WRXB215

Actually, I agree with the idea of keeping it simple.

Thimbles are a good idea even if you don't use wire.

Not sure why you are getting those results but I would not worry about an SWR of 1.7.

You might take a look at these just for good measure. roh-9h50.pdf roh-h30.pdf

Your DX rig was far superior to mine.

Not all "sad hams" are actually hams.

Yes, the repeater's input will be 467.650 and it's output will be 462.650. This is why you will also hear it on the simplex channel of the same frequency but it will not hear you if you try to transmit to it from that simplex channel.

And keep in mind that, over time, that slop and that wind is going to fatigue the joint and it will eventually fail. As I said in the beginning, some people use top rail and usually they get away with it. But I don't want any of my loved ones around if one ever gives way. It's won't be like a building coming down but it could still cause serious injury or death to an individual.

I'm already out of reactions for a while so...

That is what I use but beware many of the listings are not up to date. Traveling across Texas I get about one out of ten that returns any kind of tone or squelch tail. Out of those, it is hit or miss as to actually getting a human response. And that is mostly ham repeaters. GMRS is even more sparse.

I know some people use top rail for antenna masts but it is not engineered for that. You are asking a question that only a PE can answer. @SteveShannon is a PE but he is retired.

Also, don't forget to try turning on "stale" repeaters. Just because the info hasn't been updated in a year or more doesn't mean the repeater is down or no longer exists.

No, you need to be in Mem(channel) mode. Most GMRS radios will not let you transmit in VFO mode.

Wouldn't the FCC regulations override the ITU regulations in this case? Although I'm sure the FCC is in no bigger hurry to enforce this any more than they are in a hurry to enforce other GMRS regulations.

Sounds like they may finally be getting embarrassed about all the re-labeling they do.

@Socalgmrs now THAT was a good post. Well done sir.

Yes, if it has a decimal it is always CTCSS. For the other questions, keep this page handy. If you are like me, you will forget and have to refer back to it from time to time.

Maybe that's why I haven't put any real effort into it yet.

Yep, too many people have come to expect the government to fix everything and do everything for them. Walking us into a really big mess.

Don't know if it is small enough but this is what I use. I've seen some people on this site complain about this antenna but it has been working great for me.

You guys need to be careful about driving those Jeeps. Certain creatures don't like those things.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I need to plagiarize that.

@tweiss3 that was a nice concise summery. Very well said.

@Billz Welcome to myGMRS.com. Lots of good people here who are knowledgeable and helpful. As @SteveShannon said @marcspaz video is a good one to start with. If you prefer the info in written form you might give this page a shot. I will also second @WRUU653 on HamStudy.org. That is what I used for my tech and general and I'm using it to study for the extra. P.S. I've been kicking around the idea of writing a PDF of GMRS basics and FAQ. Maybe I'll go ahead and dive into that. It would be something good to have.

Some people seem to wear their emotions on their sleeve.