WQXJ685

Some of us are licensed both as hams and GMRS operators. I try to be friendly and helpful to everyone.
Welcome, and remember that the only stupid question is the one not asked!
 
I do know what you mean though, I'm a member of a Motorola User's forum where the site owner and moderators are not at all "friendly" and welcoming...

Well a simplex repeater is nothing more than a single radio with a "parrot" type controller. AFAIK, it is legal. A real repeater of course requires a receiver, a transmitter, a controller and a duplexer. No additional license is required for either method.

As i recall, "Scramble" is voice inversion and is not encrypted. BF888's are great simple non part 95 radios.

Hey there Fellow Colorado dweller  
 
I'm in Grand Junction, we have a repeater set up here if you'd like to use it if you come out this way.
 
Glad to see that there's more Western Slope people out this way. Our Web Page is www.westerncoloradogmrs.com if you want to check us out and request access to the repeater.

you won't need anything more powerful than a UV5r, unless you get a mobile or base. The UV5r is listed as 5 watt, but actually puts out more like 2.5 to 3 watts. Is about as much as you want for an HT. as far as effective communication, Height of antenna, quality feedline and connectors is far more important than watts of output. a 50 watt mobile is only more effective than a 5 watt HT, due to the ground plane of your automobile, 5 watt's will be nearly as effective with the same antenna and ground plane. by using High Power, when not applicable you only create a local RF mess, unless you have/find a high unobstructed location or a tower.
 
(WQCN756) could be a repeater on a nice high tower for DX range like that.