WRPC505

That's good to see. On my end, I may have dropped it as far as the ARRL is concerned, but I've changed my emcomm view to family and friends, the people that matter most in my life. Many don't fully understand the importance of it, but a few do, with my wife being the best example (she works as a 911 dispatcher locally). And I am beginning to learn more about hotspots, 900 MHz ISM and more. I figure that what I do know will come in handy eventually.

I'm a former ARRL EC from years ago and I can certify that you are right. And besides what you stated, politics and determining the "pecking order" happens a lot. After seeing the writing on the wall, I gave it up and told the district EC and ARRL where to go with it. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

I see that I'm not the only one that's done those things. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

That's dead on. My wife now understands this, but other family members...well, not so much. I believe that they'll come running to me for communications answers one day, and I get to be the adult in the room on this topic.

I checked out the KW902 page that you suggested; definitely lots of info there. I'm not in a rush at this point, but my reasoning for looking into this is also 33cm and perhaps the ISM stuff. I'll acquire a couple of units eventually; it's a matter of convincing the wife that it's another way of communicating if need be (which it is).

It's nice to see this particular topic; I'm looking to add 900 MHz to my radio arsenal, either ham or license-free. I need all the information I can get. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

I agree with this completely, and I can go further with my own experiences. I have always believed in having radio communications at the ready for just about any reason, but especially when SHTF. Ham radio, GMRS/FRS, CB radio, MURS, you name it; I always want to have a way to communicate, and it has worked out well for me. The same goes for radio modes; voice, SSB, AM, FM, digital, even slow-scan TV (SSTV); there's not much I haven't tried. I do a LOT of research (ask my wife), and not only do I take helpful tips and hints from others to make my radio comms reliable, I work to create my own ideas and make those work as well. The reason for all of this work? I don't trust cell phones further than I can throw them. I do know a fair number of people (including some family members) that would rather trust a cell phone than a radio, saying that it's "antiquated." In some aspects that may be true, but when it's all said and done I can reach out and contact someone, somewhere, before they can. But that's a SHTF situation. I love radio, and for me it's both a hobby and a service that I know I can count on if I have to. I know that others may have differing opinions, and that's OK with me. There's something for everyone with radio. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

Now that's the right way to run a radio service-styled organization; I would enjoy and support being a member if one was located in my area. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

I've had my ham license for 31 years now but only early this year I've gotten into GMRS. I would like to see GMRS pick up some more here in Central Texas, especially in the Killeen / Fort Hood / Copperas Cove / Kempner area. I know there is a repeater in Troy but that's pretty far away from my area south of Copperas Cove. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

Not sure if you've made some purchases by now, but the Yaesu FT-857(D) is a great value; I had one and LOVED it. Had to sell it to finance a fledgling photography business. Even though Yaesu has finally discontinued that radio, you can find one fairly easily online. Warren, WQ1C / WRPC505

You are certainly right, and I knew that as well...just had a brain cell issue at the time.

I'm totally with you. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

Well...yes. You can laugh back at me when I decide to do something silly.

We've all been there at one time or another, don't worry; I know I have. I won't be laughing at you; I'll be laughing with you! ? Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

I believe that may depend on the digital mode used, but I could be wrong. Olivia, PSK31, Domino and others require conversation, while FT4, FT8 and others of that ilk can run pretty much automatic if set up that way. I have done a little CW and phone besides the digital stuff. Warren, WQ1C / WRPC505

Skywarn is very effective in my area of Central Texas. The groups under the Skywarn banner here work well with National Weather Service personnel, emcomm and local TV meteorologists - they've done so for many years now. I've been involved with all of that. Unfortunately, there are a large number of locations that doesn't have this or similar services. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

Ah...THAT Stewart Copeland. I thought that name was familiar, especially since I'm a huge fan of The Police! Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

Six years later... My favorite band would be 30 meters due to my love for digital modes as well as CW, along with very good propagation most any time day or night. My second choice is 17 meters and my third would be 12 meters. As you can probably tell, I really like the WARC bands. Warren, WQ1C / WRPC505

Seconded here, that's the way it is generally. Warren, WRPC505 / WQ1C

@WRKC935I don't own a repeater (and not sure that I ever will), but I have known many repeater owners over the years (both GMRS and Amateur Radio) and they have shared your pain at one time or another so I certainly understand what you're saying. They are your repeaters, so you have to do whatever you need to do to keep them up for others to use. But ultimately, if that means pulling the plug on them because of an idiot or three...so be it. I can't say that I blame you one bit.

Sounds to me like you DON'T trust what I'm saying...whatever. I don't need to quote book, chapter and verse on this stuff to anyone, although I will say that a lot of this happened many moons ago. If you really want to know for sure, look for yourself. I'm going to move on and spend my time on better things than arguing about this stuff with you. Have a nice week.

(1) I heard him use that language, and (2) if I didn't stop it (especially if he's using my gear) then the FCC will come breathing down my neck if someone that knows me complains to them. It's happened to others before, trust me.

I personally don't use roger beeps; never have and never will. But a larger problem (for me anyway) is when someone uses foul language while on the air. I overheard a close relative use such language on his son's FRS radio; I had to bark at him that what he was saying wasn't tolerated, especially if I'm within range or physical earshot. He gave me a bit of a pissed-off look at first, but he stopped it. I have both Amateur Radio and GMRS licenses; I'm not taking any chances on losing either or both because of someone's lack of education on how proper radio etiquette works. Warren Rowe, WQ1C / WRPC505

I live in the Killeen/Copperas Cove/Fort Hood area but work security in the Four Corners area (RM 620 & 2222) so I need to start carrying my GMRS HT with me. If I ever think about it I may attempt to reach the Flintrock Hill repeater from there soon. Warren Rowe, WQ1C/WRPC505

At this point in time I don't think anyone in my family will take a stab at ham radio. However, my wife actually likes the idea of getting on the air with a GMRS radio and using the umbrella GMRS license I acquired. (I paid the full $70 fee before the reduction of said fee; I just couldn't wait!) She has enough to do trying acquire annual CE credits for her job (911 dispatcher) that she does not want to take another test for a radio service that she will not likely use. She does believe that it's fun to listen to some of our grandkids using their FRS radios, as well as actually talking to them from 2 miles away with our GMRS gear! So I guess I will be the only ham operator in the family from now until I get to the radio room in the sky. But for me, having both Amateur Radio and GMRS licenses is a good thing.