Best "non bubble pack" GMRS radio

[MikeSD]

I'm looking for a high quality GMRS radio, that is type certified (part 95) for GMRS. I know that part 90 radios will work just fine but they are technically illegal to use on GMRS, even with a license. Not that I have any real heartburn using them but I'm specifically looking for the best that are legally certified.

What I'm looking for:

1) Part 95 certified for GMRS
2) 2 to 4W power out
3) Handheld unit
4) Repeater capable
5) Not bubble pack radio

I currently have a couple of Motorola bubble pack radios (350) and they work well enough. But I'm looking for something of a much higher quality, similar to the ICOM and/or Kenwood amateur HTs.

If there isn't anything currently manufactured that would be considered commercial grade but part 95 certified? If now, what are some older models that might still be around?

 

[BonziBuddy]

Motorola HT1250

 

[MikeSD]

Motorola HT1250

Not part 95 certified

 

[SkipSanders]

There is no 'best', any more than asking what the 'best' car for you is. It depends on EXACTLY what you need/want.

First point, all the commercial type radios will require computer programming. They are not 'field programmable'. A few may allow changing CTCSS/DCS in the field, but not frequencies, and even the ones that allow CTCSS/DCS programming may not allow programming 'split' tones (different transmt/receive tones), which is one of the main reasons for using commercial gear, as some repeaters require it.

If you're expecting to get more range... dream on. 2 watts gives you just as much range on GMRS as 4, in practical use. You're either in line of sight, or you're not. The recievers are slightly better, that's all. Detachable antennas let you use external antennas on vechicles, probably the main advantage you'll get.

Pick a radio. Find out its FCC ID number. Check the FCC site to see if it's Part 95A certified.

https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm

All of this is subject to change, with the FCC currently working on a total rewrite of the GMRS rules. It's possible they will limit GMRS to 2 watt, non-detachable antenna, no repeaters at all. Or, even if not, that they will prohibit use of radios type accepted for part 90, even if they were also previously part 95 certified. (They're unhappy with folks potentially operating on unauthorized frequencies). We won't know what they'll finally decide for months, yet.

 

[gewecke]

I'm looking for a high quality GMRS radio, that is type certified (part 95) for GMRS. I know that part 90 radios will work just fine but they are technically illegal to use on GMRS, even with a license. Not that I have any real heartburn using them but I'm specifically looking for the best that are legally certified.

What I'm looking for:

1) Part 95 certified for GMRS
2) 2 to 4W power out
3) Handheld unit
4) Repeater capable
5) Not bubble pack radio

I currently have a couple of Motorola bubble pack radios (350) and they work well enough. But I'm looking for something of a much higher quality, similar to the ICOM and/or Kenwood amateur HTs.

If there isn't anything currently manufactured that would be considered commercial grade but part 95 certified? If now, what are some older models that might still be around?

Check the motorola T7200 It is everything you list above. I have one and it works well.
n9zas

 

[MikeSD]

There is no 'best', any more than asking what the 'best' car for you is. It depends on EXACTLY what you need/want.

Sure there is. " best" is a subjective opinion, which is all I asked for.

First point, all the commercial type radios will require computer programming. They are not 'field programmable'. A few may allow changing CTCSS/DCS in the field, but not frequencies, and even the ones that allow CTCSS/DCS programming may not allow programming 'split' tones (different transmt/receive tones), which is one of the main reasons for using commercial gear, as some repeaters require it.

Completely irrelevant to what I asked.

If you're expecting to get more range... dream on. 2 watts gives you just as much range on GMRS as 4, in practical use. You're either in line of sight, or you're not. The recievers are slightly better, that's all. Detachable antennas let you use external antennas on vechicles, probably the main advantage you'll get.

Wrong! 4w most certainly can give one more range. If you are in hilly tree covered areas I flat guarantee that a 4w radio has the potential of transmitting further than 2w. Been there done that. But my criteria is still my criteria and doesn't invalidate the question.

The reason I'm asking this is I'm not familiar with the latest models that might be available.

 

[gewecke]

Mike here's your answer.
Check the motorola T7200 It is everything you list above. I have one and it works well.
n9zas

 

[SkipSanders]

Check the motorola T7200 It is everything you list above. I have one and it works well.
n9zas

This is an example of 'what EXACTLY does he need?'

The T7200 is repeater capable, yes... but it cannot do split tones. So if what he wants is to use a split toned repeater (many use this mode explicitly to PREVENT 'bubble pack' radios like the T7200 from using them), then the T7200 is flat useless to him. It also cannot use a detachable antenna. If what he needs is to use one, in a vehicle, again, useless radio.

 

[MikeSD]

Check the motorola T7200 It is everything you list above. I have one and it works well.
n9zas

Bubblepack. . I already have a similar radio. It's not what I'm looking for. I also have a kenwood TK3131 but I'm looking for a better quality radio. It's funny how people think they know better what I want than I do. . That's why I gave my criteria, to try an just get replies meeting my criteria.

I also have a ham license for 40 years and just don't want cheap bubble pack radios. Plus there are gmrs repeaters in my area. I prefer more commercial type radios, for their high quality.

I also have 2 icom 4021 and two f4161. These are great radios, but part 90 only. I'm looking for something of that quality, but part 95 certified.

I also know how to check the type certification, but that is very labor intensive and most I check are only part 90 certified, so I thought I'd ask, in parallel to my searches. I guess I should add

6) detachable antenna

My IC-F4161T would be perfect, if it were part 95 but it's only part 90

 

[SkipSanders]

Icom handhelds P95A certed:

F4TR
F4G
F40G
F21

I think only the F40's are current production.

Kenwood handhelds:

TK3102/3107
TK370G/378G
TK3130
TK3202
TK3200
TK3212
TK390
TK3170/3173
TK3302
TK3230
NX300
TK5320
TK3180

Motorola handhelds (so far found):
FT4070 - not the radio number, FCC isn't responding with details just now.

If you want to winnow down FCC searches, you can specify just the first three digits of the FCC ID, part 95A cert, and 'non-broadcast transmitter held to the face'. - Might leave off the non-broadcast thing, some don't seem to match it.

 

[MikeSD]

Icom handhelds P95A certed:

F4TR
F4G
F40G
F21

I think only the F40's are current production.

Kenwood handhelds:

TK3102/3107
TK370G/378G
TK3130
TK3202
TK3200
TK3212
TK390
TK3170/3173
TK3302
TK3230
NX300
TK5320
TK3180
.

I just checked the TK3180 and I can only find part 90 certification. This is what I keep finding. People give me a radio number and when I check, I find only part 90 references. The other thing I found on the part 90 certain letter is that it can ONLY be programmer by the mfg. Or maintenance people. Users are not allowed to program it, according to the fcc

 

[SkipSanders]

No user-programming is normal for all part 90 gear. The FCC seriously frowns on users being allowed to program frequencies.

The FCC ID I find for the TK3180 is:

FCC IDENTIFIER: ALH37333110

Name of Grantee: Kenwood USA Corporation

Equipment Class: Licensed Non-Broadcast Transmitter Held to Face
Notes: uhf/fm handheld transceiver

Rule Parts/Frequency/OutputWatts/FTolerance/EmissionDesignator
22, 74, 90, 95A, 90.210 450.0 - 520.0 5.0 2.5 PM 16K0F3E
22, 74, 90, 95A, 90.210 450.0 - 520.0 5.0 2.5 PM 11K0F3E

 

[MikeSD]

Cool! The TK3180 is very similar to my IC-F4161T.

I was using ALH37333120. Not sure why I don't get the same info. Perhaps I didn't click the right link. Where exactly are you finding this 95A reference?

Here is the result of the search,, for ALH37333110.

 

[SkipSanders]

It appears there are several models of 'TK-3180'

TK-3180-K, TK-3180-K3 FCC ID:ALH37333110 [YES Part 95 Certed]
TK-3180-K2, TK-3180-K4 FCC ID:ALH37333120 IC:282D-37333120 [NOT Part 95 Certed]

You get the certs when you click on the 'Display Grant' option at the same spot where you click for details.

What it no doubt amounts to is 'Kenwood didn't bother to ask for part 95 cert on an otherwise certable radio for the newer models.'

Most part 90 certed radios would certainly meet the requirements for Part 95, but the manufacturer must actually REQUEST/fill out the forms for it, and they usually don't bother with the extra expense for what they see as a no-market option like GMRS.

 

[b7spectra]

In another message in this group, unless someone has nothing better to do than sit around and cause hate and discontent, you will probably have no problem using what ever equipment you want on GMRS. Yes, the radio you choose may not be FCC certified, but who is going to know? Let alone, who is going to care? Most everyone I know who is on GMRS is using a lot of Motorola equipment (Sabers, MTS2000, HT1000, HT600 for portables, Spectra's, Maxtracs, GM300's, etc., for mobiles).

It's really strange that amateur radio can use almost any radio under the sun, including home made, where other services can't. What is really strange, is that most all of the amateur equipment is easily converted to operate out of band (read police, fire, etc.,), but yet it's not certified for it. Go figure!

 

[AK9R]

It's really strange that amateur radio can use almost any radio under the sun, including home made, where other services can't.

No other radio service under the FCC's jurisdiction has experimentation as part of its charter and the licensees in no other radio service are specifically tested in electronics and radio theory before being issued a license. To get a GMRS license, you pay a fee, fill out a form, get a license. To get an amateur radio license, you study the test material and hopefully learn the difference between a resistor and a capacitor, take a test, and, if you pass, get your license.

What is really strange, is that most all of the amateur equipment is easily converted to operate out of band (read police, fire, etc.,), but yet it's not certified for it.

And it's just as illegal to use amateur radio equipment in a service for which it is not FCC certified, such as Part 90, as it is to use equipment that is not certified for Part 95 in that service.

 

[ridgez28]

I picked up 2 Icom IC-F21 HT's NIB on ebay. They're great.

 

[gewecke]

Another choice for what you want in a gmrs radio,might be a kenwood TK 353 ?
Just a suggestion.
n9zas

 

[mfbenderjr]

It has been MANY many years since I used GMRS, but when I did I used a Motorola Talkabout Distance DPS...Worked very well for me, mainly short range (under 10 Miles) at events with a volunteer group and communicating to field units...but I am not sure if it is Part 95 or Repeater Capable...

If memory recalls correctly it was 2W and it did have a detachable antenna. Also accepted motorols sholder mic's, earpieces so on.

Its an older radio...so if you were looking to save money or whatnot...might be worth a try.

It is FRS/GMRS and the feature I liked the most was the option to throw 6 AA Batts in the radio when the recharable Ni-Cad died.

 

[SkipSanders]

It didn't have a detachable antenna.

No FRS radio is allowed to use a detachable antenna.

For that matter, if the FCC pushes its new proposed rules, no GMRS handheld will be allowed to use a detachable antenna, or more than 2W ERP, either.