TNWEB

Yes. Use your existing FRN. Also be aware that the FCC will begin to enforce the use of multi-factor authentication beginning on March 29, 2024. Users will be prompted to request a six-digit secondary verification code, which will be sent to the email address(es) associated with each username. More info here -> FCC to Require Two Factor Authentication for CORES Users.

The Amateur Radio Relay League has a club finder. ARRL find a club The results will definitely be skewed to amateur radio but if that possibility exists in your future it might be worth a look.

I picked up the twin pack of the UV-5G Plus last week at Radioddity. The primary factor in choosing this model (my first GMRS radio) was that the batteries are chargeable via the included USB-C cable and AC adapter. Since these batteries supply a nominal 7.4VDC to the radio, I was curious as to what the charging voltage and current was for this setup. As per the attached photo, I found the voltage and current were consistent at 5.2V and 0.7A across the entire 4-5 hour charge cycle. Since the batteries normal operating range is from 7.0v to 8.4v we can conclude that the batteries have an internal step-up circuit to boost the charge voltage to an appropriate level. The USB charging capability will be useful in the field as I can use either the USB ports on my PowerWerx box, cell phone chargers, or truck USB ports.