daven

I too pay my dues to CREST but unfortunately can't hit them from here. Interesting that they seem to have become "delisted" off the MyGMRS list of repeaters and the map too. San Diego has become like a desert nowadays for GMRS repeaters unless you have pretty powerful apparatus and I'm looking at studying for a Ham license to see if I have more luck in that realm.

Thanks @MichaelLAX, that seems to have made a difference. Yes, in SoCal. When I TX to Channel 31 and 32, I am getting a static response back which I am guessing indicates that I am hitting the repeater but may be am too far away to get a clear signal.

Good day everyone! I'm still learning the ropes in setup of a couple of radios that I own. I am trying to set up a TCA radio using their proprietary software. My goal is to replicate the channels that I have programmed in on my Baofeng UV-5X. I've used CHIRP to set up the Baofeng and all looks to be okay on that. I attach a screenshot from the TCA software showing current settings on TCA radio. I am confused on whether the CTCSS/DCS and CTCSS/DCX settings are correct as I may only need these in one or the other not both. There is no offset column so I've had to input both TX and RX frequencies to compensate for +5 offset. Can I please get some help and advice on whether I have this set up correctly? Thanks in anticipation of any help.

The one I am referring to is on the myGMRS.com map (see screenshot below). I have a basic Spanish skillset and at no time do I hear any of the accepted protocols/etiquette being used.

Hi guys, I am curious as to whether anyone else has had any experience with trying to use this repeater. I recognize it shows up on "maps" as a "Private Group currently not accepting new members" but I was interested in seeing who was using it and listening in. I'd love to join the group especially with the range that it seems to have. A fellow member suggested that there was no harm in trying to "hit" it and I might just get asked to cease and desist if it was a problem. However, while listening in, it seems for the last 4 hours to be mainly dominated by Spanish speaking folks who clearly have no idea on etiquette as they have pretty much been hogging the frequency without break, callsign, etc. I am going to take a guess that they may not be in the USA as it looks like the repeater range extends well into Mexico. Does anyone have any insights on this repeater? I believe that I am set up correctly to access it with the right frequency and tone but I can't get a break to try and connect. I also accept that I may be in a bad area and may need to try from higher ground e.g. Mount Soledad which is nearby to where I live. I'd love to hear from others if they've used this, know what is going on.......... not trying to cause any upset just wondering if anyone else is monitoring what looks like quite a powerful repeater. TIA of any feedback

Thanks for your help. I'm in San Diego

Thanks for the replies. I am actually in San Diego (have updated profile). As I said, she probably wouldn't be using it unless it was an an absolute emergency and in that event I have to believe/hope that FCC would have more important things to worry about than a stray female trying to get to safety

Hello everyone. I am newbie to both this site and the world of GMRS. Having used CB for a period of time when living in England, I really have little or no experience with Ham radio in general or GMRS in particular. I've been spending a lot of time (being retired) watching videos on using Ham radio. I was/am looking for a solution that effectively gives me a relatively simple backup to a scenario where cellphones are out and it is an emergency. I want to have one radio for myself and another for my girlfriend/partner and make things as simple as possible for her to use so that she could connect with me if necessary. GMRS looks like a better option for me than Ham radio although I do intend to pursue that as well but probably just for me. I have got my GMRS license and a Baofeng UV-5X which is legal to use (checked with FCC database). I am looking forward to becoming a member of this community and picking up best practices, etiquette, etc., so that I feel comfortable before pressing the "call" button. Is there the equivalent of a "Dummies guide to GMRS" that anyone would recommend to study to quickly get up to speed? Thanks, Dave WRNX245

Good morning, everyone. I am a new member and new to GMRS having done some studying online of best practices and obtained a radio. My question is, having got my FCC license, how strict is the definition of "family member"? Like I suspect many folks, I am not legally married but am in a long term relationship with my partner. I bought 2 radios primarily for emergency use in a scenario where the 2 of us may be separated and cellphones are not working. Whereas I intend to practice with and use the radio on a regular basis, it is unlikely that my girlfriend would be using the radio unless it was an emergency and there was no other way to get through to me. I do intend giving her a crash course in usage, etiquette, best practices, etc., once I have got some experience to pass on. Do you guys think that this is within the spirit of the license agreement or is this a big no-no? TIA of any advice, Dave