WRXB215

Keep in mind, the higher the wattage, the faster you drain the battery.

When the grid goes down, repeaters may not be available either. Batteries and generators only last for so long. As far as satellites go, you can only communicate on them for a few minutes at best while they are in range. Then you have to wait for a while before you get another chance on another satellite. And not only that, the other person you are trying to reach has to be on the same satellite at the same time. If you want to use satellites at any given time you need to use something like the Garmin Rino. Otherwise it is really hit and miss.

As @OffRoaderX indicated, starting out with ham radios is going to make it a little more difficult. I have some UV-5Rs and an AT-778UV so if you have any specific questions about those I may be able to help. The way tones work is the same across the board. Here is a few very basic pointers to hopefully help you get going: Simplex: radio to radio Duplex: radio to repeater (offset) GMRS offset is +5MHz. GMRS radios should already have this set on the repeater channels for you. Ham radios don't so you have to set it yourself. When using a repeater, RX will be a frequency 462.### and TX will be a frequency of 467.### with the same .###. See note above. Tones: Most repeaters use a "tone" on the RX or "input" of the repeater which will be the 467.### frequency. These tones are sometimes called PL or DPL tones, CTCSS, etc. but they work the same. When a repeater, or radio has a tone set on the RX, it will squelch out (ignore) any signal that does not carry that same tone. Therefore, you must use the same tone on your TX that the repeater uses on it's RX. You do not have to use a tone on your RX. Without any tone on RX, you will hear all signals in that frequency. Hope this helps.

@Jbailey welcome to GMRS. If you have any specific questions, just ask. Also, don't hesitate to do a search. Most questions have been asked and answered.

Welcome @Millimar

Congratulations!

Every day I become more and more convinced that is the most likely scenario we will face.

They are likely using tones. If you have a tone set on your RX, it will squelch out any signal that is not sent with the same tone. Find out what tone they are using and set that in your TX and they should hear you. You can year signals that are sent with a tone if you use the same tone on RX or no tone at all.

The tones are sometime DCS. Which repeater are you referring to?

OK, now you've done it. You've gone and made me cry. I'm taking my toys and going home. Seriously though, I wasn't trying to dictate any kind of requirement. Using a unit number or some other id like first name or nick name can help avoid confusion. People use to always confuse my father and I because we sounded so much alike. My mother and my sisters sounded a lot alike as well.

You and your family members should use the call sign plus a unit number.

I just now looked at a handful of them. Only one in that group appears to be linked. Also, most of them are closed patch but there are a few that are open.

Yep. No hurricane, tornado, earthquake, war, etc. Yet it still happened. We are more vulnerable than most people think.

Welcome to GMRS. If you do go for your ham license, Long Island has some great clubs.

I was surprised to find at least 13 ham repeaters in the Houston area with this.

@Lscott Here is my dad's old slide rule. I used to know how to use it. https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/419-slide_rulejpg/?context=new

What do you mean by "expand the frequencies?" Do you mean outside of the GMRS frequencies?

Not sure what's up with Broadnet. All I've heard the last few months is "I can't connect."

@Lscott probably has a PDF on this. I'm sure he will respond soon. There are others who are also quite familiar with Kenwood. If it can be done, they will show you the way soon. Welcome to GMRS.

I've been quite happy with my AT-778UV. It's not perfect but it works quite well for the money. The only thing I've found so far that I can't do in CHIRP is change the frequency set. No big deal since I only changed it once and will never change it again.

Is a repeater considered a "station?"

An amplifier might work for you.

It might look funny but it will work on the hood. Closer to center is always best but you may have trouble noticing a difference between center and to the side. Many people claim that if you have a 6" border around the base it is enough. Some people claim you need even less than that. In the end, you are probably going to buy a different mount and antenna to get the best look and performance.

I did a recent test on a couple of HTs that enlightened me on that one. A good quality receiver does make a significant difference. Now, when I listen to NOAA, I only do it on the Kenwood. Agreed. I have a lot of trees to punch through so wattage does come into play for me. Still want to get a higher antenna though and get some real results.