GMR 5099-2CKHS FRS noob question

[jajehalbig]

I've recently purchased these GMRS/FRS two way radios from a seller on Ebay. I'm completely new to the radio world and I'm having just a bit of trouble understanding these two way radios that offer GMRS and FRS.
I really only want to use FRS, and I understand that only some of the channels out of the 22 availavble are FRS and the others are GMRS.
1. How many channels can I use, and which channels are FRS?
2. What do I need to know about these GMRS channels?
3. Can someone explain the "privacy" options as well? I dont understand how they will work.
It seems like to use them you need FCC approval or something.
and D. What do I need to know about transmitting on FRS as far as etiquette and the correct way to operate?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Spitfire8520]

I'll try to help with my basic understanding of GMRS/FRS.

1. How many channels can I use, and which channels are FRS?

Here are some wiki links about FRS and GMRS. It's usually set up to be the first 7 (1-7) are GMRS/FRS combined and shouldn't need a license unless you are using 5W (which I don't believe most radios do). The next 7 (8-14) are FRS only and does not need a license. The last 8 are GMRS only and requires a license.

Family Radio Service - The RadioReference Wiki
General Mobile Radio Service - The RadioReference Wiki
FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki

2. What do I need to know about these GMRS channels?

Pretty much all you need to know is that you need to pay the FCC a $85 fee to get a license and become a legal user. There's other technical details of GMRS like having to announce your callsign everyone so often which you will have to read up on if you go on that route.

3. Can someone explain the "privacy" options as well? I dont understand how they will work.

Simple concept is that "privacy" codes are not so private. If you have any concept of what CTCSS (PL) or DCS (DPL) is, then it's basically just those.

If you don't have a concept, they are basically just sub-audible noise that the radio listens for on a certain frequency. Anyone who uses the same "privacy code" will hear just those people and no one else. It basically acts as a filter in the event of many users on the same channel, but other people can still definitely hear what you're talking about.

It seems like to use them you need FCC approval or something.

This is covered above with GMRS licensing and fees. FRS is free to use without a license.

and D. What do I need to know about transmitting on FRS as far as etiquette and the correct way to operate?

Just basic common sense really. If it's just you and a friend talking, then you could probably not have to worry about anything, keep in mind you probably don't want to spend your time cursing others out over the air. If you have multiple users, you might want to try calling their name out followed by your name or even a made up callsign if you prefer that route ("Hey Mike, this is John...").\

I hope this help.

 

[jajehalbig]

Thanks for your reply spitfire. It was very thorough and helpful.

I do have two additional follow-up questions.

1. So without the FCC license, I should never transmit over channels 15-22, correct? And the channels 1 through 7 are interop and either FRS or GMRS users may share?

2. In regards to the privacy codes, how helpful are these? If I'm trying to have a dedicated conversation with my friend on the other handheld, is our conversation going to be constantly interrupted or distorted by background chatter on the same channel, and the codes/tones are used to nearly eliminate this from happening? And if this occurs is changing channel a suitable solution?

 

[Spitfire8520]

1. So without the FCC license, I should never transmit over channels 15-22, correct? And the channels 1 through 7 are interop and either FRS or GMRS users may share?

Yes. Generally many people don't know this rule and do it anyways...the FCC hasn't been terrific in this sector of enforcement. Also channels 1 through 14 can actually be used by both FRS and GMRS radios, it's just that for channels 8 through 14, they are limited in power and declared FRS only. Channels 1 through 7 have special ability for GMRS users to use a higher powered radio if they wish to, but I would think most GMRS users avoid those channels anyways.

2. In regards to the privacy codes, how helpful are these? If I'm trying to have a dedicated conversation with my friend on the other handheld, is our conversation going to be constantly interrupted or distorted by background chatter on the same channel, and the codes/tones are used to nearly eliminate this from happening? And if this occurs is changing channel a suitable solution?

They are generally helpful. Most of the times the air should be clear and you won't need them. From my understanding of the concept of CTCSS tones, you may or may not hear a distortion as all the privacy code does is signal when your radio's squelch should release and the speaker should turn on. If you and a friend are using your radios like 100 feet from each other, it shouldn't matter too much. However, if you and a friend are 1000 feet away and another user on the same channel with a different privacy code and is also 1000 feet away, you may get some interference if both your friend and the mysterious 3rd party are transmitting at the exact same time (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Generally there isn't too much chatter on FRS at any given time as most people find cellphones a perfect replacement. The biggest issue of trying to use FRS would probably be at places like a theme park or such where they may be a high density of radios (once again cellphones are filling this role). I believe you can check a channel by switching to that channel without a privacy code and listening in (again, someone else correct me if I'm wrong) to see if you hear anything and try finding an unoccupied or least occupied channel to use.

 

[UPMan]

On that radio, channels 1-7 operate under GMRS rules. Only 8-14 are FRS.

CTCSS/DCS ("Privacy Codes") are nothing the FCC cares about.

 

[jajehalbig]

Which channels are my "shared" GMRS/FRS channels? I'm confused now.

 

[gewecke]

Which channels are my "shared" GMRS/FRS channels? I'm confused now.

Ch.1-7 are your shared channels with the GMRS service. Ch.7-14 are FRS ONLY. Ch.15-22 are GMRS ONLY. :wink:

I hope this helps.

73,
n9zas

 

[jajehalbig]

Ch.1-7 are your shared channels with the GMRS service. Ch.7-14 are FRS ONLY. Ch.15-22 are GMRS ONLY. :wink:

I hope this helps.

73,
n9zas

Thank you. That's exactly what I needed.