WRWE456
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Posts posted by WRWE456
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I would assume you have the GMRS version of the RT95? However the 144/430 antenna is a ham antenna GMRS is 462/467 MHz. They have a GMRS specific version that should work better. https://www.retevis.com/ma09-high-gain-gmrs-omni-directional-base-antenna-us
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Welcome to the forums Steve! While I don't live near you I'm sure someone around may. What radios did you get?
As you may or may not know GMRS is primarily intended as a bring your own contacts kind of service for families or friends staying in touch. Camping off roading etc. That's why the license covers your family. Do you have friends and or family near by that you can get to join you in having emergency comms set up? May be your best option for someone to talk to.
50 Miles may be doable depending on terrain with the right antenna.
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One question I like to ask people new to two way radio is " what are you wanting to use the GMRS for?" Answering that goes a long way towards getting relevant help.
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If you are wanting to test an outboard antenna then it can be useful but if just wanting to test the onboard antenna then what WRXP318 said is correct as far as I know.
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https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/
Here is a line of sight calculator. This is very helpful. You can put it in satellite view and see your locations. You can also set the heights of the antennas above the ground. The popup graph will show you what terrain is likely between your locations. This doesn't always mean it won't work but can give you an idea of what you are dealing with. I find that if a hill is very close to either antenna that is the worst, but if further away is less of a problem. Just another tool for your radio tool kit.
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This is the one I use. Very well built. Very happy with it. https://www.arrowantennas.com/solid/464-7s.html
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Keep in mine with those 771G whip antennas it is even more important to keep them vertical while transmitting. The stock antennas are usually more forgiving of off vertical holding of the radio. Try the stock ones first.
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28 minutes ago, Jarrow said:
I mainly just wanted to turn on my GMRS when we go out on a walk or drive and be able to talk like that vs pulling out my phone.
Radio requires experimentation. You just have to try it to learn what works and what does not. As with many things start with the basics then work your way up as you learn more. Start with your hand held radios and learn how to use them effectively. You will learn a lot.
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To add to what has already been said it sounds like a base station is what you really need. The problem as you have stated is getting antenna high enough. With an antenna above the roof you stand a good chance of reaching said near by repeater which will extend your range. Again antenna's work best when they can "see" each other. Line of sight (L.O.S.) That's why the best performing repeaters are located high on hills/mountains or towers/tall buildings.
If you could put a roof top antenna up then you could run conduit in the walls from your desired radio location/room to the location on the outside wall near the peak of the roof where the antenna will go. That will allow you to pull cable through it later. You will want to keep the run as short as possible, and don't forget about grounding. There is a fair bit of research you should do first however on proper wiring.
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This was the first time I tested the 935G with that repeater.
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Just did a test today using my KG-935G Plus hooked to my Arrow Antennas Yagi through 50' LMR400. Again I'm on top of a 500' hill in the San Juan islands with line of sight to Seattle but for a few trees in my neighborhood. Got a good signal report from a guy through the Tiger Mountain repeater 91 miles away. Not bad for 5 watts. Height and line of sight did most of it. Yagi needed? Maybe not but sure works good. Its a nice compact antenna also.
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At least you don't seem to have any terrain in the way. Just dealing with vegetation and buildings mainly. I can see why the extra power helps.
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4 hours ago, WSBY419 said:
It's the smallest things that fix the biggest problems.
WRXR360 correctly suggested I use the PC input on the opposite side of the KG1000 from the microphone input.
For this, I thank you WRXR360 very much.
I simply didn't see nor feel the rubber cap over it. Of course, it has "PC" imprinted on it. (Duh)
Really really hate to say it but many problems can be avoided by reading the manual. Just sayin, it's in there, page 32 with pictures.
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The screw on covers on many radios are for maintaining the water and dust resistance.
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I've got my popcorn. 
Good luck with the install!
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Here is a link. Very interesting.
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I have not seen this antenna yet but I do have an active magnetic loop antenna for my HF radio. It is a receive only antenna that works on the magnetic portion of the signal instead of the electrical portion. It does indeed work very well. It is much quieter than a normal antenna. Picks up much less electrical noise. At 36" in diameter is very compact and does not need to be high in the air to work well.
Could be a promising idea. Will keep my eye out for this.
Counterpoise
in Technical Discussion
Posted
Interesting! Thanks for sharing that bit of history.