WRXH357

So when using a SWR meter what's your process?? Do you tune the radio mid-band to check SWRs?? Do you tune the radio to your preferred channel to check SWRs?? Do you check SWRs at the highest radio output power setting ?? If I were to "tune" SWRs to Channel(s) 20, 21 or 6 ; do I really need to check channels 15 and 14??

Myself and another MYGMRS member ( @WRZP261) have been able to catch each other on the radio quite a few times. Today was one of those days. I was caught off-guard to hit the repeater due to my location and to get a response. We were both out running around so we were able to get some ranging estimates of our equipment and while using the local repeater. As the crow flies we held comms for about 25+ miles apart using the repeater with overcast/rainy weather clouds all around. Our local repeater reports (on MYGMRS) it's a 10 mile repeater. My location was easily outside that estimate, I believe his was inside that area. My location/driving was in a more rural setting, his more metro/urban. We didn't get through while on simplex. I'm sure he will add on any additional information or clarify anything. We are going to see if the ranging holds true during a clear day with lots of sunshine. Even if you think you are outside the repeater range load the settings and just call out, you just might get through to the repeater.

I replied to your PM. BTW it is pretty quiet around the NN/Hampton area on GMRS except for the business use radios.

Yea, it is what it is. Back to the airwaves!!

Is the repeater listed on MYGMRS map? Can you share that info?

Change TONE MODE to Tone. Move the value 225.7 to the TONE column. Verify ops.

Just wanted to drop this here since I didn't get your call sign. You stated you were on the HighRise Bridge. Asked me about being on MYGMRS. I lost your signal a little later, still never got the call sign.

I don't have any equipment to verify any real data. If you were local I'd love to get any meter/test equipment to see the results. Given the reports from the contacts I've made I'm not too worried. Yes, test equipment will tell the real story.

I'm running a Wouxun 24" Spring Mounted GMRS Antenna for Offroad Vehicles (ANO-058G) from BTWR. It's been used with a KG1000G+ getting get results from receive and transmit. I have not been able to get a meter to show SWR on my setup. No one speaks of any sort of issue when talking to people. I do wish the spring had a little less tension. I did drive under a low overhang and it sprung back with a bit of force. I think the biggest difference between what I have and the MIdland stuff is the overall length. Midland uses a tad longer "short" antenna at 28" compared to the 24" I have from Wouxun. The Melowave Overlander and the Midland MXAT04 are pretty close in overall height. Depending on your perspective you could say the Midland stuff is a knock off of the Melowave Overlander GMRS Mobile Antenna and Wouxun antennas. I think either one will do the work requested. Just spend what you want, where you want.

I'm on the other side in Newport News/Hampton. I can hit the repeater over here pretty easily. If you want to try some "over water" comms tests PM me.

It very well maybe the the local area and your squelch setting. I had to turn mine up to 2 or 3 (1-10 range) to keep it from stopping on channels. In a different area I'm getting hung up on Channel 3. There's something in those areas cause at home Channel 3 is just fine while scanning.

It's definitely an area thing if you listen to the broadcasts on MYGMRS Live Audio. Those MidWest Hub folks chat it up like people at a water cooler. I was down along the MS/AL/FL areas along the Gulf. There's people in that area who listen in or talk to whoever. Some are the repeater owners so I guess they are tuned in quite a bit. It's not as chatty as MidWest but they do get on the radio.

I've heard skip on AM (CB) all the time. I've spoke several times to people in FL from VA. Been driving through OK, hearing people in NYC. Again in OK I made contact with someone in PNW. While hanging out with people there's always conversations about people hearing others from (insert location). There was a guy out in CA I believe that ran a huge tower went by the name of "Motormouth Maul". There were days I heard him coming through on the skip. He's still around doing it on what seems to be VERY low wattage. His antenna:

Do you want a list by model name or highest cost to lowest?

The Wouxun is 24" from the spring base to the top. The Melowave was 47" from the spring base to the top. BTW both of these antennas came with the spring base and cable. Comparing the MIdland pricing to the Melowave @$159 and the Wouxun @ $79, the Midland antennas seem a tad high. I might have a moment where I try the Midland Grand Vista if I get enough scrap metal sold.