Radioddity DB20-G GMRS Radio
DB20-G Opening
If you’re looking for more than your GMRS handy talkie has to offer, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the DB20-G GMRS mobile radio from Radioddity.
In this review we’ll be looking at a new GMRS mobile radio that can also be used as a base station at your home or business. The model number tells you a lot about the radio. The DB means dual band. That means you can program nearly 500 channels into the radio in either the 2 meter band as well as the 70 cm band. These will be receive only channels.
The 20 means that on high power the radio can output 20 watts of power. That’s much more than the typical 3 to 5 watts of power you’ll get from a handy talkie. In this case, it’s true. More is better when it comes to range.
The G in the model number means GMRS. That means there are some limitations to the transmitter frequencies to abide by FCC rules for this Part 95 Radio Service and you’ll need a GMRS operator’s license.
Before we go into this review any further, I need to let you know that Radioddity provided me with this radio in exchange for the review. They have no approval authority over the review and it’s my honest opinion, but that’s something you need to know.
DB20 Features
There are a couple of features I want to note right up front.
First is a feature many folks who live in repeater-rich areas have often commented upon. That is the ability to program duplicate repeater channels with the same channel number but with different CTCSS or DCS codes. The DB20-G provides 9 channel slots where you can do just that. I’ll explain that more in the CPS portion of the video as that’s where that happens. What that means to you is switching between repeaters can be as easy as changing channels without editing CTCSS codes.
Next, it’s low power consumption means you can operate the radio using a 12.volt outlet in your car or truck. This makes it super easy to unplug and drop the radio into your cars console or under the seat to help avoid theft.
And last, the color display will show the channel number, channel name and frequency so it’s easy to know what you’re tuned to.
DB20-G CPS
As with nearly all radios of this type, you can program GMRS functions via the faceplate buttons and the microphone or use a customer programming software app to program the radio via your computer.
The CPS is a free download from Radioddity and is similar to most CPS apps for these types of radios. It’s easy to use and I’d recommend it when doing your initial programming. Using your computer’s keyboard and mouse is just easier than using the controls on the radio itself.
Mounting the DB20-G in your vehicle
As you can see in these pictures, I’ve got this mounted in a cup holder-style mount I got on Amazon. I’ll put links in the description below. I’m using a Comet S460SB dual band antenna with a clip mount near the B pillar of my F-150. Since F-150s are aluminum, magnetic mounts won’t work.
I also use this antenna with my mobile ham radio. With the DB20-G, I got SWR readings from about 1.1 to 1 on the low GMRS channels to 1.4 to 1 on Channel 29.
The coax runs under the trim and at the base of the console then up to enter at the front. There are detents to prevent squashing the wire.
There’s a switched 12 volt socket in the console so the radio’s 12 volt plug goes there.
I double checked the truck’s manual and each 12 volt socket has a separate 20 AMP circuit. That’s plenty of capacity for a small radio like this one.
This set up allows for easy viewing of the radio display as well as easy removal to the console.
DB20-G Range
Now in terms of range, my GM30 GMRS handy talkie was able to go back and forth with me while I was in my truck from about six miles way. It could copy the signal from the DB20-G at up to about seven miles away. I’m also able to easily access a repeater that’s about 10 miles away. Topography and vegetation heavily influence radio range so use this as a guide not a guarantee.
Closing Comments
As I hope you’ve seen, the DB20-G mobile radio is a nice little mobile transceiver for GMRS enthusiasts. It comes with a rich feature set along with some not normally found on GMRS radios. If you’re looking for a larger, more powerful GMRS radio for mobile or base station use, you owe it to yourself to consider what this radio has to offer. At this price point, it’s a good value.
Video Review
Product Links
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