Davichko5650

Pretty much what I pointed out to my friend on FB. Most amateurs I know into gmrs are like me, got it going after they got their amatuer tickets to use with family out and about. Most people I know that use gmrs only, got into it for the same reason and had no other radio interests. He's involved in pretty much all 2 way radios as a hobbiest, Fireman/EMT, volunteer trail guy, etc. He also bugs me in many of his posts as he almost always calls it "Amateur (Ham) Radio". We kinda fell out a little when I replied to a post where he talked up that we should all monitor amateur/gmrs/murs when out and about in the woods hiking, biking, whatever. I explained while I sometimes have an HT with me, I mostly like hearing the sounds of nature out doing these things, not a bunch of squawking kids on bubble packs. Pretty much any where I'm out and about has cell service, so no real need to really bring the Boofwang along. He took umbrage at this.

These mirror what a buddy of mine posted in a FB group where he was talking up GMRS as a "Gateway" to Amateur Radio. I don't have solid stats on it, but I'm told the total number of Amateur Licensees is around 750k. The question I posed to him was, how many of these licensees in either service are active on the air with any regularity? As for the gateway, I got into GMRS 25 years after getting my amateur license; needed something to overcome a lack of Cell coverage up north so wifeypoo, who doesn't care at all for any radio hobbies, could call me out on the boat when out fishing.

I'll keep running my old Exploder. Proudly assembled in Canada with world sourced parts. Can count on one finger the number of times a Jeep pulled me out of a stuck. Can count on both hands the number of times I've winched out Jeeps from stucks! Mostly I run solo, and I have had to winch myself out a couple times from mud or deep snow, but it keeps on keepin' on.

Pretty much the same hereabouts, albeit there was only one M&G set up by local GMRS users, not sure it was a Club event but a get together arranged via FB Group here in MN.

It's a well known fact that you get 6-10 dB gain when you install antennae during snowstorms or below zero weather!

Dunno who that handsome stranger was, but he had a mighty fine lookin' veehickle!

Not gonna quote, but the point they made that GMRS is a radio hobby and most use it as such, I have to disagree with. I'm of the opinion that most GMRS users are not radio hobbyists but people who get the license to use the Service as it is; short range communications to assist users in their various pursuits. Yes, some are drawn to the Service as an adjunct to the other Services they're involved in, more power to 'em. Some as the so-called "Gateway drug" into the Ham world. Myself, I got into GMRS as a good way to have short range comm's from Cabin to boat or car up where cells phones are nice looking paperweights. Use sporadically around the home as well, easier than yelling across the yard. Have a couple friends I talk to simplex and rarely use a repeater.

I didn't see where anything was updated either. Although it says on top it was changed 9-20-24. Normally there's a note where a change was effected. The link to previous version wasn't working either to look at that.

Astron 35 with updated digital amp/volt meter. 35 amp, up to 15 volts, run it normally around 13.6v. Powers my FT-450D and DB-20G.

Gotta go with that Don Ameche in Trading Places voice "turn the machines back on, Turn the machines back on!" Although actually not, maybe? I really don't have a (dead) horse in this race not being a repeater user of any regularity.

They didn't go the landline Fax machine method like Osama? One reason it was a lengthy hunt for that cat!

google was my friend!!! "On 17 September 2024, communication pagers used by Hezbollah members simultaneously exploded across Lebanon and Damascus, Syria. 16 people were confirmed killed: nine in Lebanon and seven in Syria. Reports say that more than 3,000 were injured. Wikipedia." gotta watch those LiFePO batteries I guess?

Sounds like a group from a Stephen King novel!

Way back my then Elmers taught me that a good signal report is not based on what you see on a meter, but what your ear holes hear or can't. Similar to my Army days, you either got a "read you 5 by 5, Lima Charlie" or a "say again, you are weak and unreadable" (one we used a lot when doing Electronic Countermeasures on ID Ten Tee's). Or, just go Contest Mode, where er'body gets a solid 59!

I've had mine for a couple months now. Moved it into the shack for Base use and installed a Retevis RA87 out in the mobile. I agree with the pros. As far as the Cons, I've not looked at the power output, but I've noticed better results mobile with the 40w (listed) power on the RA87. At home seems the DB20 is working just fine, power wise. Haven't found any issues using the Radioddity software, and I've found the radio is very easy to program on the unit itself. So far, very satisfied with the DB20 and the RA87 both.

Not in Mass. so can't speak specifics there. But if you jumped in between operators and did not get a reply, it might be that they are not interested in talking to other operators. A very common thing as GMRS being geared to family and friends communications, they may not be looking to talk to others outside their group. Pretty much my modus operandi as I use GMRS, simplex and repeaters, to call home or talk to a small circle of licensed friends and we're not looking to talk to others beside that.

What a lot are missing is the part of 97.1733 (a) (8) (8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station; The internet is chock full of wireline control links. So it's not the POTS or other networks, but this that is the main point they're following to disallow linking repeaters. The internet is hardly wireless, even in the age of wi-fi and 5G

Easy to spot "I've been a ham since..." "Back when I got my license you had to ..." "(insert unpopular ( to them ) FCC rule change here) is gonna be the death of the hobby". "That won't work, the modeling software says so" I have been a ham since 1992, when I got licensed you had to take a test, I think most every change the FCC did to part 97 actually grew the hobby, and my antennae can't read or use computers!

Never dealt with an HOA, never will!!! Good old inner city lots!

Well, given we've seen no enforcement action yet on the linked repeaters, I don't see they "attacked" GMRS per se; they clarified to their view of specific regulations, to some degree. CB has generally been ignored for enforcement other than in egregious cases of jamming or interference by operators. Amateur radio has been around longer than the other services, has a better record of self policing and coordinating, long standing agreements and participation with EmComms , etc.

Just saw on our local news that the U of M Gophers will have radios, one offensive player, one defensive for suchlike fun. I've not a clue what band they'd use. on air up until the 15 second mark on the playclock or ball is snapped.

If only there was a Xenu inspired YootOober that would put out a video about why cant I hear my friend.....

When I programmed mine, they were all set for NB on all channels, and I was unable to alter them to WB. But definately worth the 23 bucks for the pair. Just what Wifeypoo wanted, a basic, no frills turn on and use radio as she has no interest in my radiodorkness!

I'm wondering what the split is on this issue? 50/50 for/against, or??? Personally I am not for Linked Repeaters so won't be visiting or signing. But I rarely use repeaters as it is, so I'm not really involved in the fight as it stands!

Ahhh, a "wireline control link" then as well??? Sounds like we're working on "making the impossible difficult." (Best college course I ever took, btw)