[bars] GMRS

David Marcucci dmarcucci at gmail.com
Fri Oct 11 08:06:21 CDT 2024 

I got my GMRS license while waiting to test for my tech license, WRYP866. I
am in a group that is more than just amateur radio folks, they do GMRS/FRS,
Meshtastic, Mesh WiFi, and amateur radio. People I talk to like GMRS
because there is no test and the license applies to the whole family. Many
folks who are there with GMRS have a family with acres of land or they
camp, hike, and/or offroad where they use GMRS (or FRS even) and seem
happy. We use it as a gateway drug into amateur radio and suggest that
adults get their tech license too. I hear there are lots of GMRS repeaters
that are not publicized but none are really near me.

I also own the Tidradio TD-H3 because I wanted to try the "app-based
Bluetooth programming". Short version, it works but it's a pretty crappy
experience. Instead, I used Chirp to set up a few different configurations
for different QTHs for ham bands, pubic service monitoring, and GMRS. I
then "saved" them into my phone so I could quickly swap out configs with
just my phone and radio. I like the USB battery charging too. My only
advice is to spend a little more and get the H8 with the bigger battery,
body/buttons, and output power unless space is a premium and you don't have
big fingers. I carry it in my car but usually have my Anytone 878 too so I
don't often use it.

73,
Dave
KC1TLF

On Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 8:39 AM Adam Smith <asmith at netspace.org> wrote:

> There have been a couple of changes over a decade or two, to the FRS and
> GMRS rules.
>
> I believe that at this point FRS handhelds are limited to 2 watts (the
> table shared earlier being from an earlier version when they were 0.5W) and
> GMRS handhelds are limited to 5W.  Both are required to have a fixed
> antenna (at least nominally, as noted) and to come out of the box with
> channels preprogrammed. The GMRS 50W applies to base/mobile style units, I
> think, which would include repeaters.  One idea is that you could have a
> higher power unit at a campsite or in a vehicle, which could be a repeater
> too(?).  Not sure how much coordination there is for repeaters.
>
> I have a TIDRADIO TD-H3, purchased as a ham unit and it enforces
> appropriate band edges (2m, 70cm).  It has FCC certification.  The firmware
> can be reloaded into GMRS mode, but then must be reconfigured (or an
> unlocked mode, which is called NORMAL, tellingly).  Operating it on GMRS is
> probably at the edge of legality/technicalities of the rules but they do
> sell a GMRS version which seems to be just the software config changed.  I
> am not a communications lawyer ;).  Since it is 5W and I don't think FRS
> certified, I would say you need a GMRS license at least.  I believe GMRS
> stations can interact with FRS on the shared freqs, but presumably must
> still identify etc.
>
> The TD-H3 (ham version) is a neat little unit.  I had to send one back
> which didn't have good output power, but second one (Amazon free
> replacement including shipping) works.  It is USB-C chargeable and
> programmable with CHIRP over USB-C.  You can clone wirelessly between
> units.  It receives FM broadcast and Airband.  You can catch them on sale
> for under $35.
>
> 73,
> Adam / AA1N
>
> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 6:50 PM Juan Jiménez <k1cpr at bd5.com> wrote:
>
>> HA! I I found a better solution! Menu 28, "Voice" turn to OFF. :)
>>
>> 73,
>> K1CPR
>> Juan
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 6:45 PM Juan Jiménez <k1cpr at bd5.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I just wish I could find out how to change the silly voice on the radio
>>> of the young chinese girl trying to speak english with a heavy accent. Not
>>> giving voice options like Garmin does was a bad idea.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> K1CPR
>>> Juan
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 6:06 PM cprestia <cprestia at comcast.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Come to think of it I think I paid the 70 bucks.  It was changing
>>>> literally within days of their departure, but I couldn't wait because they
>>>> were leaving.
>>>>
>>>> No matter, it was worth it to us.
>>>>
>>>> 73
>>>> Charlie
>>>> W1CEP
>>>>
>>>> -------- Original message --------
>>>> From: Christopher Lennon <kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>
>>>> Date: 10/10/24 13:42 (GMT-05:00)
>>>> To: Juan Jiménez <k1cpr at bd5.com>
>>>> Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>> Subject: Re: [bars] GMRS
>>>>
>>>> I have thought about getting a GMRS radio, and figured that if I did I
>>>> would buy two.  One for me and one for my unlicensed cousin to use when we
>>>> were doing stuff together.
>>>>
>>>> Chris W2BPL
>>>> Sent from my phone.
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024, 12:57 PM Juan Jiménez <k1cpr at bd5.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I got the Wouxon KG-935G because it has high reviews on eHam. It is
>>>>> heavier than my QRZ-1 HT and comes with two antennas. So far I think it
>>>>> will become the black sheep of my herd, useful only in special occasions.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024, 12:09 geoffreyf--- via bars <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I did get a pair of radio oddity GM-30 GMRS HT's.  These have all
>>>>>> channels which include the ones which do 5 watts and therefore require the
>>>>>> license which I also got.  I was curious.  They are physically lighter in
>>>>>> weight compared to Ham HT's and less well built physically than even a
>>>>>> Baofeng.  Supposedly you are not allowed to change antennas from the rubber
>>>>>> ducky that comes with it. However, and on the ones, I got, with a small
>>>>>> Allen wrench you can unlock the provided antenna to discover that it works
>>>>>> with a male SMA antenna.  In fact, it works similarly on the 5-watt
>>>>>> channels.  For simply calling another radio simplex, it is pretty good.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>   We can argue if it's just as good.  I'll offer that it probably
>>>>>> isn't, but my testing was superficial. I do think radios should be
>>>>>> evaluated in the context of what they cost.   If you go on a trip with
>>>>>> unlicensed friends or family, it might actually be useful.   While driving
>>>>>> home, they can read the tech license manual.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Geoff W1GCF
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>> *From:* bars <bars-bounces at w1hh.org> on behalf of Bill Poulin <
>>>>>> billpoulin01913 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> *Sent:* Thursday, October 10, 2024 11:44 AM
>>>>>> *To:* cprestia <cprestia at comcast.net>
>>>>>> *Cc:* BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [bars] GMRS
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have not applied for a GMRS License nor have I ever thought of
>>>>>> buying a radio for GMRS operations.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I do know some families that have for hunting and backpacking. I have
>>>>>> even given them ham radio license manuals.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Thu, Oct 10, 2024, 10:01 AM cprestia via bars <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ok, 35 bucks.  I stand corrected.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> TY
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -------- Original message --------
>>>>>> From: Stephen Crook <scrook at comcast.net>
>>>>>> Date: 10/10/24 09:17 (GMT-05:00)
>>>>>> To: cprestia <cprestia at comcast.net>
>>>>>> Cc: John Schulman <john.schulman at comcast.net>, Christopher Lennon <
>>>>>> kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>, BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [bars] GMRS
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It is (as of 2017) now only $35 and is good for 10 years.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You must be 18 or older to apply, but family members (licensee's
>>>>>> spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents,
>>>>>> stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and
>>>>>> in-laws), regardless of age, can operate stations within the
>>>>>> licensed system.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Could be an easy, useful method of local family communication and
>>>>>> superior to unlicensed FRS.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>         = Steve — KB1LKR =
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Oct 10, 2024, at 8:38 AM, cprestia via bars <bars at w1hh.org> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think the license is/was 70 Clams and covered the fam for 10 years
>>>>>> if I'm not mistaken.  We'll worth it if you have peeps that don't want to
>>>>>> pursue amateur radio level comes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Oh yeah, hello neighbor NIECC
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73 PEEPS!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Charlie
>>>>>> W1CEP
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -------- Original message --------
>>>>>> From: John Schulman via bars <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> Date: 10/10/24 08:27 (GMT-05:00)
>>>>>> To: Christopher Lennon <kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [bars] GMRS
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I paid for the license online and bought a couple radios for camp.
>>>>>> GMRS is 50W.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> John
>>>>>> W1MVD
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Oct 10, 2024, at 2:17 AM, Christopher Lennon <
>>>>>> kwaj.speedo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> The low end aren’t super expensive.  I don’t know the details of the
>>>>>> licensing, but I think if they were using them in a group with you, only
>>>>>> you would need to be licensed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Chris W2BPL
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Wed, Oct 9, 2024 at 10:45 PM Christopher Wood <
>>>>>> christopher.wood at firelinkllc.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That is my proposed use case, although I have not yet implemented it
>>>>>> (GMRS) .. To have a radio with which to communicate with my grandchildren a
>>>>>> couple of miles away.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No licensing test, so we can each get a license and then I can get
>>>>>> them a radio and have a radio here at home. I think that might be fun and
>>>>>> maybe interest them in future radio development and moving forward to other
>>>>>> projects like ham radio balloon tracking or tracking satellite beacons, etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Maybe I'll try to do this for Christmas?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73
>>>>>> Christopher
>>>>>> KC1GHR
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>> *From:* bars <bars-bounces at w1hh.org> on behalf of Verhulst via bars <
>>>>>> bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 9, 2024 10:23 PM
>>>>>> *To:* BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [bars] GMRS
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Good question. I bought one thinking that it might be something like
>>>>>> VHF/UHF but there's nobody on that I can find. Repeaters near me
>>>>>> (Tewksbury) are not to be found. There's one in Wilmington but never heard
>>>>>> anything there. If you have a group of people and all have GMRS, that would
>>>>>> be useful - but so would CB.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73s
>>>>>> Tony
>>>>>> W1DYS
>>>>>> WRXD549
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 10/1/2024 8:21 AM, Juan Jiménez wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Looking at the specs for GMRS radios, it seems like it's a fancier
>>>>>> version of FRS with a little more power, ability to use repeaters and need
>>>>>> to get a license without any tests involved. For what purpose do people use
>>>>>> these radios?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73,
>>>>>> K1CPR
>>>>>> Juan
>>>>>>
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>
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