[bars] SPAM Re: GMRS

Fri Oct 11 11:10:43 CDT 2024

Actually, we can operate on CB or GMRS using equipment sold for that purpose.   We are not restricted because we are hams.  We only have to use GMRS equipment.

Also, GMRS is a channelized service, so if we did / could operate in the GMRS band, we would have to set our equipment to the channel restrictions (different for different channels).  There are other bands we share with other services, so in this regard it is the same.   As licensees we must yield to, and not interfere with the other users of the frequencies.

So, I repeat, if we are operating within the channel definitions of frequency, bandwidth, offset, and power - albeit with non-GMRS equipment, why not?    We have taken tests that demonstrate we know what we are supposed to do and not do, so that also would apply.  It's not a public safety, marine, aviation, commercial channel, so that's not an issue.

At the end of the day, the only effect of the restriction is that we have to buy GMRS equipment to operate legally.

I think the answer is that GMRS equipment manufacturers want to sell their stuff and defray the costs of type approval for the band.

Any other reason?

Geoff  / W1GCF

________________________________
From: Adam Smith <asmith at netspace.org>
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2024 10:42 AM
To: geoffreyf at comcast.net <geoffreyf at comcast.net>
Cc: Verhulst <verhulst at comcast.net>; BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org>
Subject: Re: [bars] ***SPAM*** Re: GMRS

"A more interesting question would be why can't licensed hams operate on those frequencies without an additional license or charge?"

IMHO, for the same reason that we can't operate on CB frequencies - the allocation is reserved for a different user base, with different purposes, and subject to different entry criteria and corresponding rules. If you have that need, get that license (by buying an FRS certified unit, or sending the FCC the very nominal GMRS fee).

Adam

On Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 10:30 AM geoffreyf--- via bars <bars at w1hh.org<mailto:bars at w1hh.org>> wrote:
The point is regulation.  There are all sorts of things regulated by license for which there is no or minimal testing.   Revenue may be part of it, but one must provide the license call sign on request if operating over ½ watt.    CB once required a similar license.  The revenue, at least theoretically, supports monitoring and enforcement.

GMRS bands don't seem very active.  A more interesting question would be why can't licensed hams operate on those frequencies without an additional license or charge?

Geoff

________________________________
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: Friday, October 11, 2024 10:09 AM
Cc: BARS CLUB BROADCAST <bars at w1hh.org<mailto:bars at w1hh.org>>
Subject: [bars] ***SPAM*** Re: GMRS

If there is no test, what's point of requiring a license? Other than increasing FCC revenue, of course.

73Tony W1DYS

On 10/11/2024 9:52 AM, Stephen Crook via bars 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.

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