GMRS Licensing Help

[GeraldP]

Does anyone know the FCC link to examine the license form that you submitted.

I tried over the weekend, but the CORES (payment) apparently wasn't working. Today, on Monday) was able to make the payment and would like to examine my application submitted since I had so much trouble navigating the FCC site over the weekend.

Thanks

 

[mmckenna]

Try the "License Manager" page.

You'll need your FRN and the password to log in. But you should be able to see the status:

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

Click on "My Applications" on the left side. I think that'll show you want you want.

 

[GeraldP]

Nope, that only showed my Ham Application from years ago. DRAT!!!

I was so frustrated and confused over the weekend that I am not sure I even have the application filed. The FCC has my payment though, I checked my bank account. I just have to wait it out, I guess. Don't you just LOVE the FCC.

THANK YOU, mmckenna

 

[mmckenna]

OK, did you get a file number when you submitted? If so, try this tool to see what the status is:

Application Search

You can try calling the FCC, but your results may vary:
Phone: 1-877-480-3201

 

[GeraldP]

Well, I tried searching by Name and by FRN. It only show old ham stuff from years ago. I have probably screwed up. However, when I submitted payment it did show a file number (which I didn't note down - DUH). The receipt for payment only shows my FRN and not file number.

I can just imagine what a phone call would be like!

I'll just wait it out and see what happens. Any idea how long they take for licensing?

I'm darned sure that I am not buying a radio until a get a license.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[mmckenna]

I'll just wait it out and see what happens. Any idea how long they take for licensing?

Usually overnight or a day or two. I applied for my first GMRS license back in the late 1990's and even then it was online and I think I had it by the next day. I let it expire at some point. About 2-3 years ago I applied for a new one and again, overnight.

If it's not showing by tomorrow morning, try submitting a new application.

 

[GeraldP]

Thanks again. I'll wait as suggested. I just sent them a "HELP, SOS, MAYDAY email" too.

 

[nokones]

Usually overnight or a day or two. I applied for my first GMRS license back in the late 1990's and even then it was online and I think I had it by the next day. I let it expire at some point. About 2-3 years ago I applied for a new one and again, overnight.

If it's not showing by tomorrow morning, try submitting a new application.

Did you have one of those licenses that was a mobile "K" licenses (Kxx1234) that had a restriction for using the 462.675 MHz channel pair for emergencies only, unless you were a REACT monitor, which is known as the travel channel today, and were only allowed two other channel pairs, that would have been grandfathered today before you let it expire?

 

[GeraldP]

Thank you, Kenny. I have never held a GMRS license.

 

[mmckenna]

Did you have one of those licenses that was a mobile "K" licenses (Kxx1234) that had a restriction for using the 462.675 MHz channel pair for emergencies only, unless you were a REACT monitor, which is known as the travel channel today, and were only allowed two other channel pairs, that would have been grandfathered today before you let it expire?

No, it was a few years after that.
I do have some grandfathered GMRS licenses at work (Kxx1234), back when it wasn't restricted to individuals. To this day, those licenses are limited to one frequency pair only.
"A non-individual licensee may operate only on the channel(s) that have been assigned to your station. This license authorizes use of the following channel(s) only: 462.xxx MHZ, and 467.xxx MHZ. "

 

[GeraldP]

Attm. MMckenna: My email to the HELP people at FCC seemed to have worked! YEA.

I'm quite not sure what "pending application" mean, but I'll wait.

Again, I want to thank you for you help. I've seen other posts elsewhere and have respect for your advice!

Best Regards
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary: Confirmation / Status

Description: ( FRN 0002452654. Gerald D. Payton File Number is unk)
I attempted to apply for ZA license last weekend 4/13/24, but I was unable to access CORES for payment. Therefore, I waited till today (Monday 4/15/24 to make payment which I did. My remittance ID 4524094. I am concerned that my application for GRMS completed 4/13/24 may have been lost in my confusion or in need of revision.
Please advise.........THANK YOU

**Please do not reply back to this message. The e-mail address is configured for outgoing e-mail only.**

Good morning,
Somehow you paid for an application that was deleted from ULS. We were able to apply that payment to your pending application, File 0011025548. This should fully process in the next couple of business days.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wtbhelp or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.
Sincerely,
FCC Licensing Support Center
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET, M – F

Ref:MSG14924119
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[nd5y]

I'm quite not sure what "pending application" mean, but I'll wait.

It means an application has been filed but has not yet been processed or acted upon.

 

[mmckenna]

I looked up the file number you listed. It is making its way through the system. Barring any hidden issues, I'd be you'll have your call sign by tomorrow morning.

 

[GeraldP]

Thank you ND5Y and MMcKenna. One non-related to this string, please.

Some channels restrict the power output allowed. Do mobile radios, like Btech GMRS-50V2 with 50w automatically regulate the output if one of these channels are selected - OR - do you have to remember? Thanks again.............

 

[mmckenna]

Some channels restrict the power output allowed. Do mobile radios, like Btech GMRS-50V2 with 50w automatically regulate the output if one of these channels are selected - OR - do you have to remember? Thanks again.............

I don't know. I'd be wary of the CCR's and their ability to follow FCC rules on their own. They may do it, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the licensee, not the radio.

I'd be surprised if those radios will actually do 1/2 watt on the 467 interstitials.

 

[GeraldP]

That's why I am not sure which radio to buy. I am 90 yo and would ONLY want a base station. I've been looking at the GMRS-50v2 from Betech, but open to suggestions.

I know better than ask for "THE BEST", "HOW FAR CAN YOU TALK" or "WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR."

 

[mmckenna]

That's why I am not sure which radio to buy. I am 90 yo and would ONLY want a base station. I've been looking at the GMRS-50v2 from Betech, but open to suggestions.

I know better than ask for "THE BEST", "HOW FAR CAN YOU TALK" or "WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR."

This is where there is a challenge in the GMRS field.

There are no good "ready to go out of the box" GMRS mobile radios.

Midland has a few, but they are not perfect.
You are wise to be concerned about the Cheap Chinese Radios.

You also have to be super careful with online reviews and recommendations. The issue with those is most are not based on any facts. People will buy one radio on line, it talks a few miles, it is therefore the "best" radio on the market. What people often miss is that they are not comparing to any other radios, just commenting on the one they currently own. Most online reviews are like that.

If you want a properly legal radio, ready to go out of the box, the Midlands are probably your best bet.
CCR's should be approached carefully and followed up with a lot of research to make sure they actually have proper FCC Part 95 certification (some don't).

What ever you do, make sure you install a good antenna, that'll make a big difference in how well your radio will work.

 

[tomk62]

@GeraldP Here are two highly GMRS community regarded mobile (base) GMRS radios for you to consider:

Wouxun KG-1000G Plus GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio

The Wouxun KG-1000G Plus takes the GMRS experience beyond limited capabilities of the typical GMRS transceiver, and without an exorbitant price.

www.buytwowayradios.com

MXT500 MicroMobile® Two-Way Radio

Get the most powerful GMRS radio for your farm or ranch at Midland Radio. The waterproof MXT500 MicroMobile two-way radio offers 15 GMRS channels.

midlandusa.com

and a video comparing the GMRS-50v2 with the two above:

 

[808Beachbum]

Some channels restrict the power output allowed. Do mobile radios, like Btech GMRS-50V2 with 50w automatically regulate the output if one of these channels are selected - OR - do you have to remember? Thanks again.............

Many high power mobiles and base units simply omit the 7 standard low power (.5 watt max) channels. It IS still operator responsibility to follow the rules, regardless. They often advertise as having 15 high power GMRS channels plus 8 repeater channels, total of 23, vs. the usual 30 channels for those HT's with built in low power restrictions for those specific freqs. The low power FRS channels are not available, except possibly as a monitor/scan only freq that you program along with ham, air, or marine freqs that may be available, depending on the specific radio. That is not to say there are no "rogue" units for sale (or used by others) that are capable of illegally transmitting at higher power. Also, the FCC rules have changed over time, that effectively forced the change in what was authorized or not; and some manufacturers were more interested in what would sell, rather than worrying about if it was legal. Eventually they changed their views and became more compliant.

 

[nd5y]

95.1763 (d) 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels.

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