How To Build A GMRS Base Station - Everything You Need To Know To Put Together A GMRS Radio For Home

In this video I will show you everything you need to build your home GMRS home base-station. Its very simple does not need to cost a lot of money. LINKS:
Samlex SEC-1235M Power Supply: www.buytwowayr...
Duracomm LPX-14 Power Supply: bit.ly/3o59PxY
Nagoya UT-72G Mobile GMRS antenna: amzn.to/3ciisD1
Midland MXTA26 6DB Gain Antenna bit.ly/3yIbwGz
NMO magnet mount with coax: amzn.to/3OeVsSq
Tram 1486 base station antenna: amzn.to/3PrbKIT
Surecom SW102 SWR meter for GMRS: amzn.to/3azhuBT
Messi & Paoloni Pre-assembled coax for GMRS:
www.buytwowayr...
LMR400 Pre-assembled GMRS coax: amzn.to/3OcS9Lr
► Like my shirt? Get yours here! --- a.co/9wwUzxA
►Want to help support my channel? ►►JOIN and become a member for as low as $1.99/mo (cancel any time) - Click here for more info: / @thenotarubicon
►► Or just click the $Thanks button at the bottom of the video
►►►►► My video & audio equipment list: a.co/6Tk9kOr
NOTICE - The above links (and most other links on my channel) are affiliate links - if you use one of my affiliate links to make a purchase I may receive credit/payment/money/something of value in return.
Music by Stern Beats - You can find him here:
/ @sternbeatsmusic
#GMRS

[@TDanNix]

That brief mention of static electricity is a fact, I did a service call on a very windy day for a customer whose base radio was popping. Pulled the coax off of the back of the radio and it would arc from the center conductor to the shield every few seconds. Thanks for the base station installer certification, I will hang it next to my certified zip tie technician certificate

[@craigdavidson2977]

Some antennas with matching networks at the feed point of the antenna just so happen to be dc grounded. The Ringo Ranger brand and the J-pole antenna are two such antennas. If you have a problem with static discharge and/or lightning strikes in your area then one of those types of antennas might be a good choice for you. The quick and easy way to tell if an antenna is DC grounded is to put an ohm meter across the center conductor and shield and it will show a dead short while also having an acceptable swr.

[@darrenmurphy5186]

I decided to build a GMRS base station to connect with some friends in my general area. I had no idea how to do this because my reading comprehension score was significantly higher than my math score on my SAT 30 years ago. NotaRubicon made it simple for me. Since then, I've been devouring his channel because he's entertaining and practical. I share his philosophy- I just need stuff to work and not burn down my house. I don't need egghead perfect. Thanks, buddy!

[@46camper50]

Wish you would have made this video 2 years ago . When I was trying to figure out everything. Like you said everyone made things so complicated. Great way to explain everything.

[@4mikesutube]

Here is an antenna I ordered for my GMRS station. Comet CA-712EFC Commercial/GMRS UHF Base Vert. 450-470 mHz It has a 9db gain. A bit tall but if you have the room for $139 not a bad option. Only negative is that it is 2 weeks backordered. Nice, simple video Randy. Enjoy your channel and learning tid bits about this hobby. 69's

[@kidvision564]

Link 2 purchase? Thnx

[@DonzLockz]

I am now a youtube certified radio base station installer! Your favorite viewer thanks you for this new certification!😉👍

[@sladeoriginal]

One cool thing about the Wouxon KG1000G is that you can remote the head display up to 16ft from the main radio body. Gotta get the SCO-002 cable. Im thinking about buying the KG1000G and power supply to mount in a cooled enclosure in my attic mechanical room for a shorter coax run to the roof peak. Then mount the display in the mancave directly below the mechanical room.

[@craigdavidson2977]

How difficult would it be for us to make our own longer cable. Are the connectors easy to get or are the some type that is strange and hard to find. Then the question becomes: how long of a cable can we use.

[@gamingforlive2150]

@@craigdavidson2977 just get cat cable and 2 male ethernet plug and the apropiate tool bam there`s ur cable EDIT: Some radios may use special layouts!

[@hitekredneck109]

@@gamingforlive2150 and you can get all that at home depot fairly inexpensively

[@gamingforlive2150]

@@hitekredneck109 well maybe? 😅 Im german so ive never benn to home depo, wallmart micro centre ir anything like it

[@donaldoc]

Thank You, Sensei for this thorough, descriptive, informative, video on how to build a proper base station for GMRS use. Especially mentioning the precautions on proper grounding of antenna! 👍 Much appreciated! 👌

[@markdewey5412923331]

I am now "You Tube certified" expert GMRS base station know it all! I cant wait to talk about what I know on my local repeaters! Thank you Randi, and don't forget - if you are "some People" to disconnect your radio in a lightning storm and hold a 3 iron up to the sky as high as you can in a swimming pool preferably with some elevation.

[@JustinGeekNerd]

Just found this channel, love it. Switching from CB to GMRS. Starting with a HT but will be moving to a base station soon. I live in an apartment so may be challenging to set up an antenna.

[@ynot6473]

like the shirt! RF grounding..... the ARRL handbook is a good place to start, hams have been trying to dodge lightning for around a hundred years so they have plenty of experience to call on.

[@papajeff352]

I've been watching lots of your videos... Very informative while being humorous! Thanks for your info!

[@dennishrusecky7549]

Great presentation as always and as always, you are the man

[@tanyaparker-callsign.kk7ic238]

Thank you! I was trying to figure out the power supply. Purchased the uniden pro505 xl. Greatly appreciated ✈️✊🏾❤️❤️❤️✊🏾✈️ simple terms help!

[@kylegoff9612]

I like this guy . Second video I have seen . Funny, informative, to the point .

[@mgentile7]

he does a great job. if you subscribe you will see he has a lot of great videos.

[@Anonymous99997]

For my base station, I bought the Ed Fong J-pole kit for GMRS from Ham Radio 2.0. Seems to work well.

[@ChrisZwolinski]

I used my mobile radio mag mount antenna to the lid of my BBQ and got much better FARs than my basic HT. I think the Propane helped propel the electrotrons.

[@flyrdie1]

Comet 712EFC (if you can find it) is GMRS specific base antenna. No cutting or tuning required. Many reports of perfect SWR straight out of package or below 1.5 SWR.

[@charlesbarkley2883]

KB9VBR sells various base station antennas. Among them is a dedicated GMRS base antenna. I have other antennas from the same source. Great quality and quick shipping. No affiliate link below. I’m just a repeat customer and will let you perform due diligence and search on your own if you’re interested. Correct grammar is included by me at no extra charge. Best…..

[@jessiehorne]

I happen to use the Ed Fong GMRS monoband base antenna for my current setup it is mounted on a mast. It was 1.1 to 1 with the LMR-400 coax I used.

[@Tommyr]

You could also make your own ground plane antenna. It's VERY easy to do. Search youtube for GMRS ground plane antenna.

[@craigdavidson2977]

@@Tommyr Lets see if this link does not get deleted by our youtube overloards and masters. kzbin.info?search_query=how+to+build+your+own+ufh+quarterwave+antenna

[@Mr5150Sarge]

I’m really digging your channel. 👏🏼

[@bobmcnelis3648]

I understand ED Fong, out there in California, makes and sells great J Pole base antennas, tuned to GMRS, for $55.00.

[@jamesstewart9970]

Comet CA-712EFC Commercial/GMRS UHF Base Vertical Antennas. Tuned to 460-470 mhz. They also make some that are up to 16’ in length that are sectional.

[@timsmith9169]

You hit it spot on again Randy .thank you sir 👍🇺🇸🗽

[@JohnAdams-or9xw]

Thanks for the great video I didn't realize how much power you lose in the coax cable. I'm using cheap cable and will now upgrade my coax.

[@craigdavidson2977]

Just to show why Randy has chosen LMR-400 cable here is a list of all the popular types in use by the hobby radio community RG-58 loss is 11.2 dB at 400 MHz per 100 feet of cable RG-58/U loss is 10.6 dB at 450 MHz per 100 feet of cable RX-8X loss is 8.6 dB at 450 MHz per 100 feet of cable RG-8 (RG-213) 4.8 dB at 400 MHz per 100 feet of cable 9913 loss is 2.8 dB at 450 MHz per 100 feet of cable LMR-400 loss is 2.7 dB at 450 MHz per 100 feet of cable So, in round numbers, If you have a 50 Watt radio using 100 feet of LMR-400 then only 25 Watts is getting to your antenna (3 dB loss). If you use the cheap stuff (RG-58) then only 5 Watts is getting to your antenna (10 dB loss). Also don't forget that this loss also works on receive so your radio will not hear as well (less sensitive)

[@johnyoung1128]

@@craigdavidson2977 Yes, this is a good reason to keep antenna cables as short as practicable.

[@SamsungGalaxy-ls8ys]

Do two antenna's being close together absorb the RF energy from the other when one is transmitting ?

[@larryjanson4011]

that duracom looks just like my 50 year old radio shack power supply. yes still works great .

[@norm_sueb122]

Thanks for another video!! Keep them coming!!

[@jjraya1]

This is a great and simple instructional video. This recording was my motivation for building my own home base GMRS station. The only item missing that I need is the lightning arrestors. Can you recommend a specific type/model for my roof antenna. There are so many types of arrestors ranging from affordable to very expensive. Thank you Randy!

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

He was dead on about signal attenuation through coax. The longer it is, the more signal will bleed off and you have a weak transmission. Recommend getting a coaxial attenuator to prevent bleed off and overly strong signal strength. I'd like to find out what wind rating his antenna setup has. I live on the coast and during strong storms we get high winds coming off the water which makes antenna placement important.

[@SteelWolf13]

When i ground an antenna I sternly point my finger at it and inform said cable that it is grounded and what it did wrong and how long it's grounded for.

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

“Some people are generally idiots, morons, dolts, trolls, or basement dwellers AKA “know it all’s”. They never go outside but they always try to impress us with how smart they think they are.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love it!!! I hate going on some message boards and videos because I get this exact thing. Some snarky unhelpful answers that don’t help me or anyone at all. Thank you sir for all your help and videos you post. I am a new subscriber but I have be eating up all your content. Love it!

[@donalddodson7365]

Super, thank you. I think I may be moving in that direction.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

It doesn't matter if you are into GMRS, CB or ham radio, you will ALWAYS find "experts" arguing online about grounding- to the point of name calling and personal attacks. Grounding is the 4chan of the radio world.

[@matthewHizzle]

So the RF signal attenuation is the issue?? Or is it the RF leakage at points along the coax? I still have some good connectors from when I was a broadband tech . A big issue with coax and leakage was with bad connections and the metal stranded insulation of the wire not bonded with the connector. Allowed the metal of the insulation to turn into an antenna for ingress/egress. Sounds like you use nice wire and connectors installed. Another thing that was an issue, is that some wires that were already in the walls, had a resistance “rating” that didn’t match our 75 ohm system. Thanks for the videos I’m going to build one soon! I’ll report back and possibly test for leakage at the connections!

[@jayfenton9533]

The COMET CA712EFC is tuned to 460-470 mhz and provides 9db gain. I have had great results during the three years mine has been connected to the gmrs side of my station. Kj6wss/wrap287

[@tray8411]

Dam good explanation on coax n set up!!

[@alanbeales4962]

Any chance you recall what trim spec off the Tram chart you trimmed your antenna to??? I found a few folks that used the "464" trim spec....... Thanks in advance Great channel!

[@ehayes5217]

...a really informative video, thanx!🇺🇸

[@100lastgoodnerves8]

Thanks for the helpful vids. You are a riot btw!

[@southernstacker7315]

Squidbillies shack. Nice

[@joesmith98765]

Hi Randy , I sent Retevis RB86 Mobile GMRS a comment about the radio , after they fix it that may be my base station/ moble go to. I just got the Baofang waterproof radio today thanks

[@scottmeyers7297]

Maybe somebody like Midland or Radioddity could build a GMRS base station. That would be great.

[@arcanoflowz]

I just got a UV9G with your affiliate link and it should be arriving soon, thanks for the work you do and the comedy man, it’s great. I’m up in the 805, do you think I could xmit to SoCal? I’d like to try, just got my license.

[@terrysachetti8192]

I have a question. I am building a GMRS base station. What is the difference between the Tram 1486 and the 1486-B? Thank you.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

1486 is white, the B=black

[@terrysachetti8192]

LOL, do I feel stupid? It must be my gray hair, LOL.@@TheNotaRubicon I am using a Midland 50-watt for my base. One last question. Just how high can I raise my 14866 antenna about my roof? Thank you so much for all you do. Love your videos and your style. have an awesome day.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

§ 95.317 Registration of antenna structures that may constitute a menace to air navigation. (a) Each antenna structure used for a Personal Radio Service station is subject to the antenna structure rules set forth in part 17 of this chapter. In particular, the owner of an antenna structure that is more than 60.96 m (200 ft) in height above ground level (see § 17.7 of this chapter for specific criteria) may be required to notify the FAA and register the antenna structure with the FCC. (b) Further, stations located on or near a military or public-use airport with an antenna structure that is more than 6.10 meters (20 feet) high may have to obey additional restrictions. The highest point of the antenna must not exceed one meter above the airport elevation for every hundred meters of distance from the nearest point of the nearest airport runway. Differences in ground elevation between the antenna and the airport runway may complicate this formula. For stations near an airport, see appsint.fcc.gov/UlsApp/AsrSearch/towairSearch.jsp to figure the maximum allowable height of the antenna. Consult part 17 of the FCC's Rules for more information (47 CFR part 17).

[@terrysachetti8192]

You are awesome. :) @@TheNotaRubicon

[@bstarkey54]

Just received my Tram 1486 today and other than the cutting chart which has 3 columns which I don't know which column to use. Mine didn't come with any instructions so I don't have much to go on. Should it have had instructions?

[@kidvision564]

Radio RIP house survives ⚡️?

[@CentralVirginiaEAS]

I love your videos!

[@lrcreamer]

Hey randy great content I have the midland 575 and I ordered the midland mobile antenna and will be getting the same base antenna Do you know anything about the Overlander antenna I have be considering getting one for my 18 ft travel trailer thankyou in advance

[@AlleNalle]

You are a legend

[@aquariumsmaintainedbyandy8408]

When you are using a hand held radio during your test of new radios, do you hook it up to your large antenna? Or do you just use the antenna that comes with it?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I always use the antenna that comes with the radio.

[@aquariumsmaintainedbyandy8408]

@@TheNotaRubicon thank you.

[@runningman1156]

Randy, what can you tell me about the FCC telling me there are some frequencies I can't use because I am near the Canadian border when I applied for my license ? Thanks

[@Mike-m6k9b]

My comment is that I have ( 2 ) xtl5000 for Gmrs and with PVC tube as antenna and didn't ground because I have on 7 story building and running Pl-259 cable to my 3 floor apt And I need a little help or vice from you if it is possible Plus I got to say I am using. ( 2 ) 12 volt batteries 18ah and no power supply why you ask because con Edison bill and in case of no power to city

[@joegreene2878]

Has anyone mounted an antenna in the attic? I know it will attenuate, but if anyone has done it what kind of results did you get?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

many people use attic-mounted antennas with good results..

[@johnyoung1128]

Just watch out for that shiny metalised insulation stuff as that can attenuate the signal a lot if you have it. It can also screw up SWR.

[@dbwstein]

If I set up a GMRS antenna, and then decide to get a ham license, can i use the same antenna?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It depends on what ham band you decide to use.

[@dbwstein]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks! Is there some generic way to look at it with an 80/20 rule, or does it require actual research and understanding?

[@johnyoung1128]

Generally no, you might get some kind of action on the 70cm band but even there it might be sub optimal. There are antennas that will cover a very wide bandwidth that will work on GMRS, MURS and a few VHF/UHF amateur bands such as the “discone” antenna that are popular with scanner users.

[@roger4700]

Do you think an 14 inch pizza pan would work as a ground plane for a Nagoya UT-106UV SMA-BNC Dual Band VHF/UHF Car Magnet Antenna and my UV-82?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

yes

[@kowen8121]

Randy, When will the T shirt in this video be added to your Amazon T shirt list? My wife says she has to have one...But the link above doesn't list this shirt yet.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Looks like that one is sold out!

[@kowen8121]

@@TheNotaRubicon Looks like I need to place a pre-order... Your shirts are selling out as fast as your recommended radios....

[@allafon4813]

I know a ham clown that has 12 ground rods around his house and 3 at each tower five towers mind you !

[@Oberkaptain]

I am a simple man, I just have a UV-5X dialed to my repeater sitting 20ft from me and just have the volume on low.

[@doombringer1505]

"RF Electricities". 😅

[@MCTGMRS78009]

Ok... when it oooooozes out, can't we just pick it up and put it back in? 🤔

[@RobSchofield]

Out of interest, how many Fars do you get to the kilogram?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yes, sometimes!

[@RobSchofield]

@@TheNotaRubicon 😄

[@Mike-m6k9b]

( 1 ) TX of Gmrs 467---- /Rx 462----- Xtl5000

[@bodazaphfa]

I spent $7,000 on my ham base rig as a GMRS operator only just so I can dead key with a Roger beep on my local ham operator rejects. I love making these arrogant old boomers mad.

[@pthithic]

Not all heroes wear capes.

[@bendeleted9155]

69s

[@ATOMSHAMRADIO]

Lol it looks like a toy reminds me in my childhood 49mhz radio lol

[@tmastersat]

Listen only to the national electric code on grounding....dont listen to anyone else....

[@barrytodd3757]

My wife must not be grounded properly, maybe that’s why there is so much static 🤔

[@kellyblack4897]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ehayes5217]

so u need a radio AND an antenna?🤔🇺🇸

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Congratulations! You are now a KZbin certified GMRS base-station expert!

[@ehayes5217]

@@TheNotaRubicon 😂😂😂 I love it, love ur channel, thanx!🇺🇸

[@DickMHz]

Can you use a repeater setup like the one you have as a base station?

[@kirbyerickson2014]

Can you send me a radio pls

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No.

[@JayZ47575747475]

Cool if you’re into talking to dudes on a radio.

[@johnsampson7466]

Randy, I have successfully set up my very own GMRS Base Station rig. I'm using the Wouxun KG-1000-G, a Toppower STP-1330 30AMP power supply, LMR400 coax 50', a Tram Browning 6155 UHF antenna 450-470 MHz 5db gain base station antenna which is 73" tall. The antenna is grounded as you laid out in the video. The antenna is mounted on my house. I am able to hit the Squaw Mountain repeater 91 miles from my home and the Lookout Mountain Repeater 71 miles from my home. And I can do this on LOW power. I think the antenna makes all the difference. My SWR readings using the "older" version of the Farsometer shows an SWR of 1.05 pushing 49 watts at high power. Thanks for putting this out there for those who want to establish a base station. You have been an inspiration to me and I've used the wonderful information you put out to help me set up my base station.

[@cciummo]

Awesome man. From your descriptions of the repeaters, I have to ask.. are the ones you mentioned here in the Phoenix metro area? I have the kg-1000g and have yet to install into my truck.. which I believe is going in this weekend!

[@hitekredneck109]

John Sampson indeed!!! The antenna is one of the most crucial part of getting signals in/out.....imo

[@joeglennaz]

Hey guys, I’m in Phoenix and I want to get into GRMS maybe get a base station. I live just east of the I 17 just north of Jomax in a two-story house. I could pop in antenna on the roof and have it pretty high up in the air.

[@applejacks971]

Pro Tip: Disconnect antenna's from your radio's during storms to prevent a lightening strike from frying your radio. Fun Fact. If you sleep like a baby during a wind storm, your antenna isn't high enough :)

[@gamingforlive2150]

Funfact im doing emcomm (as a firefighter) for our local civilians because i live in a village and where i live everybody has an pmr radio so we monitor pmr446 for help calls so during a storm i set my antenna up on our ladder truck and raised it all the way (33m high) and at that time i didnt even have an lightning arrestor pretty scarry time tbh

[@hitekredneck109]

@@gamingforlive2150 lol....that's one way to make radio more exciting!!!!! Sorry,couldn't help it. I'm glad you're safe!!

[@bobs8353]

I also recommend the Ed Fong antenna, I have a gmrs and a dual band ham antenna.

[@miwuksniper]

Yes! I have the same antenna and works like a champ!

[@ih8frd2]

I just have to say, I have never, ever, seen a video on base station set up explained more simpler than this. All key points divulged to the “user”, even the LMR400 “coax”. Bravo to you, sir, for helping people get on the air. PS: what if we started using the term “Dream Crushers” for all those pesky people that you speak of.

[@USAF-SF]

Of course, you're assuming we like our family... I used to attach the grounding cable to my ex-wife's ankle when she slept, I convinced her that I was protecting HER from the storms, not really sure if she bought that story...

[@joebeasley3rd]

My base station is a radioddity db20-G with a power adapter that sits right next to my PC. I ran some rg58 up to the ceiling and connected a nagoya UT-72 antenna to it. Works fine for gmrs and listening to Dallas PD.

[@volvo09]

I love your thumbnail! I had a radio shack "base station" walkie talkie and I took it for me! and gave my brother and his friends the mobile units. I sat in the tree fort being awesome with the base station 😎

[@RandomWire107]

It was winter with snow on the ground when I first got my GMRS license. I put a mag mount antenna like the little one you showed on the A/C compressor just outside my home office and ran the coax in the window. I was still able to close the window on the RG58 coax without crushing it. As ridiculous as this sounds it worked as well as a mobile setup. Since upgraded to roof mount like Randy’s but don’t let a less than ideal situation stop you from setting up a base. Even a roll up J-pole from Nelson or N9TAX hung in the corner of a room will get you on the air.

[@KU9L]

My MXT275 failed within 2 hours of its first use, VSWR was 1.2:1, and something in the main unit failed. Midland is sending a replacement. I chose a 1/2~ fiberglass GMRS antenna mounted on the ladder of my RV with a 10' 1 1/2" PVC pipe and LMR-400 coax. The range was about 30 miles simplex up into the foothills with 15 watts. I look forward to trying the base station with a 50-watt radio next.

[@repiv59]

Have to say you have a way with stating the obvious and keeping on point without being distracted by the 'experts' :) Enjoy your videos and find them useful as well

[@LatitudeSky]

For a low cost power supply option, there are sub $20 12v supplies meant for use in arcade machines, which will put out duty power all day long, meant for computer boards so it's clean power. These power supplies have output adjustments so you could bump it to 13.8v if you really want to. But the main thing is, they put out clean 12v for cheap. You will know you have the right one when all you see is a bare metal box. You have to add the 120v input cord and 12v output via screw terminals. I use one of these with my mobile/base sad ham radio and also for a CB. Works great.

[@cevansinz]

Do you have a brand/model number handy? That’s an interesting tip.

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

Exactly! Thanks for someone speaking up and checking in

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

I have used oneac

[@DellFargus]

I have used old PC power supplies and modified UPS-es for cheap power supplies. Bonus with a UPS is the battery inside that will allow you to "play radio" if the power goes out.

[@N2YTA]

How much current can those power supplies provide?

[@artemis63043]

Have you heard of & could you review the Ed Fong GMRS base station antenna? No ground plane needed, lives in a 3.5 foot length of PVC pipe. He makes one specifically for GMRS rated up to 50 watts.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

A base station sounds fun. Plus the extra range would be great. Is there a way to make a base station into a repeater just using one radio? Probably not, but can't hurt to ask. Thanks Randy. Great channel sir.. Tim..

[@themasterhammer]

Ed Fong sells a GRMS antenna. DBJ-UHF.

[@Rusted_Link]

The Comet GP-6NC GMRS/FRS Commercial is tuned for 153-157 MHz and 460-470.

[@drewdurigan5672]

Randy, you must be doing well with your KZbin channel. I know from my broadcasting days, those RE20s are not cheap. Congrats!

[@MrBraffZachlin]

I know nothing of radio coms atm, but I like your 'style' sir. I appreciate outliers and ppl whom help others(especially noobs); you seem to be both. If you were making videos on a less niche' subject you would have a gold KZbin plaque. Very entertaining

[@krisraps]

Sadly Everything Is So Expensive For Me From What You Showed :( ! Can`t Afford Anything From It :( SADLY

[@thequarantinecatholic]

Thank you for the post, its almost like you are a mind reader!

[@josephfowler1035]

I just started getting into GMRS, and your channel is quickly becoming my go-to for answers on all my questions. Thanks for all you do!

[@StevenandMichelleDonahoo]

Hey! I love your videos and appreciate you sharing all the info! I have a question: My oldest daughter is in a university about 200 hundred miles from our home. I am giving her a Baofeng UV-5R radio to keep at her dorm and I want to build a home radio that can reach those distances clearly (Urban Environment). Can you give a recommendation and or exact list of what I'll need to accomplish that? Thank you so much in advance! Cheers!

[@MrAchilles85]

I knew it! 😂👍🏼

[@MissingLinkMTB]

I like to use weed trimmer line for grounding. It's plastic so it won't ever short out and ground your antenna cable. 🤨

[@Capitoline1973]

Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU!

[@davidjaye710]

i am in a valley with hills around 150 ft high. can i use a smaller antenna on the house and put a baofeng repeater set up on the surrounding hill ( still my property) to get out of this dish i am in? if so... what should that set up look like in order to maximize a 50 watt station? thanks .. love your vids and t shirts btw :).... dave

[@sentineloffreedomforever1381]

I think it's funny that you're assuming that radio nerds have children and wives they're normally just like stuck in their basement playing dungeons and Dragons in their underwear at the sausage fest

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

I have a g.m.rs radio with mag mount antenna my radio is rated at 45 watts I asked ham radio world what size powersupply to buy thay sold it to me and I have been on air since 06 03 2023 no problums like everyone else has thay cant make the repeter becouse there running a ht at five watts so there

[@Mike-m6k9b]

Plus I am disabled person and member of Gmrs since it came out

[@chadj79]

If I mount my base station antenna on a pole roughly 25 ft from the house, is grounding necessary?