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True, but marine VHF is a bit of a niche application, and I doubt including it would make the radio sell better. Yep. I get that there has been some effort to make sure the various radios are only used by "authorized" people, but in this case, authorized users are literally everybody. That's certainly the libertarian approach, but I can't see it gaining any traction with any agency of any government anywhere.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't discern the logic.

The online map and the repeater listings are just two different ways of looking at the same data. I go to the map first because it’s easy for me to see what is nearby, but I’m sure that other people start by entering search terms and selecting search conditions. I don’t think that means one group is smarter than the other. If it’s entered in the database it can be mapped. It might not be the right place. When I said I don’t think you can have it both ways I meant two things: First, publishing the information in an internet database by definition means you can’t keep the information from getting out. Second, an internet database might not be a reliable means to disseminate information in the event of a “grid down apocalyptic scenario”. But if you’ve contacted Rich and he doesn’t want to extend the database to serve your wants this is really a moot point anyway. I’ll follow along to see what you come up with but I’m all out of ideas for you to reject.

But now we're back to operating in violation of FCC regulations. You may as well buy a $15 UV-5r.

This Is Your Cartoon - So You Keep Coloring It As You See Fit....... But For The Most Part, In My Opinion - An Excellent FREE Website, Should Not Have To Add Addition Maps / Listings Just Because You Don't Own Or Like Repeaters Due To Your Personal Prepper Beliefs In Whatever.......

There's one reason: he doesn't want to! You keep mentioning map - I've never even looked at a map here. I read the listings. I'm not sure I'd want people who can't get the data from a list (those same people who want a map online, can't/won't use a printed map). And I don't know if there is a conflict like you describe. I checked and the location doesn't have to be your house (nearby intersection or convenience store or park or post office, etc. will do as long as it's relatively close). If there's a better way, where people will find it, I'm open to hearing about it. I don't use typical social media, and don't have email or phone #s for neighbors yet. The only early contacts I'd want to make would be people who have radios and are looking for ways to use them. such as searching for repeaters. My feeling on all this GMRS repeater craze is that repeaters, and distance, are getting too much emphasis for this service. It's more useful to me to have nearby contacts. I have HAM for longer range repeater contacts. GMRS, to me, is for people closer who aren't hams, including FRS users (adults). Throw in the rule (for now) that GMRS base stations aren't allowed to use repeaters and most of the repeater craze evaporates. Also, of the ones near me 5 have gone away (no big loss since I can't talk from home). If more people would just try putting up a decent antenna on a pole or roof (15-20ft up), there would be less fuss about repeaters.

There kinda is, just GMRS instead of FRS... The TERA TR-505 GMRS/FRS radio claims to do optional MURS as well. You have to purchase a programming cable and get the free "MURS programming file". It's on their website so it has to be legit, right? https://powerwerx.com/tera-tr505-gmrs-recreational-handheld-radio

You can throw Marine VHF in there as well. Others here know much more about this, but my guess is that it's a holdover from an apparent philosophy that the only way to ensure proper usage is by controlling the hardware, and they are not fine tuning that for unlicensed services which, as you point out, makes little sense. The other approach (my personal favorite) is to trust the operator to ensure that what come out the antenna conforms to the subject service's specs. If you can get your nuclear-powered toaster to transmit narrow band at 0.5W on FRS, go for it. But I see the appeal of a hardware-based approach from a regulatory perspective. Too bad that all the unlicensed services can't be found on a single radio.

I don’t know why the FCC chose to disallow radios that transmit on multiple services. I agree that it doesn’t seem to make sense. Since they’re asking how to simplify the regulations this is one way.

I don’t think you can have it both ways: 1. To create a listing on a nationwide map that’s useful for build a community of users using simplex GMRS frequencies, and 2. Useful for grid down apocalyptic scenarios where you don’t want any information getting out. But if you can figure out what that would look like, your best bet would be to talk to Rich @rdunajewski and see if he can make the changes you want. There’s no reason he couldn’t add fields to the database to support that.

FCC rules for FRS and MURS specify that a radio on either service can't be capable of transmitting on any other service. What's the reason for that? Does the logic make sense? I can get why they wouldn't (officially) allow FRS/MURS radios to transmit on amateur or business frequencies, but from a technical standpoint, obviously many radios can transmit on both services. It seems to me that by simply changing the wording of the regulation to say a radio certified for FRS or MURS can't transmit on any licensed frequency, they would open the door to a dual-band radio for the unlicensed services. Making the radio would be simple because both services are limited to 2 watts (0.5 on some FRS channels) and a little tweaking would put the frequencies into the current bubble-pack Walmart radios. Before you tell me that radio is called a UV-5r, I already know it will do it, but FRS radios are typically marketed to people who don't know squat about programming a radio. They want to just press the PTT and talk to their friends. It seems to me such a radio would sell well. I'm just curious about why the FCC won't allow it.

I mean, fair, but you're hear asking questions about how to do a thing, and folks are trying to help, but the "why" matters in coming up with a useful "how." That said: Yeah I'm starting to see why

I'm Ronn Foster, and my GMRS call sign is WSJM352. I’m excited to be a part of this incredible community of GMRS enthusiasts right here in the Michiana region! A little about me: Location: Elkhart, Indiana Gear: Currently running a hodgepodge of radios (just getting into this hobby) and loving the range and clarity I get in this area. Why GMRS? I’ve always been drawn to communication technologies that bring people together, and GMRS provides the perfect mix of local connectivity and the potential for longer-distance comms. I’m especially passionate about community service and emergency preparedness, and GMRS is a key part of that for me. What I’m looking forward to: Connecting with local operators Sharing tips and tricks about GMRS Learning from everyone’s experiences and knowledge Organizing local nets, meetups, and events Helping grow the Michiana GMRS network! I'm always open to chatting and learning from others—whether it's about technical setups, GMRS events, or just to swap stories about the bands. Feel free to reach out or leave a reply if you're nearby, and let’s make some waves on the airwaves! Looking forward to connecting with you all! Ronn Foster - WSJM352

Put up a sign -- now, not when the bad guys are out and about. Announce a net for once a week/month. Everyone who participates gets invited to a BBQ. Word will get out.

amaff et al.: My purpose in posting here is not to explain and justify my plans to you. Y'all are outside the need to know loop.

Right. But for the other 99.9999999% of the time....... I understand planning for that edge of an edge of an edge case. But I don't get letting it limit how we act in all the rest of situations which are exponentially more likely to actually occur. Heck, in a "grid down, apocalyptic scenario," no one's checking MyGMRS.com to see what their local comms strategy needs to be. Which brings us back to the beginning of what are you actually trying to accomplish. Which still isn't clear.

Did that years ago, not very productive. Have moved since then and will act/plan based on my experience. This isn't for a regular neighborhood crime watch. In grid down, apocalyptic scenarios, no I wouldn't want any info getting out. Desperate people or those just looking to attack and plunder as much as they can will not be easily deterred.

For GMRS operators in the Michiana region—let’s hear what’s happening on the air where you are. Which repeaters are your go-to? Running base, mobile, or handheld? Any regular nets or events in the area? How’s your coverage in the hills, towns, and back roads?

But it's so much easier to tell everyone to log into MyGMRS, Do a city search, than do a I.D. search than scroll into a map than launch another page to find your channel freq than.............

Our neighborhood (HOA) sent an email announcing the frequency to be used. Simple, if you can compile an email list.

§ 95.309 Coordination procedures and other restrictions for operation in certain locations. The operator of a Personal Radio Service station may be required to coordinate operation in advance and/or may be subject to operating restrictions if the station is to be operated in certain locations, described in the following paragraphs in this section. (b) Near a U.S. border or in an area that is or may be subject to an international treaty or agreement. Treaties and agreements may be viewed or downloaded from the FCC Web site: http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/. What's "straight forward" about this?

It's fair that there's a lot of gray area in the FCC's rules (just look at the arguments on this forum...), but the Line A thing is pretty straight forward, in that it was a thing and now it's not.

"A I" is fake smarts.

This is how I have our TK-880 radios set up. It seems to work for what I need. I hope this helps. Kenwood TK880 080925 kpg49d.dat

The only thing I noticed, is the "Scan Off-Hook" box is unchecked as depicted in your "Scan Information" menu. I set my TK-880 up as your radio is programmed, with the exception of the Scan off-hook. At first I thought you may have a feature conflict as you have two features with the "Scan" feature selected and that is not the case. Also, I unselected the "Add Scan" box in the Group Edit menu and that was not the case. I was able to enable Scan and have the icon on the display. I am unable to duplicate your particular problem. Some times the TK-880 key assignment buttons go lame. Maybe your "SCN" Key Button is defective. Take the Scan feature off the foot switch feature and assign it to one of the ABCD buttons and see if that is the case. Also, you may be aware, but you can not legally transmit on channels 8-14 from any Part 90 LMR radio unless you can get the transmitter power down below a half of a watt ERP, which more than likely you won't be able to do that with a mobile. Maybe a Part 90 LMR portable may be possible, but not a mobile, unless you used an in-line attenuator.