Motorola SM120 as GMRS mobile.

[bugnout]

I'm planning on programming it for GMRS freq's (I'm licensed). Anyone have suggestions for layout?

SG120 has 16 programmable channels, can program PL, narrowband, 40W output.

I'm thinking 1-7 would be the 7 Interstitial channels and 8-15 the 8 GRMS only channels with 16 for my home channel and PL.

Haven't decided how to program the option button.
My choices are
1. Repeat/Talk around
2. Local/Distant
3. Selectable H/L (Not sure what this is)
4. Monitor/Volume

I'm leaning toward #4 so I can use the scan feature. No repeaters in my local area so #1 doesn't seem useful.

 

[gary in ohio]

I'm planning on programming it for GMRS freq's (I'm licensed). Anyone have suggestions for layout?

SG120 has 16 programmable channels, can program PL, narrowband, 40W output.

I'm thinking 1-7 would be the 7 Interstitial channels and 8-15 the 8 GRMS only channels with 16 for my home channel and PL.

Haven't decided how to program the option button.
My choices are
1. Repeat/Talk around
2. Local/Distant
3. Selectable H/L (Not sure what this is)
4. Monitor/Volume

I'm leaning toward #4 so I can use the scan feature. No repeaters in my local area so #1 doesn't seem useful.

YOu sure about that model number? That model doesnt ring a bell.
The channel layout looks good, I would personally put my home channel on channel 1, but thats really is a personal preference
The buttons .
1. Repeat/Talk around Allows you to use the repeater channels as simplex,
2. Local/Distant that is sometimes the squelch setting or possible preamp function.
3. Selectable H/L high low power
4. Monitor/Volume This is a PL off button.

If you only have 1 button, its a toss up between #1 and 3. The monitor button is ok, but only allows you to hear stations on other PLs. If you cant transmit other PL they will never hear you.

 

[bugnout]

Your right, it was late when I posted. Its a Motorola SM120

Good point on monitor function. I haven't found many repeaters in my area, Plan to use this primarily mobile to mobile with my wife so maybe H/L is the ticket.

 

[gary in ohio]

Ok, Motorola SM120 is much better. Just a note, Motorola models cover both UHF and VHF, they also have 3 subbands within each band.

Make sure you SM120 is a UHF model and covers 462/467mhz...
Also make sure you program the correct power level for the simplex channels. 5 watts max.

here is a good reference for the sub/model number
http://www.batlabs.com/sm50.html

 

[bugnout]

I verified the model number for 450-470 band and 12.5 kHz narrowband operation before I bought the radio.

5W for the 7 FRS/GMRS interstitial channels - will do.

Thanks for your input

 

[Borrego60]

I'm planning on programming it for GMRS freq's (I'm licensed). Anyone have suggestions for layout?

SG120 has 16 programmable channels, can program PL, narrowband, 40W output.

I'm thinking 1-7 would be the 7 Interstitial channels and 8-15 the 8 GRMS only channels with 16 for my home channel and PL.

Haven't decided how to program the option button.
My choices are
1. Repeat/Talk around
2. Local/Distant
3. Selectable H/L (Not sure what this is)
4. Monitor/Volume

I'm leaning toward #4 so I can use the scan feature. No repeaters in my local area so #1 doesn't seem useful.

Should be horn and lights when a call is detected. If you need programming done I have the software and I also have the lic. to have it.

 

[ratkin]

No repeaters in my local area so #1 doesn't seem useful.

Here's a link to GMRS repeater coverage - not a lot in Illinois.

Here's an option for putting up a $100 GMRS Repeater.

 

[bugnout]

If you need programming done I have the software and I also have the lic. to have it.

Thanks, I may take you up on your offer.

 

[bugnout]

Here's a link to GMRS repeater coverage - not a lot in Illinois.

Here's an option for putting up a $100 GMRS Repeater.

hmmm... now you've got me thinking...

 

[gary in ohio]

H
Here's an option for putting up a $100 GMRS Repeater.

Yes If your a great scrounger you might do it for $100 if you can find that specific model radio, but Real world its going to cost you more. A good UHF repeater antennas is going to cost $200, a repeaters is going to be $300-500, A duplexer is going to cost you $100-$200.. Then the most expensive part is space on a tower. Unless you need just a couple of mile range your going to need to get up about 100ft (depending n terrain) to get a signal out.

 

[Borrego60]

Do not forget you have to be licensed to operate from a repeater or from a service.

 

[gary in ohio]

Do not forget you have to be licensed to operate from a repeater or from a service.

YOU have to be licensed to operate GMRS, YOu need permissions of the repeater owner to use a repeater. You can setup your own repeater without any license beyond your GMRS license.

 

[bugnout]

Then the most expensive part is space on a tower. Unless you need just a couple of mile range your going to need to get up about 100ft (depending n terrain) to get a signal out.

Your right, the tower space is key. Not worth the effort unless I can find someone willing to provide the tower space for free.

Other downside is "who am I going to talk too" I don't want to have to buy expensive portables for the family. Very few of blister pack GRMS radio's are duplex. Motorola T7200's are the only one's I've found.

 

[Borrego60]

YOU have to be licensed to operate GMRS, YOu need permissions of the repeater owner to use a repeater. You can setup your own repeater without any license beyond your GMRS license.

Commercial users need a license also,you rent space from the operater or owner but as a company you do need a license. Maybe not for frs but if you own or operate a repeater yes. You have to go to the fcc and fill out a form if commercial use.

 

[gary in ohio]

Commercial users need a license also,you rent space from the operater or owner but as a company you do need a license. Maybe not for frs but if you own or operate a repeater yes. You have to go to the fcc and fill out a form if commercial use.

This is incorrect... First, companies can no longer get a GMRS license, GMRS is now only available to individuals. There may be a few grandfathered "commercial" users, but any new repeater put up will operate under the callsign of the "user" who puts up the repeater. Also, repeaters themself DONT need to idenify, The user identifying themself through the repeater is all that is needed now a days on GMRS.