WRUU653

It really does sound like you are hearing repeater traffic.

Are you hearing the same traffic on both? If so this would indicate they are on a repeater and you would need to also be on a repeater channel with tones set to reach them.

I also wouldn’t give up just yet. More testing and more information is needed. What we know so far. * It works with another radio (as stated at 30’) * The SWR is good * You have the same results with both radios This leads me to believe something is going other than bad radios. As it’s been suggested the possibility of tones with those that you are hearing or you are on simplex and hearing repeater traffic seem the most likely to me or you simply aren’t in range. A repeater can reach farther than you can in most cases. So you won’t necessarily be able to reach what you can hear. I doubt that both radios are bad. And the SWR readings suggest installation and cable are fine. So a few questions. What channel are you on when you hear traffic? Do you hear them on both simplex channel and a repeater channel where you have not set tones? Have you tried getting someone you know to test at a further distance with your radios?

What @SteveShannon said… I don’t know that I would go so far as to use the word threaten but the downside has been debated ad nauseam. But since you asked, for one it has been pointed out there are limited channels available for GMRS repeater use. How will you know that the frequency is clear in the other area across county? You won’t. Amateur radio has more frequencies and coordination to avoid these issues. I merely pointed out that a single linked repeater is the same issue but to a lesser degree as many linked repeaters. Ergo a slippery slope. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the decision about linked repeaters the issue and reasoning behind banning them is the same for two repeaters linked as it is for three or four or twenty. If a family member of mine moves across country I’ll probably get their phone number.

I would add many radios and software will add the appropriate shift for the frequency. As@SteveShannon mentioned look for a + or - sign though.

Most GMRS antennas are pre tuned. It couldn’t hurt to check the SWR though. Did any tuning instructions come with it?

Check for information below the repeater listing. Some owners will put additional information there. I know it doesn’t make much sense but I have heard that some people have not been able to remove the request button while others like to know who is using the repeater even though it is open. If you can’t get a response try asking on the repeater. If the button is there and no message to disregard it then it is a good idea to request permission.

Well that’s something. Yeah, we’re gonna need a link on that. Not saying you’re wrong but I didn’t find it.

I got my GMRS license first. As I got more interested in radio the idea of being able to get over that hill was what pushed me to get my amateur license. I learned that while hiking locally I couldn’t always reach a GMRS repeater. There is however an established amateur radio network where I live. One in particular that can be reached almost anywhere in the county. I could hear these ham repeaters while I was on the trail and I decided yeah I need to be able to use those too. So I studied and took the test, now I can. What’s not to like about that? There are networks that go throughout the state and further if that’s what you’re interested in. I like the idea I can do that if needed or wanted but I generally keep it closer to home in respect to repeaters. Whatever the reason someone likes linking, if it’s to talk to other people at greater distance about the weather, rag chew with friends at home while traveling, being able to reach a friend while on a hike whatever, I would encourage you to get your amateur license and be able to do all that and more. There are good people out there in amateur radio and always room for more. Also the ability exists to use it in many different ways and as one ham told me regardless of what anyone else thinks how you choose to use it is fine, you don’t have to do what someone else thinks is the best thing. Why limit yourself? Don’t let silly prejudice, reluctance, a sad ham or u tube personality or whatever it is prevent you from expanding and experiencing radio the way you want. Amateur radio is just people that like radios, not some secret society that you can’t get into. It’s all available for you. Go get it and make it yours if you want it. GMRS is great for some things and amateur radio others, you can do both. End of soap box rant.

I have made that very statement here so perhaps it was me. I did feel this way at one time but I understand the desire to keep GMRS a separate thing from amateur radio and the idea of linking just two is a slippery slope. What’s to say someone wouldn’t link two repeaters hundreds or thousands a mile apart? Either linking is allowed or it’s not and the verdict is in. …there is a solution.

Are you with the FCC?

This isn’t real… note the guys name is @dannyjokes.

Truely made me laugh as well, that was gold!

Fascinating question Kirk... there are no stupid questions... there are however a lot of inquisitive idiots though. Next caller, what's your question?

The photo or the 72 vir… never mind, I don’t really need to know.

Oh that guy, that’s Moe… Moe Ron. But seriously WTH. Once I even looked up on the on the internet for a guy trying to find out why traffic was backed up and what route could be taken. Turned out there was a Christmas parade going on.

@4x4le if you come to and implement a solution please share it. Thanks and good luck.

I agree. Much much more to this story than just a tower missing. That site looked to be abandoned for a long time.

I think he might own stock in that app as he is always promoting it.

So true…

@SteveShannon full disclosure I do not have this year Taco. I did run the radio in mine all the way to the battery and have no noise issues. I also programmed my radio to turn off after a certain amount of time should I forget to turn it off to save the battery. All that said I looked over the interior fuses on the year in question albeit on line and noticed that there is a 20 amp fuse for a sun roof which may come in handy for your friend if he doesn’t have a sun roof. Good luck.

Aside from the ground plane (a good observation from @BoxCar), make sure you are programmed on a repeater channel (23-30, 31-38…) as mentioned by @WRQC527 . These will have the preset offset. Otherwise you may be trying to reach the repeater on simplex.

@mitzvah your original post was random and not a cohesive train of thought. A bit of fun was had at your expense. I recommend you try reading your own post before posting it. This isn’t the first time people didn’t know what you were trying to say. Moving on from that @SteveShannon I think has some good advice for the hearing issue which must be frustrating. Cheers

https://mygmrs.com/contact

This is good news. Stay safe. I saw a similar photo from the lake fire in Santa Ynez where the fire came right up to a radio tower fence. The fact that the tower was still there must have been due to the great work these fire fighters do.