Leaderboard

That cant work, for the reasons you stated, and to back that up, I tried it. You either need two antennas or the amp has to be before the duplexer, which in this particular case would kill the duplexer.

Oh, if you want to try your hand at modeling the antenna try this software. It's free now. https://www.eznec.com/

The greater the current the more the voltage drops. Transmitting would consume more current so it’s possible you see a drop when transmitting. A battery doesn’t put out the full voltage that the alternator does, but testing with the engine off does get rid of the greatest source of RF noise under the hood ?. I think Midland stuff is probably as good as anything other than commercial radios. It’s certainly good enough. As you progress you might decide you want something else, but for now just enjoy it. Chasing that last watt or two can make you crazy without really being too meaningful. I would just make sure that your radio works well enough to converse with the people you want and reach the repeaters in your neck of the woods. I would be a little concerned about electrical noise on the power line when the engine is running. I think that you’d hear it though. That radio shop technician will know much more than me. Best wishes!

One of the busy repeaters is operated by the SeaTac Repeater Association, the repeater is located on East TIger Mountain - 462.625/141.3 I've heard checkins from Yelm, Orting, Puyallup, Port Townsend, Camano Island, Stanwood, Granite Falls, North Bend. Even from hikers camping up in those mountains using HTs.

You (and everyone) is welcome to join our National Net via Zello, every Thursday night at 7PM (Pacific).. No Facebook, no dues, no fees, no mandatory meetings. See how here: https://www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/

Thanks. That made my day.

I run simplex the majority of the time. Only use a repeater when necessary.

CB turned into an RF trashcan. I really hope that doesn't happen to GMRS.