Getting a GMRS License

[user3568]

I am going to apply for a GMRS license for use of my radios I bought. They are UHF Radios 5W power. I am just wondering once I get this license how to I program the radio. Will the FCC give me the frequency, how do I avoid taking someones frequency.

We dont have a repeater that covers are area, at least I think because I checked mygmrs.com and none came up with the circle over our area. We just plan to use them for when doing yard work or work which requires communicating between rooms where cellphones would not be practical.

Our zip code is 60185 if that helps.

 

[nd5y]

If you don't know how to program the radio, you need to specify what kind of radio and programming software you have or else nobody will be able to help you.

If all you need is the GMRS frequencies, they are listed at: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Other information can be found at
FCC GMRS info page: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | FCC.gov
FCC rules for GMRS: eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

 

[user3568]

Thank you for your reply. I have the software installed on my pc. I have the Baofeng BF-888, using the factory OEM software v1.05.

The fields that I am given to enter are as follows:

RX Freq (MHz)

CTC/DCS DEC

TX Freq (MHz)

CTC/DCS DEC

W/N

TX Power

Scramble

 

[W8RMH]

A GMRS license allows you to operate on any GMRS frequency. You will not be licensed for a certain frequency like a commercial license would.

If you are going to apply for a license I strongly suggest you read the rules.

 

[hhrj]

Doesn't sound like your intended use would require a license since a pair of FRS bubble packs would probably work fine. Why waste the money?

 

[b7spectra]

Now, at the risk of the SAPS (Self Appointed Police/Sheriffs) blasting away, look at getting a Field Programmable radio. No cables, no software, just a keypad and away you go. Yes, a lot of them may not be 100% FCC certified, but IMHO, the FCC have a lot more things to worry about than if you are using a Chinese radio. And then the hams will tell you to get a amateur license and that way you can use what ever type radio you want on ham bands.

5 watt portable will get you a couple mile range on them in simplex mode. A 40 watt mobile with a high gain antenna will expand that out to about 8-10 miles depending on terrain. Being in W. Chicago, you should have access to plenty of repeaters, just check with the owners first.

Check out https://www.mygmrs.com/ for more info.

 

[RandyKnowles]

user3568 -

There is a monster GMRS repeater on a 500' tower near Morris, Illinois that covers West Chicago very nicely. You would have to make arrangements with the owner but he's a good guy. My brother-in-law uses his system from time to tiem and so do I and my wife when we visit my brother-in-law. If you are still serious about getting on a GMRS repeater, there are also others that cover West Chicago. Oswego has a more local system and there are at least 2 downtown GMRS repeaters, also. Let me know if you need more information.

Randy Knowles, KAA 8142