I just got this idea, I think it would be neat to share and compare with other members how congested FRS and GMRS are in your areas, and how much they are used.
I live in Southern CT, in a Suburban town, on top of a hill (so I get pretty good radio reception on my second floor on top of a hill). Whenever I use FRS, whether it be with family, friends, for whatever purposes... I use channel 7 CSQ. I have NEVER dealt with anyone else on the channel, I only have heard what seems to be a daily quick squawk of static come through the channel that started recently, but no actual other users. I've monitored channel 1 in CSQ just for the hell of it, and I've caught some people on it, and I'd assume that they had to be pretty close to me for me to pick them up on half a watt. I tried calling them, no answer. I have heard some DTMF tones and VERY unclear transmissions come through on GMRS 675 CSQ... But there really aren't any repeaters nearby, anymore.
Anyone else have any reports on what GMRS/FRS use is like in their areas? Make sure to mention if you're rural, urban, suburban...
I live in Southern CT, in a Suburban town, on top of a hill (so I get pretty good radio reception on my second floor on top of a hill). Whenever I use FRS, whether it be with family, friends, for whatever purposes... I use channel 7 CSQ. I have NEVER dealt with anyone else on the channel, I only have heard what seems to be a daily quick squawk of static come through the channel that started recently, but no actual other users. I've monitored channel 1 in CSQ just for the hell of it, and I've caught some people on it, and I'd assume that they had to be pretty close to me for me to pick them up on half a watt. I tried calling them, no answer. I have heard some DTMF tones and VERY unclear transmissions come through on GMRS 675 CSQ... But there really aren't any repeaters nearby, anymore.
Anyone else have any reports on what GMRS/FRS use is like in their areas? Make sure to mention if you're rural, urban, suburban...