Come on guys dumb it down for me with GMRS

10icLJ

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Ok I have a Midland MX-115 in my LJ. I also got .GOV's permission to use it... I understand the basics ( I think) but I am still confused on a few issues....

1. Repeater's: what the hell are they and how the hell do I get on (use) one? Do I need to? Do I want to?

2. I currently run the Factory Midland Ghost Antenna mounted to the drivers side A pillar should I swap to a different style for better Performance?

I am sure there's more that ill have questions about but that's what I have for now.

Thanks,
10icLJ
 
1. A repeater is a radio set located normally at a stationary high point to counter terrain obstructions. A GMRS repeater receives on one frequency (a frequency offset from a "normal" GMRS frequency) and transmits on another frequency (a "normal" GMRS frequency). In order to use a repeater, your radio has 8 channels (usually Channels 23-20) that transmit on the offset frequency and receive on the "normal" frequency. By using the repeater, your signal can be relayed over highpoints. So, it works like this:
  1. 10icLJ sets his radio to Channel 23 and transmits a call for assistance. This signal goes out on the offset frequency (467.550MHz).
  2. The repeater receives this transmission and immediately sends it out on the "normal" frequency (462.550MHz, or GMRS Channel 15).
  3. sab is also on Channel 23. His radio receives the transmission on the "normal" frequency (462.550MHz), so he hears 10icLJ ask for assistance.
  4. sab transmits a response on Channel 23. Again, since 23 is a repeater channel, this signal goes out on the offset frequency (467.550MHz).
  5. The repeater receives sab's transmission and immediately sends it out on the "normal" frequency (462.550MHz, or GMRS Channel 15).
  6. 10icLJ receives the transmission on the "normal" frequency (462.550MHz).
This can repeat over and over again. There are more complications regarding "privacy" tones for most repeaters, but this is the basic concept.

2. If you have adequate SWR (typically 1.50 or less, although less than 2 will provide pretty decent trail performance), I wouldn't change anything unless you notice range issues. If you can't get adequate SWR, I'd start looking at how to fix that. It could just be antenna placement, rather than the type of antenna you're using.
 
Ok I have a Midland MX-115 in my LJ. I also got .GOV's permission to use it... I understand the basics ( I think) but I am still confused on a few issues....

1. Repeater's: what the hell are they and how the hell do I get on (use) one? Do I need to? Do I want to?
Only if you want to get more distance, but for most jeeping needs I wouldn't bother and in fact it may be discouraged by the owner.

2. I currently run the Factory Midland Ghost Antenna mounted to the drivers side A pillar should I swap to a different style for better Performance?

Can you talk to and hear your group? If so, I wouldn't bother making any changes.

I am sure there's more that ill have questions about but that's what I have for now.

Thanks,
10icLJ

I'm even starting to lean away from privacy codes, which are poorly named, because I don't want to learn every radio's interface to set them at the trailhead. @tworley 's radio did me in.

Choose a channel everyone can get on and go.
 
The owner's manual gives you a basic idea.

"Repeater Channels Your MXT115 has the ability to access repeater channels. The use of a repeater can significantly increase a radio’s range and coverage area. Prior to using a repeater you must coordinate with the owner of the repeater to gain permission to use the repeater. Be sure to understand and follow the sharing and usage rules for each repeater system. To Set the Repeater Channel: 1.Press and release the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode. 2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll through the menu options until the LCD display shows rP. 3.Press the Monitor/Scan / button to confirm your selection. 4. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to select ON or OFF. 5.Press the Monitor/Scan / button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE MONITOR/SCAN BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION OR THE REPEATER CHANNEL SELECTION WILL NOT BE CHANGED. ▪ When activated the repeater channels will be displayed as the channel number (Ex.15,16,17,etc.) and the rP icon. ▪ Repeater channels will appear immediately following the standard GMRS channels (Ex: 20,21,22,15rP,16rP17rP etc)."

But like mentioned above, they probably won't be much use to you on the trail as long as you are in range of your fellow jeepers. You would also need to know where the repeaters are that you might want to access, and if they are in range to your radio, then you would need to know the TX/RX tones to be able to talk to the repeater. Repeaters can be handy in urban situations where you have a lot of obstructions and no line of site to who you want to talk to, or situations where geographical obstructions like mountains are in your line of sight. If a repeater happens to be at the top of a mountain and you have line of sight to that repeater, you could talk to someone on the other side of said mountain. It can be more complex than that, but you should get the jist.
 
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Let's see how much I can Dumb this down......

Repeater: Big radio, you talk to the big radio and big radio talks to your buddy, letting you reach further. Kinda works like a chat room, if the repeater hears you, anyone that can hear the repeater (in the chat room) will also hear you. Think of it like a Venn Diagram and you're all the way to the left, your buddy is all the way to the right, and the repeater is in the overlap, allowing ya'll to talk to each other. For trail comms, you will not sue on of these 90% of the time - probably nothin to worry about unless you want to play radio

Antenna: Everything works, but some things work better. If you want to reach further get a better antenna (normally taller), if you can see whoever you're talking to, don't worry about it. if you are unsatisfied with how far your radio reaches, look at upgrading and/or tuning your antenna before you mess with anything else.

I can explain more, but you said to keep it simple :)
 
Thanks guys, i'm just the type that wants to know all i can to get the best performance out of things. I'm just a full blown dummy when it comes to radio stuff.
 
The thing I like about the Midlands is there plug and play. I installed the MXT 275 in my TJ and stuck the little antenna on the hinge of my hood. I give a Boufung (probably spelled that wrong) UV-5R to my wheeling buddy and as long as we're on the same channel, everything is peachy keen.