review of that radio and use it when I go camping. The KA500L gets good FM reception and can tune the NOAA stations as well as be set to sound alerts if bad weather alerts are issued. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery, mounted solar panel, hand crank or power bank. Here is a link to my review: ruclips.net/video/YkGXBRxE-X4/видео.html. On the other hand, if you do want a GMRS transceiver so you can also transmit, the GM-30 would be a good choice. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Will the radio do split tones? Sorry if you covered this in the video.
Yes it does anything needed for full GMRS operations that is Legal.
@Gadget Talk: I prefer to carry one HT at a time and I am licensed for both GMRS and Ham Radio, and my transmissions are consistent with the technical specifications (power output, bandwidth, etc.) of the FCC rules for GMRS; so no harm, no foul!
Does it make any difference to you that my mobile and shack rig, the Anytone AT-779UV is Part 95 certified for GMRS and also has the capability to transmit on the 2 meter and 70 cm Ham bands?
We had this exchange before. Section 95.337 states that what you are doing voids the Part 95 certification of the radio. Part 95 also states that only certified radios are authorized to operate on GMRS channels. Being able to do something and being authorized to do something are two different things.
Obviously, I take a contrarian view on that issue and I am just letting your viewers know there is another clone of the Radioddity GM-30, which TYT chose to allow transmissions on both the Ham bands and GMRS
When the SHTF, having a radio that in emergencies that can communicate with Hams as well as GMRS users, could be the most important tool available at that time!
As you did ask: "why intentionally violate the regs?": Your viewers can make their own decision on these issues and thank you for your review.
I am looking for a hand held radio (a pair of them actually) so that when I launch my pontoon boat and the wife has to drive it to a location while I drive the truck with the trailer to same location she can contact me if there is any problem. Will this radio work for that scenario?
It should work fine. Will depend on terrain and vegetation and distance. If you're within a mile, you should be fine. Flat open areas, a bit further.
I just ordered one too!
Hi If you had to pick one GMRS handheld under 60 bucks or so which would be your first and second choice? Thanks
At that price point, I'd go with the GM-30 and then the UV 9G. Both from Radioddity. I have the GM-30 on the console of my truck. Use the affiliate link and get a nice discount.
Thank you
Mine will be here tomorrow
Yea
After you updated your radio does the firmware version show V06.03.006?
Yes, it does.
@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks man. They should make the firmware and app version match. Doesn't make sense why they're different.
I've had one for over a month (new for $29 on Ebay) scanning the frequencies and I haven't heard anything except the weather the entire time I've had it. It seems rather unintuitive to me. The programming cable?? It doesn't work on my radio. Apparently there's not much in the way of GMRS traffic where I happen to live. Oh well my Baofeng's work very well!! Call me unimpressed with this one on the Washington coast...
Is there any spare battery for them available ? Mine is coming friday! Also Can they be charged and used at the same time?
I didn't see a spare on the web site. Probably need to ask Radioddity. Instructions say not to use and charge at the same time, as I recall.
Very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
@@GadgetTalk4U When I turn my Radioddity GM30 on it says "Baofeng" and has that logo on the screen. Does yours do the same thing? It looks like a clone of the Boafeng gmrs gm 15.
@@Rich-zv3iu I did a review of the GM 15 and made the same point. Normally, the logo and splash page stuff gets changed. Too funny. Still a good radio. Use the CPS and change the welcome if you can.
@@GadgetTalk4U thank you.
I ordered Two a few days ago from Amazon with a gift card I had and I wondered why I had not gotten any tracking information and when I checked it says it’s Out of Stock until June 11,2021 but they made no mention of it when I placed the order? They did ship the programming cable and it’s supposed to arrive Tomorrow.Good thing I was not in a hurry.😱🥴
Thanks for watching and commenting. Imports from China are slow and I think these have become quite popular. They show in stock on Radioddity web site today, June 4. Hope you don't have to wait too long.
@@GadgetTalk4U I got an update from them last night 6/3/21 and it says they are Out of Stock until next week? Maybe they are getting caught up on back orders? I got the programming cable Today but no radios.😱
I got a pair of these and cannot figure out how to program it on the front panel for local repeaters.
What does "Signal" in the programming software do? You did not explain what the selections of 1 to 15 do?
DTMF codes broadcast tones like a touch tone phone. Dual Tone, Multi Frequency. Some applications allow for remote operation of a repeater or with business radios advanced squelch codes and even remote radio kill signals. Nothing a typical user would use.
@@GadgetTalk4U - Thanks, but that still does not answer the question. You stated it could be a lot of things, but what is it specifically? The radio is nice, but there is no manual for the poor programming software that actually explains the settings such as the "signa" setting. Might reach out to Radioddity to see if they have an answer. Hope Chirp supports it in the future.
Great video man. I received my set Friday. How do you check the firmware version on the radio?
When you download the latest CPS and Firmware zip file there is a folder called documentation that has the update instructions including how to find the current version. With the radio off, press and hold the button below the PTT (with a square on it) and turn on the radio. The firmware will display on the screen for just a couple of seconds. Be ready to write it down!
Mine was 06.03.006 by the way.
@@GadgetTalk4U Mine has 06.03.003. Did you upgrade yours?
@@joehikes5855 Yes. Used the 20210615 file. The instruction .pdf worked well.
@@GadgetTalk4U Apparently mine had the latest version, 06.03.006. Stayed the same after the upgrade.
what does the programming cable look like????????
Look at the frequently bought together section on the radio's product page on the Radioddity web site. I like the FTDI version. At about $14, it's worth the extra couple of bucks.
My bad, I paid $65 for the 2 pack plus antennaes,mics and cable on Amazon.
Seems like a reasonable purchase to me. I like my GM-30. If you're referring to not using an affiliate link, no worries.
Nice video. I have tried for four days to get the radio to be recognized on my windows computer using the software. No joy. Radioddity is of no help. I have the current software on the radio. Also no luck with CTCSS working with my Wouxon or Midland radios (I did convert using the table). Same issue with any repeater code not being recognized. Wouxon no problem.
Sorry you're having trouble with your GM30. I normally don't mess with firmware upgrades unless there is a significant upgrade but I did the latest from Radioddity in response to your comment (Thanks for watching and commenting, by the way). I followed the instructions in the download and upgraded to the 2.06 CPS and the 20210615 firmware. It all worked as described. The only thing I do differently is I use a FTDI chipped programming cable. I sometimes struggle with Prolific cables. If the PC isn't seeing the radio, it's likely that the Prolific driver is assigned to a different com port. Use the Windows Device Manager as described in the instructions to verify which com port the computer assigned the Prolific driver to and select that port in the CPS Program/Communications Port option. I was also able to program CTCSS codes, no problem. Are you using Windows 10? Also, please keep in mind that CTCSS codes effect your radio, not others. If you set a CTCSS code on your radio and another member of your group's radio then they will only hear your transmission and will not allow other non-coded or different coded signals to break the squelch. Someone with no CTCSS code will still hear you. Every signal will break the squelch on a non-coded radio if the signal is strong enough to cross the squelch threshold you set on your radio's settings. Good Luck
I am having the same problem. I am using Windows 10 and can’t get any of the software to load. It may have something to do with enhanced security on the updated Windows 10. In device manager they have eliminated the Com port line and only have USB devices. Of course I can’t see the driver there either. I will have to upgrade the cable as you mentioned. The one from Radioddity doesn’t work?
thanks
I have a few of the BTech v1 GMRS radios. I also have a Wouxun KG805G and a Retevis RT76P. I like them all . Honestly if the BTECH V1 GMRS was a 5watt on high power it would be my favorite radio.
Although the KG805G is a better radio. I have the first BTECH v1 I’m not sure if it’s the 5watt model . Soon after I ordered the V1 GMRS. BTech changed the V1 to 2watt high power out put
My power meter shows 4.3 watt when I’m testing my GMRS v1
Water proof?
Nope.
How do you adjust the power?
GMRS radios are supposed to have fixed power settings based on the channel number. The radio's menu doesn't have a power setting for that reason. The version of the CPS I used did have a power variable and probably shouldn't have. No need to adjust power on an HT whose power is quite low anyway.
does it vhf and uhf as well?
Yes.
Only can scan the VHF and UHF frequency, not for transmit.
I have the Baofeng model of this radio - essentially same radio. Nice radio but… does not support Chirp, uses proprietary software for programming. Same as the Baofeng GMRS-15pro. I purchased RT Systems for programming. I programmed 30 GMRS repeaters within 100 miles of my location. If CHIRP was supported this would be a 5 minute task. But with the proprietary software and RT systems both, it took over an hour to hand program. Very difficult.
Nice radio but I would not recommend any radio that does not support CHIRP.
Thanks for watching and commenting. The issue with Chirp is that it is user supported and most of the radio inputs to their list are ham radios. It seems like some manufacturers are more interested in getting their GMRS radios listed than others. You're not wrong.
These radios are notorious for weak voice transmit signals, a shame because for the money these radios are hard to beat.
Please explain all the reasons why it's "not best" to operate the radio while it's connected charging thru the USB charging cable
Pretty sure I'm not able to list "all" the reasons as I'm not a battery engineer but I'll offer two. First, the manual says not to. Section 2.3(c) says to turn off the radio before inserting it into the charger. Second (though it's more of an explanation than new item) in Section 2.6 there is a note that says it is recommended to turn off the radio while charging using the Type C charger. It goes on to explain that the charger may not sense a fully charged battery if it is being discharged at the same time.
I have a couple of ham band, fairly expensive digital mode handy talkies that also warn against charging while the radio is on. The Baofeng UV-5X GMRS radios have the same warning.
I have a lot of lipo batteries for my RC model airplanes and over charging is one of the biggest culprits in battery failures and fires.
This is not a universal recommendation as other Radioddity radios don't have this annotated in their manuals, nor does the Wouxun KG-805 GMRS radio. We all charge our phones while using them - same with tablets and laptops. It may be that with these inexpensive radios they simply chose to cut costs by not including robust battery protection circuitry.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Even with the Radioddity software - I cannot program a repeater. Pretty useless in that regard.
Trying to input offset frequency and it does nothing - just says 'CANCEL'
Any notes on repeater setup with these oddity radios?
To program a repeater you must use the pre programmed repeater channels, not a new channel in the channel list. Those are receive only. Your getting the cancel response leads me to think that's what's happening. I have a local repeater listed on myGMRS.com as 462.7250. With a 5 MHz offset that corresponds to repeater channel 8 or 467.7250 on the GM-30. I selected channel RPT 8 and programmed the CTCSS codes given in the myGMRS listing using the radio faceplate and got it fine. No cancel response. Again, only the pre-programmed GMRS channels will allow transmit. That's a gov't requirement for the radio to be type accepted. Hope this helped and thanks for watching and commenting.
@@GadgetTalk4U Ok - I see that now. Thanks for the clarification. Kinda hoped you could make multiple repeater entries with whatever details you want - but that does not seem to be the case.
You cannot duplicate a frequency and have different CTCSS and naming. For $40, it is pretty good though.