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I have a project (volunteer) of setting up a new HAM shack in one of the largest scout camps in FL, 1500 acres moderately dense forest. So I had the bright idea, if we already have to put up an antenna for 2M and HF would it be worthwhile to offer a GMRS repeater. At least 1000 people (cubs w/families, scouts, others) are at the camp 30 weekends a year, and large events are about 2000 people once a month (and every week during summer)....what you call a captive audience, lol. The site is 10-15 miles from the nearest GMRS repeaters (about 8 of them), and 20 miles from the nearest vhf HAM repeaters. I contacted all the repeaters in a circle around it, tallest is 200' 40 miles away, rest are all below 50' so not a chance with dense forest. Everyone agrees it's doubtful anything is in range, though I'll get a chance to try to reach them all next weekend at an event... So the big question, is GMRS really used much to make it worth doing a repeater. One plus is cell service is very poor in the area. I figure cell phones are what killed most radio. I've noticed several families do have FRS radios but range is limited as you'd expect at 1/2 watt. We're moving forward with setting up 2M (radio merit badge w/tech lic. course), but was just thinking it might be a nice amenity to offer families that camp. We'll prob do a survey later to see if there would be any interest. Just worry that GMRS is dying, ham is cheaper to get and more powerful. Advice? Ken

Quietly moving us to narrow band....

I think the idea of a GMRS/FRS radio "system" is great. Even if you double down and have both a repeater for a GMRS "channel" and a simplex FRS "Channel". Then a sign posted on the entrance road notifying people entering the camp that a certain "channel" should be avoid and only used to contact the office, recommend a second "channel" every one use for calling and contacting each other while around the camp. GMRS repeater capable radios would be great for any administrative type people, coordinators, group leaders etc that could communicate across the entire camp with a repeater if necessary. A camp that size could only benefit from a good communications system

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