Newb Question....

[WSEW953]

I'm new to GMRS. I just got my license and I've eyed a few options regarding mobile and hand held. I am interested in using GMRS as a backup for my family comms. 2 weeks ago we lost cell service for a few hours (Verizon) and were not able to communicate with each other. Line of site in my area isn't great, so I assume I need to use repeaters. However, when searching  for reapeters in my area on MYGMRS, there is only 1 repeater that has a 35 mile range but the edge of the range is 20 miles from my location. I don't know if this is an issue for me trying to use it? The repeater requires permission to use which I have put in a request, but I haven't gotten an answer as of yet. 

I was going to purchase a Wouxun KG-1000 Plus for my vehicle with a Browning BR-176-S 200-Watt 450 MHz to 470 MHz 3-dBd-Gain UHF Antenna, but I don't want to pull the trigger on this if I won't be able to use it.

Can anyone impart wisdom in layman's terms using crayons?

[TrikeRadio]

Can you tell us what city or location you are in?

Do you know what elevation or line of site there might be to the repeater? Is it on a local mountaintop, tall building, tower?

20 miles is not generally a problem for a 50 watt mobile unit or even a lesser wattage radio even with some obstructions. but line of sight to a repeater is always the biggest factor. EDIT (Oh I misread your statement about distance. I see now you said you are 20 miles from the edge of the repeater's 35 mile range circle so.. yeah that might be tricky to hit consistently)

also... simplex (radio to radio without a repeater) can work even without great line of sight if you are close enough, so... how far are you trying to connect between two radios?

[dosw]

Before buying a nice, expensive KG-1000 Plus and a nice antenna, get an inexpensive Baofeng UV-5G Plus kit that includes a 771G style (longer) antenna. Get to high ground in your area, and try to hit that repeater.

BUT, if I understand correctly, a repeater has advertised a range of 35 miles, and you're 20 miles past that. My guess is you're not going to reliably hit that repeater. However, you can set that radio to scan, and leave it on for a few days (in its charging cradle). If you hear traffic that sounds like repeater traffic, take note of the channel, and then start doing some research, or reach out on simplex in hope that someone will be listening with an open radio (no tones). That way you might find a repeater that isn't listed, and can discuss access. Once you've found actual access, you can spend on the KG-1000 Plus.

 

If there are no repeaters, you may be better served by going for an amateur Tech license, because there ARE 2m/70cm repeaters in your area:

https://www.wr9g.net/links/repeaters.html

 

(Looked up your town via callsign lookup)

[WRXB215]

@WSEW953 In the end, you will just have to do some practical testing in your area of operation. There are just too many variable for anyone to predict for sure what your propagation will be like. @dosw idea of starting off inexpensive is not a bad idea. You will learn a lot in the process and be in a better position to make a good decision on a more expensive radio.

If the vast majority of your coms will be between some point and your house, you could set up a decent mast and antenna with a base station and possibly achieve what you are looking for without use of any repeater.

[WRYZ926]

A lot of people, myself included, started out with a handheld radio and a magnet mount antenna for vehicle use. While range might be limited due to using a 5 watt radio, it allows you to get on the air while figuring out what you want for a good mobile and/or base radio.

[Socalgmrs]

34 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

A lot of people, myself included, started out with a handheld radio and a magnet mount antenna for vehicle use. While range might be limited due to using a 5 watt radio, it allows you to get on the air while figuring out what you want for a good mobile and/or base radio.

Yup I’d second this.  You’re still going to get out pretty far.  And your going to learn about line of sight. 

[WSDD439]

Yup, first, check out your area. You could luck out like me, and talk all over the place with a H-3 & H-8 Tidradio, because I have a fantastic repeater !