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Most of them use FRS Channel 1 Tone 1 and believe they are on a completely "private" channel.

I have the 25X2 and you can store multiple configurations for repeaters. The problem comes with trying to keep them all straight in your mind. Naming the different configurations isn't difficult, names are easy using CHIRP and even the front panel method isn't too onerous. I just wonder how many you plan on storing. If the frequencies are for cities and areas you frequently visit there is a good possibility there may be multiple sites within the same general location. You would do best to only pick one site per area based on the amount of traffic carried by repeaters in that general area.

Welcome to MyGMRS To start out with, The Amps rating on the radio should always be lower than that of the power supply. The Kenwood 880H (nice choice as this is the only radio I run BTW) uses 12.8Amps when transmitting on high power. Using a 15 amp or higher power supply that delivers 12.5-13.5 volts should be fine. I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EWG6YT8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this power supply for the house "base" radio. I do get a slight hum when the fan turns on, but for the most part it works without an issue. The whine should go away if I use a choke on the power wires but I was too lazy to order them. I do not know much about Ed Fong antennas to really give you much advice on them. They seem to be custom home built antennas, which could be hit or miss. There are commercially available antennas for the 460-470 mhz range that may work better. I originally used a diamond 200U with good results, Now I use a comet 712EFC which has higher gain and is working great. One thing to note about mounting however. Keep in mind the primary use of a fire escape. You will need to run your feedline and mount the antenna in a way that would not interfere with an emergency evacuation should it ever occur. You would not believe how many times I've seen ham radio operators and CB'rs just throw the feedline across the fire escape completely blocking it should people need to evacuate. Or they mount Yagi antennas (a directional antenna) that block the escape. When I talk to some of them it seems their concern was that they could escape and the hell with the rest. They just don't realize they could be charged if someone is hurt or killed should a fire break out. So be sure to take great care with that for everyones safety!

Approximate** attenuation per 100 feet of cable at 462 mhz: Belden 9258 RG8X - 7.15 db Belden 9913 RG8 - 2.9 db Belden 9201 RG58 - 9.1 db Belden 8267 RG213 - 4.82 db LMR400 - 2.72 db (may have long term internal mechanical issues at UHF frequencies) Heliax 1/2 inch - 1.47 db [ ** ratings are from manufacturer datasheets for the specific type and series listed. Other manufacturers ratings may be slightly different.] `

Get a pole, a house bracket, good quality antenna and feedline. the pole and house bracket cost less than $30 and provides a good place to mount a quality antenna. messing with aluminum gutter work will create all kinds of problems, some already mentioned above. For best results use two poles and a pole to pole bracket and do your best to get the antenna at least 10' above your roofs ridge line. There are lot's of options for mounting a pole to your home, a tilting base is also helpful.