Time to move on to GMRS

[Kofoed]

I thought it was just me having issues with that FCC website… we’ll see how it goes when my HAM license is up late next year. I plan on keeping that active.

I got so frustrated with the online ham renewal, I printed out the Form 605 (or whatever it was) filled it out the best I could and sent it in without $$$. 3 weeks later I have my license. Of course, this was at teh height of Covid hysteria

 

[Kofoed]

I agree with what you said @izzyandsue technically. The fact that my wife or friend or whoever, can log in and buy a GMRS license and buy a radio from their phones at home is a big advantage. Not a single friend or family member I have talked to has interest in studying and scheduling a test for a HAM license (no matter how easy it is). I think GMRS is great because it’s the best performance for the least burden.

Just freaking boot leg. I was in the Death Valley area, mountain-topping....and on the default 2m freq that Baofengs are set, I heard all sorts of comm and no call signs.

 

[Rgill]

it's been a while since I looked at this but I am under the impression that there is a band(s?) for GMRS where you don't need a license. Or was it that you don't need a license if less than a certain power but do need it for more? How does this work again?

You need a license but you don't need to test for license. You pay a fee and get issued a FCC GRMS license with your call sign. Not the same as a walkie talkie from a box store.

 

[BurntToast]

You need a license but you don't need to test for license. You pay a fee and get issued a FCC GRMS license with your call sign. Not the same as a walkie talkie from a box store.

The “test” is navigating the horrendous FCC website

 

[e9999]

I think I remember the free alternative I was thinking about. It's MURS, no license IIRC. Limitation to something around 2 W from memory, so not a great deal more than FRS, but possibly a better antenna.

On the hardware side, is it still the case that those inexpensive radios like the Baofeng UV-5 etc are not FCC certified for the GMRS bands? IIRC there were some issues with noise?

About GMRS, I hear there are repeaters. Is it like the HAM repeater complicated process or more streamlined?

 

[Rgill]

I think I remember the free alternative I was thinking about. It's MURS, no license IIRC. Limitation to something around 2 W from memory, so not a great deal more than FRS, but possibly a better antenna.

On the hardware side, is it still the case that those inexpensive radios like the Baofeng UV-5 etc are not FCC certified for the GMRS bands? IIRC there were some issues with noise?

About GMRS, I hear there are repeaters. Is it like the HAM repeater complicated process or more streamlined?

Not sure how the repeaters operate but yes you can hit a repeater. I know in Albuquerque, NM there is a GRMS club that is free and you can access the repeaters if your a member. Soon after getting my radio I moved and have not had an opportunity to use it.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Just freaking boot leg. I was in the Death Valley area, mountain-topping....and on the default 2m freq that Baofengs are set, I heard all sorts of comm and no call signs.

The 'call sign every 10 minutes' thing is something I've forgotten more than once.

On the hardware side, is it still the case that those inexpensive radios like the Baofeng UV-5 etc are not FCC certified for the GMRS bands? IIRC there were some issues with noise?

The BF UV5R etc. radios can receive & transmit on GMRS channels, but are not FCC certified. I've read about signal bleeds. Baofeng makes a mobile 50W GMRS radio now that has FCC certification (but I haven't read the fine print).

 

[BurntToast]

The 'call sign every 10 minutes' thing is something I've forgotten more than once.

The BF UV5R etc. radios can receive & transmit on GMRS channels, but are not FCC certified. I've read about signal bleeds. Baofeng makes a mobile 50W GMRS radio now that has FCC certification (but I haven't read the fine print).

I think under the BTECH name, few radios.

I have two Wouxun KG-935Gs on the way, should be testing them this weekend.