BoxCar

You also need to ensure you are on a repeater channel and not a simplex one.

The only method is to monitor the repeater's input or output. Optionally, you can connect a recorder.

Ahh, let the spending begin! The best hand held/mobile radio are the ones that meet your needs - and no, you don't need a repeater!

And be certain they aren't too tight as it chokes the functioning.

Between the ears

No, the signal being sent is only 20 KHz wide 125 KHz away.

Look at cell towers. The antennas on each tier (candelabra) are in an equilateral triangle 120 degrees apart. The antenna elements are highly directional with excellent F/B ratios. For your plan, I'd look into building Moxon antennas. The physical size is quite small with about a 12 dBb gain and 30 dB front to back.

As it's a DIY, perhaps you keyed in th receive frequency yourself. It's easy to make that error as some channels end in 25 while others are 50.

The BF-888s have been around for years. I picked up a pair about 6 years ago and gave them away. My thoughts, stay away.

May want to look at these as well https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088GQMX45/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?pd_rd_i=B088GQMX45&pd_rd_w=r4YEl&content-id=amzn1.sym.8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_p=8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_r=3C3KC236XPPDDN7V1KMN&pd_rd_wg=Qc0NA&pd_rd_r=b398c3c2-7b4b-4606-a036-c1f7ada2134b&s=car&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

Sounds like a failing capacitor or Zener diode.

This won't be decided here if those frequencies are available above Line A or east of Line C. Kenny, why didn't you verify your point with the FCC before posting your interpretation of the rules?

But at least the conversation is semi-intelligent.

i believe you are dismissing the Shannon Effect in stating you need solid copper core coax. The Shannon Effect (not our Steve's notes) states the higher the frequency, the electrons move closer to the surface of the conductor. That's one reason some coax has steel or aluminum cores and just a copper shell. The key figure to check in the cable's specs is the velocity of propagation along with the cable's loss.

You'll want this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0842B1WFS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0842B1WFS&pd_rd_w=x2cE1&content-id=amzn1.sym.386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_p=386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_r=9YZT9E1TH5RETEYTT830&pd_rd_wg=YGa5N&pd_rd_r=342e6db3-d9e7-4982-9774-5635fddbabc5&s=aht&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

They are fine with the exception of the coax. I recommend https://thewireman.com/product/cq-rg8-low-loss-4xl-lmr400-equivalent/ for coax ($1.80 per foot). If you order from the Wireman, you will need 2 PL-259 connectors and 2 installations. The connectors are either $3 or $6 each and there is a $5 install charge for each. The Wireman also charges for shipping so that's an added cost. I use coax from this vendor for my own site.

You could also be getting a "Knife edge" as a sharp peak will deflect a signal toward the valley behind it.

@WSDS356 You do know TQSL puts the same tone on both transmit and receive, didn't you? If you only want to send the tone but be able to hear everything on the channel, go to set TONE MODE to TONE with the code in theTONE column.

They are all about the same. The fact about FM is that all radios using analog FM are compatible. Don't overpay, but don't skimp either. The Radioddity 20W is good along with any other in the price ($20) range is what I would recommend. The Radioddity brand was provided as only a start, not necessarily recommendation. You will need coax with PL-259 connectors, LMR-400 quality and an antenna. Your situation, where you're talking only a few miles requires just a J-Pole style and my recommendation here is not an Ed Fong but an https://www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/462-mhz-land-mobile-gmrs-j-pole-antenna/,

No, a repeater is NOT what you need. Just a 20-25W radio set up in the house with an antenna 15-25 feet above the roof.

Lots of choices in this area. Keep in mind though the radio is only part of the purchase - You need an external antenna and mount which can cost as much (or more) than the radio.

Yup, others use Grindrr

It depends on what you expect. As you are just starting, a handheld radio provides a decent start. Your biggest hurdle is learning the terms sed and what they mean and apply to your situation. As you obviously have no experience or background in radio, start with an inexpensive unit. I would keep the cost less than $40 for your first unit. Read the manual that comes with it and spend time on Youtube with the tutorials and reviews. After you have played with the radio for a couple months and know its functions and features well, you might be ready to upgrade to a unit with higher cost and features. Don't get caught up in wanting bigger, better higher power unis until you know what you have and how to use it.

Maybe try holding the buttons and then power up the radio???

No, but almost no radios are manufactured in the US.