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"Thanks for that radio check, have a nice day!"

So... this is a touchy subject. The radio waves are not reserved. You have every right to transmit on that frequency and with whatever tone or code you want. If that person's repeater does its job and re-transmits your signal... it's perfectly legal. If the owner doesn't like it, they can change tones, channels, or turn it off when they aren't using it. Then there is the community aspect, where it really doesn't do any good to cause a commotion on the air. Also, some people are mean enough to go looking for you or other people they don't want using their system and cause problems in your real life... which I personally don't want to experience that. Even if they break a law and end up in jail... who wants that mess in their life? Then... my favorite... I have heard people pull that crap before and it's not even their repeater. And unless you know the owner, its hard to know who's who. Bottom line, I would either find the real owner, find another repeater, or if its important enough, put up your own repeater (which gets expensive to do it right).

I would add (because yes, your own repeater gets expensive in a big hurry!), see what kind of range you have simplex. I realize the whole reason this site exists is a directory of repeaters, and quite a good one too! But, don't be afraid once you get the license to see what kind of range you can get out of your radios first, including with a relatively inexpensive antenna setup at home (cheap mag mount on a cookie sheet/pie plate is a good way to get started). As I've noted on a few other threads, while I DO use our local repeater extensively (we're blessed to have an awesome local repeater owner), I also deliberately use simplex where I can, just to avoid using up repeater time, and to take things the whole county doesn't necessarily need clogging up airtime down to a little less range. All that to say, with just 5W and a good antenna (height is might, even 10 ft higher makes a world of difference!), I can cover easily a third of the local repeater footprint, and that on channels 1-7, where I'm not hogging a repeater pair nor a 50W channel neither! Just because this bears saying in you case, please, sincerely, (and I don't believe you have) don't let this obvious bad apple spoil your perspective of repeater owners and radio operators. Are there "Sad HAM" types out there? Yes...just like the Karens across our whole society. I have met many a cantankerous radio user (GMRS and Ham both), but I also have met some delightful folks that have been a wealth of knowledge, camaraderie, and wisdom over the years, and I count many of them close friends today. Steer clear of the rotten ones, as @marcspaz has insightfully put, because there can be real world consequences. But I can promise from experience, not every repeater owner, GMRS operator, HAM operator, or any other service licensee are as bad as all this. Welcome to this wonderful world (and hobby) of radio!

I have a Solar powered GMRS Repeater set up for off grid communications in UP Michigan. Items included - powmr 45amp MPPT solar charge controller -$50 ebay 4 - 100watt eco worthy solar panels -$50 each =$200 total ebay Retevis RT97S - $350 amazon Raspberry pi /case -$50 amazon Att 4g Hotspot - $50 ebay 4g service not included Retevis GMRS Base Antenna -$70 amazon 12v 100ah self heating Lifepo4 Battery -$220 amazon say $1000 -$1200 when your all done with wires and brackets to set up everything comms will cover 5-10 miles easy runs 24/7 365 8watts in stand by - 25watts tx low power - 35watts tx high power (raspberry pi and hotspot are optional for controller) you only need the solar charge controller, repeater, antenna, battery, and solar panels to make it work with this set up it will use this many watts per hour 3watts in stand by 20watts tx low power 30 watts tx high power

"Cheap" for my GMRS use case was to buy beat up Motorola XPR6550's off of ePay, ......must also add that I bought these a few years ago, notice the price is a bit higher now, as the dollar does not go as far as it did when I made the purchases. So ~$50-60 per radio and ~$35 per re-case kit. Gets you around ~$95-100 per XPR6550 UHF, then of course you must have the software and cables, which adds another $50 or so (software is free once you get a /\/\otorola account). Still prefer commercial radio for GMRs use over Baofeng, Wouxon, and others.....just due to build quality and transmit/receive sensitivity. Just starting out, a UV-5R is a good start. Until you want something better......

"Cheap" for my GMRS use case was to buy beat up Motorola XPR6550's off of ePay, then purchase the re-case kits from that Amazonian site. Ended up with six "new-ish" XPR6550 with a GMRs zone for about $50 each ($25 per case kit and 20-25 per main board). I do own an Anytone 878 variant, I think it has the blue button on top and definitely pre-satellite mode attempt. I think I have a GM-30 handheld as well, as it might have come with the DB-20 mobile. Still prefer to use Motorola though, much better audio and sensitivity. They are bigger, heavier, and when new, would have been considerably more expensive, but also made to higher/tighter tolerances than something made for a cheaper price point. I also buy former government agency Panasonic Toughbooks as well......let my taxes subsidize a better piece of hardware for its second life as a radio programmer.

Because he isn't telling you to vacate the frequency, just stop using his private property. And interference is making the frequency unusable to other by means of jamming or interfering with the radio transmission itself. As a repeater owner if you are going to use my equipment you can follow my rules on how I'd like it to be used. If you don't want to follow them then technically you shouldn't be using it. But people think that because it "the free airwaves" they have the "right" to use your personal equipment for their pleasure. And while there is little you can do to stop them, respect on the airways is also something that should be followed. Change channels, use another tone, set up your own repeater, use simplex. Lots of other options, some costly, others not.

Not to turn this thread into a HAM bashing thread but I have run into the same behavior on 2m repeaters (yes I am licensed). I had a gentleman lecture me, and the person to whom I was talking, about proper HAM language. I had used the term "copy" after receiving a short and to the point message. He was so enraged he told us to stay off of the repeater (which he didn't own). I ignored him and asked the other person to give me a 10-21 and turned the radio off. In your case he may own the repeater but, as others have stated, he doesn't own the frequency and GMRS repeaters are not coordinated like amateur repeaters. Some people just need to go outside and get a good breath of fresh air...

Tell him to stop announcing the repeater every 10 minutes then. Only needs to be every 15 minutes when it's in use. Maybe he doesn't even know it's doing that announcement, maybe it's a 2nd hand repeater and that email is to the original owner.

Perhaps it's time to put up a competing repeater.

i kinda could, i think i heard you like i said but it was broken and static, i dont know if its cause of distance or there is some sort of interference as like i said when inside their house on my tdh3 there is constant static, also i cannot hear myself when transmitting on the other radio(s)

home is in spring hill, i'm in adams visiting my inlaws

If you're in Adams, TN I'd think you'd be able to make it into the Gallatin 650 repeater with almost no problem. Where is your home base located at again?

Here is a list of repeaters I added

Had to step away from the radio for a few. I'll be monitoring that frequency again at about 9pm for about an hour. I'll call out for you there at about 9pm.

Copy that bud. Well glad you're able to program with the OEM software for now. I'm monitoring gallatin 650 and brentwood 600 right now if you're around to test.

I ordered a Surecom SWR, hooked it up to my Btech 50 and got a reading of 1.37 on GMRS 21 ch 21.

I'd do a quick program file and see if it'll connect, read, and write just using the uv-5g pro selection (if you haven't already tried that).

Also @WRUC846 -- if you're in Adams, TN I'd be trying to reach Gallatin 650. https://mygmrs.com/repeater/8271 I monitor that one all the time so I can help ya test on it.

Have you tried the Software from Baofeng itself? https://www.baofengradio.com/pages/download

Excellent. I can't hit that repeater from where I am, but I know we have several people that use it. @WSIY431 and @TheMeatTrapper I think use it here from our group. But let us know here if you can make contact with them or anyone else.

i have gone ahead and gotten the baofeng uv-5g two pack off of amazon, currently up near clarksville visiting family and am trying to reach the following repeater https://mygmrs.com/repeater/9572

They make 2 BT speaker mics now (well technically 3 SVX). The new BT speaker mic for the Next is even better than the old unit. The new one I like the pairing is done once and never touch it where as the WM SM you had to touch blue dots every time you turn the radio on. The new SVX (w/built in body cam) also pairs once and done. As said I can get 100 yards on mine. I have been in a house and still connected to my vehicle in a driveway.

It's pretty quiet around here too. Which is nice. Most of the time I feel like I have the whole band to myself. Katie and I use our radios for comms between the house and garage. As well as running errands in town. It's nice when you have a quick question about the shopping list. I have plans to put up a tower next summer so that I can set up a net for emergency preparedness with friends and family. And if it gains popularity in the community, then all the better. Of course, we use our radios at events and fairs when we might get separated. It's so much better than, "wait here, I have to use the bathroom." And they're a must when we go camping. I'm hoping to take the Technician exam this week. There's a lot more opportunities to talk on the radio for the sake of talking on the radio in the amateur bands. So, if you're feeling that inner need from a Radio Dork gene, HAM radio maybe the thing for you.

I use Motorola Bluetooth Remote Speaker Mics (RSM) with Motorola mobile radios, where a zone has been set for GMRS use. Often in clear open areas, my RSM gets that kind of range. I also use one for my daily job, with a 7/800 MHz APX4000 being the radio it connects to. Recently, Motorola has been fumbling their model numbers, firmware, and what will work with which product lines. Some Bluetooth RSM's from Motorola used to work with both APX and XPR Trbo series radios, but now they are differentiated a little more, by model and firmware. Beware, many sales sites have not updated this. (For example, my PMMN4095A Bluetooth RSM works with Motorola APX series radio, but not Trbo). Be careful if you go down this path.....but, it is not a repeater, only a wireless microphone going to your radio, so no legal issues. They are also on a Motorola proprietary wireless setting (unless you disable that and set it for a more common standard, which does reduce range but allows for non-Motorola wireless devices (small remote PTT, hearing aid use, that type of thing).

I hear this comment often on this forum. One main sticking point most don't consider is during an emergency there is likely a power outage. Most repeaters have no emergency power backup so when the SHTF the repeater will likely go down just when you need it. You should plan on simplex type communications. If by some luck there is a repeater with standalone backup power it might be reserved for emergency traffic only. Trying to contact family members likely wouldn't count. I had that experience back in 2003, the great North East black out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_blackout_of_2003 I found a local Ham UHF repeater that was up and running, didn't hear any traffic at the time, and wondered if anybody else happen to be on the air. Made a general call using my HT. A few seconds later got told in no uncertain language it was reserved for emergency traffic only. Oops. Signed off immediately. After that I put up a portable mast, about 20 feet, with a small dual band antenna on it. At the time I lived in a ground floor apartment so it was easy to do. Ran the cable out the front room window. Spent the time monitoring the 2M calling frequency and several of the local police dispatch channels. Had a few gell-cell battery packs, with a 12VDC adapter, to keep the HT powered up for extended time periods. On receive with no audio the HT wasn't that much of a power hog. Now I have a collection of LFP, Lithium Iron Phosphate, battery packs (3.3AH to 40AH), LFP specific MPPT charge controllers and solar panels from 5 watts to 100 watts to keep them charged. Now if the power dies I have enough battery power to keep the cell phone charged, an HT up and running along with a few LED lights around the house. I have basically nothing in the fridge so that's not a concern. The fireplace is gas so I'll have heat in the extreme case when it's really freezing outside. If the situation last more than a few days to a couple of weeks then you have maybe more to worry about, like uninvited visitors who want your stuff.

I understand now.

Fixed that for you..

Ya, that sounded weird to me. Even if it was how would they know you were monitoring? Have to be pretty sensitive equipment to pick up the local oscillator in your radio to even begin. Airwaves are free to monitor.

Now, there is a difference between a GMRS frequency and repeater use and HAM frequencies and Repeater use. HAM repeater frequencies are coordinated by volunteer organizations known as frequency coordinators, which are state-level groups or councils. These coordinators help reduce harmful interference by recommending frequency pairs to avoid conflicts with other amateur radio operations. While coordination is not legally required by the FCC, it is considered a best practice and a demonstration of good engineering and amateur radio ethics. The FCC's regulations, specifically Title 47 CFR, Part 97, define the role of a frequency coordinator but do not grant them legal authority to control or regulate repeater operations. Therefore, while the FCC sets the rules for amateur radio use, the actual assignment and management of repeater frequencies are handled by volunteer coordination groups. GMRS does not have anyone coordinating and managing its Repeater frequencies. It's so to speak a 'free for all' in the GMRS world.

Yes, of course. I was talking about using a mobile antenna for a base station setup. The body of the car will act as part of the ground plane.

The vehicle has existing holes from when the police department owned it. I was just gonna buy a nmo cable and install it in the roof.

No, he does not own the GMRS repeater Channel nor is he assigned any specific GMRS repeater channel by anyone, any group and including the FCC. You have the right to talk and use any GMRS repeater channel you desire so long you follow GMRS rules. Now as far as knowingly using his repeater after he as requested you not to, common practice is not to.. You can talk on that specific frequency so long as you don't interfere with other traffic.. If his repeater is open and picking up your conversion with someone not looped through his repeater, he has zero recourse. He may not like you doing that but at the end of the day, he has zero control. And don't worry about the FCC police he may threaten you with. They don't exist, there is none and there never will be. Have Fun!

Just put a cookie sheet on the magnet if you aren't putting it on a metal vehicle. This will replace the ground plane the metal vehicle provides.

You'll notice a difference, and you can use the same mag mount antenna on your vehicle and in your home.

…Um no, that’s not an antenna and it certainly isn’t removable. IP67??? At least.

The guy wants power. He's a pos is all.

If he wants the repeater to be private, why does he publish enough information for operators to use it?

Whenever UV appears as part of a model name it usually means that a radio can operate on UHF and VHF.

well again -- except for one dud -- i've had great luck with the tidradio brand. Other than that, you could check out baeofeng, radtel, retevis, or so many other brands. If you want SPECIFIC radio recommendations, then please let us know what kind of criteria you're looking for, and we'll be able to advise you from a more informed perspective.

If you want to drive my car you need my permission. If you want to use my repeater you need my permission. They are my assets. For the record, I would leave a repeater wide open for everyone to use -- but not everyone has that perspective about private assets.

i've had great luck with all but one dud from Tid Radio, personally. But the choice is yours, of course. What radio and/or brand ya looking at instead?

Hey there @WRUC846. Yeah I have to say ...... i own several tid radios. A couple of h3's. An h3 plus. A few h8's. I HAVE had a dud radio that did the exact thing you described. It would receive but no matter what i did, it would NOT transmit. Maybe you could order a new one on amazon and then return that "new one" because it didn't work. wink wink.

My brother has a 7900 and a triple magnet mount would not hold it to the roof of his truck at 60-70 MPH. A permanent mount is needed. He went with the Comet 2x4SR instead.

I have 3 D878UV’s. I’ve mention this before but Anytone’s quality control on the firmware and programming software to be honest sucks. Because of this I don’t really use them. They just sit on a shelf. If I want a DMR radio I grab my NX-1300DUK5 Kenwood. https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/290-nx-1300duk5/?context=new The latest example was their attempt to add a satellite mode. Unfortunately the modifications resulted in users radios locking up depending on specific operating conditions. It was so bad they finally released a new version of both of the above with the satellite feature removed. I haven’t bothered to update any of mine until I see from other users how stable the revision works out. From past experience they tend to muck up stuff that previously worked with their updates. The satellite feature was just the latest example. So far the major commercial radios models in my collection I haven’t experienced this crap doing updates. Likely reason why if they did their commercial radio business would crater, which is their major source of revenue. And yes, I have a lot of commercial grade gear. https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/249-my-radio-collection/?context=new