So I am super newbieto GMRS and not that technically inclined. I have been studying for my HAM license, but wanted to get GMRS radio (license) to get some experience. I bought the MXT275 because it was relatively plug and play, had decent power, and not too $$$$$. The big issue is I have a Bronco (very little if any flat horizontal metal) that rules out many of the traditional mounting locations and this reduces the type of antenna I can use. The stock mini, I put on the inside rim of the way back window (metal under plastic), but is inhibited by in the vehicle, low stature and week groun plane. I tried the Nagoya UT-72g mounted on Pizza pan on a plastic go box in the way back. Many of the same issues. I bought a window clip mount, but it is a SMA Female attachment for antenna, so have to use adapters. I used a 48" Abbree Tactical (only not driving), but this as wellas the other antennas recieve but do not transmit very well. I went to Quarry Hills in Quincy Mass this AM, huge rock hill, which has a perfect 360 line of site to the whole south shore, Mass area, but nada (there is a very tall microwave tower just to the north...which might be blocking signals. Now SWRs for the three are b/w 1 and 1.8 and nowhere around me, even this Quarry Hills did I get a single contact who recieved my call...or at least was willing to acknowledge it. As I said I am not technical so I am avoiding more complicated antenns instalations. I have checked the settings in my Midland, as well as The Baofeng UV 5G plus I have been trying also while in the car. Cant really test as homebc my town area is very wooded, lots of houses and I dont gave the resources, brain or body, to put up a mast or get on my house to put up an antenna. Basically stuck with Car options and jury-rigged pizza pans with a mag in my house...which by the way, is old 1938 NE with horsehair plaster over chicken wire...very Faraday-esque.
I am stumped (doesn't take much).Can someone give me any tips on how to address my issues? Thanks in advance.
