[Antenna resonance vs swr.]

With about $230 to buy a RigExpert antenna analyzer. Seriously:

 

[question about repeaters]

Where do people create these coverage maps? I'm super curious to play with whatever tool is used.

 

Check out https://www.ve2dbe.com/rmonline_s.asp

 

Here is an example of the type of coverage map projection:

[Anyone do any mobile installs in 19+ Silverado]

Well, that's a very nicely done installation nonetheless! 

[American made (not political)]

so when it comes to truly made in the USA radios the options are 1. low powered and very expensive.

 

Alinco used to be made in the US, but not any longer, having outsourced production to China... <sigh> 

[Jeeps & Radios]

Raddy-oh, or whatever the heck that outfit is called.

 

Just for the record, their name is pronounced as "radi-oddity..." 

[socotran st980pluse]

Good grief! That is the absolute worst transceiver I've ever seen. And that's saying something!

[New GMRS HT: Radioditty GM-30]

Many of the less expensive radios leave some flashing from the casting process that partially obstructs the tiny hole for the microphone. Cleaning out the flashing to open up the hole results in much better pickup by the microphone element.

[Ham License Change (Vanity)]

Just for general information, I've modified my ham license to reflect the area I'm currently living in. N4GIX is now N9GIX. I have tried twice to change my "Display Name" but for some reason it isn't working...

 

I remain the same good-natured old curmudgeon as before of course! 

[1st communication on my Radio]

Having a warped sense of humor, sometimes I reply to such radio check requests...

 

"I've just checked, and mine are still here...

 

...seriously, you are ________ !"

[Retevis RT76P programming]

Good luck with the ham exam. (Please note the small letters...) 

[Musing on equipment choices...]

It is the same radio as the Anytone 778UV. They are both CCR's (made in China). Kenwood, Yeasu, and Icom are made in Japan.

[100.000 GMRS licensees in the USA]

Randy Knowles (KAA8142) reported on the weekly net last Sunday that in 1998 there were ~28,250 active licenses. We seem to have seen significant growth the past 23 years! 

[100.000 GMRS licensees in the USA]

To give a little more perspective, as of last Sunday, April 11th, the number of GMRS licenses stood at 99,237...

 

That is 763+ new licenses in less than a week! 

[is anyone using GMRS in the little rock area?]

You may want to be more specific about your location.

According to qrz.com he is from Frazier Park, CA 93225

[Great news! $35 fee for GMRS license for those up for renewal and those on the fence....]

There is no separate fee for filing. So a new or renewal GMRS license will be $35, period.

 

I was hoping to take and pass my Extra exam on April 26th, which now is one week too late to avoid the $35 fee for my upgrade to Extra... 

[Simplex or Repeater primary usage?]

I think that spills over into the "prepper" community sometimes which also tends to lean in certain political directions. I've heard some "interesting" conversations ranging from deep state theories to mind control vaccines later in the evenings lol.

 

And.... that's about the time I change the channel. 

[Difficulty of test?]

I recommend this series of books by Craig "Buck" K4IA.  I like his philosophy of not using the usual sources because for every right answer they have, there are 3 wrong answers your brain is picking up.  He only focuses on the right answers so they stand out on the test.  

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1985125641/

 

Craig's books are terrific. I'm using his book as a study source for the Extra. Nearly 40 years as a General and I never seemed to get around to studying for my Extra. Honestly, the primary reason now is so that I can help with VE testing. I can do that now, but only up to the General Class...

 

If my only reason was for the very slightly increased frequency privileges, it wouldn't be worth the bother frankly. 

[Mobile Antenna Placement and Tuning]

I like the way you think... I ordered one of these to test already and it should be here today.

 

 

I have one of my antennas mounted on the center inside edge of the trunk on my Toyota Camry. Without this multi-axis mount the antenna would not be vertical. 

[Wouxun KG-1000G tips and tricks thread]

Tip: When mounting under the seat (or other hard to access locations), invest in another programming cable and leave it plugged in and coiled up so you can plug it in to a laptop whenever needing to re-program the radio's functions/memories.

[Mobile Antenna Placement and Tuning]

You could use a multi-axis adjustable NMO mount similar to this:

[omg....o my ground!! help me o wise one!]

Where is this green wire running? I see many such green ground wires being clamped to the conduit coming from the electrical mains box. 

[Retevis RT97 plus 2 RT76 HTs now on Sale]

Rich, I would have ordered from you but I needed one for a 70cm amateur frequency pair. It will be used primarily for our local ARES group and other special events.

[Retevis RT97 plus 2 RT76 HTs now on Sale]

Hmmm... I just ordered the same repeater but for 'custom' amateur frequencies. I got the "April" price of $311.39, but the shipping and handling charge of $38.00 pushed it up to $349.39.

 

I suspect that the GMRS version you ordered is kept in stock here in the U.S. so the shipping is much less expensive! Because I ordered the 'custom' version, it will have to be tuned in China and shipped over by air... 

[possible virus in KG-805.exe]

I have have had cases were the software I am actively writing was flagged as well before it was signed. I too had to talk similar steps.

 

I have had my own software flagged as well. It is very frustrating, as I know darn well there's nothing wrong or dangerous with my code! There are ways to "self-sign" your programs, but that really defeats the purpose of certification completely... 

[Midland 6db gain antenna tuning?]

Ah shucks! I got y'all mixed up and replied to the wrong person...