RoadApple

Just don't turn your head when transmitting...

They must be experienced! Notice that they are using the "RED STRING" privacy code

When the conditions are right, it doesn't take a lot of power... You are quickly becoming a voice of the world Great Job!!

Perhaps folks hearing this helps provide a more realistic perspective on FCC enforcement (or lack thereof). So many radio folk live in this fantasy land where the FCC is lurking around every frequency to catch you not ID'ing every 10 minutes... @OffRoaderX has been pointing out the reality for years...

Yep, that sounds like the wild west days of CB on 10M.

I agree with @beerftw. Interoperability with unlicensed FRS is one of the things that is very handy during community events etc. While your GMRS license covers your immediate family it does not cover your friends or other people you may need to communicate with. The ability hand someone a cheap no license required FRS radio and talk with them is IMHO a real plus! And IF I don't want to hear miscellaneous FRS traffic, that is where CTCSS and DCS comes in...

It's worth a shot.

Hey @TNFrank, I'm curious if you have tried making 10m contacts at night when there is lower solar activity and it is much less susceptible to skip conditions. Doing so might help you stay closer to home...

The choice between GMRS and/or Ham and/or CB comes down to, what is it that you and your dad hope to accomplish via your use of the radio? Different radio bands/services often serve different purposes in terms of practical range, unwanted interference from distant stations, etc. There is a whole host of considerations, not the least of which may be the need for you and perhaps other family members to pass an exam to be licensed. I suggest you first start by identifying what you want out of radio, then decide on which avenue makes the most sense.

You won't find any "skip" in UHF/GMRS. It is pretty much line of sight. Many folks here are also licensed hams and there is a ham/amateur section on this MyGMRS forum that you might find interesting. There seems to be a lot of cross-over with us radio nerds.

Welcome to the forum!!

I've not worked with it, but I've heard this same sentiment expressed by others.

Thanks @WRTC928 this is good information to know. I too am interested in a radio with all the controls in the mic. I tried the QYT KT-9900 which, I think, is basically the same as the Anysecu WP9900. Meh.... It was okay, but I ended up returning it, in favor of searching for something with a better build quality and duty cycle. Some of those mini radios seem like an overpowered HT on a bigger heat sink. Still, when I keyed up for more than about 15 seconds the fan kicked on in a desperate attempt to keep it cool. It was not thermally stable. Also, the QYT was ham locked and if possible, I'd like to find an open/unlocked dual band unit with mic controls. I will be interested to hear your impression of the Abbree AR-7600 after you have had it and used it for a while longer. Thanks again!

DITTO!

I totally agree! I never said or suggested it was weak. I don't use it and I don't claim to know a lot about Meshtastic, I was merely relaying the impression made upon me by some locals who were discussing it, while I listened, as their experience seemed to be much less than robust or reliable. Sorry, I did not intend to drag this thread down the Meshtastic rabbit hole. Back on Topic: Again, Good Luck @TNFrank. I hope you find a method for learning CW that works for you, and good luck on your general test!!