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I was going to mention that specifically but I mentioned it in an obscure sense when I gave my microwave example.

And in almost every case, use yagi antennae pointing at each other. They (FCC) should refer to them as Operational Fixed Stations like they do in the Part 90 rules and regs.

Oh, ok, even my new (2 Years Old now) Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM CB radios have the PA switch and jack port in the back of the radio.

Set of KG-UV6D HTs plus accessories. $140 shipped or best offer. Great deal for over $250+ worth of gear and accessories! 2 HTs, chargers, earpieces, 1 speaker mic, 1 AA battery pack, (not pictured) , 2 car plugs (not pictured), programming cable. IMG_0335.mov PM me with reasonable offers.

That’s a great way to get past the initial reticence. Good job. Try the free flash cards at HamStudy.org. For me they were an excellent way to learn the material, not just memorize the answers.

Just for the heck of it, and not knowing much at all, I just took the Technician's level test on the freeham website. Failed it. 45%, but that's with ZERO studying or prep. I'm sure that with some effort and prep, OP could do it. Go for it!

From personal experience it certainly makes programming channels MUCH easier.

to the OP.. Curious why you think you need OpenGD for DMR?

It's multiple choice, you will do fine. Don't sell yourself short.

It's like Linux, I guess. I mean, you certainly can do it...but why? In a true, grid down situation I just don't understand it. I have to keep two devices powered and essentially I'm hooked into a group text? I understand the implications of it being far reaching based on propagating through other people's devices but one those devices go down - and the most assuredly will - my reach is diminished, if not destroyed. It's like those internet radios and zello. They aren't 100% self reliant and because of that, I wouldn't count on them. But hey, at least you can still but HRCC, ammirite?

I've been listening to a repeater channel that is local to me in ECONUS. It is a private repeater that is run by a club here. They hand out callsigns in addition to your FCC ID. I have been listening to it for the better part of a month or so now. There's a mixture of people using both the NATO and just the phonetic pronunciations. It seems that the NATO people are also Ham people, which makes sense. I will agree with the OP in so much as there seems to be a proliferation of redundant and unnecessary identifications. Like just a few minutes ago, a member keyed up for a radio check. A guy gave his ID and proceeded to tell him that he had a good copy. The original guy thanked him and signed off. Then the guy who answered gave his ID and called clear. The entire transaction was less than 2 minutes but yet we have to suffer through four identifications. Seems a bit much, I think. It's like those guys that have CCW badges and sashes.

You're not alone.. I am still trying to figure out this part..

Yes, you can with some VECs, such as ARRL. And just so you know it’s a multiple choice test. HamStudy.org (free) has practice tests that you can take as many times as you want. They come right out of the official question pool so it’s a great way to prepare. If there’s anything I can do to help you please feel free to send me a private message.

I just watched both of your videos and I absolutely can not believe that my first post here on mygmrs forums is going to be regarding meshtastic. Bleh... I've enjoyed your approach. As a "normal person," I've never really even understood what meshtastic was. Even their one line description didn't mean much to me. I have to say, though, as someone who is only wading into the GMRS pool (CB radio user for many decades) and by extension, long range-ish communication, it seems like the meshtastic thing is definitely a niche market. In a catastrophic, grid down situation, it's going to require power for two devices and with that many links in the chain necessary for it to propagate, I just don't see the value in it. But then again, I confess to knowing very little about a lot of things.

That would even be worse. Written or oral, either way my brain locks up and the info isn't available for output. I hear you can take the test online, if I did take it that'd be the way to do it so I'd be home in a familiar setting which would help.

Typically it takes 24 hours from when your callsign shows up on the FCC website. Sometimes it can take an extra day or so, depending on when the FCC provides the next update to third party websites.

Ask for the test to be given orally.

I'll keep trying, but it does not recognize my GMRS call sign - Ballpark guestimate... how long does it normally take the website to recognize a newer string of GMRS call signs?

The test is what stops me from a HAM Tech license. I've never done well on tests even if I knew all the information. I just can't put the info on paper when the time come to take the test.

I seriously doubt that either Baofeng's or Radioddity website make claims that their radios are "open" for transmission on unlicensed frequencies... That having been said, there is still a serious question about whether or not the DM-32 will allow change to another TalkGroup simply by entering the TG number on the keyboard; a major failing of the "inexpensive" DMR radios before OpenGD77.

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I'm old. I had a SSN SN but also wore OD green fatigues. But for a while I wore tiger stripes. Looked cool, but I think they stood out more than blended in.

No, I meant: Who do you talk to?

you would have learned that if you paid attention of the specifications posted on Baofeng's web site or even Radioditty.

It can get rather technical but 50 watts of non-ionizing radiation is 50 watts. Don't touch a 100 watt light bulb and don't hold on to a 50 watt bulb for too long.