Tiercel

I would love that. My biggest obstacle is knowing what I am looking at on eBay etc. Are there certain common models I should look for, or do they usually specify "commercial UHF one certified for Part 95A." how would I know if they are also digital? Would the description say, or would I have to independently research every model listed? The guy who runs the GMRS repeater near me said he buys mostly commercial stuff off of eBay and has never gotten faulty equipment.

I appreciate the input on the amplifier. I probably won't get one. I am just considering options. I am prepping for my Ham test (Tech. and General). My test is in late Nov. At this point, I have two GMRS UV-9G HT that I am very happy with them in general, but for the price, they seem to be an exceptional value. I also have two ham UV-5Rs HT's that I am sending back to put the money toward something I like better. I need to decide how to allocate my start-up money between Ham and GMRS. Being that I can just toss a radio to family members, GMRS will probably be my most practical go-to radios. I also need to see if I can pass both ham tests before deciding on Ham equip. Current equipment: (2) Baofeng UV-9R HTs (1) Baofeng Mic (2) Baofeng ear piece w/mic (1) Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna w/ Midland MXTA12 Magnetic mount Equip being considered: (1) Good GMRS Mobil (up to $375) (1) Good Ham Mobil (up to $425) (1) Ham mobile antenna (1) power DC converter power supply so I can use the mobiles as base stations (1) Ham base antenna (I might rig this myself) (1) GMRS base antenna (I might rig this myself) (1) SWR meter and power meter? (I need recommendations) It would be nice to find a mobile transceiver or even an HT that was efficient at Ham and GMRS in one unit.

Good catch! I am new, so I could very well be mistaken, but I THINK they make these for a few specific frequency ranges. I just grabbed a link to the first one to pop up. I think they are produced specifically for the GMRS frequencies. Correct you are; that's why a hand mike is included in the package, along with all other accessories (cables., adapters, etc)

This unit has good reviews. It will apparently boost even a HT 3-5 watt transmission signal to 30-50 watts. It comes with accessories. Designed as a mobile unit but easy to use as a base. At a $138 it seems like an interesting option. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B35QVP4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=not025-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07B35QVP4&linkId=871813e400f3bff0ba75a6e90408014e&th=1

I know a few of the pros and cons of a mag mount but with a mag mount, you can stick it to the bed of your truck when not looking for maximum distance or even front fender mount. You could take it off when parking in the garage (of course we know how that goes). One other advantage is removing an antenna when parking on the street probably makes your vehicle less of a break-in target, especially in some areas.

I'm pretty happy that even with these HTs, I seem to have a pretty reliable 3-mile range in simplex mode without a mobile antenna. Through this very close ridgetop repeater, I have reliable coverage for 40 miles. I know it only takes a power failure to knock a repeater out but this is a better setup than I expected with lower-end HTs. Honestly, what would $160.00 HT give me that I don't have with these $40 HTs? It does not seem like you get a lot for the extra $140. I could buy 3 more HTs for that much. I do HATE supporting Chinese products but I don't think any HTs are actually made in the U.S.

Well, one more fun landmark. I gave one HT to my son, who works over the mountain to our south. This morning, he tried to transmit just over the top of the mountain, but it was garbled. As soon as he went to the other side, however, we got each other loud and clear, so the repeater was doing its job. He was clear the whole way into work about 15 miles away on the other side. As a bonus, the guy who owns the repeater got on, and I talked with him for about an hour. he is the V.P. of the local HAM club. It was an interesting conversation, and I learned a couple of things. I ordered a Midland MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna and a magnetic mount. It should be here tomorrow. it will be interesting to see how much it increases my simplex range. I got an inexpensive mic as well. My options on the mic were limited because my Baofeng is waterproof and has contacts instead of pins. I could get a $14 Baofeng mic or $120 Motorola mic (3 X the cost of the HT), but hopefully, it will work fine.

WRUU653, I have no idea what I am even looking at on the image you shared. As far as I can tell, I have a general squelch setting for the radio. Your image shows an assortment of UHF VHF squelch settings numbered 1 - 8 each for VHF then again for UHF. Then it shows values like 20, 70, 90, 120... I have no idea what that is.

Always a good reminder! I retired as a Computer Security Manager with the DoJ. If I fail to save backup files, then shame on me because I preached backups until I was blue in the face

Yep, I think the problem was that my HT was about 8" from my Wifi/router when I programmed the HTs so I associated it with programming in the repeater. Just because "A" proceeded "B" does not mean that "A" caused "B"

It's QUITE annoying, and the thing is that it is on every channel. The squelch ranges from 0-9 and was factory set on 5. I just changed it to 9, then tried 0, and it seemed to have little to no effect. I will mess with it a little, then wipe out the repeater channel to see if that corrects it. If it does (and I think it will), I am not sure what to think. Back to an earlier point, NotaRubicon Productions reviewed this HT and said the channels were set to narrow, and all channels had privacy codes set. That was not the case with my units.

Another minor milestone. I used CHIRP to configure the WTs. There is one GMRS repeater in my county. It is 1-3 miles from me on top of the tallest mountain ridge in the area. I don't think the exact location is shown but from the elevation, I can narrow it down. I programmed the repeater into both UV-9G HTs. As soon as I did, it was like someone opened the squelch on every channel. It is constantly static which is annoying. I was able to switch to the repeater channel and transmit from one HT to the other, so I must have that set up correctly. I am not sure if there are any specific rules for using a repeater or if is pretty informal like simplex.

I am going to try to connect to a repeater today. I am not clear on whether I have to request access or not. The freq. info is listed in MyGMRS.com. I am guessing that for a mobile antenna or a base antenna, I need an SWR meter to tune any antenna I use. Any recommendations on mobile or base antennas for GMRS or recommendations for SWR meters, antenna tuners, etc? I might be forced to use an attic antenna for any Ham setup I get, but I might be able to come up with other opinions for a dipole antenna.

I was 31/2 miles (as the crow flies) from the house, with some commercial buildings between us. At that distance, my wife and I could still tell we were transmitting but could not understand each other. I called her on the phone and told her to go upstairs (two-story house). She did, and we could talk clear as day. This will be a good unit to practice with. Since they only cost $43 each I will have to figure out what an extra hundred dollars each would have gotten me. This unit has: 8 Modifiable repeater channels Totally submersible in water Long antenna Commercial FM belt clip and lanyard 11 NOAA weather stations (I think alerts) Scans 87 programmable receive only VHF UHF frequencies Scans 2 talk channels at once Flashlight with SOS High Power (5W) and low power settings Programming cable Earpiece w/mic VOX Roger beep Li-ion 1800mAh battery It will take me a while to figure out what that I am missing other than maybe a bigger battery, but I can always order a spare. So far all I can think is a larger screen, a watch, and maybe an electronic compass. I'm sure I will think of more.

Yeah, It looks like I can allow any family can operate MY station. I spent most of my life interpreting laws, testifying in court, etc. This is very poorly written. I could have stations I own all over the U.S. I bet I could find at least one juror to agree.

From what I have seen, the GMRS License covers the immediate family. I have seen nothing to suggest they have to be in the same household, town, or even the same state. Does anyone have any firm information to confirm or correct this understanding?

Yeh, I am not expecting much range, but they are repeater-capable. I want some HTs for outings, travel, and when we are at our little place back in the woods in GA. Also for emergencies. I expect to have my Ham license in a month and will likely get a GMRS mobile and some form of Ham unit then.

Play Time! I just got my (2) Baofeng UV-9Gs. I was surprised that they came with 2 standard 8" antennas (thin flexible) and 2 additional 15" whip antennas in the box. I don't think that was in the description. They included a programming cable, so I will play with that now. I saw a review that all channels have a privacy code set and are set to a narrow band, so I will check to see if that is so and change it if it is. I think I have to use the Baofeng software. I don't think these are Chirp-compatible. I can also program a lot of scan-only frequencies into these HTs but I have no clue what frequencies I should include at this point. BTW- I ordered (2) Baofeng UV-5R Ham radios a week ago but I am going to send those back even though they were cheap as dirt. When I get my Ham license I will get something better.

There probably is not any SIMPLE antenna advice for Ham. But let's start with GMRS. I am going to order 2 Baofeng UV-9 G HTs. Is there a magnetic mount or some other simple mount mobile antenna that will significantly increase their range.? Also, is there some simple antenna I can rig in the attic of my two-story house that will make a significant difference with a 5-watt HT? I expect to get a good mobile unit once I get acclimated with these two Baofengs. I am currently studying for my Ham exam, and I assume there is some information on antennas in there, but I have not gotten that far yet, and I understand little about matching antennas to frequency, using a n SWR, etc.

I appreciate that feedback. I have a long history of getting almost obsessive at comparing products, from house paint to TV specs. I can drive normal people a little nuts. Your advice to start less expensive makes sense because in the long run, I want to have some less expensive, simple radios to loan out anyway. As I read somewhere, "Unlike Ham, with GMRS, you need to bring your own contacts or talk group". Plus, in an emergency, I would like to have a couple to hand out to family and neighbors. I think I will order a Baofeng UV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack), fir $86.99 Today. I have been watching MANY YouTube videos for a couple of weeks, including Ham Radio Crash Course and NotaRubicon Productions. I do have a few questions on other products I have seen reviewed. First, a (2pk) 25 Watt Handheld (not legal for GMRS) for $ 209.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086BXSZD7/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=not025-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B086BXSZD7&linkId=b07381d081caa53ec51707f158313c1a&th=1 Also, the BTech GMRS Pro I saw reviewed by NotaRubicon Productions. $154.00 Those are on my wish list with the Woxun KG-935G and Woxun KG-1000 I have to save some mad money for Ham, although maybe I can talk the wife out of that new kitchen. Question: Is it worth the effort to buy a magnetic mobile antenna for these radios or a homemade rigged antenna for the attic in my two-story house? I live at the foot of a hill/mountain ridge (1200ft high) that runs just to my south so nothing will get me over that other than a repeater. A large river valley town is to my north and just a little lower than me. I have hope that I can simplex to most of that valley, probably 100,000 population in several little connected towns ESPECIALLY if I head up the mountain.

WRUU653, Those Wouxun are both nice-looking units but definitely on the pricy side, especially If I buy both, antennas, programming cables, etc. I guess I could use the mobile as a base as well since it is max watts for GMRS. I would just need a base antenna and a power converter. I was not aware GRMS had front keypads. Are these locked on GMRS channels or can you input other frequencies? Also, I wonder how much Superheterodyne vs Direct Conversion matters in a GMRS radio?

I should have been clear. I am an active 73-year-old with a grown family in the area. No more kids. In fact, my youngest grandchildren are just entering college. I am looking more for good serviceable equipment than expendable equipment. It does not have to be top of the line with every bell and whistle just to impress people, but I want it to function and be something that can be depended on for emergencies.

Greetings, and thanks to the hard workers who maintain this forum. I have founded and administered forums and I know the work it takes to get and keep a good forum going. I Just got my license, and I am studying for my Ham license Test in about 4 weeks), but GMRS will probably be my go-to since I don't need another intense hobby. I think I will start with a mobile that I can lug to the house as a base if I want. I also want a couple of handheld units. I probably won't get them all at once just because I am sure I will learn as I go. I am not an intense prepper but I do want some SHTF communication plan for my family. I will also use them for outings, fishing, etc. I might add that cost is not a huge issue as long as I am not extravagant. I want good practical, functional, equipment. Any words of wisdom?