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They don't. The periodic announcements by net-control for "priority or emergency" is to ensure that general net-chat is not interfering with someone seeking assistance for an emergency. It provides a pause in chat during which an person in need can get their call into the stream. In all cases, emergency traffic takes priority. Depending upon the environment, someone calling for assistance may not be heard until a number "net members" have come on line (especially simplex operations -- where the emergency may only be heard by someone on the fringe of the "net" coverage area and may need to be relayed to an operator with suitable access [land line phone, maybe]). That clause basically applies to ALL the service classes: part 90 land-mobile, part 95 (GMRS, MURS, CB, FRS, and a freight of unknowns, though might be hard to apply to the radio-control service), part 97 (Amateur), and part 80 (maritime).

First and foremost, it's not just Hams that do that. GMRS based CERT and REACT team's (who are often not Hams) handle nets and emergencies the same way ARES/RACES does. The reason for this is because emergency communications has been standardized in the US and anyone who want to help is going to do it the formal way. Secondly, I think you are misunderstanding the concept of calling for emergency or priority traffic. If it was EmComm traffic, operators move from local, up to regional/national nets, and then back down to a local net. In a traditional communications blackout, that is how emergency and priority messages get handled. So, that is how they practice. The whole procedure is not for the guy stuck on the side of a mountain... though if no one has been returning your call for help and you know a net is on a specific frequency and day,, you can bet your bottom dollar you will be thrilled they're on the air and they will take your emergency call. Also, it's a good habit to get into in case there is a real emergency. Especially before a net or a bunch of long-winded people getting ready to ha e a BS session. It's a good idea to remind everyone that regardless of what they are talking about, all conversation should stop if someone with an emergency gets in the air. If you don't want to listen to or participate in a net, no big deal. Just turn the radio off.. Don't trash people for caring enough to make sure there is no real emergency and practicing for the day one happens.

CHIRP will be updated overnight and tomorrow's build will have the patch included, so loading the patch manually won't be necessary. Sent from my SM-A125U using Tapatalk

The latest version of CHIRP now has the patch incorporated into the program. Enjoy! Sent from my SM-A125U using Tapatalk

If it will run on a PI zero, in fact, that would be a great choice in a solar powered setup, since that little Pi-0 draws so little.

One of the most difficult concepts in engineering is that more isn’t necessarily better. For use with MMDVM software a Raspberry Pi 3b+ will run longer on a battery and with less chance of overheating. A Raspberry Pi 3b+ has enough processing power and memory for most repeater networking.

There are some nets I enjoy, and some I do not. I did however, recently find a redeeming element to even the most annoying of nets. The constant traffic was very helpful in finding the best location on my roof to place the antenna. ?

While i don't mind net's for 'technical' and discussions that are SPECIFICALLY GMRS related, the ham add on's frankly make me turn it off QUICK. I fired up the radio a few weeks ago and heard a net starting. The minute they ask for 'emergency or priority traffic" on a linked system that NOT for emergency communications, I pushed the power button. I hear that on the local ham repeater every week. It's not a traffic net, it's NOT ARES (ham EMCOMM) and I honestly don't what to hear it. My PERSONAL thoughts are that if you want to use GMRS for SAR / EMCOMM/ whatever for YOUR group, then put up a repeater for YOUR GROUP and do whatever you want. But then again, WHY would anyone with emergency traffic of ANY kind wait for a net to start to pass that traffic or request assistance. So I am stuck on a mountain side, flat tire, broke down. Should I wait until the net starts to ask someone to make a telephone call to send me some assistance. If that's the case, I probably need to pack more crap because if it's Monday and the net is on Sunday night I am gonna be here for a week waiting on the net to start right???? Of course at that point I will have been eaten by a bear. These are MY PERSONAL opinions on the matter, you are free to agree or disagree. But I will not be joining ANY net on GMRS that starts off like a hammie ARES net.

Well, its still a repeater, even it has limitations... I think it can be done, but given the plethora of digital formats and modulations already in existence, throwing one more in the mix might not make much sense... we'll see. G.

I have my roger beeps on, even on my UV5R's. When I'm talking on the local ham repeaters, I keep the roger beep on. No one has ever said anything to me about it. There's only one GMRS repeater in my area, and when I talk on it, I keep the beep on, no one has ever complained about it. It really doesn't matter to me if it's on or off. Now, if I could find a micro echo board to put in one of my GMRS radios, I'd be a happy camper. ?

If you can find an owner that will work with you. If your only options and towers owned by American Tower or Crown Castle, forget it. I had quotes in the $3.75 per foot of height with a 100 foot min. Try to find a locally owned tower or building top. I have some commercial gear on a commercial tower and pay $75 for 150' plus another $30 for internet per month. My GMRS tower was gifted to me on a long term lease for almost nothing. I have full use of the 150' and secure space with power for my gear.