WRXB215

It's better than the Baofengs I have.

@WSCS844 welcome to GMRS. What radio did you get?

It only plays when you are trying to focus on doing some other work.

Sorry, it was not my intention to highjack this thread. My comment about the GM-15 Pro was only meant as a general comment to back up Randy's comment about firmware updates.

@WSCF738 In my limited experience, the biggest benefit to more power is when trying to transmit through a bunch of thick trees. Now don't get me wrong, if you want more power, go for it. But if you are having trouble with perfect line of sight, there is likely another issue you need to be looking at besides more power.

Good point. I'm not going to update the firmware on my GM-15 Pros. I don't actually "need" to use repeaters with them so I don't want to chance bricking them for that feature.

Not sure I can eat my breakfast now.

@WSCF738 just an FYI, propagation can be very different from what most repeater maps show. Typical repeater maps indicate a perfect circle when in fact, actual propagation looks more like this. As you can see, there is a dead zone in the square with "Dallas" written. It extends from the lower left of the square upwards. Then you can also see areas of light green much further away than that. Elevation, trees, houses, buildings, etc. all affect the actual propagation. This is why you can sometimes be closer and not get a signal but further and get a signal.

@LarryWRWH885 Take a screenshot like @WRXR255 did and post it. That will help debug. Also, smudge out the tones if they are not public.

Yeah, don't be a stranger, just be strange.

Ham is a very old term for an amateur radio operator. There is some controversy as to exactly how and when it came into being. The most common explanation I've heard is that the early operators were apparently quite colorful in the way they used their equipment which was referred to as "hamming it up" so to speak. The term stuck and has been used as a slang term for amateur radio operators ever sense.

@Hoppyjr sadly, you are right.

Sometimes it's actually fun when a thread goes off the rails.

Yes, Randy's videos are very good. As far as "road channels" are concerned, there is nothing "official." There is a lot of history and logic that would suggest certain channels but it really depends on the group you hang out with. You use what works for you and your group or what's common in your area.

@WRXP381 I agree with most of what you are saying and it can be frustrating sometimes to explain the same thing over and over again but we need to remember that there are still many people who don't have much experience with technology or with research. There are both young and old getting into the hobby. Some can figure it out for themselves and some need some help. Let's be patient and welcome them in.

Have you tried the Roadkill network?

I see the benefits of having a Motorola or Kenwood and would go that rout if I could. But my budget doesn't support that. CCRs are better than no radio at all.

I'm not sure about "most" but for a UV-5R I've done several tests in my neighborhood and the stock antenna doesn't cut it from my house to a particular point at the end of a bike ride. Both the 701 and 771 do make the trip with the 771 a little clearer than the 701. Mind you there are a lot of trees and houses full of f...furniture in my neighborhood.

@WRUU653 & @WROA496 check this out. And a cheaper one here.

@TacticalTodd Read this link about the CHIRP columns.

While I'm jealous of all you guys that can afford to buy the nice radios, my AnyTone AT-778UV with Nagoya UT72 antenna is actually performing quite well.

Yep, so far I haven't heard of anyone walking off a cliff or into traffic while talking on a two-way radio.

@Chessy68 Welcome to GMRS. As far as antennas go, Both Nagoya and Abbree make a 771G which is a very good antenna. Nagoya also makes a 701G which is shorter but still typically better than the stock antenna. Abbree doesn't offer the 701G yet, only the 701UV. Abbree does provide some good Tactical antennas. I haven't tried one yet but so far all the reviews I've seen have been good. I live in Baytown. I'm not aware of any GMRS clubs in the area but there are a lot of good repeaters around here. Check this site, myGMRS.com and also texasGMRS.net to find lots of good repeaters.