Top 4 Things to Improve for Next Time

[@MissingLinkMTB]

I tell ya what, I have those GM15 Pro's and absolutely love them. They've seen far more useage than my Tidradio TD-H8 or any other of my Baofeng's. They're just work horses and get really good range with those 771's. My daughter's and I relied on GMRS for communication after the hurricane blew through. I'm also in Asheville... so we got hammered. Just added another mobile to my Bronco today. Studying for my HAM tech license and hope to pass in December. I already own a few HAM radios and hope to be able to start communicating on them by Christmas. If you remember, this wasn't the first time we had widespread cell outages in our area, just the longest. Each time though I relied on GMRS for family communication.

[@Graplernapler]

Praying for your area. Godspeed

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

Thank you so much. The mountains of Western North Carolina got hit the hardest I think. One of the concerns is that they'll be forgotten. It's going to be a hard winter for many over there.

[@dirigoelectric]

We are able to reach about 6 miles in multiple directions here with an Abree collapsible antenna. So I bought 10 uv5r radios, and passed them to friends, so we can be our own repeaters.

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

Nice! I love it. People sometimes complain about there not being repeaters in an area... Well they don't put themselves up. Good for you!

[@dirigoelectric]

@ we have become our own repeaters. A bunch of us do checking and can communicate from one person to another and pass messages on. It’s not the best but we can help each other

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

Truly this is great though. Might have things to improve on but this is how groups can look out for each other.

[@dirigoelectric]

@ yes thanks we are. I’m very central to all so I’ve bought a 50 watt midland gmrs and putting up a good antenna I’ll be the switchboard for my family and friends. We have a generator and lots of back up items.

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

That is really fantastic. Great relay network!

[@Grognarthebarb]

Your in an area very similar to me. After this whole helene thing ive been testing gmrs radios and boy has it been hard getting constant signals with how wooded and mountainous my area is. Even the two murs radios i have dont work for shit. Realy thinking im gonna need to set up a repeater on the highest point i can get permission too

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

I've been thinking about a repeater setup as well. One of the things about it is HT antennas only do so well - if you have the ability to do a good high placement it will definitely outperform the whip. Fortunately there are a few open GMRS repeaters near us which have helped give good coverage. Mountains definitely pose challenges for RF. If you are able to get access to a good high placement location - the next challenge is power (battery bank and solar backup can be good choices if sized right..)

[@noexcuses6727]

Echo - Echo - Echo Get the mike closer to your voice please.

[@hamradiogmrsemergencyradiocomm]

I will try to do that. That's one thing that I've had some challenges with here lately. Been thinking about trying a different setup. Thanks.