SteveShannon

Maybe the problem is the people you’re trying to talk to. The Anytone isn’t a bad radio.

Yes, a spring mounted antenna can sometimes result in choppiness. But picket fencing like Gil mentioned is very common even if an antenna is not spring mounted.

Is it while you’re moving or parked that it’s choppy?

@LScott is a Kenwood aficionado. I think he likes the TK-3170 (corrected).

Most modern radios have a green or blue light that illuminates while a transmission is being received and turns red when you hit the PTT. But I don’t mind a Roger beep. I can completely ignore it.

There are only eight repeater channels and they are pre-programmed into GMRS radios. A repeater channel in this case consists of a transmit frequency (on which your radio transmits to the repeater) and a receive frequency that is 5 MHz lower. If you create additional repeater channels they will use those same frequencies, differing only in tones. If your radio doesn’t automatically do an offset then you would have to program one.

Did you read paragraph where they mentioned rejecting comments suggesting TDMA digital modes for GMRS? It’s pretty clear.

There’s a lot to unpack isn’t there?

For the current regulations for GMRS use this government site: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95#subpart-E

One thing the government is good at is paperwork.

And that's cited as the reasoning in the FCC Docket where all these decisions were documented: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-344617A1.pdf The FCC was concerned that a user would increase the power on the interstitial channels to exceed the 0.5 watt limit which could interfere with repeater operations:

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Since you have said that you can talk to a friend using simplex (that’s when you are both transmitting and receiving on the same frequency) it’s obvious that you know how to turn it on and change channels. Yes, an “uplink” tone is the tone you transmit. It’s also the tone the repeater receives. Using the term uplink precisely describes that you are transmitting it and the repeater is receiving it. If the description of the repeater simply said “transmit tone” or “receive tone” then the person using it is sometimes unsure whether they are referring to transmit or receive programmed on the repeater or a users radio. I would challenge you to use your manual to teach yourself the individual steps necessary to set and clear tones. “Tones” are initially confusing, but you’ll learn them in far less time that it would take someone to write step by step instructions for you. Your manual should already show you the steps needed, but here are a few tips that might clear up some confusion: 1. There are lots of terms that refer to exactly the same things. Tones, PL, and CTCSS all refer to exactly the same thing and are used interchangeably to refer to an analog tone, like a single low note played on a synthesizer, that is combined with your voice transmission. When the other radio receives your transmission the tone is removed so you never hear it. 2. DCS, DTCSS, and DPL refer to digital codes that are sometimes used instead of tones. This refers to a binary value that is transmitted in conjunction with your voice, just like a CTCSS tone. To make things slightly more confusing they will sometimes be inverted, but they usually tell you. 3. The reason for tones or codes is to allow a radio to ignore a transmission. If someone is transmitting using a 141.3 Hz tone and your receive tone is set to 100.0 Hz, your radio will not reproduce their transmission. It still receives it; it just doesn’t make it audible. However, if you don’t set a Receive tone, your radio will reproduce everything it receives.

If you have another handheld just set it up to receive on the repeater input frequency and CTCSS. And then go a distance away so you don’t get desensed.

I don’t agree. It doesn’t matter who is being targeted; a channel is being blocked. Interference is interference. Broadcasting and playing music are also violations.

Installation is usually the most difficult part. I would wring it out on an antenna analyzer or network analyzer first.

Actually, there is. Contact the local ham club, tell them about the interference. See if they will help find the location of the jammer and then turn it in to the FCC.

I agree. For a lot of its base, GMRS is a service that works great for people who just want to buy a radio, rent a license for their entire family for ten years, and get on the air with the people who can use that license while engaging in either a recreational activity or a family business.. Next largest group is the people who share in the enjoyment of a recreational activity, off-roaming, hunting, fishing, hiking, Rocketry, etc. Honestly, I’m not sure this isn’t the biggest group. It very well could be. Next is the group of people who have a greater knowledge of radios and their capabilities. They see GMRS as something like an unfinished project that they would like to influence into something with greater utility. Unfortunately, this will leave the previous two groups, who truly form the base of GMRS use, behind. Finally, there are those who just think that GMRS should be just another area for hams to play in. They’re just wrong.

My ft-dx10 always shows the B band, and I agree that it sometimes just takes up real estate on the screen.

I haven’t noticed any mobile HF radios with dual receivers. Several have dual VFOs, like the FT-891. If you truly want dual receivers you’re looking at $3200 radios like the Icom IC-7610 or the Yaesu FT-DX101mp or FT-DX101D models.

This has nothing to do with what the FCC wants. Some guy proposed this. He’s a ham, but he doesn’t represent anyone other than himself.

It depends on the channels. There’s one set of 0.5 watts, one of 2 watts, and then the two “main” sets which are 50 watts, except for fixed stations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/section-95.1767

I believe there is not a 5 watt regulatory limit on handheld portable GMRS stations on either the 462 main channels or 467 MHz main channels.

Welcome to the forum!

I can’t tell anymore.