I have both types of radios like you. GMRS is best for groups of people such as Jeep clubs, families camping, groups of people doing a function. That is what it was designed for. Ham, is more of a hobby. It can be used for emergency comms, like ARES (I am an ARES member) but it is MOSTLY used for fun, contesting and DXing etc. Its more of a lifestyle for some. GMRS is more for people who just want to stay in touch and don't care about radio theory and taking tests etc. I see both sides of the issue. In the 70s I had a CB radio (like everyone else). That was AM communication and it was very noisy and obnoxious. Now CB has gone FM. I have not been around CB for about 50 years so I don't know if its any better. It used to give me a headache. You put out some good info for new folks.
New to the channel. You provided a excellent video. I'm new to GMRS and just not sure what I can do. You gave me a starting point. Thank you see you on the air.
Please email me if you have any questions. Excited that this could be helpful and I want you to be supported in your radio journey. swampfoxoverland@gmail.com
Great explination, I am new in the GMRS and just learning, I have 2 UHF ham radios and one GMRS hand radio. Thank you for the explanation. I hope I can figure this out, I have an antenna for the car but right now I connected to my handheld with an adapter, but I think because the antenna is inside my garage the signal doesn't go out. WSES679
UHF Radio is line of sight. Any obstruction has the ability to degrade the signal. Especially in GMRS, this is something that can happen very easily because of the properties of this specific wavelength.
GMRS is a good radio option (IMO) partly because functionally, it's identical to Ham. By that, I mean you program it the same way, including the programming and use of repeaters. That means that if you decide to move up to Ham, you already understand the "mechanics" of getting up and running. It's really just a matter of getting a Ham radio, programming it to your satisfaction, and you're up and running. Obviously, there's a lot more to Ham, but you're already ready to start doing some basic stuff. And for people who never want to become Hams, it's a good option because it's so useful in ordinary situations, the license is cheap, and there's no test required. A win all the way around.
Thank you so much for watching! GMRS is a great radio service. Will release one of my classes very soon that will goucbore in depth, so stay tuned. Thank you for subbing and supporting!
I was very surprised that in Florida, even the ham repeaters were kind of quiet during the hurricanes. GMRS is certainly much more prevalent in mountainous regions. Ham is a much more lucrative option in Florida because of its flatness. HF ham radio tends to be the ticket for Florida from the guys that i talk to
For GMRS, not long. I studied Ham Radio much more and had to tackle a lot of science. So from that point, I got much more detailed in my knowledge for radio in general. Stay tuned for the release of one of my classes that goes much more in depth.
They seem to only process the applications business days. What happens is once they've processed your application a nightly process of sort runs and the email comes in around 2-4am (mine came in at 3:30am eastern). The email contains a link to a PDF document which has your call sign. If you submitted your application yesterday (Friday) I would expect it to take a little longer than "normal" as this is a Fed holiday weekend. So maybe Wednesday ~3am you'll see an email. I did my application on a Friday night and got my email Tuesday morning, but it wasnt a holiday that monday.
Please take this as constructive criticism. I hold 2 FCC licenses myself yet I would never call myself an expert. From my non-expert response here are incorrect statements you have made with my responses. More power does not mean more distance...as a fellow ham this is basic info you had to know to pass your test. I don't live on a flat land, but I get out as far on 4w as I do on 30-40w. UHF is line of sight dependent, no sight = not getting out well. Trees, building and valleys tend to absorb. Is there a difference between 6w and 30w...yes it cleans up the signal but if you are in a valley you are not getting out without the help of a repeater above you within your line of sight. That magnet mount statement claiming that the ground plain helps receive signals...is wrong. The main reason for the magnet mount is to hold on to a surface when driving. You can connect speaker wire and still receive, just not as well and reflection on the surface has nothing to do with RX in this application with a mobile. The ground plane may help reflect a signal OUT and improve your resonance if your antenna is not cut for the frequency perfectly...or if you have a compromised weird antenna that is dependent on the reflection like the scammy looking cantennas , but some antennas (normal whip) are balanced enough and do not need it.There have been some tests by non experts so did not see their SWR change enough on UHF to make it as important of a thing people make it out to be...for some people they can get out on their wooden or glass surface on their porch without issue. Think about this, where is the ground plane on your HT radio...does SWR matter at that point? How about the portable man packs that use HT or roll up antennas. As for comparing the two radios, do just made it more confusing by pressing random buttons and not explaining the differences well. Both radios are the same, the only technical difference is the firmware / software blocking GMRS from keying up on the ham, murs and business frequencies..a simple unlock sequence makes it open as it's an FCC requirement...even a radio with a VFO is not technicality ok for GMRS. I have grammar and spelling issues on this post..that's ok.
@@zeroUnitygain Well I'm not a ham and the constant regurgitation of "more power means more range" irks me to no end. It was that same utter BS that Midland claimed in order to dupe gullible Jeep Jamboree attendees into thinking their line of mediocre GMRS radios were the new hotness. I have a GMRS radio and an FM CB radio in my truck. Range is basically identical for simplex(non-repeater assisted) communications despite a potential 46w difference. In fact CB often works better in dense foliage, like you'd find off road, because the lower frequency isn't as easily attenuated and is partially carried as a ground wave. More watts don't increase range for VHF or UHF, they just make you louder than the other guy. Sadly you can't be one of the cool 'overlanders' unless you're are running around pushing 50w on channels 15-22 just to talk to other vehicles a few hundred yards away or spotters 20 feet away(both in violation of the rules, BTW). Hell, the really cool guys are using non GMRS legal radios(like that Anytone) and well over 5w on the low power channels too. Throw in the tactitards using illegal digital modes, all the half baked simplex repeaters and pretty soon the service will be as useless as AM CB. But hey, you do you boo and write off anything that's beyond your simplistic comprehension as the ramblings of a 'sad ham'. Why actually learn something when you can more easily make a feeble attempt to insult someone?
I have both types of radios like you. GMRS is best for groups of people such as Jeep clubs, families camping, groups of people doing a function. That is what it was designed for. Ham, is more of a hobby. It can be used for emergency comms, like ARES (I am an ARES member) but it is MOSTLY used for fun, contesting and DXing etc. Its more of a lifestyle for some. GMRS is more for people who just want to stay in touch and don't care about radio theory and taking tests etc. I see both sides of the issue. In the 70s I had a CB radio (like everyone else). That was AM communication and it was very noisy and obnoxious. Now CB has gone FM. I have not been around CB for about 50 years so I don't know if its any better. It used to give me a headache. You put out some good info for new folks.
@@daveengstrom9250 totally agree with you. Thank you for watching!
New to the channel. You provided a excellent video. I'm new to GMRS and just not sure what I can do. You gave me a starting point. Thank you see you on the air.
Please email me if you have any questions. Excited that this could be helpful and I want you to be supported in your radio journey. swampfoxoverland@gmail.com
Thanks for the video
Of course! Will be releasing a much more in depth video from one of my classes soon, so stay tuned!
Dude. Great info.
Thank you. Dropping a more in depth class that I just taught yesterday. Will post the video soon
Great explination, I am new in the GMRS and just learning, I have 2 UHF ham radios and one GMRS hand radio. Thank you for the explanation. I hope I can figure this out, I have an antenna for the car but right now I connected to my handheld with an adapter, but I think because the antenna is inside my garage the signal doesn't go out. WSES679
your right it wont.
UHF Radio is line of sight. Any obstruction has the ability to degrade the signal. Especially in GMRS, this is something that can happen very easily because of the properties of this specific wavelength.
Very good thanks! N2HAM
Hi from Savannah GA !
Hello and thank you for watching!
GMRS is a good radio option (IMO) partly because functionally, it's identical to Ham. By that, I mean you program it the same way, including the programming and use of repeaters. That means that if you decide to move up to Ham, you already understand the "mechanics" of getting up and running. It's really just a matter of getting a Ham radio, programming it to your satisfaction, and you're up and running. Obviously, there's a lot more to Ham, but you're already ready to start doing some basic stuff. And for people who never want to become Hams, it's a good option because it's so useful in ordinary situations, the license is cheap, and there's no test required. A win all the way around.
Totally agree. Especially in mountainous areas, GMRS is used as much or sometimes more than ham. Great practical option.
Thanks for info. I'm retired & just got my GMRS license. I purchased the Ailunce HA1G. Are you familiar with this system? Btw, i sub'd.
Thank you so much for watching! GMRS is a great radio service. Will release one of my classes very soon that will goucbore in depth, so stay tuned. Thank you for subbing and supporting!
Great overview - I'll save this to send to people when they ask the question. Me - KJ5HEF and WSED742
and me W R X N 824 Minnesota
Thank you! I'll be dropping a much more in depth class that we just taught very shortly. Keep your eyes out for the video premiere!
Not worth a darn during the last two hurricanes in Florida.
I was able to relay messages with the Sheriff's department using my CB base.
I was very surprised that in Florida, even the ham repeaters were kind of quiet during the hurricanes. GMRS is certainly much more prevalent in mountainous regions. Ham is a much more lucrative option in Florida because of its flatness. HF ham radio tends to be the ticket for Florida from the guys that i talk to
How many years did it take for you to learn this?
For GMRS, not long. I studied Ham Radio much more and had to tackle a lot of science. So from that point, I got much more detailed in my knowledge for radio in general. Stay tuned for the release of one of my classes that goes much more in depth.
so how long does it take to get your call sign or number i am a newbe and just paid throught the fcc web site
I think it took close to a week to get my call sign.
I'm waiting on mine also.
They seem to only process the applications business days. What happens is once they've processed your application a nightly process of sort runs and the email comes in around 2-4am (mine came in at 3:30am eastern). The email contains a link to a PDF document which has your call sign. If you submitted your application yesterday (Friday) I would expect it to take a little longer than "normal" as this is a Fed holiday weekend. So maybe Wednesday ~3am you'll see an email. I did my application on a Friday night and got my email Tuesday morning, but it wasnt a holiday that monday.
For GMRS approximtely 3 business days
I got my paper three days after doing it over the phone and received it on the phone got mine in 2023
Please take this as constructive criticism. I hold 2 FCC licenses myself yet I would never call myself an expert. From my non-expert response here are incorrect statements you have made with my responses. More power does not mean more distance...as a fellow ham this is basic info you had to know to pass your test. I don't live on a flat land, but I get out as far on 4w as I do on 30-40w. UHF is line of sight dependent, no sight = not getting out well. Trees, building and valleys tend to absorb. Is there a difference between 6w and 30w...yes it cleans up the signal but if you are in a valley you are not getting out without the help of a repeater above you within your line of sight. That magnet mount statement claiming that the ground plain helps receive signals...is wrong. The main reason for the magnet mount is to hold on to a surface when driving. You can connect speaker wire and still receive, just not as well and reflection on the surface has nothing to do with RX in this application with a mobile. The ground plane may help reflect a signal OUT and improve your resonance if your antenna is not cut for the frequency perfectly...or if you have a compromised weird antenna that is dependent on the reflection like the scammy looking cantennas , but some antennas (normal whip) are balanced enough and do not need it.There have been some tests by non experts so did not see their SWR change enough on UHF to make it as important of a thing people make it out to be...for some people they can get out on their wooden or glass surface on their porch without issue. Think about this, where is the ground plane on your HT radio...does SWR matter at that point? How about the portable man packs that use HT or roll up antennas. As for comparing the two radios, do just made it more confusing by pressing random buttons and not explaining the differences well. Both radios are the same, the only technical difference is the firmware / software blocking GMRS from keying up on the ham, murs and business frequencies..a simple unlock sequence makes it open as it's an FCC requirement...even a radio with a VFO is not technicality ok for GMRS. I have grammar and spelling issues on this post..that's ok.
Thank you and I appreciate the feedback
I think his intent was to explain the basics to folks that are looking for an answer to what the system really is.
Sad ham…
A good basic intro, thanks.
@@zeroUnitygain Well I'm not a ham and the constant regurgitation of "more power means more range" irks me to no end. It was that same utter BS that Midland claimed in order to dupe gullible Jeep Jamboree attendees into thinking their line of mediocre GMRS radios were the new hotness. I have a GMRS radio and an FM CB radio in my truck. Range is basically identical for simplex(non-repeater assisted) communications despite a potential 46w difference. In fact CB often works better in dense foliage, like you'd find off road, because the lower frequency isn't as easily attenuated and is partially carried as a ground wave. More watts don't increase range for VHF or UHF, they just make you louder than the other guy.
Sadly you can't be one of the cool 'overlanders' unless you're are running around pushing 50w on channels 15-22 just to talk to other vehicles a few hundred yards away or spotters 20 feet away(both in violation of the rules, BTW). Hell, the really cool guys are using non GMRS legal radios(like that Anytone) and well over 5w on the low power channels too. Throw in the tactitards using illegal digital modes, all the half baked simplex repeaters and pretty soon the service will be as useless as AM CB.
But hey, you do you boo and write off anything that's beyond your simplistic comprehension as the ramblings of a 'sad ham'. Why actually learn something when you can more easily make a feeble attempt to insult someone?