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DMR is digitized voice and reception depends on if the D to A decoder can receive the digital string with enough good bits or not. So, it's an either/or situation. You either decode the voice or you don't. The advantage is there is no fading as the transmitter moves away from the receiver.

That's why I don't get worked up over anyone using a ham radio on GMRS. If they keep to appropriate power and bandwidth, I don't care what radio they're using. I'm not the radio police, and if FCC doesn't consider it worth enforcing, neither do I. (TBH, I don't get worked up over someone in the mountains of Montana using 5 watts and wide bandwidth on FRS 10 either. They're not going to interfere with anyone else. Before I could get worked up about it, I'd have to be able to hear it. )

I played with encryption enough while in the Army. We used both SINCGARS and commercial radios from Motorola. All permanent party units other than 11th ACR/OPFOR used the commercial radios when I was stationed at NTC/Ft Irwin.

do you know how many scanner folks that would love to crack encryption......

Play with it on LMR

We are in the process of removing the DMR capabilities on our 70cm repeaters since no one uses DMR. You will find that DMR and even the 1.25m band use will vary in different regions. This is true. It seems like you either get in with decent audio or you don't get in at all. Now that could be how the DMR was setup on our three repeaters. But it never impressed me. We are in the process of adding Allstar nodes to all three 70cm repeaters and our 2m repeater instead. The 70cm repeaters will be linked full time and we can link them to the 2m repeater as needed once everything is done.

Why would anyone assume their conversions are "private" when they key mic? Sure, most conversations aren't worth the effort of even listening to, let alone wasting the time to crack it.

Sadly, DMR and pretty much all digital modes are a passing fad. Way to many radio checks and people kerchunking. Plus, the audio quality isn't as natural and pleasing as anal-log. All this in an effort to save bandwidth. Thank goodness the FCC did something right and not allow digital on GMRS.

And if he needed to he could create a Repeaterbook account using his GMRS call sign.

Ahh, so I'll take the SSB channel off.

I am not aware of any mobile VHF/UHF radios that have SSB capabilities. You would have to get an all band/all mode radio AKA "shack in the box" that does HF, VHF, and UHF to get SSB capabilities on VHF/UHF. The other option is the Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF all mode base radio but that is expensive. I would love to use 2m SSB but I don't need or want a shack in the box radio as I already have 4 HF radios as it is. And I can't afford the Icom IC-9700 at $1900.00

No you don't. Anyone can look up repeaters without having to log in or have a call sign. You only need a call sign if you manage a listed repeater.

I went on Repeaterbook and wow, I've never seen so many Repeaters. I just when with the ones on my side of town that I think I might be able to reach and so far I have 6/2M, 2/1.25M and 4/70cm(I could have gotten more but only wanted my list on one sheet of paper) but there's dozens, especially 70cm. Way more than we've got with GMRS. I have a 2M, 144.200 SSB National Calling, can my "normal" radio do the SSB stuff? Anyway, looks like more to learn just like when I first jumped into GMRS a year ago.

Yep, I kind of figured that since HAM Frequencies are not really SET to a Channel like GMRS. It's like in Fly Fishing, they call a "Bobber" a "Strike Indicator", same thing only different. LOL. I put together a list of National Calling Freqs and some of the local Repeaters(I've never seen so many Repeaters, especially on 70cm) so I'll make up a code plug with them and write them to one of my radios to test them out once I get my call sign.

There are 9 DMR repeaters in the area also.

Funny thing is they typically transmit in simplex, so they are not even using the repeater. Once they hear him talking, the paparazzi gets on the air and mad chaos starts.

Just to clear some confusion, channels and frequencies are often interchanged but they are not the same in all cases. A channel always contains a frequency - GMRS is an example. Frequencies can be assigned to a channel but they are also free-standing. In the amateur world we talk frequencies, but use channels when any other service uses them.

If you are in Phoenix, I gather you are as you posted about Shaw being down, there are tons of 70 cm repeaters in the county. I think like 237 statewide. Another 1oo plus in 2m. If you want to dip your toes in Digital, there are a lot of "System Fusion" repeaters in the area. KM7BQP/WSEZ903

But you need your call sign before using the site. You can use the ARRL website to find local clubs and they often list repeaters and nets on their sites as well.

Well done!!

Repeater Book is a good place to look for local repeaters in your area.

146.520 2m National Calling Frequency (simplex) 446.000 70cm National Calling Frequency (simplex) For repeaters in your area, you have to listen and/or look them up (one good site I'm not sure if OK to post here). You should also find the band plan for your region (I only use Southeast.) And search for ham clubs in your area. There's a lot of info to get you started at arrl.org

I won't be much help on DMR since I have yet to use that mode. The national calling frequencies and local repeaters are a good start. Also look to see if there are any local DMR repeaters in your area. Asking on a local DMR repeater would be a good place to start.

Decided to use my spare Radtel RT-493s instead. Looks a little "cleaner"; at least in my humble opinion!