WRFF874

Thank you all for your inputs - I've learned a lot! I'll focus on antenna height as my solution as my eldest son has a Baofeng 5r, I have a Baofeng 5rX3 and I just bought my wife and other son two Midland Handheld GMRS radios. I'll check out this forum more for ideas on low cost but effective antennas. Thanks again! Nick aka WRFF874.

History: Purchased Baofeng to listen to police radio - can't as its encrypted and digital. Looked into getting HAM License, looks too hard and my family members worn't ever take the test - since I only want to converse with family members found GMRS. Paid for license and did range test with my son (he has another Baofeng) and only got half a mile. Live in Bluffton, SC with no GMRS Repeaters at all. Questions: 1) Can Ham repeaters be set up to dually support a GMRS frequency if I ask nicely? Or can they only repeat one frequency at a time? 2) What needs to happen so I can talk to my family 10 miles away? 3) If I only use my 5 watt Baofeng to chat on GMRS channels and only listen to HAM channels is that OK legally? Thanks all! I'm happy to be part of this forum! Nick WRFF874