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My understanding is that SDR is not the best test device. Your better off checking with an actual frequency counter. Other than that, the only other thing I can think of is that the radio had been re-tuned incorrectly and needs to be redone. This is doable in the programming software but you will need a dummy load and a meter to tell you where exactly you are on frequency.

I am not sure I would agree with that. The video mentions that costs ranged from $250 to $600 per family. For significantly less, they could have organized a group purchase of used, commercial quality, equipment. Of course, that would require someone, or a small group, to buy, program and test and distribute the radios. This approach also gives the end-user a plug-and-play solution, but with better quality equipment. BTW, that is exactly what we have done in our local CERT effort and we now have over 50 participants using mostly Motorola equipment. Also, while it won't make a huge difference, using wide-band would also improve their audio quality and range.

In the video, though maybe only the longer version, they quickly mention a weekly net control to learn how to use the radios. Given the support they had in setting this system up, I would hope they are also learning good net communications practices.

Personally, I like this idea. However, I suspect it will be controversial. May I suggest that rather than adding this to the official repeater listing, you could create a thread in the Private Discussion topic to report member discoveries. In that case, other members with more information, like the owner does not want it used by others, or it is officially open, etc. could also contribute.

1. Toward the topic of linked repeaters. It would be nice if there was a note as to where the networked repeaters are located prior to clicking on the link. There is no way to tell what state or city the linked networks are in if it's not in the name and there are many to click on only to find out that there are plenty in Texas, but none near me. 2. Perhaps a way to add a repeater that you do not own but have found. There are several in the area that I come across while scanning the GMRS frequencies, but can't find on the website to get a tone for or permission to use because I don't know who to contact. If someone could add, for example, " Found: 550 repeater near Center City Philadelphia. Tone 141.3"

There is your problem RAR is a file compression and archiving format. The file you have needs to be un rared. I think this free one from the MS store will do the trick. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/unrar-windows/9wzdncrfj2zh?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

I know I have posted this before, but I can't seem to find it. So, here it is again. GMRS is a radio service designed for a specific purpose: family communication. A mobile two-way voice communication service, with limited data applications, for facilitating activities of individual licensees and their family members, including, but not limited to, voluntary provision of assistance to the public during emergencies and natural disasters. ​Contrast that with Amateur radio a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications. Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art. d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts. e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill. It sounds like some of what @krvw and others here expect from GMRS is actually found in HAM (Amateur) radio. If you want to try and make GMRS into another HAM like service, you are doomed to failure. My suggestion is, take advantage of GMRS for what it is and don't fret what it is not. If you are looking for a broader hobbyist community, try amateur radio. You will find repeaters everywhere with all-kind of communities (some of which you will love, others which you will hate). An Amateur tech license is not only not hard to get, but in the process of getting the license you will learn a lot about radio in general that will help you with GMRS as well. And, if you become interested and go for your amateur general license, then there is the world of low-band, short-wave...