WROV332

Sorry I made some typos on my reply to your post and possibly confused you : ) There are three repeaters on my area. ROUND ROCK 725 (https://mygmrs.com/repeater/4720) - This is a 5W handheld record-relay type of repeater as described here (https://www.offgrid.technology/rr725-repeater/). I asked permission to get the input tone but havn't received yet. I will try it out when I get the input tone however given it is 5W handheld used as a repeater, I don't have my hopes high. FILNTROCK HILL (https://mygmrs.com/repeater/5131) - This one is about 23 miles from my location and I am still yet to get a signal. I think it is just too far. ROUND ROCK 650 (https://www.texasgmrs.net/repeaters/round-rock-650/) - This one is not listed in mygmrs unless you turn on "Show Outdated Listings" option on the map view. On texasgmrs site, its symbol is red. I am assuming it is offline because I had no luck connecting to it either.

Thanks for the response. Yes I did the walk test and I started to loose signal in before half a mile or so in Cedar Park. I registered to the texas gmrs site and still waiting for an approval. However, when I look at the texasGMRS site and the map, RoundRock 650 is red which I assumed to be offline. It also does not show up on myGMRS map. Even though I cannot login to the texasgmrs site yet, I can see the repeater information on their website without logging in. See attached. I configured the radio (kg-935g) based on the tones listed there and no cigar. I will attemp to drive closer to it so if I can get any signal back. As far as the RR725 goes, I emailed the owner for permission. However that is just a handheld 5W repeater so I am not sure if that will give me much range at all. The other alternative is FLINTROCK HILL repeater on the west side of Austin. I have been trying from my house without a luck so far. I think that one is just too far.

Let me start saying I am not trying to be negative, I just want to share my disappointment. I live in North Austin, TX. I bought two Wouxun 5W GMRS radios. I know that the frequency range GMRS uses has trouble penetrating into buildings and such. My primary reason for buying the radios were to use them on road trips and when we go hiking on various trails where cell coverage is spotty. My second reason was to be able to use it in the neighbourhood to talk to my wife back home when I am out with the kids. Here is why I am disappointed performing some tests: 1. Using 5W GMRS handheld within a populated area is pretty much useless. I live in a suburban area and I cannot even get half a mile range between two handhelds. Yes, I am using high power channels. 2. TX is really lacking GMRS repeaters. I found about Texas GMRS Network group, and unfortunately came to the realization that the repeater that I may be able to get a hold of has been offline for a long time : ( Looking at the texasgmrs.net website, I see that more than half of the repeaters listed are offline. The other repeater is 22 miles away which I have no chance of hitting. Basically my hope of using the radios around my house is gone without any repeaters. I would be interested in building one however my HOA would certainly not allow me to put a big antenna on my roof. I came to the conclusion that for those who want to get into the GMRS is that unless you spend on building your own repeater, or at least get a 50W base station in your house with a big antenna on your roof, forget about using your handhelds in a populated area. I think GMRS really shines when using on trails and road trips, but also if you are lucky enough to live in an area with a lot of repeaters. Anyways, just wanted to get this out there. Love to hear if I am missing anything.