[bars] GMRS
KEN CARUSO
wo1n at comcast.net
Fri Oct 11 09:14:29 CDT 2024
Hi all,
All this discussion of GMRS reminded me I have the following for sale from the estate of K1TPC:
Audiovox GMRS-2000 GMRS Scanner with NOAA alert
Looking to get $40 for it. Money goes to the XYL.
73,
Ken - WO1N
> On 10/11/2024 9:52 AM EDT Stephen Crook via bars <bars at w1hh.org> wrote:
>
>
> Here are the current rules for GMRS
> https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95/subpart-E?toc=1
>
> Including channels (FRS = interstitial) and power limits:
>
> § 95.1763 GMRS channels.
>
>
> The GMRS is allotted 30 channels—16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels. GMRS stations may transmit on any of the channels as indicated below.
>
>
> (a) 462 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, repeater, base and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 462.5500, 462.5750, 462.6000, 462.6250, 462.6500, 462.6750, 462.7000, and 462.7250 MHz.
>
>
> (b) 462 MHz interstitial channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable and base stations may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 462.5625, 462.5875, 462.6125, 462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875, and 462.7125 MHz.
>
>
> (c) 467 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, control and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. Mobile, hand-held portable and control stations may transmit on these channels only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions in accordance with § 95.319(c) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/section-95.319#p-95.319(c). The channel center frequencies are: 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, and 467.7250 MHz.
>
>
> (d) 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 467.5625, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125 MHz.
>
>
>
> § 95.1767 GMRS transmitting power limits.
>
>
> This section contains transmitting power limits for GMRS stations. The maximum transmitting power depends on which channels are being used and the type of station.
>
>
> (a) 462/467 MHz main channels. The limits in this paragraph apply to stations transmitting on any of the 462 MHz main channels or any of the 467 MHz main channels. Each GMRS transmitter type must be capable of operating within the allowable power range. GMRS licensees are responsible for ensuring that their GMRS stations operate in compliance with these limits.
>
>
> (1) The transmitter output power of mobile, repeater and base stations must not exceed 50 Watts.
>
>
> (2) The transmitter output power of fixed stations must not exceed 15 Watts.
>
>
> (b) 462 MHz interstitial channels. The effective radiated power (ERP) of mobile, hand-held portable and base stations transmitting on the 462 MHz interstitial channels must not exceed 5 Watts.
>
>
> (c) 467 MHz interstitial channels. The effective radiated power (ERP) of hand-held portable units transmitting on the 467 MHz interstitial channels must not exceed 0.5 Watt. Each GMRS transmitter type capable of transmitting on these channels must be designed such that the ERP does not exceed 0.5 Watts.
>
>
>
>
>
> = Steve — KB1LKR =
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> > On Oct 11, 2024, at 9:07 AM, David Marcucci <dmarcucci at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >
>
> > 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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto:kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>
> > > > > > Date: 10/10/24 13:42 (GMT-05:00)
> > > > > > To: Juan Jiménez <k1cpr at bd5.com mailto:k1cpr at bd5.com>
> > > > > > Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto:bars-bounces at w1hh.org> on behalf of Bill Poulin <billpoulin01913 at gmail.com mailto:billpoulin01913 at gmail.com>
> > > > > > > > Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2024 11:44 AM
> > > > > > > > To: cprestia <cprestia at comcast.net mailto:cprestia at comcast.net>
> > > > > > > > Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org mailto: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 mailto:bars at w1hh.org> wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Ok, 35 bucks. I stand corrected.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > TY
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > -------- Original message --------
> > > > > > > > > From: Stephen Crook <scrook at comcast.net mailto:scrook at comcast.net>
> > > > > > > > > Date: 10/10/24 09:17 (GMT-05:00)
> > > > > > > > > To: cprestia <cprestia at comcast.net mailto:cprestia at comcast.net>
> > > > > > > > > Cc: John Schulman <john.schulman at comcast.net mailto:john.schulman at comcast.net>, Christopher Lennon <kwaj.speedo at gmail.com mailto:kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>, BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto:bars at w1hh.org>
> > > > > > > > > > Date: 10/10/24 08:27 (GMT-05:00)
> > > > > > > > > > To: Christopher Lennon <kwaj.speedo at gmail.com mailto:kwaj.speedo at gmail.com>
> > > > > > > > > > Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto: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 mailto:bars-bounces at w1hh.org> on behalf of Verhulst via bars <bars at w1hh.org mailto:bars at w1hh.org>
> > > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 10:23 PM
> > > > > > > > > > > > To: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org mailto: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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