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Now that I have my Technician's License I can get into DMR if I want too. My question is, what benefits will I get by going DMR for someone basically looking to use my radios for EmComms? I see Radtel has an RT-4D for $52 bucks which would be an inexpensive way to dip my toe into the DMR world and Baofeng has the 1701/1801 too but what can I do with DMR that I can't do with my Analog radios? Thanks in advance for any answers or advice.

While not as vulnerable as the cell systems, the loss of the internet, is not impossible, regardless of the redundancy built into it. Local access is especially vulnerable. A single dig-in can disrupt access for an entire state in some cases. If you really want distance without reliance on any infrastructure, you’ll want to get into HF. People will tell you that it’s not reliable, and it’s true that you can’t just dial up another country at will, but there are shorter distance traffic networks, HF radio to HF radio, where people are trained to pass messages accurately worldwide by relaying the message in a predetermined manner. GMRS (and FRS), is excellent for distributing messages to your family that you gather via ham radio.

Now if I could just get some of my family to get on board so we can have EmComms if the Cell System ever goes out. That's my entire reason for getting into GMRS/HAM, Emergency Communication. As much as I hate to say it, HAM seems to be the way to go, GMRS doesn't have many repeaters and what they do have are down all the time. I still think GMRS is useful in a limited capacity but if you want any kind of distance you need HAM Linked Repeaters to cover the miles you're looking for.

Way to go, Frank! It’s fun, isn’t it?

I was testing out my radio and wanted to see if I could hit the Tolleson repeater from my daughters house. It's hooked to an AllStar network so when I called it up and I got a response.................from East Tucson, AZ. We chatted for a bit and then signed off but I was amazed that we could communicate that clearly from such a long distance(for us) over the linked repeaters. The GMRS repeaters in my area are all but dead but wow, HAM repeaters, that's where it's at. Dozens of them, especially in 2M and 70cm bands and some that are linked with AllStar, EchoLink, etc. let you pretty much talk Around the World from your backyard. I'm so glad I got my HAM license. It opens up a whole new world of frequencies and repeaters that I can use. If anyone is on the fence about getting theirs just do it. You'll be glad you did.

Howdy, license twin! Got mine the same day, also starting to wade through the fun technical details of connecting and etiquette.

buy a cheap Baofeng DM32 and get your toe's wet. This radio, for the price, is pretty decent.. I'm not a fan of it's encryption, which works but only for short distances but the Analog, DMR, Talk Groups and Zones make it an enjoyable radio to use. The huge battery will eaily get you a few days of use between charges as well.

I’m sorry, I don’t know where Clay Co. is in Alabama, but there are 82 repeaters listed in Alabama including some that might no longer be operating. If you click on Repeaters on the menu above, you can find the ones closest to you or you can click on Map and see what’s on the map closest to you. I’ll put the links below: Repeaters: https://mygmrs.com/repeaters Map: https://mygmrs.com/map/

There are some Bluetooth dongles that will plug into the Kenwood style Jack as well out there. I don’t have any firsthand experience with any of them myself to make a recommendation though.

Back to you Bill aka @HamsterDancer, you may also give the family FRS radios if you like and you can use these along with your GMRS radio. No need for call signs using FRS radios. Quite frankly unless you’re using a repeater no one would know either way, however your effort to do things correctly is admirable.. Cheers

You wouldn't happen to be in SoCal, would you? Oh wait, sorry, let me write it in a way you'd understand: You Wouldn't Happen To Be In SoCal, Would You?

I am considering getting a GMRS radio system to connect with friends and family is the Clay County,AL area. It is quite mountainous and wooded so I would like to know if there is a repeater in this area that I could join.

Remind me again: what DMR radio are you wanting to learn to program?

this thread kiind of reminds me of a story my grandpa once told me how he poked fun with his doctor. He goes into a doctor visit and tells his doctor he thinks something is woring with him because his farts don't stink.. She turns around and tells him to 'rip one' He rips a big one...

2.5mm or 3.5mm audio cables or adapters are readily available at many online retailers.

Anytime you have the answer or think that we have inadequately addressed the OP’s questions you should speak up. But if you only speak up to point fingers at others you don’t really contribute much and you do earn the reputation of someone who just wants to complain.

I have a couple of Motorola DMR radios with several DMR repeated and simplex channels programmed and not one of the have any HAM channels programmed in them. One main reason why I don't is because I am not a licensed HAM and I don't care to be a HAM.

Didn't Know It Was My Turn To Oversee & Correct Your Responses. "Looks Like Someone Got Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed. Hope You Have A Better Day Tomorrow."

So why didn’t you?

You can start by looking through the attached file. Amateur Radio Guide to DMR.pdf

What's the best way to learn DMR? This question from some holding a GMRS license only. Randy, you have a channel?

Not That Is Too Funny.... You Admit Missing Something On A Post - And Now I'm Supposed To Have Picked Up The Slack & Respond To The Post That You & Others Missed. Really......

I kind of wonder why you didn’t answer any of his questions …

Sorry I missed this, but UncleYoda gave you the right answer. Every person should ID every 15 minutes and at the end of the conversation. Because you are all using the same ID a unit number or name is frequently also used. But to be honest most people just use their names and most people don’t care too much.

CONGRATS on getting your Tech license.