Delmustator

Update: Still no response to my radio check calls but I have been hearing some traffic. Sounds like possibly nearby FRS traffic (no GMRS callsigns used). I'm not sure how close but the signal strength is pretty strong. I noticed after calling for a radio check, the repeater returns either (1) or (2) courtesy tone beeps followed a few seconds later with morse code signalling. Next step, I will put another radio somewhere and do some TX tests and see if I am heard on the other radio. Perhaps send one of my kids down the street and see if they hear and can respond to me.

Hey folks, thanks for all the valuable feedback. I actually don't think anyone was listening on Raleigh700 (7 miles distant) at the time. I monitored the repeater on and off all day yesterday and I did NOT hear ANY traffic over it. Note that I initially tried it on low power (2W) since it is fairly nearby and switched to high power (about 5W). Got the repeater courtesy tone both times when I called for a radio check. Then I switched to Fairgrounds725 (17.8 miles distant) and got an immediate radio check user response that my signal was nice and clear. That's NOT bad for barely 5 watts! I must have a great LOS shot to that repeater from inside my attic crawlspace (just kidding). I was in my 3rd floor office; which seems to do well. Fairgrounds725 appears to have the most traffic in my area and usually the RX is nice and clear. @WRZT401 I took your advise and tried the Tone Mode=Cross with Cross Mode=DTCS-> selected. Using this RPT line, I did notice that now I hear the repeater morse code advertisement. I was NOT hearing that on the previous Tone Mode=DTCS settings. I'm going to monitor the new settings today and see if I hear any user traffic. P.S. If Fairgrounds725 uses the tower that I think it does. It's at least 1000-1500 ft tall. This is the RARS W4DW "6-4" repeater.

Howdy Folks! The family does a lot of mountain off-roading in SXSs and FRS just doesn't cut it anymore. So we have moved to GMRS for greater range and repeater use. I've been in Comms/IT for 30+ years. I was a green suit Tropo/SkeeterLOS microwave radio repair guy for Uncle Sam for 6 years back in the day. But it's been a minute so I'm back into learning mode with GMRS. Also, as a private pilot, I'm on the air bands while flying PIC. Note: If anyone needs help with a Home Internet/IT issue? Let me know. IT is my daily gig. Perhaps I can help. I'm also an avid VR pilot in DCS (its way cheaper than flying the real thing). I have a full motionless VR simpit setup. I can answer questions and help with that as well. V/R Del (WSDN287) Now.. How do I land this thing?

Just a follow-up. The first (3) entries are repeaters a little further away. I did get a clear radio check on the Fairgrounds repeater. V/R Del (WSDN287)

Adding to this question as it's basically the same issue. In my case, the closest repeater is: This is my programming in CHIRP. When I key up, I pause, ask for a radio check, pause. I hear an audible beep from the repeater. However, I have yet to hear a response. I hear people over this repeater all the time and a daily time update at the top of the hour. Note that 115 is NOT a program option using TSQL. It is only available using DTCS. Thoughts? Regards, Del (WSDN287)