AndyOnTheRadio

I have two GMRS antennas that are not the same. Is there any way to combine them for one radio for better reception or transmission via a splitter or something like that? I don’t think this would be possible. I just thought I’d ask. Thanks!

I am having a similar issue. If I can ask, what was your solution?

I’ll look into those antennas. As for the elevation, we are in a hole. We have to have a Verizon network extender just to get a cell signal. I’ll message you a nearby address so you can see.

I've done some work this afternoon. A long story short, I tested transmit locations inside and outside my home. The best I got was "weak but intelligible" radio check on a repeater that is 6.5 miles from my house while I was outside. I even crawled into my attic and didn't get great results. The second floor of my home is 290 ft up and my attic is around 300 ft. There a few trees that are higher than my roof, but not many. I used my Baofeng 9G and the Nagoya mag mount 72G. I even carried the antenna on a 18" metal tray. I must have looked like a goofball. It's frustrating because I read that people say they get great results with this set up and I'm not getting much. I can receive well enough, it's having the power to transmit that still alludes me. I did receive the advice to put a J Pole in my attic. I've also looked into a Ed Fong antenna as well. Does anyone have any experience with these antenna types? I like GMRS and if I need to invest in a 20w - 30w base station radio I may be willing to do it. I'd just like to make the 9G / 72G work first. Thanks again!

Thank you to everyone who has replied! @UncleYoda has been very kind to run a transmission test with me. I placed the 72G at my window that was not facing the repeater I was trying to hit. In all honesty it was a miracle that I even squeaked through. I’m working on some new ideas. I understand that in need less interference where my antenna is placed so I will work on that. I also watched videos on how to create a GMRS base station with a huge antenna on my roof and a lightning rod. However, my budget and housing will not allow me to do things like that. So I’m just trying to figure out something that will work for me and my situation. I am going to go back and read everyone’s comments again and try to fully understand them. I’ll report back later. I am grateful for everyone’s time!

@WSEZ714 I am in the same boat as you are. I have the 9G and the UT-72G. I can hear crystal clear on several repeaters, but people say my signal is week and I'm hard to hear. Chances are you have programmed your radio right, it's just that no one can hear you to respond. It's frustrating. Can anyone point us to a video or article on how to boost your transmit on a handheld? If I find something, I'll share.

Thanks for the offer. I'll send you a direct message and we can coordinate it from there.

I’m a member of CSRA and can hit the Gilbert repeater. I like the group, I’m just trying to connect and not getting much back. (Maybe I’m not doing something right.) I agree that the group would need to be beyond the county. It’s fun to think about for sure. I didn’t know if the club would need to be an LLC or a 501c3 or something like that.

Lexington, SC here.

Comms without bosses is a great goal. I'm not sure what it would take to start a GMRS club in the Lexington area. Are there any currently? I know there is one in the Upstate.

That sounds promising. I’d be up for starting a club if that’s what gets us on the tower.

I was listening last night when the phantom burper struck. I almost fell out of my char.

So @MaxHeadroom is there a way to use a current GMRS club or create one to leverage a positive outcome with ETV? Also, I've had many friends who have worked for ETV over the years.

@MaxHeadroom I'd be all for something on the south side of the lake. I'm new to this, but happy to help if you need it.

@UncleYoda That's disappointing that the DAM 550 isn't there. The hard part of starting with GMRS is finding repeaters, calling out, and not getting the beep or hearing anyone. It makes you think that you've not set up your radio correctly. After yesterday, I'm not sure the Leesville 650 is operational either.

I have yet to hit the 550 on the DAM and I'm within 2.5 miles of it. I'm not sure if it's up and running or the tone I found is an old. I got within 10 miles of the 650 in Leesville today and could not hit the repeater. I'm striking out all over.

I may have used the wrong terminology. Perhaps the repeater goes farther than I thought.

Thank you, I have asked permission and it comes through really well.

I was granted access to a repeater in my area. It comes through loud and clear. But what I notice is that there are check-ins from people 3-4 states away. I thought this was just a local repeater. I have reached out to the owner, but have not heard back. Thanks!

I'm Andy and I live in Lexington, SC and am new to GMRS. Just introducing myself.