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! 🇺🇲

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)

I’ve been trying to understand gmrs vs ham for the last 35 KZreadrs but you are the first and best explaner and I understand it completely now

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@george-ev1dq

Ай бұрын

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.

@daveh6179

Ай бұрын

@@george-ev1dq hi, we also have GMRS, as I have a license issued by ofcom for £75 for five years. All the best.

@SilentGloves

Ай бұрын

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.

@ronb6182

14 күн бұрын

​@@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

New to gmrs just got my gmrs license Monday trying to understand and this video made it simple 👍

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.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

This guy gets it

@Gundog55

2 ай бұрын

I think this includes grandkids too

@danielwymer1580

2 ай бұрын

Actually, it’s for the immediate family. Only, that’s people that live in your household only.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

@@danielwymer1580 where is that clarified in the rule?

@joeglennaz

Ай бұрын

@@danielwymer1580 I read it to be everyone, including first cousins

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 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!

@TrailTraveler

16 күн бұрын

I do my best. Thanks!

Very good explanation on how to use it. Thanks

Excellent presentation, thank you!

UK here, excellent video that explains a lot.

Excellent video. Thank you!

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

Good Day. Excellent tutorial on GMRS. Interesting and clearly explained. Thank You Very Much & Best Regards. I just subscribed.

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.

Very helpful. Thank you!

Helpful for me, thanks

Great job! I’m a ham radio operator, awesome explanation.

Very informative. Great video

Thanks for all the information.

I used my P-Touch to put my call sign on the radio. I would never remember it otherwise :)

@Barracuda48082

Ай бұрын

I wrote my call on medical white tape, stuck over speaker/ battery and ya can't go wrong

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.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Excellent point

@SetitesTechAdventures

Ай бұрын

How do you figure that out? Is there a name for this repeater hopping feature?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

@@SetitesTechAdventures split tones

@dennishenderson4226

12 күн бұрын

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.

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.

@dennisjones8991

Ай бұрын

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.

@WraithBlackthorn

Ай бұрын

@@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.

@cathyrowling111

26 күн бұрын

@@WraithBlackthorn Deflect much? This ids NOT ABOUT TRAFFIC or DRIVING HABITS. Its about FCC LAWS.

@WraithBlackthorn

26 күн бұрын

@@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...

@WraithBlackthorn

26 күн бұрын

@@cathyrowling111 @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...

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!

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

We are working on an "advanced guide to GMRS" right now

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.

Thank you for your video.

Good job

Thank You.

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!

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

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 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.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

Dead on accurate there

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..

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.

@TrailTraveler

20 күн бұрын

Beg to differ. If you do t have an understanding of electronics, you will struggle with it

@ThereseBrosnan

18 күн бұрын

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

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

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Yes, I was referring to Metro 600. On my Midland MXT500 in my Jeep I can hit it from Loveland

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.

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.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

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.

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 .

This video shou.d be mandatory for all getting or wanting to getting thier license

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?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Nope, there is no test for GMRS

@russellwcarey

Ай бұрын

@@TrailTraveler Unless you consider navigating the FCC's website, and figuring out HOW to apply and pay for the GMRS license the test, perhaps?

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.

@TrailTraveler

18 күн бұрын

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?

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).

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?

@TrailTraveler

15 күн бұрын

Family members can share a call sign and you can use a designator if you like such as WYZ123-Base or WYZ123-Kerry

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.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

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.

Is the TIDRADIO H8 GMRS Radio a good choice?

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 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 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.

New to GMRS just got my license. If you are on one of the FRS channels, is it required to state your call sign?

@TrailTraveler

21 күн бұрын

If you are using an FRS radio, no. A GMRS radio has higher output, then yes.

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.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Not that I know of. You would has e to contact the fcc and ask

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.

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 ?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

If he is your son, then you can share one callsign

What GMRS radio do you recommend for emergencies in an urban environment?

@TrailTraveler

25 күн бұрын

My favorite handheld is the Ailunce HA1G because it seems to be the most rugged and waterproof of the radios I have tested.

At 11:40 you mention a link to the 10 codes, I do not see that link, Thank You

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.

@butchpope9472

2 ай бұрын

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.

@ThereseBrosnan

19 күн бұрын

Second that encouragement for keeping open to the ham tier. GMRS is an excellent entry to radios and many expand interest from there

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?

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

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.

@CzechSixTv

2 ай бұрын

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.

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?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

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’m a newbie I bought 2 tidradio td-h3 How do I use them to communicate between the 2 radios ?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Be on the same channel. Push the push-to-talk button. They should be all ready to go.

Broadcast means to me a one-way transmission. Two-way communication should be correctly referred to transmitting, not broadcasting.

What's the diff between: BAOFENG GMRS Radio GM-15 Pro and BAOFENG GMRS 9R PRO

What is the antenna you are using on the mobile radio sitting next to you.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

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

Does the family member you're speaking to need to use the license holder's call sign when replying?

@TrailTraveler

14 күн бұрын

If you are sharing the call sign, you can optionally use identifiers like WXY123-Mobile or WXY123-Ken

@paolosasso2189

14 күн бұрын

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.

How does your family use the radio with the call sign in your name?

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

Your immediate family all uses the same call sign

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.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

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.

@SM0R3S

Ай бұрын

@@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.

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.

So say I wanna check the home front what is my wife call sign the same as mine ? What’s proper etiquette ??

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Correct, you both use the same call sign. I would do “ mobile for home” or something like that

Hi. So what would you recommend if the grid goes down?

@TrailTraveler

27 күн бұрын

A generator. If you need long range emergency comms, then HAM is the best option

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!

@TrailTraveler

27 күн бұрын

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”

@jpsmorgasbordsafetyandmore3403

27 күн бұрын

@@TrailTraveler okay that works! Thanks. The Same principle.

@jpsmorgasbordsafetyandmore3403

26 күн бұрын

❤ 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

Single sideband is legal. I run both CB on single sideband & GMRS.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

It wasn't SSB that I meant to call out, it was that every single person I knew using SSB was using illegal amps.

Sideband is legal on cb radio. Started on cb then got my ham license, hope gmrs will be next.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

The problem wasn’t sideband, it was that everyone I knew doing side and was also using illegal amps

@marcusalancate1782

Ай бұрын

That doesn't make ssb illegal as you stated. ​@@TrailTraveler

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

@@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.

I'm confused, what is the point in a 40 watt GMRS radio, when the FCC limits the output to 5 watts.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

That's not correct. Channels 15 and up are allowed up to 50w.

I have no clue how to work my gmrs, do you know of any 101 how to work the radio

@TrailTraveler

10 күн бұрын

It’s going to depend on the radio, they are all a bit different.

Where is the best place to study for a ham license? Need a good enjoyable learning site

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

I wish I knew, I’m with you on this one.

Can a FCC General Radio Telephone license Grand father you in on any of these?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

I have never seen any mention of that

If you are calling a family member who is covered under your license what is their call number?

@TrailTraveler

26 күн бұрын

Same as yours. You can add onto that with things like - Unit 1, - Base/Mobile/Remote/etc or something else that works for you.

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

If I'm talking to my wife on another radio, and I have a license, are we both going to state the same callsign?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Yes. You could use -unit x, or -mobile/base, or just the callsign

@thebiggestoneyouveverhad

Ай бұрын

@@TrailTraveler thanks! That part wasn't clear to me.

Medical white tape works wonders with black marker.

Will family members have separate call sign?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

No, you all use the same call sign if you are under the same license.

@kevincoleman1010

Ай бұрын

@@TrailTraveler thanks much. Now I just have to figure out how to use them.

How many watts of power would I need to cover 6 to 10 Miles?

@TrailTraveler

26 күн бұрын

It really isn't about the wattage, it is all about having a good antenna and line of sight. I can do 8 watts and hit our repeater that is 35 miles away, but I have a pretty clean line to it. In other conditions, I might not make it 2-3 miles if there are obstructions.

@WallaceHelmke-hb3vy

24 күн бұрын

So something like 15 watts and a decent antenna would probably be sufficient for a Long road trip between several vehicles?

@TrailTraveler

24 күн бұрын

@@WallaceHelmke-hb3vy If you are going with handhelds, the max output is 5w, we find that to be sufficient when convoying with other vehicles.

@WallaceHelmke-hb3vy

24 күн бұрын

Ok what ones would you recommend. We would like to use them on the lake ones we get there since there’s no reception.

@TrailTraveler

24 күн бұрын

@@WallaceHelmke-hb3vy This is my personal favorite since it is waterproof and rugged: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pWp3rrCsiZesaJc.html

"Now let's talk about choosing a ham radio" - I thought you were talking about GMRS. 15:03

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Good catch, I flubbed that line up huh

What is the downside to just buying and using the radio without a license?

@TrailTraveler

12 күн бұрын

If caught by the fcc you could face a fine

Since when are big antennas and SSB illegal on 11 meters?

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

As I have said multiple times. In the many, many years I have used CB, I have never known anyone that used SSB who didn't have an illegal amp. SSB in and of itself is not illegal, but a good percentage of the people who use it, or at least used to, were doing so illegally.

can canadians get the GMRS license to use gmrs mobile while in the US?

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

I honestly don't know the answer to that

Repeaters aren't legal in Canada.

All repeaters need band pass filters on both the transmitter and receiver to prevent receiver desensing. Connecting 2 radios together would not work as a repeater.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

The RA87 only requires a simple cable between them to use them as repeaters.. This is a cool feature of that radio.

@DCDura

Ай бұрын

​@@TrailTraveler Is it then a Simplex Repeater? In and out, but not duplex.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

@@DCDurait should be duplex because it uses one radio to receive and one to transmit

propagation with good antenna CB can go world wide 4watts

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

While simultaneously not being able to talk across town

@macuser2469

Ай бұрын

@@TrailTraveler we use cb like a phone system here local or long also you can't send pics SSTV or Live video ATV , nor packet APRS . GMRS its nice but limited and the tech exam, is so simple most people cant flunk

gmrs is the grownups version of frs 😅 also known as the baby version of ham

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

Funny way of putting it, but I don't disagree :)

The biggest deterrent to getting into the radio scene or even caring at all about "doing it right" is the astounding amount of douchbaggery to be found amongst the users.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

I have not experienced that a single time with the local GMRS community here in Colorado. The people are super friendly and amazingly helpful.

I was told frs does not require a license

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

Correct, it does not

@CzechSixTv

2 ай бұрын

No license is required to use any of the 22 shared GMRS/FRS frequencies 𝙄𝙁 you are using an FCC Part 95B approved radio. Only narrow band radios that produce less than 2w ERP and have fixed antennas are approved under part 95B. If you are using a Part 95A or 95E GMRS radio, regardless of the frequency/channel/power, a license is required.

not sure why u are pushing against CB... i have a GNRS station and licened, and also a CB shack as well. living in the woods of Maine, I found that the CB radios i use, i have made more friends and contacts, than waiting for a dead airwaves of anyone even operating on GMRS.. like i say, i run both and the GMRS is not at all busy..

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

Keep in mind that this is an off-roading focused channel. When you are in the mountains/woods, CB is a horrible choice for comms. If you have trees or hills separating you from another vehicle CB falls short very quickly. There is also a regional aspect to it. I know CB is still very popular in some parts of the country, and it is damned near non-existent in others. Here in Colorado, it is almost a 100% certainty that people will show up on a trail with a GMRS radio, but only 2 people in the past 5 years have shown up with only a CB.

@Maine307

2 ай бұрын

makes 100% !!!!!!! totally getit ..location location location..cheers!@@TrailTraveler

@CzechSixTv

2 ай бұрын

@@TrailTraveler A properly set up CB generally works better, or at least just as well, here in the woods east of the Mississippi. This is because CB produces surface wave RF that can follow the contours of our typically more conductive terrain to some degree and HF is less prone to attenuation by dense foliage compared to UHF. GMRS is strictly line of sight with near zero surface wave propagation. I say this as a GMRS repeater owner and someone with over 20 years experience using both.

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!

15 is GMRS

I'm not lazy, I have very selective motivation.

thanks, ham sucks the old guys dont want to teach any more!! got the ham book and cant get them to give the test

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

I haven't had a good enough reason to get my HAM license. It's really its own hobby that I have no reason to get into.

@mikemcdonald5147

Ай бұрын

a shame each area is different. Luckily where I live alot more young guys and the old guys love teaching them. Im in Georgia USA but im sure its different everywhere.

CB Antennas and sideband are legal. Amplifiers aren't....

New FRS radios are 2 Watts and there are 14 channels.

@TrailTraveler

Ай бұрын

That is not entirely true. FRS and GMRS share all 22 channels and some of the FRS channels (8-14) are limited to 0.5w Source: www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs

It's easier to get a ham license than a passport... I got one and I'm 79yo........

@TrailTraveler

Күн бұрын

That is so incredibly not true. A passport was incredibly easy and I didn't have to study electronics theory to get it.

10 codes actually are very common in radio traffic, ask any firefighter or cop. Its a lot easier to say 705 is 10/8, 10,19. Than to spell out the fact that you are in a specific vehicle, going out of radio service, and are at your home base. It is also better than telling the world you are stopping to take a leak or you want the radio operator to notify the coroner. If you look carefully at the 10 codes you will get a better idea why they exist.

Sideband is LEGAL on a CB radio. Amps are not.

@TrailTraveler

2 ай бұрын

As I have mentioned several times. I’ve also, in using CB for 41 years, never meet anyone doing sideband that didn’t have an illegal amp.

He says 600 but should say GMRS channel 17

@TrailTraveler

27 күн бұрын

When I say "monitoring 600", it is actually correct as the name of the repeater is Metro 600 so it is common practice to say it this way. If we said "monitoring channel 17" that would also not be entirely correct since we are using split tones on the repeater and thus are not exactly on channel 17. Someone who is on 17 can hear me transmit locally, but they would not hear the repeater broadcast nor would I hear them if they keyed down.

Open Channel D.

If I'm not mistaken, GMRS can NOT legally transmit on FRS channels if the (GMRS radio) puts out over 1/2 watt or has a removable antenna. That's why FRS and GMRS radios have different frequencies, the radio's have to follow their own set of manufactured requirements, non removable antenna and power output being the 2 biggest.