Question about GMRS repeaters being used by farmers

[timkilbride]

This harvest I have came across two repeaters on GMRS frequencies. One of them may be licensed properly as there is a licensee at the repeater site(on a silo). The other one, I can't find anyone licensed and as a matter of fact only 2 people in the whole county are licensed for GMRS(one of them is me). As a licensed GMRS user, what is the law/rules about using this repeater for my own use?

Thanks

Tim

 

[hockeyshrink]

On GMRS, users are licensed, not repeaters; however, the repeater is owned by someone and you generally need their permission to use it. I say "generally" ONLY because there was an "open repeater" initiative a while back that sought to make repeaters "open" to licensed users. Those machines were typically on 675 with a PL of 141.8. In any event, you need permission of the owner.

I am guessing you are hearing traffic on the repeater but noone is using a call sign?...because if you hear a call sign you can always look them up in the ULS database on the FCC website.

 

[timkilbride]

On GMRS, users are licensed, not repeaters; however, the repeater is owned by someone and you generally need their permission to use it. I say "generally" ONLY because there was an "open repeater" initiative a while back that sought to make repeaters "open" to licensed users. Those machines were typically on 675 with a PL of 141.8. In any event, you need permission of the owner.

I am guessing you are hearing traffic on the repeater but noone is using a call sign?...because if you hear a call sign you can always look them up in the ULS database on the FCC website.

One machine is using 114.8 and the other is using 97.4. No call signs from either users on both repeaters.

Tim

 

[gewecke]

One machine is using 114.8 and the other is using 97.4. No call signs from either users on both repeaters.

Tim

Most farmers in this area don't use any call signs on gmrs,much less care what type of service they are on.
If you explain it to them, you get grief or a confused farmer.:roll:

73,
n9zas

 

[RKG]

Note that many people use their repeater controllers to send Station ID via Morse Code. This eliminates the need to do it manually, and the controllers are programmed with FCC Station ID requirements, so one doesn't have to remember them.

However, since the Morse ID can be irritating to users, it is not uncommon to program the controller to send the ID without tone. That means that if you are listening on a tone-gated receiver, you won't hear the ID. You have to listen CSQ.

 

[fineshot1]

Its also important to remember that not all users on GMRS frequencies
are going to be GMRS users. Some licensed users prior to GMRS have
been grandfathered. Some of those licenses may have expired and the
users just have continued to use them as if nothing has happened.

That is a typical scenario, but it could also just be someone operating
without any kind of license.

 

[talkpair]

Since the FCC no longer collects technical parameters of systems in GMRS.......the repeater could belong to anyone licensed under the authority of the FCC.

In the past, GMRS licensees had to list every frequency, power, ERP, number of units, latitude, longitude, .....etc on their application.
A license would be issued with those same areas and locations listed.

Since none of that is collected or listed on GMRS licenses anymore, I would assume you can put a repeater anywhere the FCC has authority.

It does not excuse the station from identification however.

 

[gewecke]

Its also important to remember that not all users on GMRS frequencies
are going to be GMRS users. Some licensed users prior to GMRS have
been grandfathered. Some of those licenses may have expired and the
users just have continued to use them as if nothing has happened.

That is a typical scenario, but it could also just be someone operating
without any kind of license.

In the past few years most of the users licensed on gmrs repeater outputs that were previously under that grandfather clause now need to be licensed.
The gf clause was only in effect until their current licenses expired with no renewal under the old classification.
If any farmer or business still has a valid license under the old rules for gmrs then I'd be surprised.
We routinely program cwid's for repeaters with or without tone on the controllers we build.

Integrated Control Systems


73,
n9zas

 

[czanek]

Building A GMRS Repeater

I just got my GMRS License a few months back. looking to build a repeater out of eather PM400 or CM300, I have a rick that was used for GM300. Can anyone point to link for info on how to set it up and can it do the Call Sign data. I have CPS RO 5.16.
also I know you can only use the GMRS for personal use, I belong to an SCCA race club I Think they would be out side the correct use,

Thanks
WQOZ615