WQWI871

Despite my comment being posted in someone's GMRS topic, it was a random conversation that was going on that wasn't related to the original post or GMRS. I didn't feel the need to create my own topic or start a private conversation, though, I do apologize for "hijacking" the original post, and, unless someone has something to add onto that comment, I feel the conversation will cease.

So, the Anytone AT-D868UV is available now, I see the going price about $160. I don't know for how long, but, that's cheaper than expected. I may go with it, as it doesn't seem too much more than the GD-77 (less than $220) but, I want to wait a little until I found out more about the Anytone AT-D868S which is suppose to be a 10W/5W/2.5W/0.5W model of it. Although the extra transmitting power is nice, it seems to have some compromises such as less channels and maybe contacts. 5W is usually not enough some places I go, but, 8W usually is. If the 7W of the 868UV is pretty solid, it may be okay, but, I'd rather not get it and the power is more of 5.5W, though the 868S 10W would be nice.

You'll need to get permission from the owner or whomever grants permission to transmit. Generally that can be done via email or by submitting a request on the repeater listings' page.

Okay. Thank you for your response.

Thank you for your response. I should've mentioned that I was referring to RF ground than electrical ground. I just wanted to know if a J Pole would perform okay in the attic (especially considering the height is not that of the mast outside) with the J Pole just being connected to either wood or pvc, and if I did attempt an RF ground, would it make a difference. But, again, it should just be for a few days, because I kind of only plan on using it for when the mast is down unless another situation arises.

I was thinking about putting a J Pole in the attic, just for times I need to lower the mast, which should only be for a couple days. I've read that J Poles should be grounded and I wanted some opinions on that. PS: I was going to go with an aluminum than a copper. I'd rather thread thinner solid aluminum than to solder copper. A side note, I was going to make a dual band 2m/70cm J Pole, but, does anyone have ideas on building a quad/tri/6m J Pole? Something not too long? I know lower frequency, longer length, but, even if It's just a 1/4 wave rather than 1/2 or full to save space. That's just a side note, though, and not the primary focus.

Sorry that was a poor choice of words, I didn't mean it like that lol. It's difficult to explain what I meant by cheap. I don't think the MD-380 looks cheap, and, although the GD-77 takes on the same form, it just seemed different regarding construction. I'll still consider it for It's value. Hopefully if all is well with Irma, I can find something at an upcoming hamfest.

Dang. That TYT TH- UV8200 looks nice, but, not many reviews. It's like a 10W dual band MD-380, but, is analog not DMR. And, roughly $100. Eh I know there's compromises, but, it sucks that It's difficult to find one radio for multiple needs.

I did see and consider the Radiodiddy GD-77 for It's value, because as you mentioned, that is by far the cheapest dual band DMR handheld to find, being about the same price as a mono band MD-380. But, it just seemed like a cheap radio. I'm not saying It's a bad radio, just looks a bit cheap. I decided to wait for the Anytone D868UV or the Retevis Ailunco HD-1, hopefully sometime this year. I will still consider the GD-77 for It's value, though, that's far more doable for me. I would've purchased an MD-380 by now if it were dual band. On a side note, what I'm mostly looking for in a DMR handheld, and, I know this may be a waste to some, but, private / group calls, private / group messages, analog mode, normal talk on DMR repeaters, clock and gps. I don't plan on using talk groups much, I may pick a couple talk groups for the fun of it every now and than, but, I'm not very interested in that. The D868UV, by the way, seems pretty solid on the 6W. Which is nice because my Baofengs are solid on the 8W and if I do manage to save for a dual band DMR, I would want to carry it over an analog considering it is also analog, so, I'd prefer to compromise as less as possible so that It's more of an upgrade than a downgrade. I noticed recently that I wasn't reaching a local repeater good with the 5W FT-65 when my Baofeng UV82-HP is always solid in the exact same spot.

I feel like a culprit that a group of local walmart employees started using Baofengs. Even one was purchased for the general manager. The other local walmart (there's about four walmarts local to me) uses MURS 4. One of the employees started talking with me about the Baofeng he usually sees me carry when I go their to shop. They're unlocked (not locked to only 2m and 70cm) cheap, and works. That's all he wanted to know. So, he purchased ten of them for the group and one from me. Some of the employees are using Motorola's their, though. That reminds me, I just got a new Yaesu handheld in. I go to walmart tomorrow. sometimes I think I should have saved for a DMR, though. Maybe I can find something affordable at an upcoming hamfest.

For GMRS or 70cm, yes, about 6-7 inches is okay. For 2m or MURS, about 11-12 inches. But, I suppose 6-7 inches is better on 2m or MURS than not at all, unless someone can verify that. I won't do 19-20 inches, but, 11-12 inches is discreet if It's thin gauge and located in a good spot. I have a small terminal, It's no more noticeable than those wrist straps that come with some radios.

This topic was regarding a stationary mobile or base radio. The last comment was a side note referring to a thin 30G, maybe about 11" of wire used on a portable / handheld as a counterpoise which is discreet and not noticeable, certainly more discreet than a whip that is 15 inches or more. But, wasn't the focus of the topic. I have resolved the last comment, though and accepting any more comments for the focus of the topic.

I was mistaken. I'm not someone that gives false information just so that I can feel proud and smart. I try to be honest and give correct information, however, not everyone remembers or has time to flip through for exact quotes. A side note, I did correct my original post and don't see the need for ongoing feuds of my mistake.

Yeah, okay. It's just I never have cash, and, considering I don't drive, It's a hassle going somewhere to get cashback from my debit card or withdraw. I'll try to get some cash in advanced to be ready. It's nice to know that my local clubs will accept personal checks.

With that said, the best information we can give is to direct the questioner to the official source for the most accurate and up to date details.

I did say I believe, as I think. Every individual is welcome of doing they're own research, licensed or non licensed, official rules and regulations can always be viewed, and, is always advisable. I was merely stating that for reference. And although I don't mean to involve G, as he generally mentions in the weather topics, all information specified is not official and to always check the official sources for the most accurate and up to date information. I've edited my initial post.

One licensee can authorize family members, I believe. Otherwise, everyone would need a valid GMRS license. Have you looked at the Baofeng GMRS-V1 or any Midland mobile radios? I want to say that the Olympia R500 is fine, but, seems unnecessary for that price. If the repeater is within range, solid range, of where you intend to use it and is a good height, two to three miles isn't much.

So, I had a couple net members offer to take me to an upcoming hamfest, it would be my first attended hamfest. Anything I should bring or suggestions? A lightweight backpack, hydration bottle and power bank are on the list, aside from the everyday carry stuff such as a handheld, maybe toss a spare battery in the backpack. If I choose to purchase something, I didn't know what payment methods to be prepared with or if I'd need a bag to carry. Some flea market merchants have shopping bags and use Square, PayPal Here and similar services for debit and credit cards. Although I'm not saying hamfests are specifically flea markets. I'm watching a few videos on YouTube.

And maybe the ability to attach / upload larger images to a post? Sometimes pictures are used while getting or giving help. But, sometimes I can't resize enough, and, tinypic is tough sometimes.

At the moment, It's set to FM. Not NFM, but, not WFM. Actually, I just noticed my entire memory bank is set to FM. Edit: I just changed it to WFM. I know that the repeater is WFM, but, all the local repeaters I use are listed as WFM, and, considering It's just that one repeater I sound low to everyone, I figured leaving the bandwidth where it was. Should I keep the WFM changes or change back to FM? I can't get radio checks at the moment. Edit: That gives me another question. What should I changed all frequencies to? I suppose FRS should be NFM for receive (I found an article that mentioned receiving a different bandwidth than set could sound low) GMRS, MURS, and public? Because everything is FM. I know the difference, but, I didn't take it that there would be a big difference, so, I left it be. One repeater didn't show any difference than how I found with FM after changing to WFM. PS; No uncertified equipment, G. I know the rues.

Sorry if this should be in the Technical area. There is a local repeater that usually everyone says I'm heard very low. Very clear, but, low. It's only that repeater, it seems. Every radio check on other local repeaters say I'm heard loud and clear. I even make sure there is no background noise such as air conditioning. I hold the mic no further than three inches from my mouth and not angled. I haven't tried any of my handhelds, but, the only mobile unit (hooked up as a base), sounds low.

It's fun listening in to the local Mall frequency. Sometimes when I transmit they think I'm another employee.

That's fancy. I hope the local owner to me decides to get the repeater back up. I'd donate what ever I could afford if it helps. They said they still plan on it, but, It's been a while.

I like to think that repeaters don't have to provide wide coverage, depending on ones needs. I'm not implying to be selfish and not focus on the general public, but, one can only do what they can afford. If they cannot afford they're desire, doesn't mean they can't accept something they can afford. Of course if I had a repeater, it would be open to all licensed users. But, if all I can afford is, perhaps one of those "garage repeaters" that's still useful. Some operators are just using handhelds. I will say that with my crossband repeater (non GMRS related) I can reach with handhelds about five miles. That may seem like a joke and not useful, but, in my city with the obstructions, I would be able to reach only about one and half to two miles if It's simplex handheld to handheld. A mobile with a magmount or base to handheld / mobile / base is different. So, even a small five mile repeater is useful with there's no others. I, however, can't even afford that. I'm still job seeking, so, can't do much. The most do-able for me is something like two handhelds with external antennas and a tiny repeater box. I'm not implying anything on that, though, It's just an example of my budget. A side note, that's a lot of coverage you got their 1000 sq miles.