Midland GXT850 Review

[rwiethorn]

Originally Posted by jwilkers

Midland GXT850 Review

FCC ID: MMAGXT850


Power Output ERP:
1.6379 Watts (GMRS High)
0.278 Watts GMRS/Med
0.2035 Watts (FRS/Low)

Advertised power output 5 watts
.

Hello,
Thanks for the info, I found this very help. I wonder if you can change the antenna to get a better ERP.

I'm actually looking to by a GMRS, singled this one out because of the 5watt rating, but now because of your informative post, I've learned something new. Thank you very much.

Thanks
rwiethorn

[jwilkers]

Originally Posted by rwiethorn

Hello,
Thanks for the info, I found this very help. I wonder if you can change the antenna to get a better ERP.

I'm actually looking to by a GMRS, singled this one out because of the 5watt rating, but now because of your informative post, I've learned something new. Thank you very much.

Thanks
rwiethorn

Not legal to change or modify these radios in any way. For better performance, you'd need a commercial grade radio.

Glad my reviews helped

[rwiethorn]

Originally Posted by jwilkers

Not legal to change or modify these radios in any way. For better performance, you'd need a commercial grade radio.

Why would it be illegal?

I just read :
Antenna

The FCC limit a FRS radio to only using its fixed small antenna built into the radio unit. But the other three types of units are allowed to have external antennas.

Some models of GMRS and MURS radios are designed for external antennas, while others do not. Almost all CB radios are designed to allow for an external antenna.

Here is the link to the website: http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0718.htm

Thanks,
rwiethorn

[jwilkers]

Because these radios are also FRS-compatible. Since they fall under FRS rules, any modifications to the antenna are illegal and would void type-acceptance. As such, any consumer "bubble pack" radio can in no way be modified.

Now...

On *commercial-grade* radios, switching antennas and all that are perfectly legal, as long as they are used on GMRS frequencies only (FRS regs forbid any antenna over "unity gain")

[rwiethorn]

Originally Posted by jwilkers

Because these radios are also FRS-compatible. Since they fall under FRS rules, any modifications to the antenna are illegal and would void type-acceptance. As such, any consumer "bubble pack" radio can in no way be modified.

Now...

On *commercial-grade* radios, switching antennas and all that are perfectly legal, as long as they are used on GMRS frequencies only (FRS regs forbid any antenna over "unity gain")

Ok, that makes sense.
Thanks again for the helpfull informartion.

rwiethorn

[kleblanc]

I recently purchased a GXT808VP3 (FCC ID MMAGXT850) and found the grant notes stated ERP:
1.6379 (GMRS hi power)
.278 (GMRS lo power)
.2035 (FRS)

The package states the range to be 20 miles (i realize this is far from reality). My question is, is the GXT850 in this review a GXT850VP3 or GXT850VP4? I ask because the FCC ID reviewed by jwilkers is the same as my VP3. How could the GXT850VP4 claims to have a greater range (26 miles) but have the same output power as the VP3?

[jwilkers]

Originally Posted by kleblanc

I recently purchased a GXT808VP3 (FCC ID MMAGXT850) and found the grant notes stated ERP:
1.6379 (GMRS hi power)
.278 (GMRS lo power)
.2035 (FRS)

The package states the range to be 20 miles (i realize this is far from reality). My question is, is the GXT850 in this review a GXT850VP3 or GXT850VP4? I ask because the FCC ID reviewed by jwilkers is the same as my VP3. How could the GXT850VP4 claims to have a greater range (26 miles) but have the same output power as the VP3?

Range claims are inflated by maunfacturers to sell product.

[crunchyjax]

Originally Posted by jwilkers

Midland GXT850 Review


Ranges: (Test area was in a suburban environment. Your experiences may vary based on terrain and environment)
(Squelch enabled, Maximum effective range)
Car to car: .75 miles
Car to house: 1.18 miles
Person to person outdoors: 1.55 miles
Person to house: 1.18 miles

When you test these radios for distance, are you testing them in FRS mode or GMRS? Also, how does one get an FCC license for GMRS mode?

Thanks

[jwilkers]

GMRS mode. I am a GMRS licensee.

You would go to the FCC website in the Universal Licensing System (ULS).

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

You'd need to apply for an FCC Registration Number (FRN), then apply for the license. Fees can also be paid online.

[speedypetey]

Crunchy,

Once you get to the FCC site it will looks intimidating. It is MUCH easier than it looks.