GMRS License Question.

[keithmj]

Hi..I have two AudioVox GMRS-1525s and have been using them on the FRS but I applied for the license 3-17-2007 for GMRS, costing $85.00 for five years. My question is..Do I need to have my wife spend 85.00 for a license before I can talk to her? I figure at least we will have a license and she can just use my call sign..Also what radio would be a good one to get? I was looking at the 18 or 22 mile ones that Midland offers and this would just be for use now and then..Thanks for any info...Cheers..Keithmj

 

[Grog]

The licence covers your imminent family.

You won't get 18 miles out of any Handheld radio without using a repeater, that's just marketing talk.

Alot of people use commerical equipment that is ex-gov property, or from businnesses who are upgrading. There will be someone more knowing on GMRS along later, I'm sure.

 

[bezking]

Also what radio would be a good one to get? I was looking at the 18 or 22 mile ones that Midland offers and this would just be for use now and then.

The Icom IC-F21GM (http://pactronics.com/icom-f21gm.html) works great and is almost indestructable. Or, you could get a /\/\otorola HT1000, it is good too.

As for Midland's range claim, you need repeater access. 18-20 possibly in the middle of scenic nowhere, but other that that you'll need a repeater. They go for between $400-$650 US a pop, so it would be much more economical to use someone elses'. Besides, it is illegal to charge for repeater access. Just search for (your town's name) GMRS repeaters. for example, google search for 'Chicago GMRS repeater' would find a local repeater. Also, to use a repeater you must set the radio to the repeater's pl tone. This is the same as midland's 'privacy code', but you must know the CTCSS frequency. The ICOM or Motorola can be programmed directly with the tone code, which is available from the repeater operator.

 

[Grog]

The Icom IC-F21GM (http://pactronics.com/icom-f21gm.html) works great and is almost indestructable. Or, you could get a /\/\otorola HT1000, it is good too.

As for Midland's range claim, you need repeater access. 18-20 possibly in the middle of scenic nowhere, but other that that you'll need a repeater. They go for between $400-$650 US a pop, so it would be much more economical to use someone elses'. Besides, it is illegal to charge for repeater access. Just search for (your town's name) GMRS repeaters. for example, google search for 'Chicago GMRS repeater' would find a local repeater. Also, to use a repeater you must set the radio to the repeater's pl tone. This is the same as midland's 'privacy code', but you must know the CTCSS frequency. The ICOM or Motorola can be programmed directly with the tone code, which is available from the repeater operator.

Huh?

Ok, say that's true. That still does allow you to use someone elses repeater without permisstion. It's still privite property. That's why there are some "closed" ham repeaters.....

 

[keithmj]

From what I could find out is that there is 18 or 19 repeaters in my area. And I don't think I am going to need one anyway as I am not planning on using it that far from my other radio. We usually just use it when we go shopping at the local mall or if we do end up at Target or Walmart or Publixs. I don't have to look all over for my wife. The AudioVox has the Vox feature and can use the ptt button mic and earphone. I also know that Midlands radios won't get 18 or 22 miles as it depends on where and how it is used. I just wanted a good radio that didn't cost a arm and leg but was a good quality, $150 to $170 is way more than I need or want to spend. I just bought the BC246T scanner...Thanks..Keithmj

"Only persons in your IMMEDIATE family can operate your GMRS equipment. This rule was changed after 2/12/99. Now all members of your immediate family wherever they live may use your radios under your license. This rule change has a significant positive impact. If you travel with a family group more people have access to the radios. FRS does not have this restriction. If you go some place with a group (whomever they are), only FRS can be used. On the other hand, if other individuals with whom you communicate regularly, are also licensed in GMRS, there is no restriction since all licensees in this service can communicate with each other".

 

[NeFire242]

Next GMRS Question...

If you and your wife both have ham licenses, and you wish to get a GMRS license to enhance communications with say your kids...

Can you consolidate FRN numbers with all of these licenses or not?

 

[bezking]

Huh?

Ok, say that's true. That still does allow you to use someone elses repeater without permisstion. It's still privite property. That's why there are some "closed" ham repeaters.....

By FCC rule, a GMRS repeater owner cannot charge a “for profit” fee or subscription for GMRS repeater use. It does take a considerable amount of money and time to install and maintain a Repeater.[/quote]
Found this on a repeater site

 

[SkipSanders]

Expect range between a pair of handie talkies to be from 2-4 miles, less in heavily built up areas or, of course, if there's a hill between you.

Repeater owners ARE allowed to charge fees to cover the costs of operating the repeater, just not to charge so much that they would make a profit. If you've ever had to pay site fees for a repeater, you'll know that these can be substantial fees! Nor is any repeater owner, fees or not, required to allow anyone to use their repeater, unless they choose to do so. Some are 'public service' repeaters, and you may just need to ask. Others are closed, and will not allow anyone outside the specific group they were set up for to use them.

Yes, everyone in your family uses the same callsign. The FCC isn't even strict about 'close relations', if your grandma visits from out of town, she's covered. Same for any relative, cousin, uncle, whatever, as long as they're 'with you' at the time, that is, in the same city, pretty much.

 

[iMONITOR]

By FCC rule, a GMRS repeater owner cannot charge a “for profit” fee or subscription for GMRS repeater use. It does take a considerable amount of money and time to install and maintain a Repeater.[/quote]
Found this on a repeater site

It's is legal to accept "donations" however, to off-set associated operating expenses.

 

[iMONITOR]

Hi..I have two AudioVox GMRS-1525s and have been using them on the FRS but I applied for the license 3-17-2007 for GMRS, costing $85.00 for five years. My question is..Do I need to have my wife spend 85.00 for a license before I can talk to her? I figure at least we will have a license and she can just use my call sign..Also what radio would be a good one to get? I was looking at the 18 or 22 mile ones that Midland offers and this would just be for use now and then..Thanks for any info...Cheers..Keithmj

Keith, I have two Relm radios posted in RR's For Sale forum that are ideal for GMRS, if you're interested:

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65130

 

[keithmj]

Radios

Doesn't look like a bad deal. I'm going to read more about these GMRS radios and learn more about this before I spend more money. I bought the AudioVox years ago just to use while shopping. I don't know if I want to go that far into it. I have my PRO-96 scanner set to scan the FRS , MURS, GMRS frequencies and in the last two days have had just a few hits, (Morse Code and the Time) I want to get what I need when I buy one next time...Cheers..Keithmj

 

[bravo14]

Would be cool if St Aug or Jax has a repeater. I am still working getting the GMRS License. I'm sure it is easy to get. When my buddy and I go to a ball game we use the FRS channels. I'll do some search like Chicago since I go up there once a year. If a repeater is around think you have 2 different channels in like example. Input (TX) 467.5625 Output (RX) 462.5625 etc....
Here is something I pulled up on google search http://www.g-m-r-s.org/repeaters4gmrs.htm#FL

 

[keithmj]

Would be cool if St Aug or Jax has a repeater. I am still working getting the GMRS License. I'm sure it is easy to get. http://www.g-m-r-s.org/repeaters4gmrs.htm#FL

Hi..Just go to the FCC website and Register, fill out the application and pay the $85.00 (price as of 3/17/2007) online and then just wait till they send it to you..Simple.. http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?&job=home Your chances of ever getting caught not using a license is about as good as winning the lottery but why not be a good citizen and do the right thing..Get the License...Cheers...Keithmj

 

[bravo14]

I went and sign up for it today 3/19/07. I have to wait for the call sign think it may take 2 weeks.

 

[keithmj]

If you paid online using your credit card you saved about a week as you don't have to wait for your letter to get to them. And if anyone says anything just tell them you are waiting for your license. Also in a few days you can check online to see what your call sign is so you won't have to wait till you get the paper one. I think it is crazy to have to have a license for these radios, they just want to make more money. I remember when I had to have one for my CB outfit and now you don't need one, but at least we're doing the right thing...Cheers..Keithmj

 

[bravo14]

I hear ya on that. I think we should have license for like repeaters and some channels are not on repeaters. I have been using the FRS for different stuff like ball games ride around town and stuff. I'll check by Wed see what happens. It still waiting approve.

 

[bravo14]

I went in fcc website to check on the status now that was super fast I mean fast! less than 24 hours. I figure I get a call sign in like 2-3 bus days. now I am thinking changing my user name on here for my call sign. It is WQGP872. I'm going to do some research on how to talk on it like I know on Ham you can not say anything like 10 codes or hide something have to be plain english and have to re air your call sign every 10 mints.

 

[Universaldecoder]

Forget FRS/GMRS.....why not get a 1000 watt CB instead. From my travels up and down i-75, it seems as though no one needs any laws or licenses to run a rig like this. I just don't git it....

 

[LeeBarnes]

Can you consolidate FRN numbers with all of these licenses or not?

yes, you can use the same FRN. the FRN is used by the FCC to identify you, instead of using you SSN, iirc.

 

[rescuecomm]

Will that 1000 watt CB fit in your pocket? Yeah, I traveled last summer to Texas and heard some powerful 11 meter mobiles over a long distance on my legal little Radio Shack CB. Actually, you could use 10 codes on amatuer radio if they are commonly used ones and not construed as a cypher, but its not part of the ham culture. As a public safety radio user, I sometimes forget and say them on the 440 repeater. Hard to break some habits. My son and I still use GMRS a fair bit even though both of us are hams. The GMRS repeater in our area is not that good on receive and the 440 ham repeaters beat the socks off of it. Since there is not that much interest in fixing it, I guess it will stay kinda deaf.

Bob