BoxCar

Other than one not needing any metal to act as a ground plane, no.

Welcome to the group and as a note, there are literally hundreds of YouTube videos on getting started with GMRS -- and no, you don't need a repeater!

The Retevis CPS will display the default tones shipped on the radio. I don't remember how you disable the tone or if it was even possible on those radios.

Try Ace Hardware for the screw. Lowe's has them as well, but in blister packs.4

Scadacore will let you model the RF path between your two sites by showing the terrain and earth curvature you need to factor in for antenna height. As far as equipment, the three most important things are: 1) Antenna; 2) Height above ground (AGL) at both sites; 3) radio. If you don't have a clear path, no antenna or radio will work at GMRS frequencies as the signal travels about 15% further than the horizon. Power just means there is more signal in the area, not more distance. The 20 mile distance you estimate would be adequately served with a 25W radio in most instances. Personally, I would choose an Anytone radio over the two you mention as their price/performance is on a par with much more expensive units from other Chinese manufactures. RF Line of Sight - SCADACore

Wide band means the channel is 25kHz wide, but the intelligence (speech) occupies 20 kHz of the 25 available.

FM CB is still new and most of the radios in service don't have the FM capability. I imagine FM will become used more as users either upgrade or replace existing radios.

Good luck on finding one with a Type C - you won't. The best option is for an adapter from the battery to the radio's Tee connector. This will connect to a LiFePO4 15AH battery and the radio. Should be good for a couple days use without heavy sending. FM Mobile "T-style" Power Cable with Powerpoles

Here's another option: https://www.amazon.com/SUPON-Stainless-Cushioned-Universal-Photography/dp/B08RDQMHMK/ref=sr_1_20?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7F0MoaqS1hOXuseoMg5yEjYpp_O-zMI5uiSuOpv_Fuk2OfTdof57AzGC2DiJN2Ps9tYlipokl8qTVyhO2GAXghhtsG07MAx29IdW_9oXP289HV-XBsLZZ3bcP5q779s1U3ql4RT8k1qVGGvMOYXnlcy7YSMBnpRadQZCGNGJDt44ZxiEjWfclO4NgkyvRZomTc2pwLghdBkTluuXs2JsIqZ4ghtBk8Z-DAlrjvTstFqtTqoeWWkLwJUBzc_J28W99A5RiyQuPoFS082QeKHlDsq0nXRMXyg6PH7XJj0ewjY.AvkF1II5IvOKkPeMniBdCh2UnX9ERVlRYHFX1jRFq5U&dib_tag=se&qid=1749492042&sr=8-20&srs=18203216011

The FCC may levy the fine, but the money goes to the Treasury department as part of the General Fund. The only parties that quickly pay are those with licenses the FCC grants as they can cancel or deny further application or renewal.

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Congratulations on the new license. Yes, General is a fairly easy upgrade but be careful as the toys are expensive.

Have you tried contacting ICOM? Their phone support is very good.

That's why.

My guess - FM CB will not supplant FRS because of the size of the units and their antennas.