Newbie with new GMRS/FRS two way radios

[Ghcoupons]

Hello everyone. New member here. I recently purchased some inexpensive two way radios to use with my son when we explore the woods. I did not read the fine print (my fault) and find myself needing an FCC license/call sign. I initially was going to return them but we both like them so figured I’d go thru the process to obtain a license. I should have known I’d get lost diving into the FCC’s rule book.

I’ve been reading this site as well as a google search and figured I would need to fill out forms 159 and 605, but the more I read, the more I find myself confused. I can’t even find what this license will cost as a search for amy sort of fee schedule eludes me. I’m now going round and round and what I’m sure is a simple process is eluding me. I don’t like to give up so I found this website and figured I would dive in and ask for assistance. If it matters, the radios we got are Baofeng G11S.

I know noobs can be frustrating so your patience and assistance is appreciated.

 

[KevinC]

This looks to be pretty good step-by-step instructions...

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your 10-Year GMRS License: Easy Application Process Explained ‣ BaoFeng Tech & BTECH Radios

December 5, 2023 Welcome to the definitive guide on how to acquire a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license. This comprehensive, easy-to-follow manual is designed to streamline your licensing process, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Whether you're a radio enthusiast, a...

baofengtech.com

I don't know if the process has changed since that article was written or not though.

 

[nd5y]

Channels 8-14 are fixed low power (0.5 W) and don't require a license, even though the other channels are high power and require a GMRS license.

 

[mmckenna]

Channels 8-14 are fixed low power (0.5 W) and don't require a license, even though the other channels are high power and require a GMRS license.

The radio has a removable antenna, so it would not qualify under the FRS rules. It's clearly GMRS, even though it may be able to run lower power.
A valid FCC issued GMRS license would be required.

However, we know in reality, most consumer won't do that. Bravo to Ghcoupons for doing the right thing.

 

[Ghcoupons]

The radio has a removable antenna, so it would not qualify under the FRS rules. It's clearly GMRS, even though it may be able to run lower power.
A valid FCC issued GMRS license would be required.

However, we know in reality, most consumer won't do that. Bravo to Ghcoupons for doing the right thing.

It’s not worth the hassle with the feds. They have more money than sense so I’ll just get the license. Lol. Thanks for your help.

Channels 8-14 are fixed low power (0.5 W) and don't require a license, even though the other channels are high power and require a GMRS license.

That’s good to know. Thank you.

This looks to be pretty good step-by-step instructions...

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your 10-Year GMRS License: Easy Application Process Explained ‣ BaoFeng Tech & BTECH Radios

December 5, 2023 Welcome to the definitive guide on how to acquire a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license. This comprehensive, easy-to-follow manual is designed to streamline your licensing process, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Whether you're a radio enthusiast, a...

baofengtech.com

I don't know if the process has changed since that article was written or not though.

That’s a helpful site. I’ll follow it and see how current it is. Thank you for your assistance.

 

[spongella]

Getting a GMRS license is easy, go on line, fill out the forms, pay the fee (last time I applied it was $80 for a 10 year license) and you'll get a GMRS callsign pronto. The GMRS license is unique in that it covers all the members of your household. You'll have a lot more choices of radios and antennas with the license. Have fun with your radios.

 

[Omega-TI]

The radio has a removable antenna, so it would not qualify under the FRS rules.

There WAS an exception to the rule, sort of... (in the past) due to "skirting the rules" (cheating). Radio Shack had an FRS radio that housed the radio itself in the magnetic antenna mount, but then had a microphone control head, and power leads separate. I still have mine out in the shed somewhere. Back in the day it had quite the performance using the entire top of the car as a ground plain.

 

[mmckenna]

There WAS an exception to the rule, sort of... (in the past) due to "skirting the rules" (cheating). Radio Shack had an FRS radio that housed the radio itself in the magnetic antenna mount, but then had a microphone control head, and power leads separate. I still have mine out in the shed somewhere. Back in the day it had quite the performance using the entire top of the car as a ground plain.

Yes, but the antenna was still not removable from the radio.

Probably best not to confuse a newbie with historical details. FCC says FRS radios must not have an antenna that is removable from the antenna, so this Baofeng radio he is asking about is NOT an FRS radio and would not qualify under FRS rules. It is clearly a GMRS radio and requires a GMRS license.

 

[HavenBTS]

Yes, but the antenna was still not removable from the radio.

Probably best not to confuse a newbie with historical details. FCC says FRS radios must not have an antenna that is removable from the antenna, so this Baofeng radio he is asking about is NOT an FRS radio and would not qualify under FRS rules. It is clearly a GMRS radio and requires a GMRS license.

CLEARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KK6HRW]

There WAS an exception to the rule, sort of... (in the past) due to "skirting the rules" (cheating). Radio Shack had an FRS radio that housed the radio itself in the magnetic antenna mount, but then had a microphone control head, and power leads separate. I still have mine out in the shed somewhere. Back in the day it had quite the performance using the entire top of the car as a ground plain.


View attachment 108760

That radio was indeed clever and worked very well with its 0.5 watts of transmitter power.