The Beginner's Guide to GMRS Radios
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- We are big fans of GMRS radios and we get a ton of questions of what radio to get, why GMRS over CB or HAM, How to use GMRS radios properly, and how to get licensed. We decided to put together one video to answer as many of your GMRS questions as we could.
Big thank you for Retevis for sponsoring this video. They are having a Spring Sales during 3/18-3/24, it is a great time to get your new GMRS equipment.
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Ham Extra here. Have my GMRS as well. Both have their uses for sure. Ham is just more fun!
Those people who think that the gentleman is condemning CB radio misunderstood what GMRS is all about. DXing on CB is no different than a ham operator trying to talk around the world using the ionosphere. GMRS is a tool as the gentleman pointed out. It is for local communications or for camping, hiking, off-roading, hunting, search and rescue. Yes, now there are community groups who have erected a repeater and allow licensed users to chat or communicate about community issues. The big misunderstanding is that GMRS replaces CB. No, if you want to talk to strangers and map your distant contacts this is a great way to do that. The GMRS license allows everyone in the family to use the same license. This includes grandma and your uncles and aunts. The GMRS service is tailor made for families and family based activities.
This guy gets it
I think this includes grandkids too
Actually, it’s for the immediate family. Only, that’s people that live in your household only.
@@danielwymer1580 where is that clarified in the rule?
@@danielwymer1580 I read it to be everyone, including first cousins
This is a good video. Easy to understand. I do have a few additional points to mention if I may: GMRS is a "channelized" radio. That means it has channel 1,2,3 etc. One does not have to dial (or punch in) the frequencies like a Ham radio. For most people that is more convenient. Wattage: I am a ham radio operator. I can talk AROUND THE WORLD with 10 watts IF the bands are open (they come and go with weather and sun spot conditions). But that is on the HF (High Frequency bands). GMRS is in the UHF (Ultra High) band just above the ham bands. THAT area of the band is line of sight, as you mentioned. If 5 watts can't get you there, 100 watts wont either. That is just the way it is. Lower frequencies (HF) go much further than line of sight. HF stuff bounces off of the atmosphere and the ground, mountains tall buildings etc. UHF does not. The antenna is FAR MORE important than the wattage of the radio. Antennas need to be tuned to YOUR radio. Most GMRS stuff does not allow that, so if you have a fixed rubber antenna on a hand held, that is as good as it is going to get for you unless you can change it to a batter one. Some can, some cant. For folks who just want to talk to each other (some sort of gathering or function) GMRS is best for most people. HAM is more for people who are really into electronics, contesting, building their own equipment etc. Its not for everyone just like bowling, baseball or knitting is not for everyone. Enjoy your radio. 73. KI7QL (HAM) and WSCB898 (GMRS)
Well said.. 73
That isn't exactly true. Yes, the antenna is far more important than wattage, but the wattage does have an effect on the range. More power to the antenna means more range. That being said, you are correct in that increasing wattage won't necessarily increase range. Frequencies do play a big role in the range. And wattage isn't going to alter physics. In perfect conditions, the higher wattage transceiver will see an increased range over a lower wattage unit. There is far more to it though (hence why HAM gets so technical) but to say that wattage doesn't play a role whatsoever in range is misleading.
I am a HAM, and I really enjoy it. I am a veteran with Anxiety and PTSD so I rarely talk to people. But it is nice to have for those days when I do feel chatty. But I have watched some on GMRS as well and after seeing this video I am going to get my license for GMRS as well. For me it is a great hobby to work with the radios, the antennas, having Echolink. I also do some light offroading and feel that the GMRS is more practical for this.
As someone who has over 40 years in the radio industry this was a great introduction and you hit the mark very well. I'm also an Extra class Amateur license holder but for most people I recommend GMRS for most of the same points you listed. There are a lot of advantages to having Amateur privileges and equipment in the back country but the vast majority of people do not want to make the effort and, as you noted, they mostly don't need it.
Also, thank you for emphasizing the proper use of the radio. Not for some some silly pedantic reason but for the same reasons we train industrial people in the proper usage, it just makes the system work better. If people use their call signs, use words such as "over" and "clear" etc., life is just better. People will not need to repeat things, there will be less of people talking over each other, and you will more likely understand what the conversation is about. Keep it short, clear, to the point, and get off the air so that others can have access.
New to gmrs just got my gmrs license Monday trying to understand and this video made it simple 👍
I’ve been trying to understand gmrs vs ham for the last 35 RUclipsrs but you are the first and best explaner and I understand it completely now
Thank you so much!
We have a similar system in the UK called PMR radio which is licence free, range is normally 3 Km for basic handheld sets but a lot more for up market handheld and base stations with proper antennas, I can talk into the Isle of Man from Northern Ireland from my low power base station with good reception and clarity much better than I can on legal UK CB radio, basic 16 channel handsets start at around £20 for a pair including extra plug in mike and earpiece, base charger , battery and antennas.
@@george-ev1dq hi, we also have GMRS, as I have a license issued by ofcom for £75 for five years. All the best.
Amateur Radio has significantly more privileges. I would put it like this; a GMRS license grants access to a single band and mode of local communication, an amateur license (especially the General license), grants access to an entire world of bands and modes for anything from local to worldwide communication, using everything from voice, to CW (morse code), to digital modes, slow-scan TV, APRS, Mesh Networks, etc. If you just want to chat with your buddies around town, GMRS is perfectly adequate, if on the other hand, you are interested in wireless communication generally, an Amateur License is the way to go. I passed the General test without even studying, it isn't that difficult. The phrase "GMRS is a tool, Ham is a lifestyle" is a really accurate summary. Oh, also, amateur doesn't have the same content restrictions... for example, a lot of it is quite entertaining, politics abound (for better or worse), offering items for sale is allowed and common (has to be personal sales), etc. The main amateur content restriction is that we're not allowed to "broadcast," all transmitting must have the goal of two-way communication.
@@SilentGlovesI think that restriction is lifted during an emergency like hurricane or other natural disaster. Also non license people can communicate during an emergency. It's nice to have a back up plan for An emergency. Get a radio even if not licensed GRMS have free channels and you can also get a MURS radio that is free to transmit up to 2 miles. 73 KN4DUQ
Very good explanation on how to use it. Thanks
Thank you! I am learning so much! My self esteem flat lined with ham radio technology and terms. It was more than i needed, too!
Thanks for the well articulated explanation of GMRS. This is the first one I've seen that gives a clear, big picture overview of the system. Thanks for not depending on endless jump cuts to get through a complete thought!
I do my best. Thanks!
Excellent presentation, thank you!
UK here, excellent video that explains a lot.
Very helpful. Thank you!
This is fascinating. Thank you. I'm currently working on my HAM licenses. This gives me something to add to my list. Much appreciated from a proud American trucker! 🇺🇲
Excellent video. Thank you!
Great job! I’m a ham radio operator, awesome explanation.
Helpful for me, thanks
I advise programming your radios to display your call sign on the screen. That ways, it's always there for anyone who needs it. Great video, sir. Cheers!
Thanks for all the information.
Very informative. Great video
Good Day. Excellent tutorial on GMRS. Interesting and clearly explained.
Thank You Very Much
& Best Regards. I just subscribed.
You can also use GRMS as emergency support. I live in NH and heard people from Florida on I think was a series of repeaters
Great video, informative, very helpful and simple understanding. Already have a GMRS license and glad you clarified the pros and cons of Ham radio, as was debating. Have hit repeaters and wished more existed within the central Texas area outside and around Austin. For insight having a GMRS license I can communicate on all GMRS stations and FRS correct. Once again enjoyed the excellent video.
That is correct
I used my P-Touch to put my call sign on the radio. I would never remember it otherwise :)
I wrote my call on medical white tape, stuck over speaker/ battery and ya can't go wrong
Good job
Clear as mud. Thanks for the intro video. Just paid for my GMRS today. I'm late to the dance. lol
I used to have a neighbor that had a CB with a 1000 watt linear amplifier that would bleed onto our telephone and any radio in the house. His next door neighbor said she could hear it on her radio when it was turned off. He wouldn't stop. I called the FCC. They didn't act like they even cared until I pointed out that his radio was within 1000 feet of the helicopter pad at the hospital up the street. They ended up giving him something like a 2500 dollar fine.
I had a very similar situation with a neighbor. As you said, the signal bled into everything with a speaker; on or off. I asked him politely to do something about it. He swore he was completely legal (which he wasn’t) & that the problem was mine to deal with. Nothing to do but contact FCC, who dealt with the problem quickly. A hefty fine & orders to shut down resulted. He was mad at me for years. He was using a ham radio, linear & moon raker 4 antenna, aimed directly over my house. He did finally get his ham license but I still had bleedover somewhat, and, he did move his antenna further back from the house.
Thank You.
My wife bought me a pair of ham handhelds as a gift. For the life of me I can't figure out how to use them and I looked into getting a ham license and that's WAY beyond what I'm wanting to do. I'll just let these sit on the shelf gathering dust. I want a longer range handheld that can talk radio to radio primarily. If it has repeater capability that's fine, I can figure out how to use that later. It sounds like GMRS fits the bill. This video was very informative...another good beginner video would be to get a little deeper into the weeds on how to use the radios...setting frequencies, setting up the radios, a little deeper into getting us started using repeaters...etc. Thanks!
We are working on an "advanced guide to GMRS" right now
Excellent and informative video.
One point I’d like to correct you one that I believe is partially wrong…
FRS radios you said are 1/2 watts, and that is correct on channels 8-14 (just like GMRS on those same channels) but on channels 1-7 and 15-22 they are legally able to transmit at 2 watts.
Not trying to be a jerk, simply reporting the rules as I believe them to be.
I have both FRS and GMRS radios and CLEARLY the GMRS handhelds blow the FRS handhelds away.
Again great presentation and good advice for those of us with little experience using radios.
For most of your post you are correct, however, if you use a FRS/GMRS radio that has the 2 watt output without a GMRS license on the 2 watt channels, you are in violation of the rules for FRS and GMRS. The FCC can fine you for illegal use of a GMRS frequency with out a license. That said, it may be nearly impossible to enforce as the 2 watt channels do not extend the range very far depending on terrain.
@@dennisjones8991 I'll bet a lot of people who are so obsessed with FCC rules are completely flippant when it comes to traffic rules. I think if people want to stand up for following rules they should do so for rules that actually matter. Turning a blind eye to reckless driving and then obsessing over radio types is ridiculous.
@@dennisjones8991that's incorrect as of now. Starting some time in 2017 you are legally allowed to transmit up to 2W using an FRS certified radio www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs
@@WraithBlackthorn Deflect much? This ids NOT ABOUT TRAFFIC or DRIVING HABITS. Its about FCC LAWS.
@@cathyrowling111 Hahahaha! My VALID counterpoint is NOT a deflection. I don't think you even understand the meaning of deflection. You seem unnecessarily angry and a little hostile. Maybe you should seek professional help. You obviously have issues that can't be addressed here.
My point is that it is ridiculous for certain Fuddy sad hams to get their panties in a bunch over using dual band radios for GMRS or vise versa when there are actual laws that are commonly broken that actually endanger the public. Now excuse me while I go tailgate people at 80 mph while talking on GMRS with my ham radio...
I like the video on the different radio's that are out there. The ham radio is just to many rules and tec. stuff, really not needed. GMRS is the way to go and is good for the average person. You can do a lot with these radio's. I personally have no need to talk to people from all over the place. my needs are for local hobby group of friends. I use it for several reasons. It works well for me and is an affordable radio at low cost that anyone can buy. I know a few ham radio guys who use GMRS, can't be to bad.
The hardest part about getting the GMRS license is navigating the website.
I’m am licensed in GMRS & Ham. They have specific uses. We use both. For ourselves in the event of phone outages ham is our first choice bc it has far more options. GMRS is our second choice. Usually ham is used during disaster. Sir the power out is 2.0 on FRS now. Happy radio. Moreover, I’m not sure that the GMRS ppl would have the discipline to work together on air space.
I have been a ham since 1987 but I use GMRS by far the most nowadays
I was distracted for part of your great video, but one point on tones that is very easy to overlook is that if you are in an area with many repeaters, make sure you select a radio that supports multiple repeaters on the same frequency with different tones. Some of the more popular name-brand radios on the market still don’t support this.
Excellent point
How do you figure that out? Is there a name for this repeater hopping feature?
@@SetitesTechAdventures split tones
A basic method is that your radio needs additional memories beyond about 30 or so you can store a frequency or channel of a repeater and the necessary tone in a memory “slot” and then put the same frequency and tone for a different repeater on the same channel in another memory slot.
I believe that some Midlands only have 22 channels so you can only one tone for a repeater channel. This is fine if you don’t need to operate to more than one repeater on a channel.
I've got all 3 gmrs ,ham and CB . I well say that a properly tuned CB (11 meter) and antenna will work better than the other 2 in a couple situations. That sed for most people are going to get a better out of the box experience with GMRS. If you have repeaters in your area you are also better off with gmrs .
Been thinking about getting back to radio. In the '60s, my step father had a major ham rig, the radio shack and the works. We built Heathkit TVs, stereo systems, intercom systems and more in that room. He used to call up military units in service on deployment and set up phone patches with their parents. I built my first radio and got my novice license but never went on the ham because of the CB craze. It was so much easier and I was going through puberty so....I had other things on my mind. Its been 50 years so I now have more time on my hand for things like this, so to speak.
This video shou.d be mandatory for all getting or wanting to getting thier license
FRS and GMRS share 22 channels not just 15. The only channels FRS doesn't have are 23-30 or the repeater channels because FRS repeater use is not allowed. I know this and I've only been GMRS licensed since December 2023!
Correct, I misstated that. It should be that FRS is limited in wattage across all of the channels, and 1-14 are limited to lower power on GMRS and 50w on 15-22.
I'm sure gmrs radio has greatness, though I have talked to Tahiti from the coast of Maine using my CB radio. This was verified because we exchanged QSL cards. My point is that CB 27 mghz is not without it good points also.
Sure, I used to skip sideband and had a number of cards back in the day. The difference is that it isn't reliable nor is CB practical in other situations, and CB can't use repeaters. While there were times that I could talk with someone across the country, I couldn't talk to someone 20 miles away.
I’d say that if you’re a HAM operator, GMRS is a nice supplement. They’re separate things, sure, but as was stated, GMRS is a tool, and who doesn’t like another tool in their box?
I have a General ham license. I got a GMRS, hoping it would be less "formal". So far, my experience has been that it's just ham 2.0. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to listen to the traffic on the repeater channels and distinguish it from ham.
Dead on accurate there
Per FCC, "family members" includes a spouse, children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (see 47 CFR 95.179).
Is the Denver repeater Metro 600? That repeater is ~46 miles from me and Buckhorn 700 is ~21 miles. Seems like I may be able to talk to buckhorn with a handheld based on your anecdote here..
Yes, GMRS is now very popular. Try getting an uncrowded channel in a popular area like Moab. Better lean to use codes.
Never had much of a problem finding a channel in Moab, at least on a non-holiday weekend. But, once we setup privacy codes, no more having to look around.
In Canada you do need a licence it is only for the USA but not in Canada, it is called GRS
I have a gmrs license, and I actually want to learn more about it. $35 is a hell of a lot cheaper than when it was $95 bad before the fcc went out of its way to drop the cost of the license.im actually glad I got my license too because now, I have a way other than cellular service or the internet to communicate with people. And the best thing is, gmrs covers the entire family where ham is individually licensed.im not dissing ham radio no, I’m just saying that gmrs is better for those who don’t have an interest in studying for a license. For me though, I’ve been into hf listening all my life and that’s what got me into the ham radio hobby. I just added gmrs so that family can use the service legally.
I’ve already started the process to get my ham operators technician license. I fully intend to get all three licenses. However, I do believe I am going to work on. GMRS as well. Why limit yourself. I’ll have to check into the legalities of it. I don’t know if you can broadcast that way. I don’t see why not. As long as both licenses are possessed.
I just came across your channel and your presentation caught my attention. I bought a Baofeng hand held CB radio from Amazon. I studied for the exam, and I had everything down to the point where I know I could have passed the exam. However, this was during the Covid shutdown and I could only take the exam on-line with two cameras connected to the exam site. This not only turned me off, but I ended up spending money on a camera for my Computer but I also had to use my cell phone for a side view to make sure you are the person taking the exam. This had the profound effect of turning me off to taking the exam and my desire to get my Ham operators license died that day. Rapid forward to the present, i am excited with the possibility of getting a GMRS radio, moving forward. I think this makes more sense because as you, I like to go off-road with my Jeep and that was the sole purpose for me getting a Ham Radio.
Don’t let that experience keep you from getting your ham license. Lots of good study guides and it’s not the bar exam. You’ll be glad when you get your ham call sign.
Second that encouragement for keeping open to the ham tier. GMRS is an excellent entry to radios and many expand interest from there
I used to have a CB in my truck with a 102 inch antenna from radio shack. It had really good range. SWR was 1.1. It could reach 30 miles easily. One night in the 1990s I was catching skip. I keyed up and called for my friend to see if he had his radio on. Ten seconds later I heard my own voice coming back to me. I did have the squelch turned all the way down. I've been wondering ever since just how did my own signal come back to my radio 10 seconds later.
Most excellent!!!! My question is - you spoke to channels for GMRS however what are the actual GMRS frequencies? Thanks to anyone that can answer!!!
wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart
The TECH license for Amateur radio is not as hard as you make out to be. It does help you to understand some of the "technical" stuff you need to know.
Beg to differ. If you do t have an understanding of electronics, you will struggle with it
One may look at unfamiliar material as "hard" but time spent in a good learning process brings comfort as familiarity is gained. My career was teaching an extremely broad range of things to challenged learners on different levels.
I have zero technical background but was highly motivated to learn after my introduction to radios via EmComm. I trained my mountain community disaster team using GMRS (admittedly on UVR-5's before that capability was eliminated, tho not an equipment choice I supported) and went on to attain Extra Class. It's not for everyone! but as a teacher I'll always support pursuing knowledge and improving credentials.
Keeping learning methodology engaging, manageable and productive may require creative initiative in situations such as independent study for ham exams, but there's support and solutions aplenty waiting for the effort
Is the TIDRADIO H8 GMRS Radio a good choice?
It sounds like gmrs would be good to keep in touch with neighbors and neighborhood watches where they may need to have someone call for help or call for backup directly as well as all of the other mentioned uses. Do you need a special meter to tune the antenna on the mobile unit? If so where do you find them at and does the antenna have adjustability like a CB antenna and does the same antenna work for frs and gmrs radio? Thanks for any information you can provide. I have been looking into gmrs radio's for a long time now, and I was never sure about how those things worked.
Absolutely correct, that is a perfect use case. You tune it like a CB antenna using an SWR meter. It is usually just a matter of adjusting the antenna up or down a little in its base. Since FRS and GMRS are using the same frequencies, you would use the same antenna.
Very informative! Thanks. My question is, how do you decide which channel to use just for starting a conversation on a highway, for instance? Is there a common channel, like CB has a common road channel?
I will often just have my radio on Scan mode if I am by myself. There is no set channels for highway or emergency communication,
@@TrailTraveler Thank you.
I see your HA1G wobbles ridiculously too.
They clearly messed up manufacturing on that radio, and the two little feet/protrusions on the battery should be lower by like a millimeter or so, the thing would sit plum without wobbling. Shame they didn’t catch that.
On mine the mic sounded really bad too.
If you build a Raspberry node you can talk everywhere with a small handheld
The repeater you mention in Denver, is that the Metro 600 repeater? I've been curious if I can reach Buckhorn 700 or Metro 600 from my location in Loveland
Yes, I was referring to Metro 600. On my Midland MXT500 in my Jeep I can hit it from Loveland
Great information, I'm just north of Denver as well! I had my HAM Technicians license, but it expired about 4 years ago. I'm considering getting a GMRS license instead of recertifying for the Technician license. Is there any information I need in regard to my former license to apply for the GMRS license?
Nope, there is no test for GMRS
@@TrailTraveler Unless you consider navigating the FCC's website, and figuring out HOW to apply and pay for the GMRS license the test, perhaps?
I got the best cb radio
I can reach from florida to Texas on a handheld cb on a clear day with out any other add on equipment
On a Handheld??? Must have been great skip conditions. Otherwise you could barely talk out side you neighborhood. A handheld is basically a 4 watt walkie talkie. If you meant a mobile radio in a car or base without an amplifier. That is very possible.
At 11:40 you mention a link to the 10 codes,
I do not see that link,
Thank You
What's the diff between:
BAOFENG GMRS Radio GM-15 Pro
and
BAOFENG GMRS 9R PRO
Broadcast means to me a one-way transmission. Two-way communication should be correctly referred to transmitting, not broadcasting.
New to GMRS just got my license. If you are on one of the FRS channels, is it required to state your call sign?
If you are using an FRS radio, no. A GMRS radio has higher output, then yes.
Single sideband is legal. I run both CB on single sideband & GMRS.
It wasn't SSB that I meant to call out, it was that every single person I knew using SSB was using illegal amps.
What GMRS radio do you recommend for emergencies in an urban environment?
My favorite handheld is the Ailunce HA1G because it seems to be the most rugged and waterproof of the radios I have tested.
Totally new to radio coms. I have a GMRS license and call sign. If I am communicating to family members do they need to use my call sign in communications or get their own license and call sign?
Family members can share a call sign and you can use a designator if you like such as WYZ123-Base or WYZ123-Kerry
Can you request a specific call sign? My dad had his ham license, he passed away a couple years ago, ham would be overkill for me so looking into gmrs but would like to implement his call sign into my radio usage.
Not that I know of. You would has e to contact the fcc and ask
Medical white tape works wonders with black marker.
What is the antenna you are using on the mobile radio sitting next to you.
I don’t have the model handy and the Jeep is in the shop so I can’t just go out and look. I think it’s an old Midland model
How does your family use the radio with the call sign in your name?
Your immediate family all uses the same call sign
Sideband is legal on cb radio. Started on cb then got my ham license, hope gmrs will be next.
The problem wasn’t sideband, it was that everyone I knew doing side and was also using illegal amps
That doesn't make ssb illegal as you stated. @@TrailTraveler
@@marcusalancate1782 Yes, you are correct. SSB is not illegal in and of itself, just most people using it are. Or at least from my experience.
Can a group (not family) use the gmrs radio service if either the group or each person in the group uses gmrs radio channel(s)? A professional group for either quick communications or group quick communications over large area either simplex or duplex.
I’m not following what the questions is. GMRS is a great service for different situations but it also depends on what you mean by “large area”. Some that mean a city park or Texas?
there is a two pack of ha 1g radios for sale on Amazon. If I;m talking to my son on one radio and he is on the other, Do I need to have license and different call letters for both radios ?
If he is your son, then you can share one callsign
Call sign? What's a call sign? I've been listening on FRS/GMRS for 4 years. Lots of Spanish language used here in Central Texas, never heard a call sign being used. FCC must not be around here anywhere. License, they don't need no stinking license!
I am in the market for a radio that will talk to friends town to town. Roughly 30 - 60 miles apart. I love to ease of GMRS but would you recommend a different radio for my goals?
There are a lot of unknowns to be able to answer that. If you are both setting up base stations with nice antennas, then GMRS would work well. If you want to communicate when on a mobile radio or walkie-talkies, then you would need to use local repeaters, if there are none in your area, then radio communication probably isn't a good option.
You're not going to get anywhere near that range from GMRS without ideal topography, expensive towers or repeaters. The GMRS community repeater I built sits on a ridge 300+ feet above average terrain, overlooking a valley, and covers just about 20 miles to its east. There is a higher ridge only 8 miles to the west and north of the repeater which is where coverage stops dead in that direction.
Watts also makes no difference with UHF. While traveling through the very flat state of Florida we managed 5-6 miles reliably between 2 mobile mobile radios with good antennas. Range was identical on both low and high power(25w/40w). All that matters is that the antennas can 'see' each other.
CB radio is still the dominant choice in maritime province's in Canada and the eastern United States ,Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Delaware. I live in Toronto Ontario Canada 🍁 I listen to GMRS. Ch 16 privacy code 22 I listen to a group called the Alliance they usually go by their last three numbers I get more information on Monday nights when they do their net call we have a few I know there's one fella in the city of Mississauga another in Belleville Ontario I would like to see the service expand in Canada that would be awesome
"Now let's talk about choosing a ham radio" - I thought you were talking about GMRS. 15:03
Good catch, I flubbed that line up huh
I’m a newbie I bought 2 tidradio td-h3
How do I use them to communicate between the 2 radios ?
Be on the same channel. Push the push-to-talk button. They should be all ready to go.
Hi. So what would you recommend if the grid goes down?
A generator. If you need long range emergency comms, then HAM is the best option
Cell phones killed two way radio, which is all gmrs is. The only difference between two way radio and gmrs is gmrs has multiple channels while two way radio, the radio shop only has one pair of frequency and all the subscribers shares the one channel.
Which is the same thing if you have one or no repeater in your area.
PLMRS the two way radio shop owner builds the repeater, maintains the repeater and pays for the electric bill and all the license fees and the insurance on the tower and the land that the tower sits on.
FM UHF does not offer many opportunities to work anything more than local because the wavelength is short.
Longer wavelength like CB RADIO 11 meters vs 75 cm is like comparing a 155mm howitzer to a .22 rimfire rifle.
Two way radio the radio shop owner owns the radio equipment and rents it to you and install it for you.
GMRS you buy the license and the radio and install it, usually wrong, and when it burns up or doesn't talk anywhere, you blame it on the radio or the band or the other people who you hope will be sitting beside their radio just waiting for you to come along once a year just to say hi!
Ham radio, you have to pass a test and earn a license and follow rules or risk getting in trouble and loosing your license and getting a big fine.
If you are traveling on the road with a friend and just want to do basic communications to talk with them, how do or would you so you dont need to be so formal (like needing a call sign) ?
With a FRS (Family Radio Service) bubble pack from Walmart you do not need a license. Purchase them charge up the batteries, make sure they are on the same channel, you are good to go.
sooo, question - most of the people I'm traveling with on trails (the only time I'm using radios) are using some form of CB configuration - are these GMRS systems compatible to talking with those using CB's? Thanks
If the people you wheel with use CB, then you should get a CB. The two systems are not compatible with each other.
@@TrailTraveler - exactly what I was asking - thanks for the quick reply - enjoy
So say I wanna check the home front what is my wife call sign the same as mine ? What’s proper etiquette ??
Correct, you both use the same call sign. I would do “ mobile for home” or something like that
Are there any specific things to know when my kids "use" my GMRS license? Can we just chat like we do on FRS?
You have to broadcast your call sign every 15 minutes. There are several other rules but they are more about proper behavior.
What’s the track record of Retevis brand? Is it better quality or same as Baofeng radios? Has anyone tested it and is it really 40 watt output mobile radio?
I can only speak from my personal experience that their products are good quality, perform well, and have a nice feature set. I have yet to have any issue with them.
I have baofeng Uv5r & 888s, I want to know can I transmit & recieve on both set on FRS from channel 1 to 15, without getting license? Please quide.
Technically speaking, you can't. While you could set those channels in low power mode, the radio itself is not certified for use on GMRS.
Does the family member you're speaking to need to use the license holder's call sign when replying?
If you are sharing the call sign, you can optionally use identifiers like WXY123-Mobile or WXY123-Ken
Thank you for that. I'm looking forward to see what kind of range I can muster in and around a metro area. I know there are repeaters nearby.
Where is the best place to study for a ham license?
Need a good enjoyable learning site
I wish I knew, I’m with you on this one.
Repeaters aren't legal in Canada.
I'm confused, what is the point in a 40 watt GMRS radio, when the FCC limits the output to 5 watts.
That's not correct. Channels 15 and up are allowed up to 50w.
I bought a Midland MXT575 last year. And every time I set it up for long trips it feels like no one hear me. I am not using any RP channels. any guidance to help would be great or point to a place that can.
Who are you hoping to contact on the road? I just drove 1800 miles and had the radio on scan, only once did I hear someone else. It is usually pretty quiet out on the road. Anywhere that you can connect to a repeater, it is far more likely to be able to talk to someone. GMRS is really designed for short-range communication, like vehicle to vehicle who are traveling together. We typically won't see more than about 5-7 mile range unless both side have high power radios and good antennas that are setup properly.
@@TrailTraveler No one particular. But thank you for the reply and educating me on why you most likely aren't getting anyone to hear you.
Been hearing schools using the gmrs radio but never hear the call sign on gmrs
Keep in mind that they may be using FRS radios, which use all the same channels, but are less powerful and do not require a call sign or license.
Just purchased 4 GMRS radios, paid $35 for my license. Family members are covered under my license, but do I need to get each family member their own call sign?
Your license and call sign are tied together, you would all use the same call sign. You can add an optional identifier like AB1234 - Mobile, AB1234 - Base, AB1234 - Timmy, etc.
Can a FCC General Radio Telephone license Grand father you in on any of these?
I have never seen any mention of that
I have no clue how to work my gmrs, do you know of any 101 how to work the radio
It’s going to depend on the radio, they are all a bit different.
I have a brief question: After saying, 705, WRTJ---- , What is the proper way to just announce that you are available for a prospective conversation, -? coming from ;handheld' in a suburb to Chicago, Illinois.? How would I broadcast that announcement, instead of saying 705 from Evanston on the handheld , calling for radio and/or signal check?!. The alternative 'statement' etiquette announcement from me, please, I am wondering, when I key up initially, -after announcing my unit number and call station , trying to let people (Gmrs users) know i am available out on this channel or repeater? If you can advise. Thank you!
I would say it’s best to listen and see what other people do. Here, if we are on the 600 repeater, it would go “xxxyyy mobile, monitoring 600”
@@TrailTraveler okay that works! Thanks. The Same principle.
❤ thanks. My whole mothers family lives in the Denver metropolitan area. - Englewood , Cherry hills village. I been to Denver. Perfect and more practical. Terrain for "off roading ". in mountainous regions as yours , sotra by Fort Collins. and/ or Colorado springs., as opposed to the Chicago area. But. Been to Denver 15+times. I'll take a closer peak at repeaters MAPS next time I'm there in 9 months ,and maybe I can day ho on an "open" repeater , or , something ? Or observe briefly how you facilitate your friends off roading hobbies. Glad you are here and I found you. Jon
Will family members have separate call sign?
No, you all use the same call sign if you are under the same license.
@@TrailTraveler thanks much. Now I just have to figure out how to use them.
What gets me is I'm a armature extra yet that license is not good for gmrs You would think it would be
If you are calling a family member who is covered under your license what is their call number?
Same as yours. You can add onto that with things like - Unit 1, - Base/Mobile/Remote/etc or something else that works for you.