Over2U

My old H/T “Ham” Radio (Wouxun KG-UV3D) exhibits better receiver sensitivity on GMRS frequencies than my new Wouxun KG-905G (which is dedicated to GMRS). I am a bit surprised but, then again, the Ham radio cost 150 in 2013 dollars…

My only “real world” experience was the time that I (and at least one other GMRS user) heard a call for help from a man who said he was in an overturned Jeep in the mountains, many miles away. When I replied to the caller, he said that he couldn’t remember his name, or the that of the trail he was on, or much of anything else. The transmission was also strong, as though near me in the city, which made me suspicious that I was being ‘Pranked’, but, nonetheless, I felt compelled to call this in to 9-1-1 on my cellphone. I never heard any more about this.

“Keep watching the skies”, no, I meant: “Keep scanning”

FYI: Search and Rescue groups in the State of Wyoming are promoting the “Be 307 Aware” campaign for emergency use of FRS/GMRS Radios. Below are some details: In Wyoming, people frequently need the assistance of Search and Rescue. No matter how small or large the situation might be, Search and Rescue volunteers are there to help get people home safely. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being rescued. Buy an FRS/GMRS capable radio or walkie talkie and program the 307 channel into the radio. Program to UHF 462.6125 Privacy Code 85.4 or Channel 3 and Privacy code 07 (307). If, or when, you become stranded, if searchers are looking for you they can attempt to contact you on this channel. It is not a 911 type channel. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan on coming back. Ask local authorities if a check-in form is available. Pack appropriate gear and supplies. See resource link below. Have a portable radio and have it programmed to the 307 Channel. This channel is not a 911, but it can assist you when monitored by Search and Rescue personnel. Check the weather and avalanche forecast. Search and Rescue personnel will not actively monitor channel.

The (old) Midland MicroMobile radio in my Land Rover has a maximum output of only five (5) watts, but works fine for vehicle-to-vehicle use in a convoy setting.

The ‘saving grace’ for GMRS highway use is that there are only 15 frequencies to scan for activity.

RE: Range between your handheld Wouxun radios, have you tried use of different antennas, such as the Nagoya 771G?