1Rocketman

Thanks mbrun. I live in a coastal area, and I'm about 50 ft above sea level. Tree density/height is likely going to be a problem, and I have a homeowners association to steer clear of as well. From an antenna perspective (and I'll read through other postings), does it need to be strictly vertical? Just wondering if there's something I can put in my attic, but now that I think about it, that's a bad idea - I have radiant barrier installed in the attic to help keep heat out (unless I can somehow turn that into one large flat antenna !) I should be able to easily get one at about 15 ft above ground, possibly 20 depending on where I mount it.....thinking of attaching directly to my house vs. on a pole. What's a 'good' base station ? Based on reading postings here, it seems like quite a few people like Kenwood products.

Hello, I just found this site. I'm new to GMRS and as I read through various postings, it looks like I have some of the same questions as others. At some point I'd like to get a ham license, but life keeps getting in the way..... I live in hurricane country, and I'm looking to set up a base station/mobile setup I can use to communicate primarily with family within at least a 10 mile radius in my immediate area during/after a storm (more range would be better). I have several Midland GXT handhelds that work fine inside my neighborhood, but I'm looking to purchase something more commercial grade. I'd also like to be able to listen to first responder traffic if possible - because that will help us stay away from areas having issues after a storm.....if that's practical. Some of my family members are not as technical as I am, so I'd also like to identify some handhelds I can get for them that will allow them to get started out of the box, turnkey, if possible. But they'll need more capability than appear to be provided with these GXTs. With the holidays coming up, this would be a good time for me to find something for them. I'd rather spend a bit more money up front, and I'd prefer to stay away from the Chinese made stuff if possible. I'll probably have to do this in stages. I'll keep reading through postings on the forums, in the meantime, thanks for any suggestions.