Ok, so I’ve been using Amateur radio for a while now, not a heavy user by any means and still consider myself pretty green in that field as well, even though I’ve had my license for a few years. Just got my GMRS because I joined a local off-roading / overland group and GMRS is the radio standard for group rides. Now I’m looking to get more into GMRS but I’m finding out a few things….. Seems to me like GMRS is really better for specific use cases, when more then one person who know each other are using the system for a specific purpose. There are a few open repeaters around me but it seems like I need permission to use them. I’ve requested that but haven’t had any responses. I get the logic, the repeaters are privately owned, sometimes for family use and people might not want a bunch random people taking up their air time. So the sense I’m getting is that GMRS isn’t so much for random people like like me to jump on and chat with strangers. Just getting my feet wet and curious to learn more, let me know if I’m on track here!
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New to GMRS - Few Questions
- Thread starter emsflyer84
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nd5y
Member
That's correct.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Yet the GMRS rules do not allow for coordination of repeaters, so every licensee must share all frequencies. A repeater owner can limit the use, but legally can't ban you from a repeater pair, unlike part 97 which does allow for a repeater owner or trustee to order one to "stay off" and go so far as to make an FCC complaint if rules or wishes of the owner aren't followed.
The spirit of GMRS is for family communications, but nothing in the actual rules prohibits non-related persons from using the service. So long as everyone operates within the part 95 rules as written and is authorized under a licensee, one can communicate with "random strangers".
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
It's not CB. It's not amateur radio. I know people use it like that, and that is OK.
But you'll find that a lot of users, especially those that understand GMRS, set up CTCSS or DCS squelch on their radios so they specifically don't have to listen to other users. Makes it nice to be able to leave the radio on 24x7 and not hear unnecessary traffic.
Many years ago I had access to a very high level repeater. I was able to get a non-standard CTCSS code on that repeater just for my family use. Specifically did this so it would NOT be like CB radio.
Unless someone doesn't know how to set up CTCSS/DCS, or chooses not to, making random contacts won't be a common thing.
If you want random contacts, CB and ham are MUCH more suited for that.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Not to nitpick, but both CB and GMRS are governed under 47 CFR 95, which technically means they are one in the same with the core differences being frequency allocation and technical operating parameters (repeaters). Even the FCC states they are "similar" radio services.
www.fcc.gov
CB is license by rule, whereas GMRS is an actual granted license. But when you start looking at the permissible uses, there isn't much difference, especially when it comes to sharing of allocated frequencies, permissible uses, etc.
Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS)
The Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service for personal or business activities of the general public. It also may be used for voice paging. It is authorized 40 channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz. Similar service includes the...
If my memory serves me right, GMRS was originally classed as a Class A CB Radio Service in the early days of GMRS and CB Radios were Class D.
smittie
Member
With regard to repeaters, it depends on the repeater. There are a number of repeaters along the Interstate that I travel often that are open for anyone to use. I have talked with "random people" on those repeaters almost every time I go through that area. I found myGMRS.com: GMRS Repeater Directory and Community useful in knowing which repeaters are available for public use and what the settings are.
I also joined an organization that runs a number of repeaters down in Arizona.
So, it depends on the repeater and its owner.
Of the 30 GMRS channels, 1 through 14 are shared with FRS. 15 to 22 are simplex/ repeater outputs.
15R to 22R are duplex repeater channels.
Channel 1 is sort of self proclaimed 'calling channel' and 20/20R is roadside assistance.
Where I live, there seems to be no repeaters in usable range, but there are a good number of business/families and about all
utilize CTCSS/DCS
Channel 3 is busy most of the day and channel 8 has a share, sometimes channel 1.
Some legal notes, Channels 1 through 7 is restricted to 5 watts. Channels 8 through 14 is .5 watts.
15 through 22 is 50 watts.
15R to 22R are duplex repeater channels.
Channel 1 is sort of self proclaimed 'calling channel' and 20/20R is roadside assistance.
Where I live, there seems to be no repeaters in usable range, but there are a good number of business/families and about all
utilize CTCSS/DCS
Channel 3 is busy most of the day and channel 8 has a share, sometimes channel 1.
Some legal notes, Channels 1 through 7 is restricted to 5 watts. Channels 8 through 14 is .5 watts.
15 through 22 is 50 watts.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Make sure you follow the rules based on frequency, not just channel number, since there is no standard for channel numbers that matches across all radio brands.
As of 2017, 15-22 are also shared with FRS.
FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki
I would say that *most* if not all current FRS and GMRS radios use those channel numbers.
Why not just eliminate confusion like us "old class A goats" do...As of 2017, 15-22 are also shared with FRS.
FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki
wiki.radioreference.com
I would say that *most* if not all current FRS and GMRS radios use those channel numbers.
We use the last 3/4/ or 5 numbers of the actual freq.
ie: "675"
or "5875"
or "7.5625"
Never any confusion with that format.
smittie
Member
Might not be any confusion among "old class A goats". There would be nothing but confusion among the off-road crowd that has adopted GMRS/FRS to replace CB as a primary communication. The channel structure referred to by @merlin is in common use. The only time there is any confusion is when the radio geeks insist on using frequency.
It all depends how one came into it and for what purpose. If RF as a hobby is the purpose, the frequency details are part of the fun. If the radio is just a tool to be used in pursuit of some other purpose, the frequency details are a relatively uninteresting detail. It would be nice if the FCC would put an official channel structure around it. Midland did it for them.
Smittie
nd5y
Member
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