Logan5

and some photos
 
https://goo.gl/photos/sVnU5TNpzWXnXqFm9

Well, I sent the duplexer out the other day to be tuned and low and behold, the duplexer wasn't even close to being properly tuned. As of now the duplexer is tunes 92dB from the TX and 82 dB from the RX. When it arrives on Monday I will do another test and see if there is much difference.

I do want to thank everyone who commented. As I said before I am rather new with repeaters and I am learning quite a bit. I was told from a few pros that the LMR400 should be ok for the time being. The antenna I have set up should also be ok [though they said I should look into replacement eventually as it is not exactly set up for repeater service.] For now though, just getting everything online and working is the goal, Fine tuning and tweaking can come later

Thank you! I was like, so confused. I'd like a bit more than 5 watts on 220, I'll look at some other options.

The loop serves as an RF choke, and acts to reduce common mode current. This will assist in reducing the tendency of the coax to act as an active part of the antenna, which affects both transmission and reception.
 
If you really want to get into the technical explanation, see this PDF article: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/NCDXACoaxChokesPPT.pdf
 
As I use 1/2" heliax, I can't create a loop, but then heliax obviates the need for a common mode choke anyway.
 
To see many images of such coax chokes in action, see here:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=coax+loop+choke&id=2F362EF35CC88DA2316C4C069F5E278D0AA1C188&FORM=IQFRBA

The FCC’s Consumer Complaints page for reporting interference recently added a category for reporting interference to GMRS stations.  Previously, there was no way to report issues specific to GMRS, but there was for Broadcast, Amateur, etc.
 
This is a small but important development and may help combat the FCC’s recurring claim that “…we have received no reports of interference...”.   This statement has been common in most all Part 95 and GMRS rule-making proceedings over the last few decades to help justify further encroachment of FRS and support other policies that licensed GMRS licensees generally opposed.   We are not suggesting the Commission lied about the lack of complaints – they had not provided a way to report, categorize and centrally store them!     
 
The Northern California GMRS Users Group (NCGUG) encourages repeater owners and users to report recurring interference problems, such as unlicensed operation on repeater uplink channels, intentional jamming and abuse, and of course interference from FRS (co- or adjacent-channel).
We have been reporting recurring interference from maritime operations on our repeater uplinks for some time.
 
While the FCC rarely responds to such complaints, this may go a long way to eventually reducing the rising tide of interference sources that we all have to deal with.  
 
Brief instructions on how to use this site follow.
 
____________________________
 
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
 
Create an account (different from your ULS account)
 
File a complaint
 
Radio
 
Fill in Subject and Description
 
Radio Issues: INTERFERENCE
 
Radio Interference Sub Issue: TO LICENSED TWO_WAY RADIO SERVICES (LAND MOBILE, AVIATION, MARINE)
 
Your Radio Method: PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES (CB, FRS, GMRS)
 
Fill-in the remaining fields marked with “*”.
 
The site provides a selection of “To Unlicensed Service (CB, FRS GMRS)” under Radio Interference Sub Issue.  This incorrectly refers the GMRS as an unlicensed service, which it is not.  While we have requested a correction, we recommend using the “Licensed….” selection noted above instead.
 
Greg 
 

Note to Self: always read the entire thread before replying...
 
Um, just no...

He is an Extra Class ham:
See also from the FCC Database: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=253782

In my county, if you are a licensed ham, you are exempt from tower regulations up to 199 feet. They wouldn't know what type of antennas are on said tower(s). To me that alone is worth the license. Now I just need to find non-deed restricted land that I can afford. 

It's a YouTuber... I like to hear him talk. It's been a very long time since I've been in Boston and he has all of the mannerism; including "but I digress." He's like a slightly off uncle at the holidays.

a change has been made
PM for further
JE

FRS requires a non removable antenna, your radio is non compliant for use on FRS for several other reasons as well. 2 watts is Max for FRS. A radio used on FRS should not even offer to option for higher output. If you wish to use 5 watts, get your GMRS license and use a GMRS channel. I assume your radio is a BF-F9-HP?

In addition to what Logan5 mentioned above -

Since you are from the Philippines, you may wish to apply for an FCC Registration Number (FRN).  Once you have an FRN on file with the Commission, you can apply for a GMRS license, by following the menu in the on-line application form. Rules Part 95.305 sub section "c" states, "( c ) Foreign government operator. No entity that is a foreign government or which is acting in its capacity as a representative of a foreign government is authorized by this section to operate Personal Radio Service stations."
 
If you do not represent the Government of the Philippines, you are eligible to apply under requirements found in Rules, Part 95.1705. (Further specified in Part 95.305 sub (f) "Foreign station. No person is authorized by this section to operate a foreign government radio station.
 
Once you have a GMRS license, and the database at the MyGMRS main website is sync'ed with the FCC database, you can register there and join the forum as a licensed member. Your license would be usable in the fifty United States and the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Navassa Island, the United States Virgin Islands (50 islets and cays), American Samoa (seven islands), Baker Island, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianna Islands, Guam Island and Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island (Islets East, Johnston, North and Sand), Kingman Reef, Midway Island (Islets Eastern and Sand), Palmyra Island (more than 50 islets), and Wake Island (Islets Peale, Wake and Wilkes).

Some persons are afraid of heights...  However, I'm afraid of widths......

I like that viewpoint. I also like your call sign, as it simply rolls off the tongue... 
...unlike mine that's decidedly a tongue-twister! WQWU626
 
Folks are all the time asking me how I got a call sign with only three letters, 'cause all they hear is "WQW626. The last "U" is elided into the preceding "W" unless I enunciate the letters s l o w l y.

I climbed a 40ish foot Rohn tower, not like that's really impressive but I enjoyed it lol. It had a 10 foot UHF antenna for the GMRS repeater at the very tip top, then had 2, 180 degree antennas on both sides for internet. If I remember I'll post the pic here when I climbed it.

Last year I was on the SARNet (FL statewide repeater linked network, mostly 440) during a net and was receiving from a ton of repeaters. One ham checked into the Jacksonville repeater from Ft Myers, around a 300 mile hike.

I believe (Ie. someone please correct me if I am wrong) that phenomenon is called tropospheric ducting and is different than skip.

There a quite a few repeaters in Mass using all of the available frequencies, so the reach of your system would be a consideration. I know there is (or at least was) a machine on 625 in Nashua though I've never used it. But to summarize the machines I know of/use in Mass:
 
550- Quincy (128 belt/south shore coastal areas) and Medford (local)
575- Quincy- Covers to southern NH
600- Kingston (a super machine- covers quite far!)
650- my repeater in Winthrop
625- Boston (moderate coverage), Arlington (decent coverage)
700- Lincoln area, decent coverage
725- Wilmington, probably covers up your way
 
Following to see where you set yours up, because I have a potential plan to set another machine up in Newburyport and as you know the pairs around here are already pretty crowded.
 
Also, the 550 machine is listed here as LIT 55-o and is run by a member here. I can confirm the input tone is different from the output tone. Just reach out to him for access.
 
PS: I'm jealous of your good fortune. The best site I have access to is a 4 story apartment building and it's at or just above sea level with some small hills around.

Good day,
I am considering finding a spot to put a repeater in my city, I hear some traffic monitoring repeater channels, and I am keeping track of the traffic, but still not sure on choosing a repeater channel.  I have not heard any traffic on 675, so I am leaning that way.  Someone to the south, possibly just south of the Manchester (MHT) airport, is on 725, and there is a group on 550 that I can only hear on my mobile radio (not of my portable or scanner, and these guys have the best conversations!).  I can trip the 725 repeater, but not the 550 repeater. I am CSQ on monitor on both of these, but have PLs on Tx, so just lucky that the PL I have on 725 is the same as that repeater (which I have programmed for another repeater in another state I travel to).

Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.  

As for a location, I may actually have landed the possibility of putting it in the utility room on the roof of one of the high rises downtown.  The cool thing is, not only will I have a UPS on it, I understand that the power in that room is on a generator.  

Tim
 

In urban, congested areas I monitor frequency a bit to see if I'm not stomping on somebody, then identify, than go chat, keeping it short and to the point. When done, identify again and say "frequency clear" just as a courtesy to others.
In the woods I (or my family) identify then go blabber away till the the batteries drained, identifying when remember. I have yet to stumble on other GMRS user in Sierra foothills in close proximity. When talking to family the one who starts the talk speaks the callsign, and the one who is finishing the talk identifies too.
 
Regarding specific words and meanings, the rule I go by in face-to-face, email, online forums and radio communications is: do not be an --- to others, and there is a better chance others will do the same to you.

Never mind, was my end, Voip

I know this topic comes up every couple of months. I have a group of friends who are radio guys. In the past we used MURs, then GMRS, and even some public safety stuff. Most of them are hams also but not all. Solution. Get a UHF Land Mobile frequency and do what we want on it. Yes coordination can be a pain, but most of the frequency coordinators can give you a good idea of frequency use in your area. I think all in all we spent around $500 but they got a license, do DMR and used the same repeater site they had for the GMRS stuff. Bonus was as guys want ot come online they no longer have to get a GMRS license.
 
I know this isn't the goal here, but if your set on a DMR radio go this way. We still use multiple GMRS repeaters.

Interesting. That makes sense. I have my antenna on the roof of my one story house. I don't have a problem with power, it's line of sight. In fact I have my repeater output level turned about half way. (I don't have a way to measure output) Tried to match input to output. No need to blast 50 watts when I can only hear 5 watts a mile or two out.
 
http://i.imgur.com/nkiBlfs.jpg
 
I think unless I get the antenna up higher than two story houses in the neighborhood there is not much point of going higher because of line of sight. I'm not sure I want to invest in a TV tower yet.

Anyone remember these from the late 1960's ?

Tompkins Radio Products - Tuneaverter -
 
Made any AM car radio into a VHF monitor radio.  Car radio antenna plugged in to the back of the converter and a jumper from the converter plugged into the antenna jack on the AM car radio.  Ran off one 9 volt battery, has tune range of 150 to 170 mhz and one crystal position. If using the crystal, the tuning dial then became a peaking control.  Mine still works on the test bench... however, since this was mainly a tuneable wideband device, MANY different signals are all received at once because it was not very selective.

USNRetired, 
 
Welcome to the hobby first of all.  As for the repeaters in the Cumberland area I can say that they are all "up and working" as far as they are on the air but with very little use anymore.  The gentleman who owned most of them as passed away and with few users out there nobody really uses the repeaters.  From  your location you should be able to hear/activate several of them.  When I am home I try and monitor them but as I work out of town I am not home much to hear activity.  I also monitor in my work truck but again being out of town I don't hear much either.  Is there a specific repeater you are wanting to hear or use in the area?  If you are just trying to listen there is a good chance you won't hear much.  There are a few "unlicensed" users who use the Dan's Mountain site (462.600) from time to time but other than that I haven't heard an "official" conversation in quite some time.
 
Hope this helps.
WQCE824

It is a Comet CA-712EFC 9dB gain fiberglass antenna. Seventy feet of 1/2" heliax feeds the Bridgecom BCR-40U repeater. 
Here is a picture of it assembled and with the joint sealed with shrink tube prior to installation.