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Seen this picture before. It is bird crap on the windshield.

Voltage in your truck is defiantly too high.. Is your truck under warranty? If so, take it in. Also double check with another volt meter to compare reading in case your volt meter is whacky

Yeah but some of us enjoy helping others out.

OK, today was the big day. I got my buddy to bring over the bucket truck. I had already made up the antenna with the cable as you all know. 1st thing to do was get the existing antenna down. So up to the lightning arrestor and cut off the water protection. Used a set of channel locks to undo the N connector. Didn't see anything that would be a water issue in there. So up the mast I went in the bucket clipping off the tie wraps as I gained altitude. Got to the antenna and loosened the nuts on the U bolt and removed the antenna. Back down to the ground. 2nd thing was to put up the guy wire system. I used a triple clamp designed for 1 1/2" mast and attached 1/8" stainless steel cable using loop thimbles and aluminum double barrel sleeves. Crimped them up using 2 sleeves. One tight against the thimble and one about 1 1/2" away where the sleeve hid the end of the cable to make it prick proof. Had 50' of cable on each of the 3 legs which I knew was more than enough. I also knew it wouldn't be too short. Up in the bucket again and mounted it about 2' from the top of the mast and opened up the looped cable and let it hang down. Back to the ground again. 3rd thing was bring up the antenna. All the way to the top this time and mounted the antenna using the U bolts that came with it. And slowly went down to unfurl the cable. Forgot to bring the tie wraps up, crap. Back down to fetch them and back up and tied the coax off about every 10" with two tie wraps at each spacing. Then to the bottom to attach into the lightning arrestor. Put the heat shrink tubing on, ya.. didn't forget LOL. And used the self fusing tape to seal the joint. Slipped the tubing over it and hit it with the heat gun at 700ºF. Back down again. 4th.. Went into the house to pull the trigger. Hit my repeater and it came back with a good signal. Hit the Holyoke repeater which I could barely do lately and I got a response from a friend that I was Lima Charley (loud and clear) which I haven't been in 6 months. SWR on my repeater frequency was 1.01. Switched to Channel 22 and the SWR was 1.00, fantastic. 5th I got the 5/16" stainless steel turnbuckles and crimping equipment and tied off one side to take the slight lean out of the antenna that I've had ever since a wind gust bent my chimney mount a bit. I put 2 more straps on and lengthened the mast 8' and tied it into the chimney with a wood working clamp which stabilized it quite a bit. The guy wire straightened out the slight lean. Had to install a screw eye that I needed the bucket to do (or a ladder, but why I had the bucket truck here) I pulled out one of the long nails holding up my gutter and put a 3/8"x8" eye hook with a PVC ferrule and it hit good. Very secure, I was worried it's be a rotted pc under the aluminum siding. But I hit a roof rafter end. Tied that off with the guy wire and crimped everything up. Time was up for the bucket truck and he went on his merry way. I gave him a pair of the TD-H3s for the help and a bit more. 6th .. One more guy wire to tie off and I just moved my truck into position and stood on my tool box and secured the guy wire and turnbuckle. Pretty much completed the job. Took about 3 hours, 2 1/2 with the bucket truck. Still have to clean up all the little tie wrap clippings. That'll be a job for tomorrow. Have to paint the blocks I put in to secure the eye hooks sometime soon.

I forgot to add that when my Escape sits for a week I hardly ever see a spike in voltage over 14.8 volts. Now if it sites for two weeks or more, then I do sometimes see it spike to 15.1 volts.

i agree with the others, 15+ for any period of time is too high, and indicates an issue with either your battery or charging system. ( i am a small engine mechanic by trade, but car charging systems are not that terribly different than lawn mower/compact utility tractor charging systems, all are 12v based, and anytime anything over 14.6-14/8 occurs, it may indicate an issue somewhere in the charging system ) probably gonna want to sort that out before installing the new radio.

He should take the truck in for testing no matter if it is an external or internal regulator. Seeing a spike of 15 volts is okay at startup IF the voltage drops right away to 14-14-4 volts. A quick spike is common with newer vehicles since all of the computer modules runs 100% of the time even when the vehicles aren't running. There is always small but constant drain. What is not common is for the charging voltage to stay at 15v all of the time. I don't drive my vehicle very often and it can sit anywhere from 1-2 weeks without starting. And I do see a very short peak of 15.1v at startup when I haven't started the vehicle in a week or more. But the voltage always drops back down to 14.3 volts within a few seconds.

I have a voltage booster on my 4Runner for my AGM battery so it will charge better and that i have set to 13.5-14.4. It does have a super boost option at 15.V but i wouldent push it that high, definitely would cause some serous issues with more than just the radio long term. Check with your dealer, 15.3 is high even if there was a booster.

Definitely have the voltage regulator checked. The highest voltage I have ever seen on my 2020 Ford Ranger or 2023 Ford Escape is 15.1 volts and that is only at startup after the vehicle has been sitting for a few days. And it drops down to 14.3 quickly. Both vehicles have the Ecoboost engines with the Auto Start-Stop systems and Battery Management System. It is not unusual to see a spike up to 15.1 or 15.3 Volts at startup if the vehicle has not been ran for a while. But it should drop to 14.0-14.4 with in a few seconds. I never turn my radios on right away when I start my Escape for that reason. I let the voltage drop back down to 14.3 V first.

Talk to your truck dealer about the voltage. There is a voltage regulator in the trucks charging circuit to prevent over voltage from the alternator. I don’t think that voltage is within specs. Most are right around 14 volts. 13.8 is optimal. However, to answer your actual question there are DC regulators that would deliver an output closer to 13.8 vDC. Here’s one I found with a google search: https://www.amazon.com/Diann-Automatic-Converter-Regulator-Waterproof/dp/B09TXSDSGS/ref=pd_aw_subss_hxwPER_sspa_mw_detail_m_sccl_5/134-6644960-5637816?pd_rd_r=4dcb5bcc-df15-449e-884d-5aa656cc2c99&pd_rd_wg=2ELCJ&pd_rd_w=emKb6&pd_rd_i=B09TXSDSGS&psc=1

You've chosen to ignore content by Socalgmrs.

I thought perhaps since OP didn’t specify GMRS repeaters in their statement (I fully acknowledge that’s likely what they were talking about). it would be worth mentioning ham repeaters as well. Which according to Repeater Book there are 1,707 Texas repeaters in the database. Add the 112 GMRS repeaters or 263 if you count stale and offline repeaters listed here, and all the repeaters that are not listed here it would be safe to say Texas has a significant number of repeaters. Hopefully OP finds this encouraging and if there are no repeaters in their area because like it was mentioned it’s a big place, do as @OffRoaderX often says you can be the pillar of your community and add one. He has an affiliate link below for you.

No, not GMRS, ham. Sorry for the crossover.

Just an FYI.. One thing I did not understand about my RA87 is that certain menu features can easily become deactivated as you experiment with the buttons/settings. On page 9 (see Channel Display) is a list of these menu functions. Please note the reference for a simple RESET process of pressing the REV button while pressing/powering up the RA87. This info might help you as you experiment. When you wrote Pre-programmed channels, I don't know if you are referring to the limited factory test channels or channels you manually entered or entered using software. I highly recommend Chirp software for the programming of your radio. A valuable evolution is to use Chirp to save your Code-plug/choices, and then write the CP to the radio again after any experimenting goes sideways. Afterwards, your RA87 channels' names are displayed again --- provided you set your Chirp settings to show channels by Name instead of by Frequency. Chirp is your friend. In case you do not have your original manual: https://www.retevissolutions.com/Assets/files/20230518/1000309129/RA87-ENGLISH-MANUAL--1-.pdf Best Regards!

That's because you have radios from a vendor who either feels that a) what you got was good enough, b) you don't need to know what was fixed, and/or c) if we deign to provide firmware to you out of the goodness of our hearts and it bricks your radio, tough - buy another one. For a look at what REAL firmware release notes look like, and the sorts of new features that can be provided: vers.pdf

The VFO button will put your radio into displaying the frequency and the MR button will put your radio back into memory mode showing the names.

Well I'm getting setup for the big swap out. Getting the Comet CA712EFC ready for deployment. Wrapped the area where the antenna joins with self fusing tape. And then marine grade heat shrink with the adhesive lining on the inside. Then wrapped the N connector after wrenching it tight with the self fusing tape. And then the heat shrink tubing again. Put silicon where the aluminum tube joins the ground plane area before I put the mounting tube on. Pretty stiff stuff. I guess that's why they call it hard line. And the completed assembly. Should be going up sometime this week.

So I have a question. Why haven't you put one up?

A solution looking for a problem...

This bubbled up on my local feed today. I am not sure if this was an honest error or if this dude was legit trying to get into the law enforcement system, but the FCC only sent a no-no letter. Part of me thinks that if it was an honest error and the person was just trying to repurpose the radio, that's fine... don't do it again. Another part of me is thinking "he admitted to putting the radio on that frequency himself, which implies some nefarious behavior and he should get more than a warning." Anyway, just a reminder to try not to cause interference when you are attempting to repurpose those older LMR Part 90 radios. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-410850A1.pdf Snip of text...

I have a pair of them which I got as a freebee when I bought some stuff from Temu. I haven't done anything with them, but I had the thought of doing exactly what you did. I probably will at some point.

I'd have to wonder if the OP's battery is deteriorating and causing the high voltage as the regulator is trying to charget. No matter, the whole system should be checked. Here, we have a "Battery Warehouse" battery store that provides free testing of both the battery and charging system - takes 10 minutes while you wait.

I'm old, and I'm slow. But what is this penchant for flaunting, actually outright violating, FCC rules. There is the old saying, just because you can do a thing, doesn't mean you should do the thing. Also, I've noticed when folks who do this sort of thing get caught and punished, they are the ones who scream the loudest. The FCC may not be paying any attention now, but this is the government and you never know what will trip their trigger tomorrow.

It's outside the local area, but some may be in RX range. I don't know much but I'll send a PM.

Overheard: more repeaters being linked up again.

I have a pair of these BF-888S. At this price, they were the perfect gift for my grandchildren. They use pure simplex for their fun. When I first used CHIRP, something happened to where the monitor light stayed on constantly, even after re-uploading the original code plug. I found a post on Reddit about these and how to reset them to eliminate the bug. It worked perfectly. That link is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Baofeng/comments/1givouj/baofeng_bf888s_squelch_issue_led_light_always_on/

not prohibited at all....they ask for a mailing address, not physical address when you apply for a GMRS license... try checking my callsign, WSHS666 (gotta love that callsign, half the guys on the local repeater call me triple inverted nine instead of 666 or triple 6)

If it had been about a midland or a woxoun things would be very different. Plus it was more neutral than nice.

never say why you're selling and meet in a public place

Agreed. One of the ranch’s we work with run them. Super easy to use, super cheap. They have like 50of them. They do the job and work with the ranch repeater. The only issue is only one channel to monitor so I can’t use simplex and monitor the repeater. But I always bring my own dual watch radio anyway. .

Ok since I work in a prison, I'll ask the experts lol Most said what's ham, and gmrs how would I get there address from letters and numbers. One said if there over two hours away it's not worth the time to try it because what if someone is home or what if there poorer than me it would be a waste of time. No, I didn't ask them but after 18 years I've talked to a few about crime shows so serval ideas have come up.

I haven't heard of hacking a digital system but like anything else, it's possible. But i think much more difficult for the average person with Digital when you consider hacking ' eavesdropping

Sounds like the violator had better be VERY careful in his response letter to the FCC. Should probably send them a pic of the radio with a bullet hole through it, LOL.

The all digital systems are at more risk than the old systems IMO, and in more of a catastrophic way. My Son works in MD and there entire digital system was hacked and shut down. Never was an issue with the old system. Wasted so much money going to digital to only end up not even being able to go old school because everything was removed. I think they would have preferred a random interference.

"illegally programmed" is...certainly a hell of a phrase to use.

I say an intentional act. Cities Counties, etc selling off old radios decommision them and clean of all programing. The guy admitted to tuning into a police frequency and also menat he had to tune in the correct PL tones. A few years ago the same thing happened in our community. After about two days a squad of Hams assisting the cops were able to zero in on the offender. The FCC in this case was notified after they nailed the guy and according to the news accounts, the FCC handled the problem.. Now days with Public Safety going all digital its almost impossible to breach their systems.

Most updates are released to fix bugs the software developer overlooked while rushing to get the product out the door and on the market. You're the customer and have no need to know what was done in the firmware.

Very thorough! Nice job.

350 some odd repeaters strong in Texas.. Texas has big beers too,, OP needs to stick with the smaller bottles

There are more repeaters in Texas than mygmrs.com depicts on the map. If you become a member of the Texas GMRS Repeater Club you would have access to a bunch more repeaters throughout the State.

Crap, there’s 30 of us? I only brought a dozen doughnuts. Happy Easter everyone! ️

Sound advice. At least avoid arguing.

I have said this before, but will mention it again in case someone new to the forum might find it useful. Whether a frequency agile ham/business radio, or a dedicated GMRS radio with channels 1-30 already programmed from the factory, I follow this pattern. (Note: This frequently can not be done with Midland, Radioddity, Retevis, and other brands where the design engineers figured you don't need any or many channels beyond the basic 1 thru 30. For that reason, I avoid those brands. This works well with Wouxuns and similar channel schemes.) On the installed channels 1 thru 30, or if adding them to a non- GMRS specific radio, still in channels 1 thru 30, I have GMRS Channels 1 thru 22 labeled as "GMRS-01, GMRS-02, GMRS-03, etc, coinciding with the channel number in the radio. Each channel is set up to encode only, a 141.3 CTCSS tone. Each channel also has no tone in its decoder, or is in carrier squelch (CSQ) mode. Since 141.3 is the most commonly found tone used across the USA (aka the "travel tone") having it encoded may improve your chances of being heard at any given location, at least a little. If you are running a GMRS Specific base or mobile radio, you can skip this process on channels 8 thru 14 as it will not transmit on them, anyway. Having the receive decoder turned off will allow you to hear and converse with others who might be around, via simplex, the same as if you never added the tones in your encoder (or transmit). Channels 23 thru 30, I label as RPT 15 thru RPT 22, respectively. If using a non GMRS specific radio, you will need to ensure that you program each channel to receive its 462 MHz frequency same as its simplex counter part, and transmit on 467 MHz with the 141.3 PL also encoded only with Carrier Squelch (CSQ) on receive. For instance: GMRS-15 transmits and receives on 462.550 MHz. RPT-15 will have to receive on 462.550 MHz with no tone on its decoder (or CSQ). RPT-15 must transmit on 467.550 MHz and encode a 141.3 CTCSS tone. It is important to leave the tone off on receive because for whatever reason, (too) many repeater owners out there just did not have the extra thirty seconds it would have taken them, to set their repeater up to encode a CTCSS tone on its output. If you are hitting a repeater and keying it up, if it does not encode a tone on its output and your decoder is turned on, you will not be able to hear the repeater or anyone talking on it. With your decoder off (or in CSQ mode), you will hear anything on the channel that is in range. After Channel 30, feel free to put in whatever repeaters you use or anticipate using and if a repeater encodes a tone on its output, by all means feel free to set your radio's decoder for that repeater's tone. The steps I described on channels 1 thru 30 do not guarantee you will hit a repeater or make a simplex contact everywhere you go, but they will statistically improve your odds of making contact should you need directions, help, or just conversation.

There are no FRS exclusive channels that allow you to operate a GMRS radio without identifying. Every FRS channel is a GMRS channel. Technically, if you want to operate without identifying, you must use an FRS certified radio. Whenever you are using a GMRS radio you are required by regulations to follow the GMRS regulations, which require identifying.

I was, at one time, long long ago..... in a far far away state..... worried about getting tracked down because I have a YouTube preppers channel. Then I realized that anyone at any time can be tracked down by ip adress, license plates, phone numbers, emails and by emails, text and phone numbers from others I had previously had made contact with. Get a security system if worried.

I read about the rash of robberies happening to GMRS users, so I started using FRS instead. /s

and risk a hefty fine or jail time? It's your choice, but is it really worth it?! SOURCE: "some people" on this forum.

I think your home would more likely be burglarized due to mail/newspapers piling up in an obvious area, trashcans unattended, or lack of vehicles/activity seen at the home more so than someone hearing your call sign and doing the research to figure out where you live and making arrangements to steal your belongings. Just because you and your wife are away from home doesn't mean that there isn't someone else living there that would be home at the time of your absence.

Just remember, that as predicted in the proclamation video, "some people" will always and forever spew reasons why Ch19 (any channel, actually) is not "the right choice", and will argue about it as they have for years, accomplishing nothing.. Those people are not invited to join with the rest of us normal people on Ch19.. They can go talk to themselves on some other channel.. My name is Queen Randy and I approve this message.