WSJP685

[WSJP685]

Newbie here

My name is Mike Hoover and I am new to GMRs. I live near Greater Pittsburgh Airport in Moon Township. I eventually will go for the HAM license at some point, but for now and winter coming, I figured GMRS is a better avenue. I am looking for some direction in in a radio and I am somewhat dazzled by all the equipment out there. Looking for a portable radio that I can use repeaters. Don't need all the bells and whistles ,NOAA etc. Something simple. Looking forward to reaching out.

 

Mike 

[WRYS709]

Welcome to GMRS and this Forum!

Ressonable Ham advice here too.

[SteveShannon]

Welcome!

[WSJW650]

Welcome!

By portable; do you mean hand held with self contained battery?

[WSJW650]

Baofeng GM15pro

If you want something so simple a family member could pick it up and learn how to use it in five minutes, and comes with a good antenna…..and can be flashed to a CHIRP next compatible Baofeng UV13Pro to learn a bit about HAM (programming and listening only)

I like this radio for its low $20 cost, positive display, multiple colorway options, and SYNC mode/function.  With SYNC mode turned on, the channel number and name are displayed on the screen on the top row(line A)….and that channel’s frequency is displayed on the bottom row (LineB)  This helps orient a new or novice GMRS person to FRS/GMRS channels and their frequencies.

The Baofeng GM15pro is the same radio as the Radioditty GM30…..so if you choose this option, just select the better deal and color preference….keep in mind that the longer, skinnier/better antenna included in the package is important  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BoxCar]

Literraly, there is a TON of options available. I recommend handhelds to start with but be aware they aren't as good as the advertising says. With winter coming on, NOAA isn't a bad option. To begin with, I suggest you look at the program CHIRP and pick radios from their list of compatibles. Next, do a little review on YouTube for some of the ones you have chosen for their reviews. You can come back here for help on setting up the units you have decided on, but do a little research on basic FRS (Family Radio Service) channels and their structure along with GMRS as it will answer a lot of questions out of the gate.11.

[WRUU653]

Welcome Mike.

You are correct, there is a lot out there to choose from and just as many opinions on what to get. It might help if you have an idea of how you want to use the radio. Do you need a hand held and/or mobile? Some uses like four wheeling, hiking, do you need waterproof, easy to see screen in the sun, programming options like Chirp, budget…

An inexpensive Baofeng radio is a good way to go starting out. Don’t put too much pressure on making the perfect choice as there will likely be more radio purchases in your future. Oh yeah that’s a thing that can happen .
Sticking with type approved GMRS radios will make programming repeaters easier. I like the Wouxun KG-935G Plus for a more bells and whistles radio. But do your own research as you know your needs and budget. 
When you get ready to study for your amateur license check out the HamStudy app.
Good luck.

 

[WRUU653]

5 minutes ago, BoxCar said:

With winter coming on, NOAA isn't a bad option. To begin with, I suggest you look at the program CHIRP and pick radios from their list of compatibles

This ^^^ 

[WRXB215]

The easiest is probably the Baofeng MP31. It's only 2 watts but when used for small group activities, you would be surprised how often 2 watts is more than enough. And it can do repeaters. I have a couple of them and used them a lot before ever buying another radio. Still use them quite often.

[TNFrank]

BTech BF-F8HP Pro gets my vote. Having Zones is a nice feature to keep channels grouped together and once you do get your HAM license you can use the radio for 2M, 1.25M and 70cm. The CPS is also very user friendly.

[Lscott]

On 9/23/2025 at 12:43 AM, WSJW650 said:

Welcome!

By portable; do you mean hand held with self contained battery?

You mean like this one

[WRUU653]

9 hours ago, Lscott said:

You mean like this one

Do the tubes double as flashlights? 

[WRDJ205]

On 9/23/2025 at 7:14 AM, WSJW650 said:

 

Baofeng GM15pro

If you want something so simple a family member

 

This is where we started.  Definitely like the MP31 as well for smaller radios as well but less power.  

[SteveShannon]

21 minutes ago, WRUU653 said:

Do the tubes double as flashlights? 

Hand warmers …