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Congratulations!

Hi Mike, What do you mean by “for this area?” What characteristics do you value when you say “best radio?” In other words, define “best”. Range? Nearly all mobile radios have the same range assuming the same antenna. Price? The prices will vary greatly depending on features, brand name, etc. Reliability, ruggedness, waterproof construction? All are characteristics that some people want but which are inconsequential to others. If you can better define your question, we can give you our answer.

Despite the lack-luster manual, I've managed to figure out my way around the menus using the hand-mic, and also how to load in custom repeaters through the OEM CPS / Chirp. BUT, what I haven't manage to figure out is how hand program in a custom repeater into Ch. 31-39 through the menus. Does anyone know, or could point me in the right direction? I'd like to know on the off chance I don't have a computer readily available.

Wondering what is the best radio system for this area?

Me Too!

Congratulations!

I added him to my ignore list so I don’t see his posts anymore. It’s worth it.

Damn, that escalated quickly.

Congratulations!

I really don't need new toys, my mobile and HT's are all unlocked. I have been thinking about getting the Comet 2x4SRNMO antenna, but for now my MXT-A26 will work fine. My main reason for wanting my HAM license is mainly for search and rescue. I am on the local SAR team, plus I go camping, hiking, fishing, off roading a lot in the mountains here in Southern Colorado. So I am very often out of cell range. I just wanted an extra tool in case of emergency. There are hardly any GMRS repeaters in my area, but several HAM repeaters.

Does Liquid Plumber work? That's all I have at home.

Congratulations! Its always fun to expand the tool kit and have a good excuse to get new toys.

I just passed my HAM Technician test!!! Now I just wait for my call sign.

Status Update: the 46 ft isn't going to be possible any time soon, living in a neighborhood, I am not comfortable with the structural risk of raising the mast that high. Also, it really stands out and I want to be considerate of my neighbors. I was able to add another 5ft to the base height of the antenna, so it sits at 30ft now. The antenna itself is 10ft. Still though, in this area of Stafford that's not great. Range on the repeater will be limited to ~3-5 miles without being able to achieve more height. I created a site dedicated to the repeater at https://wsdh649.net/ The site includes a section for getting connected, use & etiquette and coverage. At some point I do intend to upgrade the repeater controller to a RIM-Maxtrac-RM from Repeater Builder. I have the hardware and I am developing the SVXLink server now. That will give the repeater much more capability. More information about SVXLink here https://www.svxlink.org/ Some of the features/modes I would consider for the GMRS repeater are: Help – A help system Parrot – Play back everything that is received DtmfRepeater – Repeater received DTMF digits TclVoiceMail – Send voice mail to other local users PropagationMonitor – Announce propagation warnings from dxmaps.com SelCall – Send selective calling sequences by entering DTMF codes In the time the repeater has been running there have been several brown outs and even a few extended power outages. I am happy to report that the battery backup and manual generator cutover work flawlessly. Aside from maintenance, the repeater has remained up and operational. I intend to add a status notification to the website and a contact form. I may create a discord as well for alt comms. Still considering that though. BTW, SVXLink is capable of system linking. However, as the FCC has ruled GMRS repeaters cannot be linked, I will not be doing so at this time. If however, that rule is changed at some point, the repeater will have that capability. - Barry WSDH649

We're thinking of moving to the Coeur d'Alene area. I know about https://www.iegmrs.com and am wondering if there are any other groups / nets in the area.

Right now it's a toss up between the Retevis RT3S(well within my budget)is a 2 package deal Airiton DM-168(Anytone AT-D168UV) which is $60 over budget BUT I'm getting 2 radios at basically the same price that 2 RT3S's would cost.

Saw these on Amazon. Basically an Anytone D168UV clone. 2 radios for less than 1 Anytone. Wonder if they'd be any good? https://www.amazon.com/Airiton-DM-168-Reduction-Batteries-Programming/dp/B0DXVH5SJL https://www.amazon.com/Handheld-AT-D168UV-Rechargeable-Programming-Encryption/dp/B0DY7Q2JJL

If it's a USB port then it'll be automatic most likely. Not a true com port, just a virtual.

If you took what I said as me being a "condescending a-hole" and further went on to extrapolate that I "in real life" am "beat up by [my] bosses, wives and probably kids (assuming [I] have any)," well, the only thing I can say is that it seems like you are the one who is "deeply frustrated." I hope the search for the belt clip is fruitful. I'll be disengaging from this thread moving forward.

Uh...I'm not even sure how to respond to this so I'll just agree that your mileage may indeed vary. I'm not sure how what position on the spectrum one occupies comes into this conversation, at all, and I certain didn't "bully" anyone.

@MarkInTampa’s tip nailed it!! So then, which DMR HT are you going to try next? Did I previously suggest the TYT-MD-UV390 with OpenGD77 pre-installed from LetsGetReadyRadios: https://letsgetreadyinc.com/opengd390plus

Watch out that you don't twist your ankle hopping off of that soapbox.

Well, I certainly agree with this.