LeeBo

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.

Absolutely right. Here we have an upstate SC GMRS group that consists of 5 repeaters, two of which I can hit from my front porch with an HT, and the third I have to be using the mobile unit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do a web search for "year/make/model of vehicle amateur radio install". You'll find a ton of info and usually along with it what works and what doesn't.

Maybe where you are. Here in Upstate SC they are non stop.

One of the upstate SC repeaters (ham) has been set up with a net controller out of Pisgah Forrest NC, and he's been collecting gas/fuel info from the surrounding areas to pass along to the Mt Mitchell repeater, which is organizing the relief efforts in Asheville, NC. I've spent the last couple of days driving around southern Greenville County (SC) reporting back intersections with or without power, locations that are open, have gas and food, and take cash and/or card. While most (including myself) may not see this as doing very much, it may have had a huge impact to someone somewhere.

Another vote for the Comet CA-2X4SR antenna. Really good 2m, 70cm and GMRS tx/rx.

Both of mine are the M version and so far, (knocking on wood) I've had no issues with Chirp or listening to air band channels.

Have you tried applying just the slightest pressure to the cable where it connects to the radio, maybe a possible loose connection with just that radio? I haven't has that issue with my AR-5RM, which works great with Chirp, but I have had that issue with other brands. Just having my thumb on the plug did the trick.

Not GMRS related, but for explanation, nodes allow for repeater linking. In South Carolina, the SCHEART network consists of 34 repeaters that I can link together from my HT or mobile using the node # assigned to that repeater. Which is nice since I'm in Greenville and want to contact someone in Charleston, I can link the repeaters together, make contact, then remove the link.

Thanks. I went back and added a light dab of silicone where the wire goes through the grommet, just to make sure. I also had a friend (25-ish year HAM) helping me.

ACCESS DENIED!!!!!

Even if the repeater is listed as “open”, I still request access. At least that way the owner knows I’ll be using it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stupid question, but does it happen on other frequencies? I had a very similar issue that I was convinced was "alternator whine", but further testing revealed the "whine" stopped after I left the parking lot at work, and also didn't happen on other frequencies. Just a thought.

I went with a Diamond K400S lip mount on the top of the rear door (PL259 mount) and Comet CA-2xSR antenna. I added the Comet spring due to all the low hanging branches in my neighborhood. I routed the cable through a grommet (added silicone) and all the way to the drivers seat where I mounted the radio. Right now I have a 1.2:1 SWR reading. Not bad (if I say so myself) for my first radio/antenna combination. I'mm hitting repeaters 30-ish miles away clearly.

When I first got my license, Repeater Book listed a repeater 1.8 miles from my house. I was never able to connect to it and others could not hear me when using the same repeater. I reached out to the owner only to find out they had to remove it by request of the property owner. So yes, I did the whole "hey, I can start up a repeater" thought. Then I got with the owner again and he let me know what all was involved in repeater ownership and I quickly changed my mind.

Option B for the win!

Not at all. Just remember just because you can hear it doesn't mean you can access it. But @WRXP381 and @WRYZ926 nailed it.

How long ago did you send the request? Owners may not check their emails continuously. I've had requests take several weeks. Just got an approval last night for a request I put in over a month ago. Be patient. Requests aren't instant.

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That would be sweet.

I'm kinda partial to the two Boofwang AR-5RM's I bought. They do what I need them to and also let me listen to GSP (Greenville Spartanburg SC) airport. Plus they're.......well......cheap.... and easy to program. But work pretty well. And I'm currently working on getting my wife to use one. Says the man who's only been licensed a couple of months.

I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete.

I'm having that.........conversation.........with the wife now.

Ditto with Chirp.