Thanks to everyone who chimed in. Many of you provided interesting insights from your experiences. You have given me more to think about, going forward. I am new to both GMRS and as of last night, Amateur Radio. Yes, I am disappointed that my initial simplex target (family member) on GMRS was a failure at one mile away with my new KG-905G HT’s. I guess I have much to learn as I continue venturing into my new hobby… lol.
For those familiar with the DFW Metroplex, I am in far SE Arlington at TX-360. I also tried hitting the downtown Dallas and South Arlington GMRS repeaters, to no avail. Due east of me, I see the massive antenna farm in Cedar Hill. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any GMRS repeaters there.
Yes, tall repeaters are coveted assets in GMRS. Apparently, GMRS does not seem to be so popular on the south end of the Metroplex, where I live. At least not yet… lol. I may plant an antenna in the attic (HOA) and see if that helps… Or perhaps a mag mount on my SUV for some mobile signal scouting. I am not giving up on GMRS!
I did obtain some instant gratification last night on Amateur Radio, yakking from home on the Mansfield 440 machine with my starter BF-F8HP. I was unable to open the MJARS 2m machine. (I see a FT-60 in my future… lol)
The adventure has only begun!