SteveShannon

The OP stated that the damage to the previous repeater and antenna was $2000. They’re only seeking $1,000 in their gofundme. The repeater they’re seeking to purchase is currently on sale for less than $600 including a built in duplexer, which seems very reasonable. A decent antenna plus cables and associated components could very quickly consume the remainder of the targeted funding. This seems like a very reasonable request and a reasonable solution. I would urge that we not get distracted by our reactions to the town drunk.

As Gil said, that’s correct. When GMRS is used to communicate with people you already know an introduction isn’t necessary and nothing in the regulations require using a call sign at the beginning of a call for either GMRS or ham radio. Ham radio operators usually will use their call signs at the very beginning of a contact as a matter of courtesy to introduce themselves but they are simply required to ID at the end of every communication and every 10 minutes. Now, something I don’t honestly know is whether every communication means every time we push the PTT. A lot of times I’ll give a short answer without using my call sign, as do all the other hams I know.

A good adapter would be just fine. If you have the right tools (or buy M&P connectors which require very little in tools) replacing one of the cable ends would be the best option. In my opinion of course.

Look at the Samlex or Astron product lines. There are very tightly regulated and filtered DC power supplies.

Another thing to consider is the voltage input to the radio. Most mobile radios are rated with an input voltage of 13.8 vDC and the output RF power frequently varies with the voltage. Boost your voltage by a half volt (observing the tolerances listed in the manual) and you might see 41 watts. But a variation of one or two watts at that general power will not make a bit of difference in your ability to communicate.

Have you done that?

The only thing the fcc says is that you must ID every 15 minutes and at the end of the conversation and that unit numbers are allowed. § 95.1751 GMRS station identification. Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification. (a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted: (1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and, (2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes. (b) The call sign must be transmitted using voice in the English language or international Morse code telegraphy using an audible tone. (c) Any GMRS repeater station is not required to transmit station identification if: (1) It retransmits only communications from GMRS stations operating under authority of the individual license under which it operates; and, (2) The GMRS stations whose communications are retransmitted are properly identified in accordance with this section.

They’re only required to use the call sign, but if it helps you to identify each other you’re allowed to use something like a unit number as well. Personally, I like to use first names or familial relationships, “John, this is grandpa.” Understand that you only need to identify using your call sign once every 15 minutes and when you end a conversation, so if you talk for 2 minutes or 15 minutes you’ll only need to ID once. If you talk for 16 minutes to 30 minutes you are required to ID at least twice. Each time you ID it resets the 15 minute clock. So, if you’re concerned about compliance, just throw in your ID when it’s convenient and at the very end and don’t worry about it.

Yes, that’s an acceptable SWR range. Yes, that’s an acceptable power output.

By the way, here is a glossary from ARRL: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Education/HRLM Online Glossary.pdf Unfortunately “desense” isn’t in the glossary but it is in Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desensitization_(telecommunications)

Desense is short for “desensitization” which is what happens when the very sensitive receiver circuits are exposed to a very strong transmitter signal. Because a repeater must transmit at the same time as it receives the receiving circuitry is overwhelmed and deafened, just like forgetting to wear ear protection when shooting. In a professionally designed repeater the transmitter and receiver circuitry is isolated from each other to prevent desense.

Definitely check the duplexer, but desensing can occur simply because you have shielding on the two individual transceivers that isn’t up to service in a repeater. Those two radios were not necessarily designed to be operated immediately next to each other. Separating them and placing them into metal boxes will reveal if that’s the case.

Did you look at the map? Arab is about midway between the Huntsville repeaters and a repeater called Palisades Park 650.

That only works if @WROH500 uses the repeater every time anyone else uses it. Besides, it’s not just an IDer; it’s also a repeater controller, which @WROH500 might need if they’re wiring two Baofeng radios together.

Ask specific questions and you’ll probably get answers. The ID-O-Matic has been discussed a few times, including how to program it and wire it to a repeater. The more information you provide the better quality answers you’ll receive, but don’t hesitate to ask questions about things you don’t know.

That’s really the essence of the problem. The GMRS rules don’t truly prohibit linking repeaters; they prohibit placing GMRS communications onto a network.

Check Heil’s products.

Ultimately it’s up to the repeater operator but that’s exactly what GMRS is for.

That’s an ignorant comment.

Which I greatly appreciated because it was very helpful to a young ham. I tested it at multiple ham frequencies against my RigExpert and it was good enough. Not exact, but good enough to tune an antenna. He doesn’t have a lot of money so I gave it to him for just the cost of shipping and he also appreciated it. Thanks again!

If you’re attempting a db read or worse extract every hour they may have blocked you thinking that you’re testing for a denial of service attack.

No thanks. I’m not against it. This forum is enough.

Maybe they blocked you. Is there something in particular you’d like me to look up?

I had no problems looking up license information an hour ago or so.