IdahoJohn

YaaY!!!

Not to discourage you, but most GMRS users get their licenses only to talk to specific family and friends, or for a specific activity (like off-roading).  Most aren't listening for, nor will they respond to, people they don't know. It isn't personal; that's just not what they got their radios for.
You can try it, and you might make a few contacts.  I just want to set your expectations.

A little late to respond here, But, yes I am in a Hi Desert valley and
the testing we have done is across said valley and from the valley floor.
When I scan in this area I do hear truckers running together as well as travelers
on the interstate from time to time.
also some businesses with hand held radios with low power and
very short range.  most seem to have privacy codes activated so cannot
hear you unless you have the same code entered.
Then there are the kids on FRS  LOL
 

I have done quite a few tests with a pair of Midland MXT115 radios.
Admittedly we are in a high desert valley, so we have very good 
conditions. We can maintain contact for 15+ miles across town on a regular
basis. I have also tested across the valley and am able to have clear
communications over 40 miles with only a few spots passing through
towns that coms. fade out. this on 15w with roof mounted antennas.
If we travel behind a butte range is cut down. 
Antenna and Line of sight is everything.

So, I posted earlier in this thread, with my Jeep set up.
But thought I'd update.
This weekend we did some radio testing.  Truck to Truck,
both trucks running Midland MX115 radios,
one with the small antenna supplied with
the radio and the other with a 5db gain antenna.
both are roof mounted with mag bases. One truck parked as a base and
the other driving in our direction starting at 35 mi away.
With 15w, Clear comms. over 35mi all across our valley,
the only place we lost contact was passing through a small
town on the valley floor 22 miles out, with buildings blocking our signal.
Next time  we will test with the mobile driving away from the base.
So, overall I am pleased with out set up. and now will start collecting
items for a set up in the house.
 
 

So, I posted earlier in this thread, with my Jeep set up.
But thought I'd update.
This weekend we did some radio testing.  Truck to Truck,
both trucks running Midland MX115 radios,
one with the small antenna supplied with
the radio and the other with a 5db gain antenna.
both are roof mounted with mag bases. One truck parked as a base and
the other driving in our direction starting at 35 mi away.
With 15w, Clear comms. over 35mi all across our valley,
the only place we lost contact was passing through a small
town on the valley floor 22 miles out, with buildings blocking our signal.
Next time  we will test with the mobile driving away from the base.
So, overall I am pleased with out set up. and now will start collecting
items for a set up in the house.
 
 

93 Wrangler YJ 4.0
 
Cobra 75 inside the dash with a Firestick on a standard right tail light mount
 
Midland MXT115 where the ashtray used to be with a PCTEL Maxrad  NMO on a standard left tail light mount.
 
CB works fine,  But almost no activity in my area 
 
GMRS can easily talk simplex over 13 miles so far, even across town.

93 Wrangler YJ 4.0
 
Cobra 75 inside the dash with a Firestick on a standard right tail light mount
 
Midland MXT115 where the ashtray used to be with a PCTEL Maxrad  NMO on a standard left tail light mount.
 
CB works fine,  But almost no activity in my area 
 
GMRS can easily talk simplex over 13 miles so far, even across town.

Ooops
 
I’m the owner of a couple machines in Idaho falls, and west Yellowstone,
I also have a 220 ham machine set up on one of the mountaintops,
Id like to see about helping out in twin... maybe linking sone machines up for a bigger foot print, both gmrs and ham 220.

Hi All
 
Thought I'd introduce myself. I'm John
If this is in the wrong place please forgive me and feel free to move my post to a better forum/Thread.
 
Been lurking and reading for a little while.
I've picked up a GMRS radio and License to go in my Jeep for exploring the High Desert with friends as most are
moving away from the old trusty CBs.
 
I've been testing the set up in my DD and like it fine. In fact I am thinking of keeping it in the daily,
adding one to the wife's car and a third for the Jeep.
 
I see there is a repeater in the Mountain Home area near me I could hit at times when out exploring
if I can get permission.
 
Just wondering if there are any others in the Twin Falls area and the best way to find them.
 
Also Anybody here in my area?