COBrien

That's a fair point, and I agree. I want to make it clear that I'm not going to be pestering them about it. Just "here it is, use it if you'd like."

I've operated a local (working on making it more "regional") repeater for about 8 months now. We've got the same 2-3 people using the repeater on a daily basis, and that's okay. But there are at least a dozen licensed GMRS users in my town who could use my repeater. I've started a Facebook group (not much activity), got the repeater listed here, on Repeater Book, and Radio Reference, and I just want to spread the word. I'm considering sending out a letter to the licensed GMRS users in my town, just letting them know who I am, that there is a repeater in town that they can use, providing the frequency pair and DCS codes, and offering to help them get their radios set up. Part of me says this would be a good idea. Another part of me says it might be viewed as "creepy," even though we all had to provide an address to get our license, knowing full well it was available to anyone who knew where to look. What do you all think?

If you're using CHIRP, you'll have to set the offset to +5.00 MHz. When I bought my KG-Q10G and KG-Q10H, neither was CHIRP-compatible yet, so I used the Wouxun software. It's clunky (compared to CHIRP), but it works. In the Wouxun software, you manually input your Rx and Tx frequencies (in that order, IIRC), so there's no need to specify the offset. EDITED TO ADD: You can do this from the radio itself, no need for computer programming. The best thing to do is go to the repeater channel that represents the frequency pair of the repeater you want to custom-program, then choose Channel Wizard to walk you through saving the repeater. This will copy the Rx and Tx frequencies from the channel you're on (IIRC), let you set your Tx and Rx tones, and name the channel. By the way "Repeater" mode does nothing on the KG-Q10G. That's a menu option that is reserved for the KG-Q10H and its crossband repeater function. It has nothing to do with whether or not you're on a "Repeater" frequency.

Heard and understood. I'm in Oklahoma, where the topography is quite flat. Having said that, there are some "hills" that my repeater will never get over unless I'm 120'+ AGL, which isn't going to happen in my back yard (hence the search for a better/higher repeater site). I've got my eye on a water tank/standpipe about 15 miles SW of me that's located on a hill that's about 200' above my elevation, but monthly board meetings mean the time between making a presentation, answering questions, and ultimately getting permission and/or a lease can be unbelievably long. I've been using Radio Mobile to give rough estimations of coverage area, and higher-gain antennas are still beneficial, even taking the topography into account.

Right. And my current Tram 1486 has an advertised gain of 6.5 dBd, which is 8.65 dBi. Comparable to the 712EFC. The Tram 1481 has an advertised gain of 11.7 dBd, or 13.85 dBi. Comparable to the GP-9NC.

@Socalgmrs I looked at the Comet GP-9NC, which is most comparable to the Tram 1481, yesterday. That's what I was thinking of. I may try out the 1481 and see what my NanoVNA shows. If it looks like it won't be suitable, the GP-9NC will be my next purchase.

I was looking at the 712EFC, and I like that it comes with an N connector (which all of my repeater coax uses). Honestly, I'd prefer to buy the Tram because they're an Oklahoma-based business (and the 1481 is about half the price of the 712EFC...), but if the antenna won't work, it doesn't do me any good. EDIT: Wait, the 712EFC is about the same price as the 1481. I must've mis-remembered that. Also, the advertised gain of the 712EFC is comparable to the advertised gain of my 1486. I'm going for 11+ dBd, if possible.

I know, I know. The Tram 1481 is a dual-band amateur radio antenna. I'm fully aware. But has anyone used one with any success on GMRS frequencies? A little background: I currently operate a repeater out of my backyard outbuilding, using a Tram 1486 (trimmed to a 1.2:1 SWR on 462.600) mounted to a telescoping flag pole which is hard-mounted to the building, and it gives me decent range. I'm working on securing a better site for my repeater, where I can mount one of the two DB420-B antennas I have stumbled upon. In the meantime, though, I'd like to eek out whatever range I can from my current setup/location, even if that means spending another $129 on a larger antenna. My flag pole won't support a DB420, and I'm not in a position right now to be erecting a tower in my yard. I see some Amazon reviews (which I'm coming to trust less and less...) suggesting the 1481 *can be* suitable for GMRS, but I'd like to hear some real input from the hive mind here.

"NFM" is narrowband FM, i.e., 12.5 kHz. "FM" is wideband FM, i.e., 20 kHz.

Uhh, hwat?

Reviewing CommScope's documentation, I read that as +/- 7° from horizontal, 14° total. Did I misunderstand? EDIT: I see this post is from 3+ years ago. That's what I get for not checking dates before posting...

This is exactly how I do it when talking to my kids (because they haven't yet mastered the call sign...).

The MyGMRS page for the Tulsa 675 repeater shows a 55-mile radius. You ought to be able to hear it from just about anywhere near Tulsa, if someone is actually using it. Lots of repeaters sit idle for hours or days, just depending upon the number of users in the area and how active they are.

@WSDB286, whereabouts in Oklahoma are you located? I have a McBazel/SureCom SW102 with SO-239 connectors I'd be willing to part with.

Welcome! I'm in Chickasha. Not a ton of GMRS users down this way (though I own the Chickasha 600 repeater, and we're working on a site lease that would substantially increase our coverage area), but there is an active GMRS group in OKC. They do a weekly net, every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on the OKC-650 repeater. There is also a weekly net in Tulsa, though I'm not sure about the day and time or which repeater they use. You might also join the Oklahoma GMRS Club's Facebook group -- lots of helpful and friendly folks over there.