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We transmitted into dummy loads as part of a test of our emergency communications trailer. So unless someone was really close to the trailer, no one heard us when transmitting into a dummy load.

Should work for me, I'm in AA near BWI.

You mean you heard from a friend how they did that. Be careful, you don't want to go to radio jail where they desense you and you have to constantly remind them that you do use your call sign....

COSTCO in Avondale, AZ uses it but I've never tuned in to see if I could hear anything. I plan on using Blue Dot or Green Dot when I'm Out and About to keep in touch with friends who have radios since they'll probably be less traffic on it then on GMRS.

Yes it will work. The issue is that the FCC doesn't allow cross band repeating or linking different services. While your GMRS call sign gives you privileges on GMRS channels they don't give you privileges on the amateur bands. And an amateur license does not give you privileges on GMRS. It doesn't matter if you have both licenses or not. We tested some dual band amateur mobile radios with cross band repeat that were MARS Modded and yes you can cross band from GRMS to 2m. I don't suggest doing it though. You will get the attention of the sad hams and sad GMRS curmudgeons really quick by doing this. And again not permissible by the FCC.

Central Maryland (Howard County more than likely) would probably be best for most. If we do future meetups, we could move around.

We'd love to have you! I know you've organized the NOVA meetups.

How'dy folks, Based on another topic regarding using GMRS and Ham on the same radio, I think it was my question about what my UV-5RM was. Preface: Assuming use case is moot or whatever Assuming I have the correct antennas Assuming I have two radios from the same manufacturer Assuming one has both licenses Questions: 1)Can one set up a repeater to RX GMRS and then TX to HAM or vise versa? 2)Would one use a duplexer? 3)Could a duplexer be tuned to two totally different bands? 4) Based on discussion on the UV-5RM would the freakshow over seeing us have a problem with that type of repeater? Asking for a friend...

When you are lost/stuck in the middle of nowhere and trying to get help, knowing your coordinates can be very helpful.

I don't get the benefit of GPS on a HT if it just gives you lat/long type data. I need a map to see where I am or going to. (I used to have stand alone GPS device that worked well, mostly.)

Nice, I'm glad you found a solution. I'm too cheap to pay for software, that's why I run MX Linux on my old AIO computer, LOL. The UV 17(R,H,?,whatever it is)Pro GPS seems to work ok with the Modified Software you can download for it. I just wish I could put different Zones on the A and B channel but I guess the BF F8HP Pro(with GPS) is the model you'd need to do that. It's $70, The 17 Pro was only $33 so about half the price and the GPS actually works too. So far(knock on wood) I've not had any bleed over of channels from the Zones with the 1.07 Firmware. Maybe they've fixed it. I know the 1.03 is newer but I don't want to chance bricking the radio so I'll run what came on it.

I went ahead and bought the AR-5RH Pro GPS and indeed the Baofeng software won't read it. However, the RT Systems software works just fine with it.

Getting twice the distance through the pasture compared to the woods tells part of the story. Southern pines are easily 50' tall.

7.2dBi and the pattern is just fine. The antenna has an 11º output and my declination is in the 10ths of a degree. I have no issues with the house antenna, just the HT which falls below LOS in lots of places. We shall find out when I raise the antenna and put an even higher gain up there.

Agreed that the duplexer is maxed out. I am really shocked. I also agree on the antenna issue as well. @LeoG, I know you mentioned it, but I don't remember what gain your antenna has. Gain between zero and 3dB would be in order for local comms or wildly varying terrain. 6dB or more is good for relatively flat areas and if you are trying to get the most range out of it.

Interesting results, pretty maxed out for a "mobile" duplexer. As for your coverage, I have to wonder if your antenna is mismatched for priority coverage. It's not uncommon to go for higher gain, then shooting your RF pattern over your intended close coverage. This isn't an uncommon problem. No doubts that neighbor's household items and the vegetation can be part of the issue, but unless its all pine, I have my doubts that it is the next biggest issue you have to correct/improve.

The Horseshoe Amateur Radio Club, Inc. is pleased to announce the activation of a new GMRS repeater located on Wopsononock Mountain at an elevation of 2,500 feet. Repeater Details: Frequency: 462.675 MHz PL Tone: 123.0 Hz Location: Wopsononock Mountain (2,500 ft elevation) We invite all licensed GMRS users to give it a workout! Your feedback will help us evaluate its range and performance. Please Report Back: Send your location and signal report to help us gauge coverage in the region. Learn more at: horseshoeradio.com (GMRS page coming soon!) Thank you for your support and enjoy the airwaves! — Horseshoe Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (W3SO) “Stronger Signals, Greater Reach”

I'd likely go. What area?

The 675 Winslow repeater is on the air and working great, there is also a brand new repeater in Lincoln on Ch-22 462.725 with the travelers tone 141.3

I'll come up from Woodbridge! Im game for pretty much anything.

I have always heard that objects I.e. other antennas, should be horizontally spaced at least one wave link away from operating antenna. So with that, your concern would be with your CB antenna. At 27MHz you would need about 17 feet of clearance from other objects. GMRS antenna would need around 2 feet. Now how critical this is to radio performace, I have no idea. But if you Google the subject, you’ll find lots of theories

Good evening folks! I've often heard many of your comments that we should have a get together and I figure why not? So I wanted to put some feelers out there on what kind of get together we should have. Should we reserve a table at a restaurant? Maybe a pavilion in a park and bring our own food (cookout or potluck)? Also, when should we have it? I figure maybe sometime in the late summer or early fall. Let's get some ideas together!

They should not affect each other significantly. Edited to add: Mount one above the other rather than on the same level.

How do you unlock it?

I have a CB antenna and gmrs Jpole antenna on the same mast 3 apart. Will the two antennas in close proximity to each other lessen radio transmitting power? Will one radio bleed over to the other radio while transmitting?Only one radio will be transmitting at a time. My gmrs radio is 20 watts and the CB is 3 watts. Any help is appreciated!