New GMRS User

[MrScanMan047]

Hey, Y'all! I'm new to the forum, and also a new GMRS user. Wanted to know if anyone is familiar with commonly used GMRS frequencies in the Jackson, MS area so I can check out how my new radio performs; range, etc. If anyone can be of assistance, I'd appreciate it very much! Thanks! ; )

 

[bezking]

Moved to the GMRS forum.

 

[b7spectra]

Checking MyGMRS.com, they are not currently showing any repeaters in Jackson, but, they may not have an up to date listing.

 

[MrScanMan047]

Thanks! I'm really new at it, and actually just got the walkie-talkies for use at deer camp, since my buddy and I can't get a cell phone signal out there, and need communication in case of an emergency, etc. I got a set of Cobra CXT95 22 channel radios, and after reading the instructions, found you have to have a GMRS license to operate on the high power channels, so I applied for one. I also have a Radio Shack PRO-94 1000 channel scanner that I've been pluggin' local freqs into so I can listen to police & EMS calls, etc. I even tried setting my scanner to one of the frequencies the walkie uses, and keyed the mic and said "test", but nothing came through. Any idea why? I appreciate your help! : )

WQLA375
Brandon

 

[SkipSanders]

GMRS bubble-pack radios are not suitable for 'emergency communications' use. Your range, especially in back country, is going to be short enough that if it's quiet, you could yell and be heard, though perhaps not understood. :roll: Maybe a half mile, maybe a mile.

The radios you have are not able to use repeaters, either, so you're limited to quite short range. The intended use is close-by communications within a group, not long range.

Most GMRS users have them for in-family communications, and likely won't even reply to someone they don't know... or they'll tell you to get off 'their' channel.

 

[MrScanMan047]

It's supposed to have up to 18 mile range, but I understand, of course, that's probably over flat terrain. Where we're at is hilly, but not extremely so. The FRS channels are only short-range, 1/2-1 mile, as you said. But the GMRS channels, being higher power, require an FCC license, which I now have. (How come, if they don't transmit/receive that far?) So I'll have to "field test" it and find out, LOL! Better than what I had before, which was NOTHING! Cell phone only works in certain spots there, IF you're lucky! : o This particular radio has 22 channels, CTCS with 38 privacy codes, and DCS with 83 privacy codes, so, if anyone told me to get off "their" channel, I could first tell them they don't "own" it, and then switch to a privacy code. >; ) Thanks for the info! I'm looking for a scanner club in this area, too. (Jackson, MS) I have a Radio Shack Pro-94, (okay, okay, quit laughing! I know it's probably an outdated model, even though I got it in 2005!) and I'm able to pick up quite a few Police/EMS calls. Haven't even begun to figure out talk groups yet. Got any suggestions on that one? Thanks! : )
GMRS WQLA375

 

[MrScanMan047]

Sorry about that. Didn't see the GMRS forum at first. Will jump back on here with scanner questions, 'cause I got a bunch!
GMRS WQLA375