LeeBo

Just my $0.02, and probably not worth that. I have a number of BooFwang HT radios. They're nice and perform quite well with the right antenna. I decided to go with Tid Radio (in particular the H8) mainly because the screen shows the channel number, name and frequency. Now the H3 shows the same info, but on a smaller screen. The H8 just feels better to me and works great with a Diamond antenna. While both models of Tid will do GMRS and amateur radio frequencies (if unlocked), I opted to keep the frequencies separate and have one GMRS H8 and one amateur radio H8 (with frequency specific antennas) and each are doing a great job.

Not at all. I’m one of those who “studied” for the test. Been licensed a whopping 3 month. But in my defense I took the practice tests before actually “studying” and passed with a 90% average. All I’m saying is it shouldn’t be a memorization test. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Take the "peer group" out of the equation. You pick up a "study guide" that has the actual test questions and read at your leisure. That's not studying, that's memorizing. When I took all my CompTIA, Micro$oft and Cisco certifications, you had to know the material. The study questions were just that, to study. They weren't actual test questions. You had to know the material in order to pass the exam. Just my $0.02.

I have the H3 and H8 and prefer the H8 for its size. I actually used the H8 as a mobile unit with a Comet antenna for a few weeks until my mobile unit arrived. It's still my go-to HT. And I like that if you're in channel mode, you get the channel number, name and frequency all on the same screen.

Well, the group I mentioned is a "pay-to-play" group. Maybe that's why?

Did linking ever really "go away"? I mean, there's a large GMRS group in the southeast US and all of their repeaters are linked.

Some of those radios (with decent antennas and location) are working just fine for repeaters 20-65 miles away. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I'd have to use an HT with air band just to listen in. LOL

I'm using that same cable on Baofeng (2 models), TID Radio (2 models) and an Explorer QRZ-1. Works just fine.

Amazon.com: BTECH PC03 FTDI Universal Plug & Play USB Programming Cable, Baofeng, Kenwood Radios - Compatible with UV-5R, BF-F8HP, GMRS-V2, UV-82HP & More - Easy Setup, No Driver Needed : Electronics

Yes!!! I started using Linux Mint years ago and really like it.

I love this line: "Please don't wait for the next disaster to be left in the dark without communication or information. Don't think you can rely on your neighbor in an emergency because they may have evacuated, been injured, or suffered worse."

Excellent, thanks. I have a TID H8 in GMRS mode that I've programmed with the local GMRS repeaters and started showing my wife how to use it.

Ok, I need to add to the "newbie question", because I don't know the answer. Do the additional family members need to be listed on your GMRS license on the FCC website?

Speaking from experience, when that "once in 1000 years" storm comes through and knocks out power (including cell towers) for weeks/months at a time, you'll be glad you have that GMRS radio.