WRDB702

How does one go about correcting an error in the licensee name. FCC has somehow inserted part of the address into the last name. (FRN has it correct.) I know the address can be changed, but what about the name?

Thanks. That made my day.

Welcome, Subject to topography, you should be well within the range of the Johnstown repeaters. WRDB702 - Jim

Fox Hunt! You will need a black SUV to do it properly though. (That's in the rules somewhere, I believe.) ?

@rdunajewski FYI

All the discussion about wattage is humorous when the op most likely simply confused the power supply's output of 30A with 30W. Now I'm craving some A&W root beer. (That's the truth.) ?

Assuming you have the owner's permission to access the repeater or it is an Open repeater... Channel 15 "should" be the corresponding "radio to radio" channel. If your radios are able to talk to each other on channel 15 then make sure the "code" is set to none or off and listen for a while. You can switch back to repeater channel 1 once you know the radios are working fine on channel 15, just make sure the receive code on repeater channel 1 is set to none or off as well. If you still hear no activity then either the repeater is inactive at the moment or you are out of range. Range is affected by more than just the owner's estimated radius. Buildings, hills, trees, and other things can interfere with radio signals. Try moving close to the repeater and (with transmit code set to match the repeater's input code) transmit your FCC GMRS ID . Listen for a "kerchunk" or short burst of static as a confirmation that you have "connected to the repeater". Keep moving closer to the repeater and trying again until you get a reply (either a burst of static or another person). If you still can't connect to the repeater you may need to contact the owner to see if the repeater is even online. But if you do connect... Once you have a confirmation you are reaching the repeater, start moving further from the repeater until you get back to your original location. Note if and/or where you lose connection. You could try a better antenna and/or try different locations. (I have a sweet spot at home where I can reach a repeater 20 miles away, but if I move a couple inches I loose the repeater completely.) The process is a lot easier if you have two people working together on this with one of you staying within connection range of the repeater while the other moves around. (Create your own traffic.) Unfortunately it is possible the repeater is simply not reachable and there is absolutely nothing wrong with your setup. Keep checking from time to time and from different locations of you're sure the repeater is online. Jim

Precisely! ?

On a slightly humorous matter.. If I choose not to use the belt clip, where am I supposed to attach the supplied wrist-strap to the BTECH GMRS-V2? ??

What website are you referring to? MyGMRS's instructions don't include any fee amount here: https://mygmrs.com/help/get-gmrs-license Try reloading the page? (Since you didn't identify the website in question, it is only a guess as to what you are referring to.)

Have you tried switching to Wide band? ("Channel Spacing" on your screen.) You didn't mention how well you are receiving. Location also makes a difference (as previously mentioned.)

That's not what I've heard from repeater owners. i believe you are way under estimating the cost. (Of course, a repeater owner could tell you better than I. )

If you change your address it will appear as an administrative update and the original address is still viewable. It just won't show up on the FCC's first screen or MyGMRS. If you are truly concerned about your address bring associated with your ID, maybe a new ID with a PO or mail service address is in order? Not sure about the process or rules for a new ID, though. It might be a simple solution (other than contacts learning a new ID). 2¢

It is reassuring to find out the CHIRP dev's are so responsive. I hope their servers can handle us all downloading the update at the same time now... ? ?

The closest repeater listed on MyGMRS.com is Coffe675, but it's a bit far from you. You might try searching other directories like repeater book as well. Without access to a repeater you can still get good use out of your GMRS radio of you talk friends and family into using GMRS as well. It is great for outings, hiking, camping, amusement parks, road trips, etc.. (terrain dependent). Have you installed the MyGMRS app on your phone yet? It is very helpful in finding repeaters while traveling.

There are some nets I enjoy, and some I do not. I did however, recently find a redeeming element to even the most annoying of nets. The constant traffic was very helpful in finding the best location on my roof to place the antenna. ?

You might try writing a letter to the address listed with their ID and providing your contact info. I know that is "old school", but it might get you a response.

In case someone might be interested, here is the Amazon link for the plug I used. I will be watching it closely for a while. 14AWG 12V 24V Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter https://a.co/d/383x5dj

I am able to hear the audio of some hubs on the map page, but not the Midwest hub. Using Android. Chrome, Firefox, & Duck-DuckGo.

Update: I purchased a heavy duty cigarette lighter plug (20amp) and have it plugged into a 15amp fused circuit in the van. I also have 15amp inline fuses between the plug and the radio. I have had the radio in the van for a week now with no problems. The radio is working well on low (5w), med (20w), and even on high (50w) without blowing any fuses. I will keep an eye on the connections and wiring, but I'm pretty happy with the results at the moment. Thank you to all who provided suggestions. WRDB702 - Jim

Not being familiar with your specific radios, here is some general info & considerations. Unless you are using a repeater between you radios, you will want leave then in simplex mode. You will be better off (IMO) changing to wideband instead of narrow. If the only options are "FM" or "FM Narrow" then select FM. Do the BC link radios receive each others Tx on the 100.0 Hz tone? Make sure both GMR45 and BC link are in simplex mode, wideband, and the same Sql Tone. Make sure all other variable remain the same as when they work without the tones and try again. (power level, location, obstructions, etc.) Changing from Narrow to Wide band might solve the problem, but if it doesn't there are plenty on helpful operators in this forum.

Yes. Someone did mention that. I will need to look for a heavy duty plug & watch it closely for a while.

Thank you for all the information (some of it way over my head). I checked the vehicle's manual and found my cig lighters are on a 15 amp fuse. Does that mean the radio, which also has a 15 amp fuse in the cable, should be ok at the full 50 watts if nothing else (cellphone) is plugged in to the same circuit at the time? (Amperage ratings appear to match...?) I plan to use the radio at 20w most of the time, but may occasionally consider using the 50w setting.

I see, as in "Plain English". That makes sense.

The FCC call sign is the only communication that MUST be transmitted in English (or Morse Code, but that can get annoying). While it is obviously best to use English when communicating with stations outside your own simplex group or on someone else's repeater, GMRS users are free to use any language they prefer among their own group or on their own personally owned repeater (the repeater owner's preference) as long as the language is being used in normal conversation not being used to hide the plain meaning or as coded messages. Since this was posted under the "New to GMRS" topic, I am simply clarifying that the etiquette comment (while logical) is not part of the FCC rules. (I'm tempted to make a "Some People" comment here, but I'll leave that to someone else.) ?