kerstuff

So, just for grins and giggles, I took some readings on one of my antennas...
 
MFJ Analyzer
145.520 = 1.0:1
147.000 = 1.3:1
 
Nano VNA
145.520 = 1.2:1
147.000 = 1.2:1
 
Surecom
High Power
145.520 = 1.1:1 / 46.07wFwd / 0.131wRev
147.000 = 1.08:1 / 41.22wFwd / 0.061wRev
 
Low Power
145.520 = 1:1 / 5.1wFwd / 0wRev
147.000 = 1:1 / 4.67wFwd / 0wRev
 
If you look at the readings, they are all close enough.  The truth is, they may all be correct.  It takes different cables and connectors to test with these devices and those numbers will change based on the changing of hardware.  Shoot, realistically, just disconnecting and reconnecting the same gear twice could give you these kinds of variations.
 
If we look at the Surecom reading 145.520 = 1.1:1 / 46.07wFwd / 0.131wRev... the reverse power is 0.285% of the forward power.  So, if we switch over to 5w of output, I am not shocked the meter is reading a 1:1 SWR, because 0.285% of 5w is too low for the meter to read.  Its about 0.014w.  the scale on the device doesn't have enough place holders displayed to show the SWR... so it rounds to zero (or 1:1).
 
I still think that TDukes needs to either calibrate the Nano VNA, the Surecom, or both.  But for what we do as GMRS users, I think the device is working as intended and is "close enough" to know our stuff isn't going to break.  The need to fine tune that last drop of power (maybe 40 miliwatts at 5w scale "if" his VNA is correct) is pointless except as an exercise. 
 
 

Good point. Not too mention the sad hams complaining about your post. LOL they don't even see the irony.

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Or as my chemical spill response instructor and CERT instructor called it Methyl Ethel Bad Stuff.
It's funny how the things that can kill you in one specific state are ok to posses in 49 other states.
BTW, how are you handling the fact you can't charge you government mandated electric car while you have rolling blackouts?  I wonder if the blackouts effect the folks that vote for liberals and the conservative voters equally. 

This question has been coming up a lot lately...   "My 50w Radio Doesn't Make 50w.  Why?" 
 
I figured I would post quick highlights of the more common items that lead to low power.  This is just a list of a few items.  If anyone would like a bit more detail, just ask and myself or one of our seasoned operators will be happy to help with further explanation.
 
One of the most common issues that will prevent you from reaching a full 50 watts is the manufacturer.  They have to have their device certified by the FCC in order to be sold in the US.  The radio needs to be sold in the configuration as tested and certified.  If the radio or any subsequent builds tested exceed 50w, even if it's not intentional due to something like component tolerances, the manufacturer will either not get or lose their certification. 
 
To avoid risk of losing certification, when the radios are designed, they are designed to operate at much less power.  I know for a fact that many popular brands target 46w, so they can round-up to 50w for advertising.  However, manufacturing tolerances allow for +/- 4w.  So, a properly running new radio under the absolute best conditions could make as much as 50w or as little as 42w.  Again, only under perfect conditions.
 
Those perfect conditions are typically 13.8vdc "at the radio" (not at the power source), almost unmeasurable losses due to test gear insertion, a proper dummy load, and being on the channel/frequency that the manufacturer centered up the transmit power to.
 
The following issues are just a few that will lead to less than ideal conditions.
 - Not testing on the channel/frequency that the manufacturer tuned for max performance.
- The power source is too low.
 - Power cables are too long, lending to too much voltage loss at the radio.
 - The power cables are too thin for the current draw and length of the power cables, lending to too much voltage loss at the radio.
 - Power cables have connections that are crimped instead of soldered.
 - Corrosion at the battery connectors or other connectors in the power lines.
 - Improper grounding of the radio.
 - Improper grounding of the antenna.
 - A bad or poor performing antenna.
 - Bad or poor performing antenna cables.
 - RF interference from something in the vehicle that is close to the radio, causing improper performance.
 
There can be more than this, but in my decades of experience, these are the top problems I have seen.  Below is a video showing the difference between my amateur radio on my bench vs installed in my Jeep.  Even mine isn't perfect because I wanted to use the factory auxiliary switches, as well as Power Pole connectors for easy removal, and I don't mind losing a few watts compared to the convenience.
 
 

Well....so here is where I got with this. Size and Weight constraints left me with a 60 watt, 24 volt panel. The system has been running for 4 months so far. The months of July and August have been basically nothing but rain and overcast. Today we had a sunny morning and a rainy afternoon. I hiked up and took some reading on the solar controller. Even with all the clouds it was still making more power than the RT97 was using. 
 
I will try and get backup there just prior to the first snow and see how the readings are.
 

Speaking of how smart someone is...
 
A neutron walks into a bar and says "Bartender... I'll have a beer." The bartender says "Sure" and slides him a beer.  The neutron said "Thanks! What do I owe you?", and the bartender replied "For you? No charge!"

They both have good audio fidelity, but the KG-1000 has a better class of receiver. It has a better ability to discriminate between noise and weak signals, making it a better receiver. 

I've already gone a year past when the oncologists would have estimated when the cancer was first discovered... Though it does seem to be migrating to lymph nodes... so who knows where treatment goes next...
I do need to get off the Internet and inventory my crud in preparation of having a will made (I'm aiming for a trust -- especially with all the firearms, followed by all the musical instruments -- one may not care about what happens to a $350 flat-top mandolin, but a $2400 Taylor NS-72 is a different matter, along with all the radio gear [which is why I gave my nieces the Tech study guides, and as incentive Yaesu starter HTs]).
 

I wish you the best results possible with your chemo.

I ran a simple receive test with three radios that were off frequency by only 12.5Kc from the transmitter.

The Wouxun "KG-935G" was able to filter out the off frequency station. 
The Anytone "AT-D878UVII plus" and the Baofeng "UV-82HP" both failed.
Ken WQXQ522
 

This argument has already been had ad nauseum, and I'm surprised nobody has brought up §95.333 nor §95.1733(8) yet in this thread. As others have stated it's all in how you read the rules; the two schools that perpetuate this argument are "if it doesn't say it's illegal, is it legal" vs "it's only legal if it explicitly says it is legal," the latter of which would require a rule for every possible circumstance in the service. And that's of course addressing IP based linking, which in-band RF linking within GMRS is fairly easy to accomplish too (but would add further congestion)
If the FCC were to pass a rule that states "GMRS operators shall not beat live horses," would we still permit ourselves to beat this dead one?

Good catch on this informal and informational page; the phrase "or any other network" showed up in November of last year per archive.org well after other sources in the FCC had stated that it's fine and well after linking had already become prevalent on GMRS based on that correspondence and the implementation of the 2017 rules. This 'minor' addition in my opinion is in conflict with prior correspondence from the FCC before this date, the current CFR (which of course represent the actual rules: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95?toc=1), upon which the GMRS community have already acted (and invested) in good faith.
Perhaps they're looking to discourage it, but in my opinion it still remains legal regardless of whatever the official sentiment may be especially since they already stated its fine in the past and the current rules are consistent with that. Perhaps someone inside the FCC had an "oh wait not like that" moment after evaluating impacts of the 2017 rule change, since GMRS absolutely exploded in popularity during COVID. Still - the rules are the rules and are the only thing that governs the service. The only thing that would concern me on the issue is any future proposed rulemaking changes or amendments (which I believe require a public comment period?)

I was playing out in the woods today, supporting a 12k race, and I had this monster in the truck to extend range.
 
I know some of you have some portable setups. I figured it would be fun to share them here. Especially if it's a bit unconventional.
Whatcha got?
 

You (and everyone) is welcome to join our National Net via Zello, every Thursday night at 7PM (Pacific).. No Facebook, no dues, no fees, no mandatory meetings.  See how here:  https://www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/

Thank you for the reply. Not all of us are on Facebook or have a desire to join. Is there a website or contact instead for the Oklahoma group?

In my last job cell phones were prohibited because virtually all cellphones were also cameras and audio recorders..  There was no prohibition on radios.

That looks good. Myself I've used an old speaker stand with a portable mast from MFJ. I found the stand cheap at a local flea market. The mast I had purchased new.
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1919?_pos=7&_sid=9c49c76d4&_ss=r
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1911?_pos=50&_sid=9c49c76d4&_ss=r
The top section was way too flexible so i removed it. The antenna on the top is a  telescoping dual band design type.
https://www.amazon.com/AL-800-HighGain-Extendable-Antenna-SMA-Female/dp/B015ILL6ZS
Between the two the antenna is up about 20 feet. Using some aluminum tent stakes and nylon rope I can guy it for light to moderate wind gusts.

LOL. One time I was just finishing working on my SBR when who knocks on the door but a JW. The look on their face was priceless.

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If you don’t already, binge watch Notarubicon videos on YouTube. That will give you a background that will help you choose. One thing to keep in mind is that no matter what radio you get now you’ll get another. 

This is a very good use for the Retevis RT-97, which is an all in one repeater and duplexer. Add an antenna and cable and you have a small low power repeater. 

Just a shout out of Congratulations to W6KCO on his successful completion of the Amateur Extra exam!

Another "Expert"....and you guys think I make this stuff up.. I didnt even mention that he only has a ham callsign..

All else, set yourself up with an emergency coms radio. Basic know how of use for emergency/shtf/power outages etc.    For me, I started with wanting something I could get a hold of my family who is across town about 30 min away on a good day drive.  I also off road a fair amount and the radio are a must.  So I have gone down the rabbit hole on radios. 
Also living in Southern California with wide fires, radios came in very handy for those directly effected in the recent wildfire; as their power, cell towers, internet lines all went down (the main run in burned).  The amateur side was relaying messages from people in the dead zone, down to people with power, cell service etc; and where relaying messages to family members.   
And then add earthquakes, we haven't seen a GOOD one in some years to REALLY put the infrastructure to a test for rigidity. 
 
I also have the benefit of several GMRS and Amateur repeaters in my area. 
 
 

Sounds like a match made in heaven ?

First and foremost,  it's not just Hams that do that.  GMRS based CERT and REACT team's (who are often not Hams) handle nets and emergencies the same way ARES/RACES does.  The reason for this is because emergency communications has been standardized in the US and anyone who want to help is going to do it the formal way.
 
Secondly, I think you are misunderstanding the concept of calling for emergency or priority traffic. If it was EmComm traffic, operators move from local, up to regional/national nets, and then back down to a local net. In a traditional communications blackout, that is how emergency and priority messages get handled. So, that is how they practice. 
 
The whole procedure is not for the guy stuck on the side of a mountain... though if no one has been returning your call for help and you know a net is on a specific frequency and day,, you can bet your bottom dollar you will be thrilled they're on the air and they will take your emergency call. 
 
Also, it's a good habit to get into in case there is a real emergency. Especially before a net or a bunch of long-winded people getting ready to ha e a BS session. It's a good idea to remind everyone that regardless of what they are talking about, all conversation should stop if someone with an emergency gets in the air.
 
If you don't want to listen to or participate in a net, no big deal. Just turn the radio off..  Don't trash people for caring enough to make sure there is no real emergency and practicing for the day one happens.