jonnylocks

This is really helpful for us new types. Thanks! I'm new to GMRS and ham (just got my tech license today via remote testing). I got into radios for various emergency situations and I like this option you outline here. I'm thinking of getting something at QRP Labs as you recommend, any specific suggestions? Any suggestions for a frame? Just wondering why you suggest 40 meters and not 20, 15 or 80. I realize as a tech or GMRS we would only be able to use those in emergency situations. Is 40 a sweet spot between Tx distance and reception? Thanks again!

The basic premise here and the bulleted proposals above ring true for me - that there needs to be better and more centralized support for beginners. I have multiple college degrees and technical knowledge but the practical advice (such as what the OP cited) is scattered across the internet. For an old technology with such potential and use, this makes no sense to me. Great comments all around though and the replies above are well taken.

I'm in! Let me know when.

Thanks for your direction here. I appreciate it. Looks like Open-700 and Zombie watch are my best bet. The latter hasn't gotten back to me but I'll keep trying. I'll double check my Chirp! Thanks.

Hi all, I am new to this forum and new to GMRS. I am trying to get into radios because i've decided to take steps towards preparedness, considering COVID-19 and the pattern of recent disasters in my home town of New York. An elderly family member, also in Brooklyn, recently lost her cell phone charger and was quarantined. A replacement from Amazon would take weeks. I thought a radio would come in handy if we can both access repeaters. Another friend and relative not too far away (within 3 miles) also bought radios (Baofengs) and we are seeking to be connected, if possible, by local repeaters. Any active GMRS groups out there in Brooklyn with protocols and regular check-ins? I'm looking to connect with any community that exists, especially people involved in emergency preparedness. No one seems to be responding to my requests for access to the handful of member repeaters that are on the mygmrs map. I'm looking for a good centralized source of information about GMRS and radios. I understand the very basics. Frequencies, ctcs tones, CHIRP, etc. I am watching many different youtube videos and reading many articles. Much is scattered all around. Any direction here appreciated. I ordered a slim jim antenna for my roof (i'm on the sixth floor just below it) and Nagoya NA-771. While a friend can hear me on the Brooklyn "open repeater", I can't seem to hear him. Any thoughts on this? I figure if they can hear me, as well as repeater tones, etc. shouldn't they be within range of the repeater so that I might be receive their transmissions? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if I said anything silly as a radio rookie! Best, Jonny WRFP393