Eastern VA Monthly Meetup

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Rubicoma

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,751
North Chesterfield, VA
First Name
James
Last Name
Coon
Member #

6531

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KE4GIV
I usually run CH4 on everything (cb, frs, gmrs) just so it's one number to remember. But I'm going away from CB. The little FRS or GMRS HTs are a lot simpler to get and use than a full blown CB install for most people and if you get the GMRS license it covers your entire household and gets you up to 50w vs CBs 4W.
I am looking at getting some GMRS radio's for me and a gift. What brand do you have and are there any I should avoid? 22 or 50 Channel? Looking at reviews but would like some first hand advice. Thanks for any help you or anyone can give.
 

TerryD

Rank VI
Launch Member

Member III

3,402
Covington, Virginia, USA
First Name
Terry
Last Name
R
Member #

3710

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KT4OZ
Buy cheap ones you don't mind people keeping to loan out. I've not done much research into them with the recent change in laws. Pretty soon you'll have to buy service specific, but they will still operate on the shared channels. Probably a few FRS to loan and a couple GMRS for you and your family. But they'll all still be able to talk. Let me do some quick research and see what's changed since the new laws took effect.
 

TerryD

Rank VI
Launch Member

Member III

3,402
Covington, Virginia, USA
First Name
Terry
Last Name
R
Member #

3710

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KT4OZ
OK, so a quick search turns up that there are only the 30 channels for GMRS. Some are narrow 12.5kHz and some are the 20kHz. The extra channels on something like the Midland GXT1000VP4 has extra spots in it that I believe are for programming in repeater channels or channels with the privacy tones on it. MANUAL PG 15 I don't have time to read the entire manual right now. They look to be a good deal for family use and will aparently take either the rechargable or AA batteries. They'd be my bet for you and your family.

The 4 pack of Floureon (sp?) FRS/GMRS radios on Amazon for about $35 would be good for throwaway radios that people can borrow and not return and you not feel too bad about it.

Then everyone pick a channel that is shared between FRS/GMRS. The GMRS stuff will have more power but everyone will be able to communicate with each other.
 

Rubicoma

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,751
North Chesterfield, VA
First Name
James
Last Name
Coon
Member #

6531

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KE4GIV
OK, so a quick search turns up that there are only the 30 channels for GMRS. Some are narrow 12.5kHz and some are the 20kHz. The extra channels on something like the Midland GXT1000VP4 has extra spots in it that I believe are for programming in repeater channels or channels with the privacy tones on it. MANUAL PG 15 I don't have time to read the entire manual right now. They look to be a good deal for family use and will aparently take either the rechargable or AA batteries. They'd be my bet for you and your family.

The 4 pack of Floureon (sp?) FRS/GMRS radios on Amazon for about $35 would be good for throwaway radios that people can borrow and not return and you not feel too bad about it.

Then everyone pick a channel that is shared between FRS/GMRS. The GMRS stuff will have more power but everyone will be able to communicate with each other.
Thank you. I was looking at the Midland GXT1000VP4. I like the AA battery option and for the price. I also saw in some of the reviews that Midland was responsive when they did have a problem. Thanks for the info.
 
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NiXJ

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate II

989
Gulfport, MS, USA
Member #

9260

Sorry to butt in, but is there some sort of meet up scheduled for this month? I'm trying to get started and I d like to pick a few brains for some info.
 
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Rubicoma

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,751
North Chesterfield, VA
First Name
James
Last Name
Coon
Member #

6531

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KE4GIV
Sorry to butt in, but is there some sort of meet up scheduled for this month? I'm trying to get started and I d like to pick a few brains for some info.
There has been some talk of a meet up but nothing that I know of yet. I too am just getting started and would like to meet and talk.
 
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NiXJ

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate II

989
Gulfport, MS, USA
Member #

9260

So I know it's a very busy time for everyone, so why don't we do something simple. Maybe a meet up at REI in Va beach or something similar?
 

Rubicoma

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,751
North Chesterfield, VA
First Name
James
Last Name
Coon
Member #

6531

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KE4GIV
A couple of people from the Northern Virginia Meetup thread are going to run Flag Pole on Saturday. I am going too. Meetup at Harrisonburg, VA Sheetz on US 33 (E. Market St) just west of I-81 at 9 am.
 

BillB

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Enthusiast III

646
Chesapeake, Virginia
First Name
Bill
Last Name
Bunting
Member #

3681

Not 100% sure but I think it is.
Yes, there are only one or two moderate parts which can be done stock (Tacoma, for example) with 4wd with care. Depending on the time of year and amount of use, you can get a nice pinstripe there. I wish I could go. Not able to go this weekend.
 
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NiXJ

Rank IV
Launch Member

Advocate II

989
Gulfport, MS, USA
Member #

9260

Yes, there are only one or two moderate parts which can be done stock (Tacoma, for example) with 4wd with care. Depending on the time of year and amount of use, you can get a nice pinstripe there. I wish I could go. Not able to go this weekend.
Well then I've got nothing else better to do this weekend. Hopefully don't screw up my paint too much. See you guys there!