Overview

That's not far, at all. Not on the bike

Well, 120 miles each way or so is a little far, but I truly appreciate your offer. I might even take you up on it! Thanks!

Ya know, we're not that far apart. If you're planning on doing this in the spring or summer, I wouldn't mind taking a ride over and giving you a hand.

Thanks, that gives me a little confidence.

This was my first headliner. I found a guy on youtube who "de-policify's" (his term) interceptors. I've spoken with him on the phone and that really boosted my confidence. I used to install radios, C.B.'s, etc, back in the 70's and 80's, and it was a totally different animal back then. Now, the headliner is one piece and solid, instead of a glued on fabric. Just had to remove the pillar coverings, which are snapped in, and the whole thing just fell down! Easy peasy.

Yeah, when the temperature gets higher I hope to do my truck and 4Runner but the headliner is the thing that intimidates me. I haven’t done that before.

I just installed a dual band Alinco DR-735T, in the Ford Police Interceptor. I used a Bulletpoint mounting system, which greatly speed up the install. On the roof, I installed a small 3" stubby antenna. I was able to hit our local repeater with a strong signal, about 35 miles away. Quite a lengthy install. Took the headliner down and dismantled the center console to run wires. Not my first install, by any means, but still quite a process to get it to the factory look.

This is a rapidly growing hobby and it's always interesting to see other's setup's. Show off your stuff and discuss your plans and dreams for your radio empire.

HamStudy.org is free and interactive. I really enjoyed using it to the point where I bought it as an app for my phone/tablet. The Hi-Line has a lot of hams. I hear from some of them almost every night when they check in on the Montana Traffic Network. And if you see Helen Inabnit please tell her hi from Steve Shannon.

I'm glad to hear you recommend exploring amateur radio as well! I have a Technician test study guide ordered. It looks like a lot of fun, but definitely something to build into over a few years with my modest hobby budget.

Great to have you here! GMRS is a great place to start you comms journey. Back in my day, it was CB (which is making a comeback but I like GMRS more). I've had my ham license since the 90's and, while it's much more on the technical side of things, it also gives you a lot of capability. There's tv transmission, data, all sorts of things you can do. So, while you're getting your feet wet here, I encourage you to get into ham, as well.

Welcome!

I'm along the hi-line in Havre. I was interested in Amateur radio, but doing research GMRS looks more accessible (and cheaper to start up). Mostly got into it for non-cell communication when I'm kayaking out of sight of the family, but it's neat to find other folks interested in my newfound hobby! Hi everyone!

I don’t listen for GMRS activity.

I'll start. I live in the middle of nowhere so I really don't hear anyone on our radios, when we're home. That being said, I have a couple handhelds and a mobile, and don't expect to hear anyone. However, there's a very good repeater in the Livingston area, located high up on a mountain with all of the county equipment. I'll be installing a base antenna with another radio and will be able to hit the repeater. At that time, I expect to have qso's with other users. When I'm on the road, I've made contact with a couple people, on that machine.

It's fun to follow the growth of GMRS. Do you hear much on the radio, in your area?

Welcome, to the group!

I am up in the Kalispell area.

No kidding! We go there every Sunday for breakfast. They have a piece of my artwork on the wall, too. Meet us there! 0900 ish.

No, I know of Wilsall . My dad’s cousin owned the Clyde Park Tavern in the 70’s or 80s.

I forgot to say where I am! Old brain gets a little foggy, now and then. My wife and I live about 14 miles NW of Wilsall. Never heard of it? OK, how about, 45 miles NE of Bozeman? We're currently using a couple Baofeng UV-5G Plus radios and will soon add a mobile to each vehicle. We're also setting up a community comm net, with several of our neighbors. We live far enough apart, and far enough from any services that the radios will bring us closer together and make it easier to ask for a hand or a cup of sugar.

Butte, no repeater yet but a guy just bought. Retevis 97s

It's always interesting to see where like-minded people are. Tell everyone what part of the state you're in and if you use a local repeater. I'm sure people would be interested in the equipment you use, too.