WRXB215

@Sshannon I'm using more than one resource but HamStudy is my favorite. I really like the explanations. They help to actually learn the material and not just memorize the answers. When I need more info I often just Google it and read one or more articles on the subject until I get my head around it. And since I have technical writing experience I also have a tendency to write it out in my own words. That really helps me retain the information.

BTW, I'm studying for my ham license. I'm looking forward to talking to people like @Sshannon and @Lscott and other "happy" hams and if the "sad" ones don't like it they can kiss my fat a.. I'm not going to let the "sad hams" keep me from getting involved and enjoying amateur radio. @OffRoaderX I encourage you to do the same. Don't let the sad ones ruin it for you or anyone else.

@WRXW945 As soon as my reactions get replenished I'm going to like that one.

Post one of the lines so we can debug it.

I think @OffRoaderX pointed out in another thread that the UV-5R GMRS will not transmit in VFO mode. I have one but apparently I've never tried that before.

1. Yes, it sounds like you are kerchunking the repeater. 2. Your ground plane is probably fine. 3. Your manual should tell you how to scan for tones. If it doesn't, use Google. AAMOF, Mr. Grinder above probably has a YouTube video on that. 4. Changing SQL isn't going to increase your range. If there is a constant problem on that channel, then yes, just skip it. I would start by clearing all the tones, make sure the two HTs are seperated at least 100', and then see how they work. Then work your way up from there one step at a time. Edit: Yes, he has a video on tone scanning. It is for the UV-5R but it might get you close.

@WRFN864 and @WRUU653 All I noticed was the small additive funnel. What does that say about me?

The first thing I would do is check the tones. Start by removing them all and then if you want to use tones, make sure they are the same on all radios.

Thanks for the feedback. I also just noticed that they both say Model:BL-5. The $6.96 one is sold by Wirecom and the $9.99 one is sold by Abbree. I believe you are both correct, 12 in, 7.4 out. Just labeled different and cost different depending on who you buy from.

There are two battery eliminators on Amazon for the UV-5R: 7.4V 12V Both descriptions indicate they are compatible with the UV-5R but my manual only indicates 7.4V. Can I use the 12V with my UV-5R GMRS and if so, is there any advantage to it? Thanks

I can't afford such things as bunkers. You guys have fun after I'm swept away.

@nokones Wow! Nice club.

@Over2U You are right in thinking an external antenna will make a big difference but FRS doesn't allow you to change the antenna. So your only options are to just stick with what you have or get a different radio. If cost is an issue, the Baofeng MP31s are very cheap and I have used one with an external antenna with great success.

@jbkalla Nice work, thanks.

@Mikeydell25 Are you talking about this one? Or this one? Oh, you are probably talking about this one. It doesn't work for me either.

As I understand, it's just a firmware difference. But I could be wrong.

This world never ceases to amaze me. It seems like Alaska would be one of those places you would need a radio the most but no one will ship them there. @WRYH211 USPS does ship lithium batteries, they just don't fly them. Ground only so they take longer.

In my limited experience I'd say that in most cases you won't see any difference between the hood and the roof. However, I have had cases where raising the antenna just a few inches made a difference. That was while stationary though. Not sure you can tell a difference while moving.

I wish I had $400 to spend.

Cheater!

Most people on here refer to channel 19 as a simplex channel because that is what it is. Some radio manufacturers list channels above 22 as things like 19RPT etc. which, in my opinion, isn't a good way to do it. It just causes confusion.

@wrci350 is correct. It's an old military term if I recall.

I can confirm that they are hard coded into my MP31s but I had to add them in my UV-5R GMRS.

Man! All this "Times New Microwave" stuff is making my head spin. That's not going to be on the test is it?

@WRYC330 I understand what you are saying and I agree mostly. Just keep in mind that any time you try to operate a piece of equipment outside of "normal" operation, "you never know what you're going to get."