GMRS radio #1, the absolute basics
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- Опубликовано: 18 июн 2024
- DON'T BUY A BUNCH OF GEAR... yet.
watch this short video and learn from my mistakes. The GMRS band is easy to use, but radio in general is fraught with challenges that need yo be overcome. those challenges are easily met by "buying a bunch of equipment", but AVOID that by thinking your way through things BEFORE you buy.
my suggestions:
A) get involved with a local HAM CLUB.
Meet these folks. They are your BEST resource (yes, more so than youtube). Friends in the ham club can relay critical information during disasters when your GMRS radio may not have the range it needs. 😬
B) get a HANDHELD RADIO.
Don't expect it to solve your problems in an emergency, but it is an important tool. It can also help you discover what your real radio needs are. If you live at the peak of a hill overlooking civilization below, that little radio may be all you need. But if you want to reach beyond your neighborhood with GMRS then you may need "more power", or a higher gain antenna on a tower... you'll need to overcome what challenges you personally face, which may mean "buying a bunch of gear". See video #2 for a bit more info on that. 🤔
C) Know your RANGE.
GMRS (and UHF in general) works basically on "line of sight". that cheap Midland radio that promises 36mi range in likely tested from one mountain top to another. Curvature of Earth, trees, buildings, hills and valleys ALL play into the actual RANGE of your radio. 🤔
D) GET A BASE STATION (mobile radio).
Essentially, "more power"! Your budget will decide, get as much power as you can. The legal limit for GMRS is 50W.
NOTE the budget needs to include the mobile radio, a power supply for (clean 13.8V 30amp 'lectricity), an antenna, and coax line to feed it. 🧐 you'll get what you pay for.
E) get a HAM LICENSE.
If i can get one so can you! There's a test, but your ham friends (see #1 above) can help with that, plus many apps and tools to learn the info. Getting your "technician" license opens you to the UHF/VHF amateur frequencies, where more solid radio communication is available. "General" is the next step, opening that "around the world" radio experience. 🤠👍
...there's NO TEST REQUIRED for GMRS, just an FCC license.
bonus: F) get a SHORT WAVE RADIO too!
please comment with your questions or ideas. LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE!
I'm about a year late watching your video. I was until very recently working on my HAM Technician license but I found the requirements too technical for my stage of life (75). Frequencies, bandwidth, Ohms Law, electronic parts and circuits, and more. So, I took the much easier path and obtained the GMRS license. I'm trying to get a functional understanding of the GMRS system, but I note while trying to keep it as basic as possible, you are still talking about some technical stuff. Lots to learn. Thanks for this. Whiskey Romeo Yankee Foxtrot 288. Out.
Good to see you are keeping mentally fut, keep on!!
Yes sir. I am 15 yrs. behind you in age and am quasi studying for my tech. ham license. Will prob. get it but stay within GMRS. My intent is general radio interest and local information (30 mile radius) from my location for SHTF or local disaster info. I'm not trying to set up contacts in Manila, South Africa, or Finland. But tons of good intel in the ham books. May even set up a GMRS repeater (eventually) at my location.
Very helpful just got my wouxun KG-935g and my gmrs license. I have no clue what I’m doing but it’s a start
Thanks, and good on ya for getting a nice radio and your license! Push that PTT and have some fun!
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 yes a actually made radio contact and connect to a repeater. The KG-935G was worth 200$ it’s like plug and play and I’m having some fun talking to others . I see GMRS a third valuable form to stay connected . I always have my cell phone and my garmin. Inreach mini satellite communicator . Again thanks a million
@@DARTHDANSAN you made my day, thanks for the update!
@DARTDANSAN If you just started in radio you're way better off looking elseware for radio information. I heard many thing on this video that could earn you a citation. Move on to other "influencers" before bad information ending up costing you money. N7__G twenty years a Ham and two years into GMRS
Same here.
Dude! Seriously some of the best videos on this stuff that I’ve seen! I’ve only watched two so far but so well delivered and addresses the stuff we actually need. Thank you so much for doing this in the way you do it 👍
Wow, thanks for the very kind words, that means lot to me. 🤠
All good advice. I’ve been a ham for over 30 years and just got a GMRS radio. Here there are a few GMRS repeaters linked to repeaters in other states. Kind of adds some fun to it. .
I got a couple of 5w rocky talkies recently. It was the best decision ever. As you say for close communication, GMRS is perfect. My wife and I love the outdoors and we got tired of big box walkies. We go hiking in the mountains, mtb, paddle boarding, etc, so far they have been great. I already paid the tax to the FCC, now waiting for the license! Thanks for the advice!!
Glad to hear you are enjoying GMRS, and God's great outdoors!
I got a radioddity DB25-G mobile that I use as a base station, got a 20 inch gmrs mobile antenna mounted on the side of my house. Works just fine!
Not bad well put together in a logical order. It took me about six month to learn the material to earn my technician and then general licenses. It is a process to get through learning and fcc testing. All that said if you are concerned about communication beyond your local area a general ham license is your best bet. I also have a GMRS license it works great line of sight. GMRS hand helds are good 2 / 4 miles on flat ground. When I bought my gmrs radios I got in the car out in the country and drove specific distances making calls along the way. Long and the short evaluate your needs in miles and terrain let that be your guide for communication beyond cell phones. By the way mobile hf ham radios work great long distance.
We need to stress etiquette and procedure. In a SHTF situation when trying to communicate you will find it will be very hard to effectively communicate if you do not learn some basic proper radio etiquette. If you've ever been a net control operator you know this can be chaotic even for the most experienced operators.
Well-said!
That would make a great kobble video in fact. Thanks for your comment.
I run alot of 11m stuff. I don't really wanna get my ham license. So this is a great start for me. Thanks!
We just added GMRS to the farm. I installed a 40Watt base here in the house, a 40 Watt in the RTV both with gain antennas and have several hand helds for sight work and on the open tractors and dozer. The license application was a circle of confusion with the FRN application and then applying for the call sign and switching systems to provide the license fee. All is mandated on-line now and then you wait about 48 hours I was told to get the license via email. Being an old CB nut I had the power supply for the house and put the RTV radio on its own circuit. We picked a channel to use above 14 as the lower 1 to 14 are restricted lower power. It works great.
Way to go! Sounds like a great setup, keep us posted!
Great advice Kelly. Very good presentation.
Thanks Justin!
Thanks. I just learned about GMRS today.
Thanks for sharing what you know about GMRS. I have a few BTECHs and am happy with what they can do so fr. Originally I was considering HAM, but went for my GMRS license. Perhaps in time I'll go for my HAM as well.
Great video I am subscribing. I got my license last month and have had a baofeng for about a year and wanted to get license so I finally did. I have a base station coming to go in my truck. I can’t wait for it to arrive. Should be here by the weekend! Now I have to watch the rest of your videos. You’re a goldmine of knowledge given in a friendly manner and very easy to understand. Thanks again for sharing. And I want to get my ham license. First thing tomorrow I will find the local ham club and join. I have loved electronics my whole life and this is right up my alley.
So glad to hear from ya! Keep us posted on your progress and enjoy the adventure!!
Good video Brother, Thanks for keeping it simple and not throwing out a bunch of technical Bravo Sierra !
Thanks so much!
I love to study and test just to do it. But kelly you just described a few things that I now understand better.😊 thx-Just getting into it. Tried it years ago when I had my own house and put a large antenna 20 ft. Sold the house but want to actually buy a house again and put up a cool antenna, have a cool ham room, setup a bunch of equipment. only have uv-5r/callsign/tidh8/ 771.
Im a tech nerd where I can study for hrs.Thx for the helpful info and thx to your viewers input as well.
Thanks, have fun!!
Good information. Thanks
Love this GMRS series! Easy to understand and you keep it interesting. Well done, just sub'd.
Many thanks! 🤠
Thanks for the info!
I got a few baofengs out of pure curiosity. It all started when I bought a multiband 6 gshock that listens to the atomic clock here in Fort Collins haha now I’m spending all my time learning about radio!
Showed my dad my ham, and he immediately lit up with an excitement I haven’t seen in a long time. He used to regularly use CB and ham when he was younger, so it’s triggered so many stimulating conversations!
BUT, I applied for my GMRS license over the weekend so I’m still waiting for my callsign 😂 it’s really exciting listening to everyone around me talk to each other. I can’t wait to join them! Thank you for the information!!
Way to go!! Enjoy the hobby.
Great video sir kelley I LOVE your blog video im a i have my GMRS license and WE been using a GMRS communications here in california my location and every body is using a gmrs and we have a repeater also and i love GMRS
Glad to hear gmrs is polular in your area and that you have repeaters. We have some here in Dubuque too, gest tools!
Thanks for the info. I have been into CB for years, just got my GMRS license and radio’s. I have also purchased some HAM radios and manuals. Hope to get licensed in that before too long.
Awesome, keep us posted!
There are a few nice GMRS handheld radios available now. Baofeng makes the UV-9G, Radioddity has the GM-30, which allows you to enter several repeater channels in addition to the standard 8 in your geographical area. Both handhelds sell for $40-$50. Both of these GMRS radios have removable antennas and put out about 4 watts. Radioddity has a 20 watt base/mobile unit, the DB-20G, which sells for $119.00.
Thanks for that info Bulldog!
Yes but I find that the v2 is consistent with 5watts across the board-low, medium and high! 5.40,5.40 and 5.26 or 5.20 I think the later I forgot. But it gives you a better Idea!🙋
I don’t have my Ham license, but I don’t need it, the government doesn’t own the air waves.
Thank you.
Great video I'm studying for my Technician license.
Good luck on the license!! Let us know when you get it.
Thank you
Hello KA0KAO, Seth here from South Eastern Kentucky -- I was wondering if you would do a video on Shortwave listening, what you like to listen to, and what gear you recommend.
CB'er, Studying for my Ham tech license, going to buy my GMRS license today (thanks to you and notarubicon's vids!)
I've actually been pondering that.
Good idea Seth!
I have a 50 watt mobile gmrs radio I use as a base station. I live on a bit of a hill (in iowa) and I can generally can speak 35 to 60 ish miles in most directions as long as there aren't big hills in my way in a particular direction. I can connect with a couple different repeaters which vastly increases the range that I can communicate.
Thats awesome! Its amazing what a difference 50 watts makes. Im in Dubuque, we have repeaters on 22 & 18. Im 20w at best and my antenna is only 30ft off grade at 900ft above sea level.
I drive through Dubuque Iowa quite a bit on my way up into Wisconsin delivering loads to Madison, Milwaukee and dun prairie. Sadly I don't have a mobile radio that I can put in my company semi truck yet.
For now I'm stuck using a HT. I should get a external gmrs antenna and a external speaker mic
@@shawnwade302 my son in law works from home most days and monitors our ch22 repeater. Shout out for Joe if youbpass through again.
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 tones for the repeater?
On my midland handheld radios i removed the short antenna. Installed a connector so that longer anntennas can be attached. The range more than doubled. Get the techicians license. You have to work at what you want.😊
Do you have a link for the antenna connector?
I bought the part at a ham radio outlet store. They do have a catalog online. It is a standard socket that allows you to replace antennas. To hold the socket in place, I used gorilla glue that expands to handle the longer antenna. 😊
Stock antenna on UV-5R might not be best for people out in the distance from cities with big radio clubs and inside a home. And I found it a bit touchy and almost buggy with the scanning squelch. The cheap Radioddity GMRS radio I got at the same time was consistently better at picking up distance "HAM range" EMS dispatch repeaters that cover my neighboring county. Quite the opposite of what I expected from the radio built for that range. The UV-5R got a lot of silly love from another RUclipsr and I'm wondering if it was a bit of a waste of money for all its hype. So now it's back to shopping for better antennas for what I think it should do.
The real appeal og Baofeng was its versatility "for the price". Times are changing economically and now there are a lot of competitors looking for GMRS users to sell to. So you make a good point, and folks should shop around.
was starting to get frustrated with the uv5r. Been a ham for 27 years and got away from it for 10 years. Got the uv5r but its limitation get clear after a while. Upgraded to the TIdradio h8 Its a much better radio and you can alter memory channels on the radio without having to create a new channel. Now i wonder what i will grow into next.
Yes, you often "get what you pay for". There are way better quality radios out there than Baofeng, what i like about them is that they get people started. Folks who would never pay $300 on a radio to see if they like the hobby, will gladly pay $30 to try it. That gets people in the door. They can open their wallets wider if they want once they commit to radio. 🤠
@kobblekraftka0kao29 ill upgrade for sure but i wont part with the uv5r. I got 3 of em.
Got my ham license back in the 90's, I let it expire and now that I'm older wish I didnt because I assume I would have to re learn everything. Perhaps GMRS would be best.
Yeah, you may have to retake some stuff, but hey, if i can do it i bet you can!
I just received my 2. Gmrs G11s. Baofeng. Just reading try to use it Then. get a license. Will get a more powerful. Next. So any information on how to use it correctly. Love to get a hand held ham. Also and a license for that. It all takes time. Renton Washington. Area.
Vickie, i havnt worked with the G11 model, so i have no advice on that. But be sure to search for local ham clubs, i bet there are some and they likely have some way to contact them. They may becfamiliare withvthe G11, and they can certaily help you get a ham license. Enjoy!!
Easy sub - I'm new to GMRS , gleaning info from YT - you was very helpful - thank you - I recently received the KG UV9G pro ... Ordered my wife the KG 916 ..... Any thoughts ?? The reviews on those were good ( that I saw) - thanks again 😁
I have not used that radio before, but i hear good things. Enjoy!
Great content! Had a question? If I’m on my gmrs radio, and someone’s on a non gmrs two way radio what channels can I use on my gmrs radio to communicate with them? Thank you!
Well, if they are on a non gmrs frequency how would you hear them? Any two users need to share identical frequencies if they want to communicate
It IS my best option...
Looking for the Old Breaker 19 mobile experience.. but without the Static.. Seems not much activity on GMRS, although I just received the BTech 50 yesterday. I am a Ham (KI4Z) so the license isn't a problem. Thoughts on open road GMRS activity across the highways?
Did truckers switch to GMRS? Where is Smokey?
There are some who tell me they hear gmrs chatter on the highways, maybe they're scanning? I dont hear much, but in my part of Iowa uhf isnt a great way to stay in touch unless you've got some elevation on your antenna or can work through a local repeater. With 50w on your new rig I'm betting you can get some chatter going, put a 5/8 antenna on that and you'll be in great shape for rf!
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 truckers would need to agree on a GMRS trucker channel. Truck stops would need to allocate some shelf space to GMRS equipment. Until that happens, CB will dominate the trucker genre. BTW I have a KG-1000 and several handheld units. I love the idea of truckers using GMRS but it will be a tough sell to push CB outta the way
Could any antenna with two wire work? I have a home made TV antenna on roof. Can I tap that style?
No Mojo, it will need to be tuned to the GMRS frequencies. Antennas must be "resonant" to the particular frequencies you'll be transmitting on, and the length of antennas is the largest part of that proper tuning.
GMRS antennas are available on Amazon and many places online. Or you can build your own learning what is needed from RUclips perhaps.
Maybe i should do a video about antennas? 🤔
I live next to high voltage power lines. Will that affect radio reception and transition.
It may, to varying degrees. But don't let it hinder you from trying. Most likely you'll becable to enjoy communication using a handheld. If you install an exterior antenna be carel not to contact any power lines.
Hola, soy de Puerto Rico hay alguna manera de obtener sus videos subtítulos en español? Puerto Rico es un país muy propenso a Huracanes, terremotos y ahora se añaden tornados. Somos un grupo de personas interesados en sus enseñanzas y obtener la licencia, si nos podría ayudar. Gracias y Bendiciones
I'm sorry, i do not know how to provide Spanish sub-titles.
Thank you for the kind comments.
Kelly
I idea...
You can copy the text "transcript" and use Google to translate. You may even be able to see the transcript in yourvpreferred language.
I bought a BF GM 15pro
Could please show how to use it?
I’m a beginner
I will look for a radio club in my area.
Thank you.
Thanks for the request. I don't happen to own one of those radios though, so i can't currently make that happen. There are a few good videos out there aleady though, I'd suggest searching them out.
Good on you regarding the radio club search, i hope it goes well! 🤠
Great info. When I talk on my gmrs, sometimes I hear myself back. Can you help. Thanks
Thanks Peter.
Hearing yourself back 🤔?
Well, assuming you don't have more than one radio on in the room, i cant say i know what that is. You shouldn't be able to hear anything from yur radio while the PTT is pressed. Are you operating on a repeater, or simplex?
Maybe someone else here has an answer?
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 it's on the repeater. It only happened 3×. Just wondering why. No other radios and its when I let go the ptt. Thank you
can i listen to others on larger distance radio with the gmrs 5 watt?
You can listen to others who are further away who are on any frequency that your radio will receive. Using an external antenna mounted high on the roof can help receive from further away.
GRMS is for friends and family, no Sad Hams allowed.
Ok by me. I don't know many sad hams, and the few i do know want nothing to do with GMRS.
1:09 "Tough luck on you" That's a good attitude. I'm guessing you are using a phone to record. Just change the setting for the front facing camera, all fixed.
Hey thats cool! Took me a bit to find that setting cuz its not labeled the same on my camera, but done! Much appreciated!
"sorry flat earthers"
wrqy733- Does anyone know where I can get some schooling concerning my gmrs ht in the Boston Massachusetts area!!!? Thanks- Mr Desperate!!!
I'd suggest going to MyGMRS.com and searching the boston area for repeaters. If you can transmit ask for help, most folks are anxious to share knowledge. If you cant transmit, then listen and write down call sighs. If any of those folks seem helpful you can look them up on the fcc site and give them a call or email.
Hint, you tube answers most anything baofeng.
Just get 2 corn cans and 100 ft of string you talk long way. 😂😂😂
Nice hat.
Ha, thanks!
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 Good video, too. My Tidradio GMRS handheld is coming tomorrow (it's a rebranded and slightly modified Baofeng). I'm also planning to take the ham test soon -- I let my Advanced expire back in the '80s. Looks like there's only Tech, General and Extra these days.
@@theroguetomato5362 good luck with your test and enjoy your radio!!
@@kobblekraftka0kao29 Thank you! Keep making great videos!
What is cobblecraft?
It's my broad generalization of piecing things together from stuff most people disregard.
Sometimes its fixing some mechanical thing using old bits of discarded stuff. Other times its discussing concepts based on old ideas or present observations.
Got my GMRS license March 16th. WRWQ208. Although I have a UV5R and a F8HP, I went to Radioddity and got a GM-30. Very affordable radio and nice addition to my HT collection.
Larry KE5OA/WRWQ208
Way to go Larry!
Suscrito
Thanks for subscribing
I know Kelly personally and you just made the best choice of your life.
No GMRS repeaters here such a shame as many areas not have them also.
Do you have friends who run GMRS?
When we started i had a few. We started a loose group and gathered a few more. With about 15 peoplexwe raised enough $ between us to put together a repeater system.
There is no curvature dude. Great video though.
😉 tell my RF propogation that. 😉
Thanks for watching and your kind comment. 🤠
Interesting video. Now do fire fighters and police need these licenses because they use radios all day?
They do not use the same frequencies, the "band" of frequencies they use are specifically designated for their particular use, and any unauthorized users can get in serious trouble for transmitting on those frequencies.
LMAO!! Dude! Everything is backwards.
did you k1ll John Wayne?
😂🤣 I'm impressed that you recognize the cavalry-styled head band! 🤠
It's getting more and more like CB radio every day, sad. 😔
That is sad.
We dont catch much of that here locally, but i hear a lot of ducting off the great lakes when weather is just right (im in Iowa btw). Those golks get some real rag chews going, but they fairly well keep to fcc rules.
Why encourage people to buy radios that are illegal to use on GMRS frequencies? If caught using them by the FCC will cause them to lose their license(s) and possibly have to pay a fine. A legal GMRS radio is very affordable and better quality than the UVxx radios.
Sad ham 😢
Just got into gmrs. Tk8180 radio and a midland 32” antenna for the truck!! Installing this weekend
Tell us more please! What steered you toward these products, and are they working well for you?
Thanks gor watching!