GMRS Radios Connectivity Issues Despite Identical Settings

[WSGD716]

My two GMRS radios can connect to the repeater and communicate with other users, but they cannot hear each other.

Even when I took both radios 100 meters from the repeater, they still couldn't hear each other.

Both radios are identical, and I used the programming software to update them with the same settings.

I have even replaced my radios, thinking that might resolve the issue. 

·         Radioddity GM-30 Plus GMRS Radio (current one)

Here are my channels 23 to 30 settings which I got permission for:

Channel                Frequency                           Name                                    Tone

23           462.5500 / 467.5500       RPT-1    GCR 550 Spanish Fort     141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

24           462.5750 / 467.5750       RPT-2    GCR 575 Semmes            100 / 100 Hz

25           462.6000 / 467.6000      RPT-3    GCR 600 Perdido Beach 141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

26           462.6250 / 467.6250      RPT-4    GCR 625 BAY MINET       141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

27           462.6500 / 467.6500      RPT-5    GCR 650 Fairhope            67.0 Hz / 67.0 Hz

28           462.6750 / 467.6750      RPT-6    GCR 725 New Orleans    141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

29           462.7000 / 467.7000      RPT-7    Spanish Fort Hgh School 141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

30           462.7250 / 467.7250      RPT-8    GCR 725 Theodore, Al    141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

I appreciate any suggestions you may have.

[OffRoaderX]

How far apart are the two radios from each other when you are testing?

[WSGD716]

At 20 feet (6 meters), I watched your video about the radios' distance on YouTube and can try increasing the distance. How about 100 feet (30 meters)?

Thank you

[OffRoaderX]

Yes, try to get more farz apart.

If that fails, try removing the RX tones on both radios.

[WSGD716]

Sure, I'll proceed with these tests. Thanks!

[WRYZ926]

I've tested hand held radios in different rooms that are next to each other without issues. Normally a wall is enough to keep two hand held from defensing each other. If not then get more distance between the two radios. 

If more distance between the radios and/or turning the RX tones off does not help, then you will want to double and triple check the settings on the two radios and on the repeater.

[AdmiralCochrane]

Dear Siri, I am tired of your shirt

[WSGD716]

Troubleshooting feedback:

I was able to get my Radioddity GM-30 Plus working successfully with the Mobile 675 * repeater in Mobile, AL:
Home to GCR 675 - RPT - Mobile, AL = 16.85 mi (27.12 km)
Frequency: 462.675/467.675 MHz
Output Tone: 141.3 Hz /Input Tone: 141.3 Hz / Estimated Range: 50 Miles

On my first try, the radios worked 284.02 ft (86.57 m) apart; on the second attempt, they connected at a distance of 1.68 mi (2.71 km). Both tests were done using a small antenna.

However, I’m still trying to understand why the other repeaters didn’t work, despite being within the coverage area for GCR 550 Spanish Fort and GCR 650 Fairhope. Could a Baofeng UV-5G Plus offer a stronger signal and better performance?
Home to GCR 550 - RPT - Spanish Fort, AL = 7.89 mi (12.70 km)
Home to GCR 650 – RPT – Fairhope, AL = 5.39 mi (8.68 km)

Here are my channels 23 to 30 settings which I got permission for:
Channel     Frequency              Name                                                  Tone
23     462.5500 / 467.5500     RPT-1     GCR 550 Spanish Fort    141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz
24     462.5750 / 467.5750      RPT-2    GCR 575 Semmes          100 / 100 Hz
25     462.6000 / 467.6000     RPT-3    GCR 600 Perdido Beach  141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz
26     462.6250 / 467.6250     RPT-4    GCR 625 BAY MINET     141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz
27     462.6500 / 467.6500     RPT-5    GCR 650 Fairhope          67.0 Hz / 67.0 Hz
*28     462.6750 / 467.6750   RPT-6    Mobile 675, Mobile, AL    141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz (WORKED FINE!)
29    462.7000 / 467.7000     RPT-7    Spanish Fort Hgh School 141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz
30     462.7250 / 467.7250     RPT-8    GCR 725 Theodore, Al    141.3 Hz / 141.3 Hz

I sincerely appreciate all your suggestions and insights. 

Thank you!
 

[AdmiralCochrane]

"Coverage area" is only an guesstimation.  Anything that remotely resembles a wall (even trees, but especially hills) will block radio waves in the GMRS/UHF frequency range.

[JJM]

"connectivity issues" lol 

Nerd.

 

What you're experiencing is called "defense". They'll hear each other just fine when used as they normally word be. In other words: when they're not in the same room.

 

As for the repeater issue: coverage area is a guesstimate and lots of factors influence it. Terrain, weather, atmospheric conditions, etc. Try a better antenna or move closer to the repeater.

[WRYS709]

1 hour ago, JJM said:

What you're experiencing is called "defense".

Some of us refer to it as: "desense!" 

Picky, Picky, Picky! 

[WRYS709]

22 hours ago, WSGD716 said:

Troubleshooting feedback:

...

I sincerely appreciate all your suggestions and insights. 

Thank you!
 

Take your Radioddity GM-30 for a road trip!

[AdmiralCochrane]

2 hours ago, WRYS709 said:

Some of us refer to it as: "desense!" 

Picky, Picky, Picky! 

Like I said, I'm tired of Siri's shirt