Thank so much for the reply! That link (miklor) is super helpful. Based on the info in that, I think now I just need to drive towards the repeater and see when (if) i can get into it... this goes back to your point mbrun, about understanding the limitations associated with my radio. Based on the available data, i think there is only the one current repeater in my area. With that being said, I think for a small investment, it might be helpful to simply add one on my property. I see a basic simplex repeater is short money (but somewhat annoying).... with a big radio being the most expensive component. What do most repeater sites use in the GMRS world? Do you all tend to stay with "cost effective" and go a simplex repeater, or would you spend the additional money and go with a duplex setup? To further on the last- i already have a small contingent of neighbors (within a 5 miles radius) interested in the GMRS world, so cost sharing is an option too.