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Quick overview: I have a couple of GMRS radios and I have my GMRS license from the FCC. I'm very new to this type of communication and still needing to learn the basics of GMRS. Like for many on here, it's mostly to be ready for SHTF stuff. I've also used them with a buddy when traveling/convoying in non-cell coverage areas on the way to our destination or when out in my Jeep on a trail. I will be learning more here as I have some time this winter to try some things out. Right now, it's mostly used as FRS/walkie-talkie style communications.
My biggest thing is learning how to use repeaters correctly and learning their range in our area. I've looked at some of the websites, I think RadioReference, to see where some repeaters are. One of things I imagine, in my own real life, where this would come in handy is when I'm just over the pass and need to reach someone when my cell service is non-existent. Whether that's for help or to get an ETA from friends/family who might be on their way from the valley or wherever.
For those of you who use these radios more frequently than I have or know more than I do with these, is it possible to be somewhere just west of Hwy 97, hit a repeater up in the higher elevations (if any), and reach someone in, let's say, Corvallis or Eugene? Heck, can it reach Oakridge from just on the other side of Willamette Pass? That could go for the other side of the valley, too. I know the coast has very spotty cell coverage. Are there repeaters (powerful enough ones) that can reach the valley? Obviously the radios have to be fairly powerful and have a good line of sight to the repeater, but just curious to see if this was at all possible or if anyone has done this before using handhelds or the 50W car bases? Short of using satellite communications, my goal is to be able to reach people at a good distance if I ever needed to over a mountainous area.
Thanks!
My biggest thing is learning how to use repeaters correctly and learning their range in our area. I've looked at some of the websites, I think RadioReference, to see where some repeaters are. One of things I imagine, in my own real life, where this would come in handy is when I'm just over the pass and need to reach someone when my cell service is non-existent. Whether that's for help or to get an ETA from friends/family who might be on their way from the valley or wherever.
For those of you who use these radios more frequently than I have or know more than I do with these, is it possible to be somewhere just west of Hwy 97, hit a repeater up in the higher elevations (if any), and reach someone in, let's say, Corvallis or Eugene? Heck, can it reach Oakridge from just on the other side of Willamette Pass? That could go for the other side of the valley, too. I know the coast has very spotty cell coverage. Are there repeaters (powerful enough ones) that can reach the valley? Obviously the radios have to be fairly powerful and have a good line of sight to the repeater, but just curious to see if this was at all possible or if anyone has done this before using handhelds or the 50W car bases? Short of using satellite communications, my goal is to be able to reach people at a good distance if I ever needed to over a mountainous area.
Thanks!