[Old Part 90 Radios Predating MURS Service Legal Use?]

Yet even today multi-thousand dollar service monitors still use BNC almost exclusively...

Thats because they are a true 50 ohm connector and have the ability to be attached without multiple turns of a test probe lead or other cable. They are ok for stationary type, semi permanent useage but even then can be sketchy.

 

BNC use on a portable radio is a poor choice as every wobble and flexing of the antenna contributes to it's loosening by physically stretching the outside securing ring. They are also virtually impossible to waterproof and have poor physical strength overall compared to the newer types of connectors used on most every portable these days.

[CDM750 Lowband 29-36 60W 4Ch]

There are commercial industrial operations in that area, like power companies, contractors that move around and don't use repeaters. They use low band for longer range simplex. 

 

There is at least one itinerant in there...it may be 33.04, but need to look it up. Low band radios fall in 3 bands, 29-36, 36-42, and 42-50. Back when I worked in radio professionally, we have business customers and public safety/services in all 3 bands.

 

Upside - long range...especially to a base. Downside - radios draw more power, larger antenna on vehicle, and harder to match the antenna given mounting choices on newer vehicles and their materials.

 

The itinerant freqs are 35.02 (restricted to 2w and itinerant use only) and 35.04 ( itinerant use only) in that range.

[Whats the story with the flurry of new repeaters in Puerto Rico?]

Been watching the updates for the past many months and there seems to be a lot of new GMRS repeaters going on the air in Puerto Rico.

Can any members here explain this uptick in activity?

 

Is it due to past storm damages and people wanting to maintain some form of commo there?

 

Just curious, Thanks!