Is GMRS the best platform for group communications?
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2022
- In this video I suggest that GRMS might just be the most effective tactical communications platform for preparedness groups.
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Specter Gear Tactical Comm Gear
www.spectergear.com/SearchResu... - Наука та технологія
I am glad that there are some HAM Operators that are willing to extend an olive branch to those of us that are not HAM Operators. I started out using CB Radios many years ago and have recently became interested in GMRS. Mainly for the reasons you spoke about. I intend to put both GMRS and CB in my current truck. My first experience with HAM Operators was many years ago when I was young and in the Air Force. I went to a Ham Radio Festival in Dayton Ohio. I was looking at all the tables of equipment and drew the attention of one of the gentlemen there. He basically told me that if I did not have my HAM License that he was not interested in talking to me. I had only mentioned that I had recently put a CB in my truck and after that, he was not interested in even speaking to me. Being young and relatively naive, I did not know why he was so rude. If HAM Operators wish to improve their image, they cannot be like that guy. Thank you for not being THAT GUY.
I am a HAM besides GMRS. Most older HAMs have a strange idea that the FCC know's them personally and they are the local "Law Enforcement"for the FCC. That is the problem and the Government will not ask for help from the Ham community BUT the Ham radio community is always ready for that midnight call to be activated to serve the government and then just like Al Bundy, Will score 4 touchdowns in one game. Our GMRS group just helps people out for the sake of helping people out. Good Luck in GMRS!
Yeah, that should not have happened -- and yes and rudeness is a big turn off any way you go. I think part of the reason is the investment issue HAM vs GMRS or CB. With HAM radio the investment both time wise and monetarily can be significantly above GMRS or CB. This gives some older HAMs a sense of entitlement and in turn causes them to look down their noses at people who use GMRS or CB platforms. I am a HAM and also have a GMRS license. If it was me -- I would not have snubbed you like that. That being said -- you have to start somewhere in terms of getting on the air in general. With me, I started out with CB in terms of getting on the air and when I became a HAM, I started out with a cheapo Boafeng UV-5R as my first radio.
The ham who treated you so badly is what is commonly known as a "sad ham". These SAD HAMS really have been the downfall of the hobby in so many ways. Full of their own perceived self-importance, their snobby and elitist mentality is helping to drive the growing interest in GMRS. Crabby old hams are their own worst enemy and have given a once great hobby a giant black eye!
Sorry you encountered that kind of "sad ham". As a HAM Tech, I found a local club where a couple people were quite outgoing and willing to help guide me through the process. Through a series of health issues on my part and their's we couldn't quite get together to get through the process. However I jumped in with both feet, bought both the ARRL and West's Tech study book and found a couple videos to help guide with Tech study. In the end I found one video that along with West's book I believe MOST people with any sincere desire can study the book and one video (I watched the video 3-4 times and read the book 3 times picking-up more of each repetition.) - using this method, I think virtually anyone can be solid in passing the Tech Exam with just 15-20hrs of independent study. IF this is appealing to you, feel free to reach-out and I'll share the link(s). Not unlike Scott, I will be spending the near future setting-up my own GMRS repeater and training members of a local readiness group while of course continuing my HAM skills and gear for that very purpose he mentioned... to relay from great distances to local group.
Absolutely agree. As an emergency responder and off roader, I have Amateur, GMRS and CB comms available. Another tool in the tool box. Each has it's place and it's pros & cons. We have a small group in our local radio club that have recently expanded into GMRS and we have received the ire of some of our sad hams (to quote Randy from "Notarubicon". God Bless!
Chuck Randy took the ham test and failed it 4 times that is why he is a ham hater but hams have saves a lot of lives over the years during storms and disasters maybe one day one ham operator might save your life or one of your family member don't bash someone that is smarter then you that can read and pass the test coming from an extra class chick. I bet you can't pass the test...wanna bet?
You hit the nail on the head!!!! I have been using GMRS for 6 or 7 years... Now, if you are looking to have a complete preparedness plan you can't not just look at one... In each of my vehicles, except my Camaro, I have a CB radio, a GMRS and baofang HT. Covering as much as possible is important... I think what you are doing with your family is very smart and important. I enjoy your channel...
I'm a Ham Operator, and GMRS. I got into Ham for Emergency Communications. A lot of GMRS people later get their Ham Tickets. My kids can use GMRS too, easy to get and use!
Make sure you have several hand helds and extra batteries in those platforms protected in a Faraday box or bag. In the event of an EMP, everything not protected will be fried, and rendered useless.
I’ve had my ham radio license for a lot longer than my GMRS license and definitely see the benefits of GMRS. Even my 6 year-old quickly learned the rules of GMRS and my call sign. So she also gets a GMRS radio when we go camping or hiking.
You are also correct there are “some people” who have forgotten what it means to be an elmer. They are the minority, but are very loud “sad hams” who are chasing people from ham radio right into the GMRS community.
I agree with everything you said. I am a technician but got my GMRS license a year ago so my wife had a radio she could use
Great video! As one of those people- a HAM trying to get a local group on-air- only one other was quick to get his Tech license while a bunch were "overwhelmed" the first time they looked at Ohm's Law. Being on a distant suburb of Milwaukee, our local HAM club(s) repeaters are strong and reliable, yet there's a few dark spots in the GMRS spectrum. This will quickly be resolved with two or three of us putting-up these low cost repeaters. I'd suggest there are two things that you didn't mention that people might be intrigued in knowing: On the personally-owned(Yet allow for public use) repeater side, there's one other reasonable option for many people - The Retevis "Portable" Repeater w/GMRS base unit at $399, by the time you add proper install, quality antenna, battery backup you're still in the $800-900 range and maybe a little less if you already have sufficient tower, power and can do the install yourself. If you go with the Bridgecom or Wouxun solutions it will be more expensive but yield higher power and thus ultimately greater distance if you have the height to support it. Finally, for those who want a really inexpensive redundancy solution. If you use the same Wouxun unit as a mobile, a pair of them as repeaters, you keep one spare in a box and have really cheap insurance and immediate availability in the event a unit fails. Hope this helps!
Great video. I got into Ham radio a little over four years ago from a prepping perspective. I recently received my GMRS license because it's all about learning and communicating with others when needed regardless of the platform.
Good video! Been waiting to see if you were going to add some GMRS content. Funny how you got into GMRS kind of the opposite to how I did. I started with an interest in GMRS, as it was becoming popular in my offroad communities. Once I figured out the benefits to GMRS over CB I dove deep into the rabbit hole of the GMRS world. Doing that prompted me to feed an interest in getting my Ham license, which I got in March. My area has been plagued with wildfires the past several years, so having a network of local folks you can hand a cheap FRS or GMRS radio to relay smoke checks has been very beneficial to the community. Keep up the great content! 73.
Excellent video and talk, Scott, thanks. I've been an Extra class amateur radio operator since 2015 and love ham radio. That said, recently, in an attempt to set up a comms system for my family and friends (none of which are licensed amateurs), I discovered GMRS. I've quickly grown to love GMRS too as it's a fantastic avenue for those who don't have the time or technical interest to prepare for a ham exam. I acquired Wouxun KG-S88G HTs for each of my family members and plan on adding KG-1000G units to both my mobile and base station setups.
Thanks again, and keep it comin'!
Hey Scott, I thank you for a great video. Your approach is simple straightforward and no gimmicks. Too many video creators are just simply wacky. Great explanation and introduction to GMRS.
Absolutely right. I have my Amateur Extra, but nobody in my group seems interested in studying and taking the ham tests, so I flipped directions a few months ago, and went the GMRS route to set up comms with my group. They got their radios and GMRS license and settled for that.
You hit the nail on the head, sir! I’m currently setting up my family with GMRS comms, as I learn more about it. I just received my UV-9G today & will be purchasing more for my adult kids & their families. It’s absolutely perfect.
Good video. I wish I could convince more people in my area to get on GMRS. It really has the potential to create a massive communication group with the ease of getting licensed and the recent drop in price. I went into amateur radio after I found GMRS was not used at all in my area.
Please continue to make videos on GMRS practical use and EmCom.
Great insight and info. Thank you!
Sir, thank you for sharing this information! I happen upon your website when I was searching for handheld radios and their maximum distance
Good video & great explanation. Thanks for this.
I’ve had my ham radio license for a lot longer than I’ve had my GMRS license and I completely agree. Another great use of GMRS radios is camping, hiking, or hunting with my family. My kids picked up the the GMRS rules very quickly and know my call sign, even my 6 year-old.
WRTB636 (Anthony) out of Bloomington Indiana, happy to see this video, and yes, I will be getting my Tech License one day soon, we have got to CYA in Emergency Communications, keep all options open, thank you for making this video, take care, stay healthy and God bless you and your Family always.
P.s Just waiting on my Wouxun KG - UV9GX GMRS to be shipped out then I'm on the air.
P.s.s You have a new subscriber now.
I agree with everything you’ve stated. Long time ham and now a newly licensed GMRS.
Excellent video! I got to the same conclusion even having a Ham license it makes more sense to operate GMRS.
Each type of communications has its place. I’m sure most hams are probably against GMRS but GMRS can be an introduction to ham and a way to get more interested in ham radio. I have an extra class ham license and recently purchased the GMRS after the price came down.
Had my GMRS license for 2 years now, and I'm currently studying for my technician license. Originally got my GMRS license specifically for SHTF and liked it enough that, I wanted to get my tech-license because I wanted to try out POTA and SOTA.
I have both my Extra and GMRS mostly for added mission capability if I ever need it. Good video by the way. AD8DU
You made the case for me, thanks. Kenny
Agree. I have HAH & GMRS. The only catch is that GMRS simplex 0:05 channels can get very busy in densely populated areas like SoCal. I don’f hear many call signs, so I am guessing non- licensed users hogging the channels. That said, the GMRS pay & talk license is a BIG plus for communicating with family & friends!
I have been wanting to do exactly what your planning to do for a while now. Non HAMS in the group have been the hold up. Will be paying close attention to your progress with this. I'm sick and tired about hearing the HAM / GMRS feud. They both have a purpose and need to learn to work along side one another. AC9DJ.
Greate Video, BTW my repeater for my GMRS circle is a Pair of retired (Police) Motorola MaxTrac (50Watt) Radios On the repeater Channel pair of my choice with PL tone choice, with a Duplexer for single Antenna use. Also where I live we have a GMRS Club with a lot of members and the repeater network covers 2/3's of the state i live in.
Very nice. Our club is now using two Motorola MTR200 repeaters at our repeater site for two GMRS repeater frequency sets. We're up around 7600 ft. and now cover the entire central California region with GMRS service. With a mobile and a proper antenna we have about 150 miles of reach to the north, south and west. I've even gotten out to 112 miles with an HT. It's amazing what a well motivated radio club can get accomplished in just a couple of months.
When I worked up in Ceader Grove, I got a lot of use for the FRN. Lots of traffic among campers and I got some use too. Then in a brief trip to the border with the minunitemen FRS was there too. I worked a station 16 miles away,
Let me share some books with you. I'll try to remebmer them at our next meeting.
My current focus as a ham is to pass the general, and set up my statin for HF and tropo and DXing stuff.
Mike
I just got my GMRS license and call sign today (a few hours ago), and have been window shopping what radio to buy. I think I have decided on the Wouxun (pronounced "Ocean") KG-935G.
GT-3WP/UV-9G Mob up in the place. Thanks for making this video, to show that every two way radio service has advantages and disadvantages. One added bonus is that GMRS can be used with bubble pack FRS radios, which even increases the chances of those who don't even to want to bother with the process of getting a GMRS license, for EmComm.
P.S. The Specter pouch is a great item to carry the GT-3WP/UV-9G in. KC3UEE/WRPD614
Excellent video. I’m a licensed ham, and agree with you 100% about how a lot of them have turned people away. GMRS is the way to do.
Depends on where you are. I live in a radio hole in San Francisco- surrounded by hills. I have line of sight to a 3 repeaters. I'm working on setting up a NeVIS system on 80 and 40 meters for local and regional communications.
Sounds like a good plan. I have never turned my nose up at any form of communication plan for emcomm. If it works for you and your group, that's wonderful.
I agree with the sentiment here. There is definitely a use-case for each service.
I have both a Ham and GMRS license as well as a CB. I didn't know we were fighting. Depending on who I want to talk to determines which radio I use.
Welcome to GMRS! It's indeed a great option for more transactional/group/neighborhood safety and special events, etc., but is becoming more of a hobby for many these days also. The new FM CB is still on 27 MHz, so it's really not much more (if at all) useful than FRS in terms of license-free performance. Perhaps when some higher power Hts come out, it will be fun. You might consider some higher-end superhet GMRS radios for your group leaders, like the Wouxun KG-UV9GX, or the KG-916 GMRS for mid-level or new users that want something a bit more solid than the Baofeng, but they are correspondingly more expensive. :) Cheers and thanks for the great content!
I definitely agree with this suggestion. Ordered a KG-UV9GX from you guys a week or so ago, and I am looking forward to the "step up" in function and performance in the new HT.
Right. Adding FM to CB doesn't effect what frequencies CB uses. It's still 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz (11 meter). It's just a different way of modulating the carrier. The difference is that you will never hear heterodyne with FM. With AM if two or more people are keyed up you hear a high pitched whine and everyone's audio gets mixed. With FM you will only hear the one strongest signal and no heterodyne whine.
What I would have had instead of FM would be to standardize DSB (Duel Sideband) which is Upper Sideband and Lower Sideband at the same time. You can receive it on any AM only CB, and on LSB and on USB. The advantage of DSB over AM is the legal Sideband power output is 12 watts and AM limit is 4 watts. DSB has always been legal, it's just that very few radios ever had it, and now I don't think any do. The only place I have seen DSB in the past 30 years is in a SDR (Software Defined Radio) software that I use. The CB I had in the 1970s and 80s had DSB. I have had CB radios with AM / FM / LSB / USB since the 1990s (meant to be used in Europe, and illegal to sell in the US), and very rarely ever used FM.
I think FM CB will be very useful. It MAY reduce the skip, which in my opinion makes AM CB virtually useless! FM does not "Skip" like AM does, and I think it will make CB a more viable option for people who don't want to go to the effort and/or expense it takes to get into GMRS or Ham.
Like your videos..keep up the good work. 😁
I got my ham license several years ago primarily for group comms for hiking, camping, hunting, and off-roading with buddies. We wanted something with more options and better performance than frs or cb. Back then, of course, GMRS licenses were something like $90 for 5 years, while a ham license was a $14 test fee, no actual license fee, and was good for 10 years, so going ham tech was a no-brainer for us. Nowadays with ham licenses and GMRS both costing $35 for 10 years, I predict ham licenses will drop off and GMRS licenses will climb, as so much of the growth in ham ticket numbers in recent years was due to people doing just what we did (outdoorsmen and/or preppers). We shall see. I'm not going to give up my ham ticket, and I still encourage people to get one (tech is easy to get, for those worried about the test), but I'm in the process of adding a GMRS license to my arsenal as well. 👍
Just stumbled across your channel. Great video and agree with what you say. We unfortunately don't have gmrs here in the UK but we do have 446mhz frs. Like you I am a licensed ham but hate the oldies trying to brainwash operators into what they should/shouldn't be doing. Gonna subscribe after watching this!👍🏽 73 de M3VWP
Maybe you should listen to the "Old ones" instead of having the attitude you know it all.
I love GMRS, it definitely serves a purpose. Not everyone wants to talk to another continent or across the country. Some folks just want to talk local or local area, and GMRS is perfect for that. I am licensed both ways, and enjoy both.
Hello sir thankyou for this video. What’s the best radio you recommend for this type of frequency? If you have a link that would be great 😊
Scott, very good video and valid points. I laughed when you referred to yourself as the "resident wingnut." 😄
I'm a survivalist tech nerd, so naturally I have my armature radio license, but yeah, I picked up the GRMS license too, and just like you, so I can help bridge the gap. 73
Well spoken
I'm getting into GMRS (WBFR 541)
I am doing exactly the same thing . I'm a tech ham for getting Intel and GMRS for my family network.
Questions? What is a good, easy-to-use and set -up repeater for a non-tech/non-saavy operator and if the grid goes down, doesn't the repeater become useless? Are SAT phones better?
It's good to hear someone saying this. I love amateur radio, except for the part where I have to talk to other hams. So many haters and elitists when all I really wanted was to be able to talk to my people. Yes, I went and took my tech exam and plan to go for general, but only because y'all make me do that to operate legally. As annoying and cringe as the CB crowd is, ham is worse.
Being a communications based pursuit it doesn't take long to run into assholes. I talk a lot on the radio but it's mostly to people I know or interact with face to face on a regular basis. Thus, everyone conducts themselves in a civilized manner. Where it gets weird is the random contact stuff, particularly in HF. Which is why I don't really have all that much interest in those types of comms. I just treat them like the cranky little hate machines that they are and ignore them. I also wouldn't lift a leg to piss on them, even if they were on fire. Which could eventually be a problem for them if they ever actually needed help.
I consider myself Blessed that I have been able to elmer four people into the Hobby.
My wife, My Pastor, a former roommate, and my Lawyer, LOL!
Incidentally, my Pastor became so enthused with Amateur Radio, that on his own, he went out and earned his EXTRA!
I, and one close family member are licensed Tech Ham operators. I, personally am also a licensed GMRS licensed. Good video, and interesting thoughts. Keep up the good work Scott..! Contact me through our channel email if you want to discuss the idea of many if us being liaisons to the Ham community further…
Would love a video on the dmrs repeater
For friends and family it's hard to beat network radio you can get some handhelds on the cheap too like the ksun zl10
I like the idea of gmrs for family / non hams- especially for emergency or outdoor activities. Plus who doesn’t want more radios!
Gmr seems to be a popular thing these days I think they charge $60 for license but it's great because your whole family you can communicate with most of the young people just don't want to sit and take an amateur radio test I'm actually a ham operator but I want my family to become involved so this would be a first step beginning in the amateur radio for them
KK7KLD and WRQZ243 GMRS and ham here, it fits a specific niche to have both licenses. I can't hand my daughter a ham radio but I can hand her a GMRS Radio
Hello I am new and very interesting about the world of radio. Es0ecially with everything going on. I would like to see about doing that setup for myself and family. Do you have step guide on what I would need and best option as a starter. So much helpful info you provide just don't know where to start. Plus I love your 2800 mobile box setup. Ty
I'm currently 4 parts in on a 6 part series designed exclusively to get people with zero or limited knowledge on amateur radio/GMRS up to speed ASAP. Just go to the channel menu, click videos and you'll see them right on top.
Good video.. will Specter gear start offering some pouches for some of the Wouxun HTs like the KG-935G and the Wouxun KG-UV9GX?... please
Yes and yes. Very soon in fact.
@@KS6DAY so for these radios we don’t need a ham license to operate sir? So you have a link to the one you prefer to use I’m getting it asap thankyou for this video sir
@@KS6DAY Thank you Scott ... I love Specter Gear .. top notch
New ham (general) here and putting a comms plan together as well. It’s a shame that there’s not some accommodations for an “unlicensed guest” in amateur radio.
I’m on the same trail with GMRS
Yup. I have GMRS for my family, and I have ham radio for myself.
Personally, I do not see any “real” static between ham and GMRS. I laugh at those recent UA-cam videos you referenced (NotaRubicon, HamRadio2.0, etc.). I also ignore any white noise from the crusty old sad hams. Each has its own audience and radio needs. I am one of many hams that also has a GMRS license. GMRS popularity is exploding in large part to NotaRubicon’s UA-cam channel and Midland Radio’s mass marketing efforts.
I agree with your thought process that GMRS is better for small group/small area EmComms involving “non-hobbyists.” To monitor what’s going on in the outside world (wide area, regional, national), ham radio is the better platform.
In my area there is a GMRS repeater on every frequency all linked together and constantly making the channels busy. They have essentially turned it into ham radio. I want to use GMRS to talk to my family but can’t. Now they run nets.
Is it affecting your attempts at simplex comms or you just can't get an opening on a repeater? If it's simplex you could set up TSQL CTCSS on a channel with a PL tone for send and receive that should shut out the traffic from the repeaters. But I can see how this could be a problem in an urban area where GMRS gets really popular. It isn't where I'm at. In central California from the sierras to the sea and there are less than 20 active GMRS repeaters and there are only 3 in my entire county with not a single one covering my area. So it's currently wide open.
What is the cost for repeater setup for GMRS?
I get how GRMS can be easier than getting a Technician ham license. But with a General or higher ham license, communication over much longer distances are possible.
I’m a longtime ham operator was once limited to line of sight communications. Operating in HF spectrum versus UHF where GMRS is located has a night and day difference in communications potential.
The intent wasn't to define which mode is better but rather which mode is more practical for groups and families where not all members have the commitment, interest or ability to all get a HAM radio license. I use GMRS as a comms platform for tactical communication amongst my family and they can all participate. If and when the need arises for more strategic long-range communications that falls on me as a licensed general class operator to fire up one of my HF rigs and do my thing. That's why the video title is "best for group communications". And I will end with this observation; Without GMRS I would have zero legal group communications capability within my family as none of them are interested, on any level, in HAM radio. All they care about is that they have a radio and know which channel to use in the event of an emergency.
It's now 2023, more than a year since you posed this video. FM CB radios are indeed available. They use the same frequencies as the AM and SSB channels. I'm not sure why the FCC did this. When a radio starts to transmit using FM modulation, the receiver will ignore all other transmissions until the first transmit signal drops. Search for "FM Capture Effect" for more information. This is not the case for AM modulation. I'm pretty sure that this is the reason that aviation radios still use AM modulation. If someone's mic gets stuck, it doesn't totally prevent other (possibly critical) transmissions from being heard.
I have a couple of CBs. I will not be using FM mode.
Well said. I look at things this way -- Amateur, GMRS and CB all have their use cases in terms of what they offer. I'm licensed both as a HAM and GMRS. As well, I'm a tech right now but I plan to get my general some time in the future. In any case, the whole HAM vs GMRS feud is pointless to me because long term, it obfuscates the benefits of both radio platforms. And all of us need to remember it is the FCC which dictates how we can operate as radio operators -- not any one HAM or GMRS operator.
I think that if you have more than 1 call using the repeater, you still have to have the repeater auto-id. If it's only your family you don't. That's my understanding anyway. Just so somebody would know who the control operator of the repeater is if there's a problem.
GMRS is best. $25 for a radio, $35 for license, access to several linked repeaters gives me communications in a 150 mile radius of my home. More than I would ever need.
Re: not having to transmit a call sign when using the repeater...You may want to look into that more. I know there is some disagreement, but my interpretations is: if the repeater owner is the only call sign using it, then the owner's regular ID is sufficient for IDing the repeater. If users other than the owner use the repeater, then the repeater must ID itself, much like ham or LMR repeaters. When using the repeater, you still have to ID just like you do using simplex.
You can also use 'tactical' callsigns or 'handles' as long as the real call is used every 15 minutes and at the end of the comms.
If you and a family member are using the same license, do you both have to ID with the same call sign back to back at the end?? I don't know. Letter of the law, I'd be inclined to say yes, but I don't know of anyone that is really enforcing any GMRS rules at this point. As you said, it is kind of wild west.
I plan to do follow up videos taking a closer look on most of the things I touched on in this video. When I get to the repeater portion, I will look into this and what the definitive answer is from the FCC.
The key word is AUTHORITY in 95.1751 (c) (1). It would say LICENSE if only the people licensed under the repeater owner could use it if it didn't automatically ID. (c) (2) means each person using the repeater has to ID.
FCC Rule:
95.1751 GMRS station identification.
(c)Any GMRS repeater station is not required to transmit station identification if:
(1) It retransmits only communications from GMRS stations operating under authority of the individual license under which it operates; and,
(2) The GMRS stations whose communications are retransmitted are properly identified in accordance with this section.
The language used in (c) (1) is what can have some ambiguity and, in my opinion, is poorly worded. MY interpretation is when speaking of operating under the authority of the individual license, they are referring to family members that are operating using the same call sign (under the authority of) the individual license, with the individual license being the named person on the license, and those users ID as part of their regular communication.
In essence: if Bob puts up a repeater, and only Bob and his family, operating under the authority of Bobs license use the repeater, then the repeater does not need to ID itself; it is being ID'd by the owner; there is only one call sign at play, and that is the call sign of the owner.
If Bob allows Joe and Mark, who have their own license, permission to use the repeater, then the repeater must ID itself, alsong with Joe and Mark. This is the case even if Bob is also using the repeater to talk to Joe and Mark.
Knowing that repeaters are essentially open and anyone could talk on it at any given time, I would think it would be most compliant if all repeaters self ID. If I am checking for any repeaters and kerchunk Bobs repeater and ID myself, but the repeater doesnt ID itself, Bob is now inadvertently not in compliance.
Now I get that enforcement is essentially nonexistent and whatnot, but that is how I interpret the rules...and I don't want a call, letter or knock on the door from the FCC telling me that I have violated the rules. Personally I have more FCC licenses than Ham or GMRS that would be at stake if I violate the rules.
Did you ever complete this project? What are the final components? Also, I don't think GMRS growth will cut too much into those who would otherwise pick up a tech ticket. Those interested in doing what you're doing (myself, alternative/emergency comms) will start somewhere and build up. Along the way, they will discover the limitations and either live with them or find an alternative. For me, losing comms when I stepped out of my vehicle was a limitation I was unwilling to accept. Cross Banding was the solution and that's why I picked up my tech ticket. My other half is on board with the ultimate goal and will pick up her tech ticket after the holidays.
Yes, I did complete the project. I presented my proposal to the Tulare County Amateur Radio Club (TCARC). They voted yes and within 2 months we had not one, but two GMRS repeaters up and operating at our repeater site at 7,575 feet. The primary repeater now covers most of central California with a usable reach of about 120 miles to the north, west and south of the repeater site. Additionally, we have coverage of almost all of the Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks.
@@KS6DAY Outstanding...Congratulations!
Have you heard of a simple parrot repeater? The parrot is hard to get used to but its simple and works. The new July 1-22 test is not as easy as the old test it is much harder.
What town are u in?
GMRS is great but it would be better if we had a repeater system that would allow you to talk to others around the USA and other parts of the world even if it was setup over the internet.
Or having GMRS and CB being open could also bring others into HAM who now have a taste and want more.
Only time will tell.
Long winded set up short question. The Va state police use a radio system called “stars” there hand held transmits to their car, the car transmits to the repeater , then the repeater transmits back to dispatch…. I have my gmrs license and camp with a large group of friends that have their license is there a way we can set up a system like the state police have. Where we can transmit from our handheld to our trucks then to a repeater or to other people close by… in short make our truck a repeater?
There are a number of mobile radios with "crossband repeat" capability that could be used for this purpose. I use the TYT TH-7800 in my truck for this purpose to hit distant repeaters from inside my house with an HT.
@@KS6DAY that would work great but everything I was reading said that only tx to 450mhz so it wouldn’t work for gmrs.
@@JDubbsadventure Both of mine do 136-174 and 400-520 MHz. The new TH-7900 radios don't as far as I know. I am asking around to see if there is a MARS mod for that one. Your question though did inspire me to cover crossband ops in a future video. So that means I need to buy some crossband capable mobiles. (At least that's what I plan to tell my wife 😏)
@@KS6DAY always have to have a cover story for the wife, thanks for the info I’ll be looking into one before hunting season.. I’ll be in the comments
@@KS6DAY would I be able (only in an emergency) be able to park my truck at the top of a mountain. take my hand held at the bottom of the mountain transmit on 462.000 to my truck have it receive on 462.000 repeat on on 467.000 to my friend on the other side of the mountain. In short make the radio a mobile repeater? I hope that kinda made since
Just a guess: you’ll get a lot of people that tested the water with GMRS interested in moving up to HAM.
I think so as well.
I am into radio. I always have been, since getting my first set of toy walkie talkies at age 10. I am a general class amateur. I became a technician back in 1989, but was unable to go any further until they dropped the 13 wpm code test for general. I took that test twice and failed. Didn't even come close. Even then I was so pissed off about the code test that it took me three years to go take the general written test. But I have been growing less and less interested in amateur radio, or what is called amateur radio. To me it is no longer "amateur" Todays "amateur" radios are so loaded with garbage technology you have to be an engineer to even program one. And even the manufacturers can't repair what they made. Amateur radio has become much like GMRS and business radio. You buy a radio, hook it up, and start talking. The only place left to do any experimenting at all is with antennas. I first got an Icom 718, but quickly became bored with it. I threw it in the closet and found a beautiful Heathkit SB-102. I completely rebuilt it (something you can't do with newer radios) and it is now my HF rig. I think "amateur" radio needs to go back to being actual "amateur" radio, using technology your average enthusiast can understand and work on.
I see "amateur" radio as being strictly for radio enthusiasts. Yes, it is a radio "service" and can come in really handy for emergency situations. Besides HF "simplex" there is a huge network of VHF/UHF repeaters across the country. But I don't see it as something for casual radio users, and amateur radio rules expressly forbid it's use business and commercial purposes. All of it's rules and regulations make it unsuitable for recreational use as well. I don't give out my call sign anywhere but on the radio, because all you have to do is go to some place like QRZ.com and get a ton of information about that person, including their home address. I don't think anyone but the FCC should have access to that information. You will also upset a lot of amateur "snobs" if you use it for non radio related purposes.
I first got into serious radio in 1976, as a teenager, with CB. First AM only, then SSB, then I built myself an amplifier and antenna, and started talking DX. Today I keep an AM CB in the car to talk to truckers on, especially on long trips. I have a 100 watt CB base station setup at home that I use more than amateur radio, because there are no rules on CB, and nobody knows who or where you are (yes, there are rules, but the FCC gave up on CB a long time ago, and unless you are causing serious interference, they are not enforced) AM CB works great for short distance communication. Its main problem is that due to its frequency (which is what makes SSB great for long distance communications) is that it requires a large antenna for efficient operation.
GMRS is also great for short distance communications, and unlike CB, which is limited to 4 watts, you can use up to 50 watts on GMRS, plus with it being FM, you get a much cleaner signal. And there are also a few repeaters around, depending on where you live, that can seriously extend your range. But unlike amateur and CB, GMRS is not in widespread use. So you can't just buy a GMRS radio and find someone it to talk to. It is best for use among groups of people who all know each other. It may become more widespread in the future.
I have three radios in my car, a 2 meter/70cm amateur radio, an AM CB radio, and a 50 watt GMRS radio. Each one requires its own antenna. Each one serves a different purpose. But they all come in handy.
One thing that everybody needs to be aware of is their states (or any state you might be driving through) laws on distracted driving. Most states have some kind of anti cell phone law, where it is illegal to use a cell phone (without a hands free device) while driving. I totally agree with that one. So called "smartphones", which IMO are anything but, are very complex, and require a lot of attention to use (I use a 1990s style flip phone, but anti cell phone laws still apply to it) There have probably been more accidents caused by the use of "smartphones" while driving than drunk driving. But some states go a lot further. My state has a "distracted driving" law, and it can literally apply to anything. Eating or drinking (non alcoholic), having a pet or misbehaving kids in the vehicle, use of a GPS unit, smoking, and of course, using any kind of handheld radio or microphone. And it's not a $20 fine. You can literally be charged with DUI for any of the above, and an almost infinite number of other things. Getting a DUI (even though you were not drunk or on drugs) will ruin your life, and can even cost you your job, and your chances of getting another one.
What is the reason for having to use a callsign? I’ll be honest it’s the main reason I don’t want to get into this because I sound like an idiot and like I’m pretending to be Tacticool.
Don't use two gmrs radios for a repeaters because the receive is desensitized to prevent desensitization. Use the repeaters you were mentioned. NotaRubicon productions has already been down that road and he couldn't here anyone any further then simplex.
I am putting in a gmrs repeater
A inexpensive repeater is RT 97. They are 10 watt. They say. I get about 6 watts. After it goes through the duplexer. Runs between 350.00 to 500.00$ . Main difference between ham and gmrs. Ham operators are ridged it the radio procedure. Gmrs is not. Gmrs only need to use or call signs 15 min in and at the end of our conversation.
👍🏽👍🏽
I have a GMRS license for one reason. Family license. My wife is never going to get a HAM license so she can't use my HAM radios legally unless it's an emergency. Which means she can't practice. A GMRS license allows her to practice and get comfortable.
Visalia? The same one that's next to Tulare? Lol. I grew up there, went to redwood hs.
That's the one. My son graduated from Redwood as well.
GMRS is fine for a group of people but if you are in an emergency situation and trying to raise somebody, anybody for emergency assistance, I still think ham radio has a big advantage. In my area, the GMRS frequencies are totally dead. Now again for a group of people that don't matter, but if you are alone and need help the Ham gear is more effective. And FM CB is already here. President CB already markets a couple FM rigs in the U.S.
I looked into this after the video and it looks like my expectations on the CB FM implementation were way off. They're allowing FM but it's still within the 11m band. So, it's just an allowance for different modulation. Which makes sense. But my brain is so accustomed to associating the term FM with the shorter wavelength bands such as 2m, 1.25m & 70cm that I thought they were going to be allowing CB ops within a shorter wavelength band. Unfortunately, not so.
Our local jeep clubs do a lot of simplex work on GMRS Ch 16 as there is good coverage from beginning to end for 25-30 vehicles whereas on CB they can't hear each other from beginning to the end vehicle. A few have become hams and have both or all three rigs as they always have friends who haven't gone ham or GMRS yet. I listen mostly to GMRS Ch 19 while chatting with my wife and my maintenance guys for our work where GMRS is better suited. I just wish there were the same kick-ass GMRS repeaters as the ham repeaters here. Then our Camp Hosts could check in with us for Health and Wellness checks without having to drive up to them every couple of days. Now that is what radios should be no matter what the service. I don't belong to many ham clubs because we are full-time RVers and never get a decent chance to attend club meetings. 73, Dave (KU9L, WRTI814).
FCC should expand GMRS a little.
Relatively speaking (compared to ham), getting a GMRS license is very easy. This is true from a technical perspective.
However, from an average and non-technical perspective, getting a GMRS license is a royal pain in the neck. FCC web presense is terrible. Their login system (username vs frn) is terrible, and the process of going through the steps to submit the application and then pay (where it bounces you back to username (wrong) login instead of frn login) and then manually try to pick up where you left off and find a payment page, is going to infuriate people and leave them with an incompleted application, without any feedback. I just applied for my license a few days ago (and got my call sign), and I'm a pretty savvy programmer and computer design electrical engineer, and so I fought through the process until I had my payment applied and knew how to check the status of my application... knowing that an average person would have some considerable trouble with it.
That said, I appreciate your video. I am going to setup a repeater at my off-grid home as well (maybe the double wouxon, so I can throw one into simplex mode whenever I want, and even grab em and go mobile). I'm interested in what you might setup for a repeater.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's cumbersome. I've gotten as far as getting the account login but have yet to get the FRN and then the license itself.
@@kenofken9458 you should get the FRN in your email immediately. You use the FRN to sign in again and apply for your license. Once application is submitted, you will also get a license filing number, and you have to pay the $35 fee. When all of that is completed you can use the license filing number to check the status of your application. At that point, you have a username (your email address), a password, a FRN (which you use to login to a different area to apply/check your license), and you have a filing number. Finally, in a few days, if approved, you will get your 'ticket' in an email, which is a pdf of your license and call sign (7-digit alpha numeric).
Ham radio--not only do you have to take an exam and pay a fee, the hobby is very expensive and can run into the thousands for equipment. Quality antennas are not cheap, and neither are the radios (unless it is from China Baofeng). GMRS is non-exam, but is $35 for a 10 year license--good for walkie-talkies for oneself and your immediate family members.
Good information, but save yourself some money. Not all of your family members living in different households need to get their own licenses.
Here is Part 95: c) Individuals who may operate a GMRS station. This paragraph establishes who may operate a GMRS station under the authority of an individual license.
(1) Any individual who holds an individual license may operate his or her GMRS stations.
(2) Any individual who holds an individual license may allow his or her immediate family members to operate his or her GMRS station or stations. Immediate family members are the licensee's spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
(3) Any individual who holds an individual license may allow anyone to operate his or her GMRS station if necessary to communicate an emergency message.
Amateur radio needs an ‘operators’ license. Abbreviated test and output power limits.
The immediate family definition in Part 95E has no limit as to where in the USA your family lives. They do not need to live with you. Everybody but your cousins can operate on your license; even your in-laws.
If in-laws are covered, then I'm already there. Interesting. I'm going to look into that. Thanks for the tip.
buy a ammo can repeater set up learn from a ham operator its easy build one.
Have you heard of cellular technology...
Yes, I have.
@@KS6DAY Well then use it...
@@Unknown-hu4gf I do. Everyday. Just finished in fact. But what shall I use when cellular stops working, or service isn't available?
Wouxon is pronounced ocean
Well… Ham radios shouldn’t have been so snobby . I was part of a group on social media for people interested in HAM radio … but I mentioned that I wasn’t sure about it and they got all butt hurt …. And i was like yep not gonna become a HAM …
I am a licensed Ham operator and much prefer GMRS for what it is. GMRS is great for those who have a need to communicate with a specific person and maintain that communication over time. Out hiking, boating etc I use GMRS for coms when I need to keep in touch with specific other participants. I have lost interest in chit chatting with Ham, long distance or otherwise. Its just a waste of time for me.
FM CB radio is ALREADY a reality here in the United States. Many new GMRS licensees ARE disgruntled hams, myself included. People are sick and tired of people who insist on CB'izing amateur radio and bringing everyone else down in the process. It seems as if GMRS would be the logical solution to hillbillies. But even GMRS is having problems with people wanting to CB'ize that service as well. I just sit here and listen.
So GMRS is better.
I don't or never will get a ham license. I have a good icon mobile and base station unit. Ill use it more if shtf because who will care then? Here in Texas a small group of use the radios for years. Here in the panhandle who gives a sh$t.?
The problem are the angry liberals in the HAM world. Not political here. I have just found that most of the angry trouble makers are for some reason all democrats they get angry I mean teeth gritting angry with many people especially if you are in GMRS saying its better, or if your a novice and do not have your ham license yet but have been pushing that hand held red button.