GMRS Noob Questions

[scoobylovesjazz]

I just got my license and had a few quick questions about the GMRS rules that a more experienced member can hopefully help me with.

Some background (incase it helps): I will be using bubble packs for communicating with adult family members primarily on the beach or while hiking. (So no repeater use - there aren't any in my area that are listed online.)

1) The regs state station identification must occur: "Following the transmission of communications or a series of communications" am I reading this correctly to indicate that if my wife radios for what ever reason and we have a brief conversation that as long as I give my station ID at the end of the exchange I will be within the letter of the regs or in this case will my wife have to also identify at the end of the conversation? (While in this particular case I am interested in the letter of the law, if you also have input on "best practice", I would also be interested in hearing it)

2) In regards to station identification is it customary to give the id spelled out in plain english, or spelled out with the nato phonetic alphabet?

Thanks

John

 

[hockeyshrink]

Welcome to GMRS!

It is my understanding that since your family is covered under your license, one of you would close the conversation with your call sign. It is not necessary to repeat the same call sign, as you are both the same station.

GMRS is intended for personal family communication to begin with...at least that's what the FCC web site says. I have never heard the same call repeated twice by a husband and wife, and I operate on repeaters where there are several families using the system. I don't do it...never heard it. We just say the call once at the end of the conversation.

It is not necessary to spell it phonetically. Enunciating the letters and numbers clearly in English is sufficient.

 

[b7spectra]

Since you are using the blister packs, most of your "chatting" can be done on the FRS channels. When working a repeater, Usually you ID yourself at the end of your conversation or at least every 15 minutes. Like hockeyshrink said, no need to phonetically say your call sign.

Good: WQKM383 clear.
Bad: Whiskey Quebec Kilo Mike Three Eight Three

Welcome to GMRS! Check out myGMRS.com - GMRS Repeater Directory to find a repeater group in your area!

 

[scoobylovesjazz]

Thank you very much for the info, I appreciate it.

Unfortunately, according to that link there are not any GMRS repeaters in my area, so I will mostly be sticking to bubble packs for family outings unless I decide to set up a repeater, though with the high barrier to entry and the potential coming rule changes I doubt that I will any time soon.

 

[b7spectra]

I wouldn't worry about it right now. Relegating GMRS to the CB style wasteland has been around for a while. Everyone has an opinion, and opinions are like butts - everyone has one.