SteveShannon

Some VECs do support online testing. Usually you must provide a couple of cameras to demonstrate that your workspace is clear and that you are following the few rules. https://blog.hamstudy.org/2020/06/so-you-want-to-take-a-remote-exam/

1/10 mile should be enough

Yes, you have to take each test in order, but you are allowed to take one test, and then the next and the next as long as you pass each one. You can walk in without an Amateur license and walk out having passed the Amateur Extra test. If you use something like HamStudy to study, it’s entirely possible.

Are you on channel 29 (which is also referred to in the manual as RPT-22)? That’s the quickest way to get everything setup. Then as a bare minimum you just need to set the xmit tone. Or, if you’re trying to program one of the user configurable 999 channels, have you seen this in the manual: Accessing a Repeater in Frequency Mode The REPEATER menu option (page 54) allows you to transmit to a repeater while in Frequency Mode. If you are tuned to a GMRS receive frequency that is valid for repeater use and turn the REPEATER menu option ON, the KG-935G will transmit to the repeater input frequency when the PTT is pressed. The REPEATER menu option is ignored when the radio is not tuned to one of the 8 GMRS repeater transmit frequencies.”

Here’s a clear copy. Scale it up as needed: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/icu1umn9p6ekwah7cya2b/GRMS-9R-Manual-V5_-Simplified-Annotated.pdf?rlkey=ghnqdzs5mi915ekf0gg7nx4r7&dl=0

How those stations sound to you is largely unrelated to a radio check and transmitting without a license into an ongoing conversation will ruffle feathers, that’s for sure. It sticks out like a turd in a punch bowl. But you’re on the right track by listening. Listen and learn all you can about receiving while you’re studying. In many ways learning how to get the most out of a receiver is the most important part of ham radio. Any idiot can add a linear amplifier to the full 1500 watts and make themselves heard, but being able to pick out signals from noise, especially on SSB, is an art form, one I certainly haven’t mastered, but I’ve gotten much better in the past year. There are some great YouTube videos that explain how to adjust noise reduction, RF gain, etc. What bands are you trying to listen to? What do you have for a radio, antenna, etc.

Ham test is not timed. You can take as long as your bladder can handle. I’m glad I made the cut. Before I got married I worked in the oilfield. (Filing pipe for the welders at first.) Cussing became second nature. I still way over-do it sometimes. But I’ve been married now for over 44 years and I have worked as a professional most of that time so I have had to learn when to cuss and when not. Sometimes it’s just a struggle. Anyway I’m not offended by it; I mentioned it only because it’s a quick way to alienate people who might otherwise have something helpful to offer.

A lot of people have issues learning and even with written tests. I have a good friend who went through engineering school with me who would have a hard time taking written tests. He’s a very good engineer. People are willing to help even if you don’t drop the f bomb. If you do decide to get your ham license the test can be given to you orally, if that works better for you. If I can help you understand anything I would be happy to help.

Perhaps this video will help the OP understand what picket fencing is and why there’s not a simple solution:

Did you check the voltage on the power supply?

So you’ve had a GMRS license for about two weeks. Why did you cave in and get it?

Even if they cannot access your repeater, someone on the same frequency will disrupt your communications if their signal is stronger than others.

1. Picket fencing while moving is not uncommon. Does it stop when you are stationary? 2. If you don’t know what that screw is there’s absolutely no reason to think that it is related to your picket fencing problem. 3. My radio picket fences while moving too. I pull over to use it. In my case it affects my transmissions, not my reception.

Oh, well. Can’t blame me for trying. I’d welcome you!

@offroaderx Affirmative! Get the license so we have more happy hams! 73 de AI7KS <beep>

It still is. In an actual widespread emergency people will be desperate for information. My generation was alway reminded to keep an AM radio with extra batteries available. Of course AM radio worked well because it can receive signals across literally thousands of miles at night, so even if only a few stations survived a person might hear something. The only “grid” was our public utilities (electricity, gas, sewer, and water). Now, people are more likely to listen to FM, satellite radio, or internet radio. Cell phone service is nearly ubiquitous and getting better. The “grid” has expanded to encompass all of the above. People have been conditioned to expect two way voice, video, and data communications wherever they go, but most wouldn’t have a clue what to do if the grid now goes down. So don’t give up on the idea of coordinating last mile communications and don’t get discouraged when people ask pointed questions or make critical comments. Get involved with local emcomm groups. This is what they do and they almost always need people who are motivated.

Backup power and type might be interesting data to add to repeater listings.

Rely on ham radio for the distance comms and work to establish a “last 10 miles” delivery. It simply doesn’t make sense to use FRS for the distance work.

This is definitely an HF type of task. In fact, that’s where the word Relay came from in the ARRL (American Radio Relay League). There are relay nets that practice daily. The National Traffic System is one: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Traffic_System

Most are pretty similar in terms of loss/length, but some have a solid center conductor and some have stranded. The solid conductor cables are stiffer and cannot be bent as sharply. Some have copper clad aluminum center conductors that are lightweight. For the most part these details are not terribly important but depending on your circumstances they might be. Sorry to possibly add confusion.

That’s probably a loss of nearly 90%.

That’s a good point. A difference in elevation can also make a huge difference.

Truly there’s nothing wrong with 1.9:1 SWR. I would not worry about it. Plus the short length of most cables attached to magnetic mounts means that the losses are usually low. You wouldn’t enjoy having LMR-400 as the feed line going through your door and over your roof.

One of the settings in Chirp is “Squelch Mode.” To begin with, set it to Tone, not TSQL. That way you’ll hear everything transmitted on the frequency your radio is set to receive.

You probably don’t even need the software to configure it for one repeater. You should be able to do it all from the front panel. However, the repeater that opens up when I click on your link is not a GMRS repeater. It’s a 2 meter ham repeater. The “uplink” frequency is what you set your radio to transmit on. “Downlink” is your receiver frequency That’s usually done automatically as long as the direction of the offset is correct. Then make sure you have the CTCSS tone set to 100.0 Hz