Gmclam, I do not have the ATT on, I am not using CT/DC tones I believe(how do I know I am using them?), I do not think I have programmed anything with CT/DC tones. Yes I am comparing the radios side by side, both on their stock antennas, and the difference is huge.
Oh, yes, I do not "search" for GMRS, I use the pre programmed bank and scan it, although wait, I have to push "search" but it is scanning on the 24 GMRS channels (or 23? I forgot)sorry about that!
Another thing I am concerned about now is that when I use an AC adapter everything works great EXPECT for the CB radio bank. When I use batteries the squelch works delightfully, but when using the AC 9V adapter, the CB is always on, the squelch does not work, that happens on the 40 CB channels. When I take the AC adapter off and try batteries again, it works perfect. Any ideas on why?
Now I am thinking about getting an antenna, indoor or outdoor. I really do want an outdoors, but I have the feeling the neighbors will be all weird about it. So I was thinking about getting an active antenna and see what happens...only that they are almost $100...and what guarantee I have that it is going to work? I live at a 2 story house, and boy, the difference from downstairs and upstairs is significant. With the only antenna that I have, the rubber duck for the PRO-164, I am able to get 30 miles from where I live...I am able to listen to some frequencies, although sometimes a bit noisy and low.
So far I am happy with the radio and the ease to program it with the USB cable, although I am a little concerned about the GMRS reception and the AC adapter CB issue.
Thank you for your help gmclam