Tones can be tricky to understand and use. In this episode, we're going to discuss tones in greater depth in both simplex use and when using repeaters.

Use this link to view the Retevis RA85 for yourself.

Links to a few things mentioned in this episode:Radios Across America - Dealer of used, commercial radiosUsed Radios - Dealer of used, commercial radiosBelow are the models mentioned in this episode. Just copy and paste into Google to start learning more about them:Mobiles:Kenwood: TK-860HG-1----(40 watts) FCC ID: ALH29383210Kenwood: TK-8180H-K----(45 watts) FCC ID: K4437313210Kenwood: TK-8180-K------(30 watts) FCC ID: K4437313110 Kenwood: TK-8150--------(45 watts) FCC ID: ALH32283110 Kenwood: NX-800H-K-----(45 watts) FCC ID: K44378702Vertex: VX-4207-7-45------(45 watts) FCC ID: K6610354740Vertex : VX-5500U----------(45 watts) FCC ID: K66VX-5500UVertex: VX-3200U----------(45 watts) FCC ID: K66-VX-3200U Vertex: VX-2500U----------(25 watts) FCC ID: K66-VX-2500UPortable:TK-360G 8 Channel (Wide/Narrow)TK-372G 32 Channel (Can direct software to write to radio as if it were a 128 channel version)Alpha-Numeric Display (Wide/Narrow)TK-370G 128 Channel Alpha-Numeric Display (Wide/Narrow)Motorolas:Maxtrac 300, Radius Sm50, SM120, M100, M120*, M130*, GM300*, M1225, CDM750, CDM1250, PM400, Spectra Low Power

Below is a link to the Bluetooth radio discussed in this episode (not GMRS approved by the FCC).Vero VR-N7500 Dual Band Radio

In this episode, we do a distance test and a review of the most famous radio in modern history: the Baofeng UV-5G. Is this radio worthy of all the praise? Find out in this episode.

Products Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Jackery portable power units that I use for off-grid power:The Jackery 500The Jakery 500 with Solar PanelThe Jackery 1000The Jackery 1000 with Dual Solar PanelsJackery also has some Black Friday deals here

Gear mentioned in this episodeRadioddity DB20-GDiamond X50 NA AntennaLMR 400 Coax Cable

The FCC Regulations MentionedBelow are the relevant links to part 95, sub-part A, which covers all of the personal radio services, including GMRS. This is what I missed because I was only looking at sub-part E. Oops. § 95.335 Operation of non-certified transmitters prohibited.§ 95.337 Operation of impermissibly modified equipment prohibited.

Link to the FCC sub-part mentioned in this episode.

You can find Matt Kester on YouTube here.Radios mentioned in this episode:Wouxun KG-1000G (mobile)Wouxun KG-935G (ht)Wouxun KG-S88G (Matt's current favorite ht)Midland MXT-275 (mobile)Radioddity DB-20G (mobile)

Product Recommendations Mentioned in this Episode (and some not)All of these antennas work very well. Some are dual, or multi-band and some are only designed to work in the GMRS frequency range. Remember, dual band is always a bit of a compromise, but works well if you plan to use ham radio in addition to GMRS. If you only plan to use GMRS, stick with a single band antenna for the best results. SWR MeterSurecom SW-102HT AntennasThe Signal Stick by Signal Stuff (dual band)Mobile AntennasThe Browning BR-450 (GMRS)Laird Phantom Antenna (GMRS)Compactenna Scan-III (multi-band)Base Station AntennasSirio CX455 (GMRS)Diamond X50-NA (dual band)Harvest BC200 (GMRS)

Yes, two-way radio is in fact better than your phone. I'm not talking about emergencies either. Listen to find out why.

On this episode, I review the Radioddity GM-30, a very inexpensive HT transceiver. Is it better than a Baofeng? Find out.

In this very short episode, I explain my absence in the last few weeks and what's in store for the future of this podcast.

You can find the Radioddity DB20-G here. The price varies a bit, but it's usually in the neighborhood of $99-120. I think it's a great value.

This is the final episode covering the basics of GMRS. Here we discuss narrow band vs. wide band as well as the relationship between GMRS and FRS in a nutshell.

In this episode, I discuss the complex concept of tones in GMRS. Using tones in simplex communication as well as for repeater access. How they work and why you would use them.

The Retevis RT97 portable repeater.

For the best listing of GMRS repeaters I know of, check out mygmrs.com

Stuff I MentionedBrian Regan on the name "walkie talkie"The Notarubicon Guide to GMRS LicensingThe HT Radios Mentioned in this EpisodeRadioddity GM-30Baofeng UV-5XBaofeng UV-9GWouxun KG-905GWouxun KG-935GThe Mobile Radios Mentioned in this EpisodeRadioddity DB20-GWouxun KG-XS20G