Batboard

Has anyone had this problem? I have an astro 3 450-520. When I monitor every other channel in the radio the audio quality is great. But for some reason when I am listening to a GMRS repeater in the 467.7xxx range, I hear a lot of popping and cracking noises. Sounds like a nexttel is next to the radio. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem.

Al

It's probably just the audio quality of that undoubtedly meticulously maintained UHF CB repeater.

Thats what I thought but i had other radios right next to me on the same frequency and they recieved without a problem. All were crystal clear with the exception of the Astro 3. Very strange to say the least.

You may want to check and see if all the radios are exactly on frequency with the aid of a frequency meter and/or precision signal generator, and also measure the frequency of the repeater's actual output. Astros have a tight receiver to minimize adjacent channel interference, and if the repeater is a bit off channel and the Astro is a bit off channel in the other direction, it could cause what you've described.

Elroy

hey Elroy,
Thats a really good idea. I will definately give it a try and see what happens. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks!!

Why don't you start by reading the radio to be certain that the RX channel hasn't been set 5 or 6.25 kHz off of where you want it to be. If that's the case then you will likely hear something, but it will sound crappy. Back in the days when the ham radios had a 5 kHz "add" switch instead of a true readout this was a common problem when the operator didn't pay attention to the switch's position.

Tom, W2NJS
...in D.C.

Also check the receive bandwith in the receiving radio, sounds like maybe it is set to narrow, 12.5 k on that channel(s).
GMRS is 25 khz, FRS is 11.5Khz bandwith.

Unless the GMRS rules have changed, repeaters are not allowed on 467.xxxx.

You should monitor the 462.xxxx for repeater output.