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It's like Linux, I guess. I mean, you certainly can do it...but why? In a true, grid down situation I just don't understand it. I have to keep two devices powered and essentially I'm hooked into a group text? I understand the implications of it being far reaching based on propagating through other people's devices but one those devices go down - and the most assuredly will - my reach is diminished, if not destroyed. It's like those internet radios and zello. They aren't 100% self reliant and because of that, I wouldn't count on them. But hey, at least you can still but HRCC, ammirite?

I've been listening to a repeater channel that is local to me in ECONUS. It is a private repeater that is run by a club here. They hand out callsigns in addition to your FCC ID. I have been listening to it for the better part of a month or so now. There's a mixture of people using both the NATO and just the phonetic pronunciations. It seems that the NATO people are also Ham people, which makes sense. I will agree with the OP in so much as there seems to be a proliferation of redundant and unnecessary identifications. Like just a few minutes ago, a member keyed up for a radio check. A guy gave his ID and proceeded to tell him that he had a good copy. The original guy thanked him and signed off. Then the guy who answered gave his ID and called clear. The entire transaction was less than 2 minutes but yet we have to suffer through four identifications. Seems a bit much, I think. It's like those guys that have CCW badges and sashes.

You're not alone.. I am still trying to figure out this part..

Yes, you can with some VECs, such as ARRL. And just so you know it’s a multiple choice test. HamStudy.org (free) has practice tests that you can take as many times as you want. They come right out of the official question pool so it’s a great way to prepare. If there’s anything I can do to help you please feel free to send me a private message.

I just watched both of your videos and I absolutely can not believe that my first post here on mygmrs forums is going to be regarding meshtastic. Bleh... I've enjoyed your approach. As a "normal person," I've never really even understood what meshtastic was. Even their one line description didn't mean much to me. I have to say, though, as someone who is only wading into the GMRS pool (CB radio user for many decades) and by extension, long range-ish communication, it seems like the meshtastic thing is definitely a niche market. In a catastrophic, grid down situation, it's going to require power for two devices and with that many links in the chain necessary for it to propagate, I just don't see the value in it. But then again, I confess to knowing very little about a lot of things.

That would even be worse. Written or oral, either way my brain locks up and the info isn't available for output. I hear you can take the test online, if I did take it that'd be the way to do it so I'd be home in a familiar setting which would help.

Typically it takes 24 hours from when your callsign shows up on the FCC website. Sometimes it can take an extra day or so, depending on when the FCC provides the next update to third party websites.

Ask for the test to be given orally.

I'll keep trying, but it does not recognize my GMRS call sign - Ballpark guestimate... how long does it normally take the website to recognize a newer string of GMRS call signs?

The test is what stops me from a HAM Tech license. I've never done well on tests even if I knew all the information. I just can't put the info on paper when the time come to take the test.

I seriously doubt that either Baofeng's or Radioddity website make claims that their radios are "open" for transmission on unlicensed frequencies... That having been said, there is still a serious question about whether or not the DM-32 will allow change to another TalkGroup simply by entering the TG number on the keyboard; a major failing of the "inexpensive" DMR radios before OpenGD77.

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I'm old. I had a SSN SN but also wore OD green fatigues. But for a while I wore tiger stripes. Looked cool, but I think they stood out more than blended in.

No, I meant: Who do you talk to?

you would have learned that if you paid attention of the specifications posted on Baofeng's web site or even Radioditty.

It can get rather technical but 50 watts of non-ionizing radiation is 50 watts. Don't touch a 100 watt light bulb and don't hold on to a 50 watt bulb for too long.

Dont close the door on a Tech license and DMR. It opens up the world to you as well as point to point communications without regard to the inconsistencies of propogation. Keep an open mind. Many do not like to see GMRS as Ham-lite! But I understand your personal use of GMRS

Just watched the second video on the meshtastic device. Wondering if there is a practical distance on them. I have family in central California and I am in southern Cal... I saw that Randy had to do 7 or so node hops to get 30 miles.

Perhaps, pehaps not, but definetley a couple step above it in cost.

I'm honestly only looking at radio as a communication device and not a hobby. That's why I got my GMRS license and didn't bother with HAM. Now that Shaw Butte Repeater is back up I'll have enough range for around town. I just thought it be nice to get more range with DMR.

I am permitted up to 100 watts, I can do any flavor of analog, digital and/or encryption I want, I can link my repeaters, I can use whatever offsets I want for those repeaters, and I can crossband my repeaters using my assigned VHF frequencies, and, i am the only one using all my frequencies within radio range (except for one of them has a small business several miles away). And i do it allll baybee!

Get your Tech license and explore worldwide communications from your easy chair using DMR! This radio, the DM-32, appears to be a big bang for the money; see Randy’s video: https://youtu.be/nl4B0FPMkKc?si=vc4zSyb5Gnz5PP7W

Is your use of your Business/LMR license essentially the same as others use GMRS other than the limitation to your assigned frequency?

Not the one I purchased from AliExpress;,unless there was some keypress or software required to unlock it. I purchased it to see how easy it was to install OpenGD77 and after I discovered it was easy, I gave it away to a new Ham who made a donation to our local repeater organization.

The 1701 is unlocked also.