[bars] SPAM Re: GMRS

Fri Oct 11 11:47:25 CDT 2024

Geoff,

I might be misunderstanding you, but I wanted to clarify a couple things:

On Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 12:11 PM geoffreyf--- via bars <bars at w1hh.org>
wrote:

> 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.
>

A ham license does not convey authority to operate on GMRS. It is a
separate service, requiring a separate license, per section 95.1705
<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/section-95.1705>.

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.
>

GMRS is a separate service
<https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs>.
Our ham licenses convey no privileges in the 462 or 467 MHz ranges.

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.
>

As you said, we have taken tests proving that we know what we're supposed
to do.

A ham license does not authorize us to transmit everywhere on the spectrum
unless it's used by public safety, marine, aviation, or commercial users.
It gives us authority to operate on the ham bands.

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?
>

Because it is required by law:
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95/subpart-E/section-95.1761

>
> 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>
> 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> on behalf of Verhulst via bars <
> bars at w1hh.org>
> *Sent:* Friday, October 11, 2024 10:09 AM
> *Cc:* BARS CLUB BROADCAST <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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>
>
> --
> "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." -Garrison Keillor
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