gortex2

Our UHF radios are 4 watts. Our SAR TAC channels are 2 watts (per license) so same as MURS and still performs better. YMMV

FCC never banned them and they are still used today. Motorola has the DVRS and other manufacturers use Pyramid or Vertex vehicle repeaters. In my truck as soon as I remove the APX from one of my charger the repeater turns on and I am able to use the HT. What most likely happened in your case was when narrow banding happened many did not want to pay the money to replace piece for piece. I installed many radios in ambulances and fire trucks that were basically junk because no one wanted to spend money on the proper stuff. Many complained that the issue with narrowband when in reality 75% were equipment differences. For instance we had one EMS agency that had 110 watt VHF syntors with the PacRT in the them. Owner had us install 25 watt VHF radios and they bought the bottom of the barrel VHF portables. For years they complained about coverage until they went on the TLMR system. That was only one of 100 customers I dealt with that had those issues.

No they cannot. Farmer A can talk to his radio and when that conversation is done Farmer B can talk to his units. Regardless of PL/DPL used. Thats how community repeaters in the LMR world used to work. We would use BCL so they could not talk over each other. The only way 2 farmers can use same repeater is by going to a DMR business system and all DMR gear.

VHF will work very well in the woods. That's why SAR teams all across the US have standardized on a VHF frequency. We carry both VHF and UHF public Safety adios on missions. UHF is normally on the TLMR system but once in a while we will use simplex on UHF also. Never can talk as far as VHF but we have both options.

A 10' cable means the antenna is 10' from a CCR radio. Most likely that tx power is desencing the RX radio already before you even worry about a signal coming from a weak location. Depending on how the duplexer is tuned it may be even worse. I guess if the radio are in a steel box to eliminate any local decense maybe a TX antenna 10' away would be fine but I'm guessing thats most of the issue. I guess a test the OP could do is key up and test on the TX radio and make sure the RX radio see's no activity or ground level come up on the meter. I suspect he will see RF on it at that distance.

Done all the time. Most good commercial ham radio offer cross band mode. Mine is always on the 2M repeater and a UHF simlplex channel on Low Power. Use it alot that way in the parks while camping.

Well that's your issue. You need a true base station antenna and feedline if you expect more than a couple miles. A laird FG4503 or 4507 would be ideal with some good feedline.

So the xtl2500 is an good radio. I would not use them for a repeater as you can sell one and get 3 or 4 CDMs or M1225 for the price...but... Your going to need to use J2. Also be advised some versions of that radio had an active high and not active low for the COR pin. Nothing is programmable on J2 and its fixed. Pins are still available online. As said you need a duplexer and a controller of some sort.

I have P25, DMR and Fushion. I really only use P25 for simplex and repeater use. Basically use it all day every day. The only Fusion stuff I have is my APRS radios in my jeeps and a handheld but really the radio sits on 144.390 for APRS and 146.520 and rarely is changed. DMR I have a few handhelds, hotspots and a mobile but have no interest. P25 is so much cleaner and quiet for what I use RF for. Other than the Fushion/Yaseu all my gear is Motorola and mostly all APX with some XTL/XTS splattered in if needed.

How long is the cable to the antenna ? What is a small gmrs antenna ?

What code ? The one that expired almost 3 years ago ?

Barbour county uses the SIRN System. Either buy a scanner to listen or use your phone. The conventional fire dispatch channel may be heard but remember you have a crappy UHF antenna on a CCR not a VHF specific radio.

Duplexer ? Antenna ? Feedline ? There is alot more than plugging a cable in and saying you have a repeater. How far away are they ?

100% accurate. I've been on multiple Jeep Jamboree's and I can say most don't know they need a license, nor care. The radio comes out of the box and works.

Ive wondered the same over the years. Hopefully Rich can clarify.

If its unlisted then send him a message. I asked if you were logged in as many dont and if not logged in tones are not visable.

Well in the LMR world we find the needs of the client, then run propagation studies to meet the expectations of the customer and meet the license requirements. In the past I did many warehouses that had a 10 watt UHF repeater in them with hundreds of 4 watt portables. I have also put in multiple GMRS/SAR/Public Safety systems that covered many miles and counties. All designed and engineered before install. In the hobby world I try to do what I can and learn from mistakes of others. Spending a bit more money on a decent antenna normally is worth its weight in gold. Wind, Snow, Ice change the antenna some will use. Since moving south I dont worry so much about ice load on my antenna, but wind is still there. Also what can the structure handle for weight and loads. Wind loading is a thing. The Laird antenna is a great starter antenna. I use them for control stations, low power repeaters and temporary installs. The DB404 is a bullet proof antenna but weighs twice the Laird. But I have DB antennas on towers for 20+ years with no issues. Can't say that about my Lairds.

Are the tones listed on the main page under the repeater ? IF not then reply to the message and ask for the tones. Remember you must be logged inot the main page to see tones.

LMR240 for 25' would be suitable. At 100' you need LMR400. I have a VHF Search and Rescue Repeater. I swept the cables. We use LMR400 for 30' jumper and when we use the 60' its 1/2" LDF. Yup its bulky but it works well. Remember at 100' thats just about 3 db (2.7) of loss. Thats half the power you put in and 3db receive less. 240 is 5db of loss at 100. I wouldn't even consider it.

There a ton listed on the map. Go and see whats in your area. Personally I've never had success in any of them. https://mygmrs.com/map

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I've alwasy been a garmin fan. Have a ton of their stuff also. I think the MURS is actually good for riders. Your going to get further than FRS and its used less than FRS right now. I added one to my wish list for the Jeeps.

Good start here. https://wiki.w9cr.net/index.php/R56_-_Standards_and_Guidelines_for_Communication_Sites

RT97, 6' LDF and a DB404 is an ideal setup for a silo. Just run 110' (which is normally already up there) and plug it in.

Why is this the case. Repeaters have been permitted since its inception. Ham radio has repeaters and many at that that never get used. The more I think about it maybe I'll just throw a 70cm repeater on the air and use P25 to keep it quiet