WRUU653

Okay I absolutely miss read this. I was reading it as frequency 575 as in 462.575 or channel 16. I now realize you meant the Midland 575

I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying here. Are you using repeater channels to program or are you on a simplex channel. Channel 16 is not a repeater channel. It is simplex. Repeater have the same frequencies but repeater channels will have the offset built in. No need to change the frequency to account for offset. Repeater channels are generally channels 23-30, 30-38… I re-read your post where you say you are on repeater channel 16. So if I misinterpreted what you were saying I mean no disrespect. Just trying to clarify.

Or not. I wouldn’t say I’ve been here a long time but I still agree with the sentiment that GMRS is intended for shorter distances and more user friendly for family and friends. As @OffRoaderX mentioned it is stated as much by the FCC. I also see nothing wrong with seeing how far you can reach, I think we all do that (my personal best on GMRS to date,70 miles. Yesterday ). As for linking GMRS repeaters across vast distances, I see no need to use up GMRS frequencies for this. Different uses for different radio services. Like @marcspaz I have also made friends over GMRS and this encouraged me to also get my ham license, or duel citizenship as @WRQC527 calls it (I like that ). That way I can play in both sandboxes. I see them as different. I would encourage those that want more than GMRS is intended for to do the same. Take a test, join a broader service and link away. Just my thoughts.

Welcome to the forum @WRYK544, it sounds like you are off to a good start with some knowledge, capable radios and a wife with an interest in radios.

100% what @OffRoaderX said. That's the quickest and easiest way. I would also note that if you have a number of favorite channels (like local repeaters) you have the option to add them as a Favorite Channel in menu 41 and then use one of the programmable side keys to scroll through your favorites.

Welcome @WRYM553 enjoy but @WRXD372 is more right than you know. You can spend plenty without going “full on ham”

Thanks for fixing these @rdunajewski

Absolutely. You don’t need any license to listen.

If safe (always like to throw that in there), try taking your hand held up on the roof and see if that improves your position enough. You may get an idea if it’s worth putting an antenna up. Also if you know where the repeater is you can get an idea of line if site using a tool like this.

Welcome Of those radios I only have personal experience with the KG-935G plus and I’ll say it’s my favorite every day radio and I haven’t heard anyone that has it that doesn’t like it. I know someone with the GMSR v2 and his sound quality is good into a repeater between us, where he is probably 10 miles away from the repeater. I’d say watch some videos like NotaRubicon and get a feel for what the different features are and what may be important for your use.

From everything I see from their site the RT99 looks to be a ham radio. Though one YouTuber says it goes into GMRS bands. It looks a lot like a rebranded VGC radio (check out the Bluetooth HT that works with this). Not being certified for GMRS seems obvious so that’s going to be your choice, that aside this could be a cool radio. Like a DB20 with more bells and whistles and at 50 watts for a decent price. A couple things I’d be concerned with is if it’s capabilities would be changed with an app update (like GMRS use disappearing) and the distraction of using the app while driving. I’ll second @Sshannon in saying please report back on what this thing can do if you get it. I think the gps mapping and ability to see your groups positions could have some cool real world uses.

@Sshannon very informative and well said sir. The most detailed answer to the least detailed question. Above and beyond.

@Sshannon that’s something there! Very cool! I have to ask though, does it come with a lanyard? Asking for a friend.

It helps if you are ambidextrous. Wasn't that the lyrics to a Beatles song? R is T and T is R and we are all together...

Your radios TX is transmit. Your radios RX is receive. The repeater is going to RX (recieve) your TX and TX (transmit to your receive) RX. Yes it can be complicating. What you need to remember is the TX and RX listed is where you need to program those numbers for your radio. Hope that helps.

I have nothing against the GM-30 it just isn’t my choice. Your argument against the radio I mention is flawed as in your stated scenario one wouldn’t need to replace the radio or the battery with the radio I mentioned and I don’t mind handing it over to family. I want them to have a good experience too. I’m the kind of guy that gives his wife the better steak. That’s just me. I also don’t leave ice tea or my radios in the car for two days but to each their own. OP has options and depending on his needs now he has more info for an informed decision.

I said it was IP67

Just an FYI, these seven repeaters listed under WR**** on the Monday list are duplicates. I reported my own thread in hopes to bring it to the attention of Rich but it is only Monday.

For simplicity and quality I agree with @pcradio on the KG-S88G. It’s superheterodyne, it’s IP67 waterproof, small and easy to use. I got one for this very reason of being able to hand it to a family member and know that it’s not over complicated.

Welcome @WRYJ591. If you’re like many of us you will end up getting more than one (or two, or three…) My favorite right now is the Wouxun KG-935G plus. You can spend more, you can spend less. Starting out with a less expensive radio is a great way to jump in and learn about GMRS and what you may want from your next radio. Good advice from both @Sshannon and @WRXD372.

@Sshannon thank you for the charts.

...and the horrors of hearing people using radios for work and speaking Spanish. .. . .- . .. . .. .. .. / . . -.

¡Llamando a todas los trabajadores, hay muchas malas hierbas! Trae Round Up!

@JamesBrox I like to think of tones as locks and keys. The TX set on your radio will unlock the repeater allowing you to open it. The repeater sends out a tone (a key if you will) that will unlocks the RX tone that you have on your radio and if you have a tone set for that RX that is the only thing that gets through. With no tones set on your radios TX you won’t open the repeater and you with no tone on your radios RX your receive is open to hear all. @Sshannon is absolutely correct here. There really isn’t such a thing as privacy in GMRS.

What @Sshannon said. I'm too slow