Nicks WorldJun 6
For #AmateurRadio folks, is it worth getting into GMRS? I know the ultimate goal is #HamRadio because that has the highest amount of people, especially in the general and extra bands, but that will take time. Is GMRS still good or has it gone the way of the dead CB frequencies?
Show threadKF7CCC Andrew

@NicksWorld If you have a scanner or SDR, listen to the GMRS frequencies. I get the impression there's a lot more regional variation with GMRS. Where I live all the GMRS repeaters are closed (you have to pay a membership fee) vs ham repeaters which tend to be open.

The bubble pack GMRS radios often don't have the repeater channels. You'll want something that is "repeater capable "

Jun 6 at 11:26pmWeb
Show threadNicks WorldJun 6
@kf7ccc I was thinking about this radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=6f0ShzbfFwCXoBCJ&v=zXcGJFxCELs&feature=youtu.be
Cobra Trailblazer 500 GMRS Walkie Talkie - I Review Cobra's Top Of The Line Trailblazer GMRS Radio

YouTube
Show threadKF7CCC AndrewJun 7

@NicksWorld That one is repeater capable. Because it doesn't have a screen, setting up the radio for a repeater will be annoying.

I chose the Wouxun 805G because it has accessories compatible with my Wouxun KG-UV6D ham handhelds. It's also nice because the batteries can be charged with USB C.

A lot of people start with something like the Baofeng UV-5G, which is so cheap you won't cry if you drop it - about $25. The UV-9G is a little better but still not expensive ($35).

Show threadNicks WorldJun 7
@kf7ccc A screen has 0 benefit to me because I'm blind, so having a fully voiced system is quite literally the gold standard for me.
Show threadKF7CCC AndrewJun 7

@NicksWorld If you can live with having to cross-reference repeater tones in the manual (1=67.0 Hz, 2=71.9 Hz, etc. for CTCSS, 1=023, 2=025, 3=026, etc. for DCS) then the Cobra should work fine.

You wouldn't want the 805G - it has a "voice" mode but doesn't say the names of all the menu items.