I'm a ham, and a security volunteer at an annual convention here in Phoenix. I had an idea to get a GMRS license and use one of the shared frequencies to communicate to convention guests carrying FRS radios. Like: "Tune your Family Radio Service radio to channel 6 for convention information." The guests could get their questions answered from wherever they were, the GMRS station could make periodic announcements about upcoming events, and if we had a lost child (which happens a LOT), the GMRS station could broadcast the child's description and any of the guests carrying an FRS radio could watch for him too.
I've had my amateur ticket since 1978, but I know very little about GMRS. From reading the rules and browsing some FAQ websites, it appears that GMRS stations can communicate with FRS stations, that I can't use my Chinese Wouxon handheld as a GMRS radio because it's front-panel programmable, and that I can't use GMRS for commercial purposes (which wouldn't be the case, since I'm not getting paid). Publicizing this in advance would certainly draw the FCC's attention, and my pockets aren't deep enough for a $10,000 fine. Could you GMRS experts please give me an idea whether what I'm proposing would be legal or not?
Thanks very much...
- Harold W7DPS
I've had my amateur ticket since 1978, but I know very little about GMRS. From reading the rules and browsing some FAQ websites, it appears that GMRS stations can communicate with FRS stations, that I can't use my Chinese Wouxon handheld as a GMRS radio because it's front-panel programmable, and that I can't use GMRS for commercial purposes (which wouldn't be the case, since I'm not getting paid). Publicizing this in advance would certainly draw the FCC's attention, and my pockets aren't deep enough for a $10,000 fine. Could you GMRS experts please give me an idea whether what I'm proposing would be legal or not?
Thanks very much...
- Harold W7DPS