Help for newbies

[WSGE216]

I just bought an inexpensive Baofeng to get myself started, and my FCC GMRS license and I'm looking for a group to help me learn a bit more than me watching endless YouTube videos.

For example, after joining RepeaterBook & MyGMRS, I set up the T & R CTCSS frequencies, then tried to do a channel check - I think I successfully sent, but all I heard back was static.

Do I need approval to use the repeater? (And sorry for not getting it first!)

Or did I set my radio channel incorrectly?

[WSDH649]

I think you might have it setup correctly. If you are hearing the CW_ID continuous wave (morse code) then you at least have the correct receive frequency set. It is an open repeater so you can use at will. The access request on mygmrs is just a courtesy to the station owner in my case. I will be monitoring when I get home, or on my way home and I will reply if I hear you on. Also, I will check the notifications when new post are made here. Glad you got the UV-5R plus and the Bingfu antenna. If you end up getting your HAM license you are set to go on 2m(144 ish MHz) and 70cm(440 ish MHz)

[WSGE216]

Thanks @WSDH649 - I tried to transmit a couple times at around 7:15 PM - but not sure anyone heard me. My transmit frequency is correct per the the uplink freq on MyGMRS. Maybe I'm not reaching you? I'm about 2 miles east of your repeater in a wooded area and neighborhoods in-between.

 

[WSGE216]

Hi - has anyone heard any of my transmissions? I've been doing radio checks mostly in the evenings.

I picked up a Nagoya 771G and will test it at about 6:00 tonight.

[WSEM281]

Negative from my location 216, I'm about 3 miles E/SE of the repeater and keep my scanner parked on GMRS, no longer hearing traffic on the repeater from my location. We can try a check-in around 6:00pm occasionally on simplex 17/.600 with a tone of 156.7. Distance and obstructions may hinder our ability to get out but it's worth a shot to determine if we can talk without the repeater, assuming we are within range of each other

[WSGE216]

Thanks 281 - I'm around 2 miles E of it.

My input & output tones are right (unless Baofeng messed up how tones are set up on my radio) I'll hope to connect with you at 6:00 on both 17/.600 and 25/.600

[WSGE216]

I updated to a Diamond SRJ77CA antenna and now when I transmit, I get a morse code response! I did it twice & each time I got beeps a few seconds after my transmission.

[WSDH649]

Checking in after awhile. I missed some things. But, basically, until I get the antenna raised higher it will be tough to reach the repeater with a handheld outside of the neighborhood. Still aiming for spring on the 46 footer. Maybe late winter if budget permits.

[WSGE216]

I saw your other post. Love it!