SteveShannon

The last two of the frequencies you listed are not GMRS frequencies, but the first two are only 500 Hertz away from the interstitial center frequencies - it may be that your display just doesn’t show the fourth place. You might be picking up either interference or digital transmissions on those frequencies. Unfortunately I have heard that there are some low powered devices that have been imported, such as baby monitors, which use those FRS frequencies. From the regulations: The GMRS is allotted 30 channels - 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels. GMRS stations may transmit on any of the channels as indicated below. (a)462 MHz main channels.Only mobile, hand-held portable, repeater, base and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 462.5500, 462.5750, 462.6000, 462.6250, 462.6500, 462.6750, 462.7000, and 462.7250 MHz. (b)462 MHz interstitial channels.Only mobile, hand-held portable and base stations may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 462.5625, 462.5875, 462.6125, 462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875, and 462.7125 MHz. (c)467 MHz main channels.Only mobile, hand-held portable, control and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. Mobile, hand-held portable and control stations may transmit on these channels only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions in accordance with § 95.319(c). The channel center frequencies are: 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, and 467.7250 MHz. (d)467 MHz interstitial channels.Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 467.5625, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125 MHz.

You shouldn’t let “one bad apple” ruin your enjoyment and if you enjoyed your sig, leave it.

http://www.hamgadgets.com/ID-O-MATIC-IV but for GMRS it’s every 15 minutes while in use.

The basic checkin is your call-sign, first name, and city/town. So I just say WROM258, Steve, in Butte, Mt.

Notarubicon did a recent video which showed pretty surprising results for a Ghost antenna.

Usually on a net you just listen until called on to check in. Sometimes it’s very difficult to get in to check in, but there’s almost always a bit of a lull. Once they build a list of checked in people they might go around again, asking for a report, which can include anything from weather to signal reports to type of radio and antenna you’re using. My advice is to listen until you feel comfortable. For me that sometimes takes a while. ?

Yes, but when you begin arguing the accuracy of another member’s signature line instead of simply ignoring it, it spoils enjoyment for many more than just you. Or is it all about you?

You don’t have to read his sig. Turn off “View Signatures”.

How are their extendable masts?

Rohm makes wall mount mast brackets that extend out to 24 inches from the wall. https://www.dxengineering.com/search/part-type/mast-wall-brackets They should work on either sidewall or gable ends. They also make an eave mount bracket that appears on the same page: Hy-Gain EVE-48 Eave Mount Brackets EVE48

Let us know how it works out, please.

Yes, you can put the vertical base antenna on the same pole as your TV antenna, especially if you have several vertical feet between them. Your TV antenna is probably a log periodic antenna, which is directional and covers a different band. I would try that first. If you don’t watch TV while you’re transmitting you probably won’t even know it. If you do transmit while someone is watching TV, run some tests to see if they get any interference. Make sure the mast is grounded. If the attic is much easier try that, but getting it higher makes more difference than having more power.

Yes, it’s a sound card and tablet used for digital communications on ham radio, such as Winlink using VARA FM.

I would expect the tail time to be a repeater setting, not in the Pi. I certainly could be wrong.

I understand, but I was under the impression that the person in the photo I posted was higher up than the cannon fodder convicts. Can you tell me what the overlay near the microphone says in this photo?

You asked a question. It was answered succinctly by @marcspaz and exhaustively why by @Lscott. You don’t need to worry about the extra thickness of the rubber. What additional help would you like?

Well, I’m not interested in a comparison to ham radios, but it is funny that a group of professional mercs uses Baofeng radios.

I just watched a video of Wagner Group in Ukraine. On one the microphone clipped to his vest appears to be a Baofeng.

It’s too bad the Motorola flyer didn’t show a side view.

Yes. Exactly.

Yes, many people remove their stock antenna and attach a cable leading to an external antenna. That would make more difference than having a higher powered transmitter. Comet, like @MichaelLAX mentioned would be nice. There are also longer antennas for handheld use. Probably the most well known is the Nagoya 771G (tuned to GMRS frequencies), but there are others also. Just make sure you match the gender of the integral connector.

It is pretty amazing isn’t it? They learned to make the most of their antennas and the capabilities of HF. NVIS is intriguing to me. Looking at the link that @axorlov posted it looks like that could be it. The side panel of the radio looks similar.

Are you guys done?

An upgraded antenna, especially if mounted high, can make a significant difference.

That’s right. You are required to transmit on the channels established in the regulations. Tune step is meaningless for a compliant GMRS radio.