Ron, I live in Elkader and in Marshalltown, Yes in deed it is pretty quiet in both towns on the FRS/GMRS channels. I hear nothing in Elkader, and in Marshalltown I hear some maintenance workers on GMRS I am pretty sure it is a hotel maintenance staff. Ham radio is way quiet in Elkader and a little more active in Marshalltown. I had a local ham program up a DMR radio for me. It has been pretty interesting to listen although not a lot of chatting other than people talking about the technology. it too is very quiet. In altoona I am surprised you do not hear more. I drove I-80 the other day and have my radio on scan and heard some traffic on GMRS people traveling down the road.. just chit chat.. I just got legal and got a GMRS license. Not much over in Marshalltown.. but saw there are a few repeaters in your area. I would keep scanning. I woudl do some testing and make sure all is well with your system.. try and talk to yourself or someone and see how your sensitivity is on what you have.. maybe you do have an antenna problem.. but maybe it is simply a very quiet band where you are as well. Your Chirp csv looked pretty normal to me.. next time you may want to do a snip instead it will make more sense to those who do not use chirp.
