[Is There A Road Channel For GMRS?]

Thanks!

I don't think I've ever heard anything on 20 while on the road, but this is good to know.

DH

[Is There A Road Channel For GMRS?]

On several recent road trips, I scanned all GMRS channels looking for other drivers. My radio mostly hit what sounded like couples traveling in two vehicles and they were predominately on channels 1 or 2 discussing routes, other drivers or where they were getting off for gas. I reached out to them. some would come back, most wouldn't. Unless we were traveling in the same direction the talk window was always a minute or two at most as they were on handhelds and I was on my Kenwood TK mobile.

This has been asked before on this forum, but after searching the responses I've not found an answer to the road channel question. I know it's cultural thing and not an official one, but I still wonder if there is any group, online or elsewhere that is advocating for GMRS use on the road. I believe this is one of the best potentials for GMRS. A lot of folks are in it for the hobby aspects, like Hams, but the traveling aspect seems to be overlooked right now. I know that off-roaders and Jeep people have made the switch to GMRS. I recently used it with several friends on a railfanning trip. We chase and photograph trains. We're kinda like birders but our hobby is much noisier.

As I said earlier, I run a Kenwood TK8180 mobile and my friends all have Midland or Motorola blister pack handhelds. While we all have VHF scanners for listening to railroads, MURS is not an option for non-radio folks unless they use Bao-Fengs, Wouxuns or that ilk.

Thanks,

Danny Harmon

Tampa

 

[Phantom vs 1/4 wave]

I've punched a hole in my truck roof long ago. (It's tall enough that my wife can't see it) I'm currently running a Laird 1/4 wave but was considering the Laird 5/8 wave. I'm guessing the transmit performance will improve. Can I expect  any better reception? reception?

[New GMRS Application Fee Reduced to $35 (from $70)]

When does this reduction to $35 take effect?

 

I just applied for a new license on January 14, 2021 and the fee was $70.

 

I tried to renew my old license, which had lapsed several years, but could not figure out the waivers involved so I just got a new one.

 

Thanks,

 

Danny Harmon

[MXT115 repeater programming]

These two posts were very helpful.

I recently gained a new GMRS license after having let my old one lapse for about 10 years.

Shopping for a new mobile GMRS radio, I was drawn to the Midlands, mostly due to their marketing and design. But also being a radio fan, I want something more flexible. So, I'll revert to looking at the Kenwood TK8180 or something in that line.