Radios and Comms for Preppers: GMRS, MURS, FRS, and Ham

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 3 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 77

  • @timothystockman7533
    @timothystockman7533 4 роки тому +2

    Now FRS and GMRS share all 22 frequencies. GMRS also has 8 repeater input frequencies which are not shared with FRS. Some radios do not allow access to all channels. The basic 8 GMRS channels allow 50w transmitter power output for GMRS, however the 14 interstitial channels are low power ERP. GMRS no longer has any antenna height restrictions, so GMRS repeaters can be placed on 1000 foot towers, just like ham repeaters.

  • @hunkychunky27
    @hunkychunky27 6 років тому +9

    Fantastic video!!! I started researching SHTF communications and got my technician license and bought Baofang, Yaseau radios and jumped right in. But man oh man is this some deep water to swim in. You've got a kiddie pool all the way to the deepest ocean trench. It's also hard to get your buddies to understand the value of communications and don't won't to bothered. I'm subbing your channel.

  • @rickwilliams5817
    @rickwilliams5817 6 років тому +16

    The 2017 FCC rule changes do not seem to be included in this video, so for some clarifications:
    FRS is licensed by rule and has 22 channels at UHF. The 462 MHz channels now allow 2 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power) and the 467 channels remain the same 0.5 watts ERP. Antennas must be built-in to an HT (Handie Talkie) form factor.
    GMRS requires no exam and can be ordered through the internet for around $70 for a 10 year license. GMRS can use the same 22 channels as FRS so they are now interopearable. GMRS can use up to 50 watts on the eight 462 MHz channels, 5 watts ERP on the seven 462 interstitials, but like FRS, only 500 milliwatts ERP on the seven 467 MHz interstitial channels. This is necessary because of the 8 nearby repeater channels that can only be used by GMRS. Antennas can be detached and the form factor of the radios can be from HT’s to mobile units (that can be used for base stations) and the antennas can be most any height providing they are mounted on some structure, whether a house, tree, or even a tall tower. Efficient antennas are quite small at around 6 inches for a quarter wave whip and can have high gain with multiple elements.
    MURS is licensed by rule but has only 5 channels at VHF around 151/154 MHz at 2 watts output and an efficient antenna only requires about an 18.5 inch length. Most MURS transceivers have an HT form factor and the HT body can act as a reasonable counterpoise (ground plane). MURS allows detachable antennas of your choice and can be 60 feet above ground or as much as 20 feet above "the highest point of the structure upon which it is mounted."
    Part 97 Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) requires an exam for an FCC license for each user whether for the entry level Technician or higher classes. Exams are locally administered by volunteers who generally charge a modest fee, but no money goes to the government. Renewals are at no charge through the FCC. Hams have many bands throughout the radio spectrum but long ranges are more dependent upon the HF frequency bands. These are mostly used by base stations with large antennas and are not as likely to be used by portable or mobile stations although some of us have done this.
    In practical terms, there is not a significant difference in range between radio services that have similar frequencies, antennas and power levels. GMRS and amateur radio have the possibility of repeater access but there may not be an accessible repeater when you need it.
    What matters the most is whether the other people you want to contact have compatible equipment.

    • @junkman2758
      @junkman2758 5 років тому +2

      Survivalist Prepper TAKE NOTE AND PIN THIS COMMENT as it fills the gap you missed in your video presentation.

    • @VickyGeagan
      @VickyGeagan 5 років тому +2

      The 50 watts on GMRS applies to mobile use only. 15 watts is the maximum for a Base station and the license is 75 dollars for ten years. Also 5 watts is the maximum for Murs vhf hi band still 5 channels. Other than that everything else is correct. Under part 95, 95E, and 95J. Part 95 B has been eliminated, which makes combination frs, gmrs radios non fcc certified and illegal to operate in the US. Their are quite a few gmrs repeaters popping up all over the country. The twenty feet height requirement under part 95 applies to the highest permanent structure such as tree tops. So, if your tree is higher than your house you are allowed twenty feet above it.

  • @sdw261
    @sdw261 4 роки тому

    That $10-$15 for a ham radio license is a one time fee that you pay to the exam administrators for their time and using their resources. It doesn't cost anything to renew your license every 10 years. You can also get on HF radio with a basic technician license it's just very limited as to which bands you can use. Great video very informative.

  • @rickwilliams5817
    @rickwilliams5817 6 років тому +5

    The FCC made significant changes to FRS and GMRS last year. FRS and GMRS are able to use all 22 channels so they can intercommunicate now. On the 462 MHz interstitial channels 1 through 7, GMRS can use 5 watts output and FRS 2 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power). Of course, FRS can only use the small fixed antenna that comes with the unit. On the 467 interstitial MHz channels 8 through 14, both GMRS and FRS can only use .5 watts ERP. On the main 462 MHz channels 15 through 22, GMRS can use 50 watts output and FRS 2 watts ERP. On the main channels, GMRS can use 50 watts whether a base or a mobile and they can use detachable antennas with gain. For example, using an HT inside a vehicle, whether GMRS or FRS severely reduces the range due to the Faraday shielding of the vehicle.

    • @survivalistprepper
      @survivalistprepper  6 років тому

      I heard something about that, but wasn't sure they went through with it. Thanks for the info!

  • @benstolen2060
    @benstolen2060 3 роки тому +1

    That was me exactly. I bought a baufeng mobile and the upgraded to a base station while studying for ham BUT with nobody in family or friends that would go get license so.. 💩. I gave up but I’m getting my ham license and starting over! Might get GMRS and a bunch of baufengs to get family going. Cell only works when everything is happy.

  • @jaredbauer3058
    @jaredbauer3058 4 роки тому +2

    FRS can use 2 watts of power on a number of channels/frequencies as of FCC changes in 2017. Which greatly expands the range of a number of FRS channels above the 1/2 a watt.

  • @rickwilliams5817
    @rickwilliams5817 6 років тому +2

    A number of changes were made to GMRS and FRS in 2017. Both services can interoperate on all channels. On the main (15 - 22) and even the interstitial (1 - 7) 462 MHz channels FRS has been increased to 2 watts ERP. On the 467 MHz interstitial channels (8 - 14), both can only use 0.5 watts ERP (500 milliwatts) because they are so close to the repeater inputs. Whether mobile, portable or base station operation, GMRS can use up to 50 watts on the main 462 channels, but must reduce power to 5 watts ERP on the 462 interstitials. GMRS antennas can be most any height because it may be mounted on towers well above your house or repeater locations. The GMRS license is $70 but now is for 10 instead of only 5 years.

  • @DialM4Microcontrollr
    @DialM4Microcontrollr 6 років тому +4

    Keep up the great work!! I have a Technician license but after watching may be interested in GMRS as well. As you mentioned, I could get my kids, spouse, and parents (?) on GMRS on the same license and teach everyone to use. There is a GMRS repeater in the area so I need to see if I can hit it

  • @danielmcasker3102
    @danielmcasker3102 3 роки тому

    Very informative. Thanks

  • @captsam54
    @captsam54 4 роки тому +1

    Very informative.. Found this searching FRS ranges etc. .. Shared on a RV related page..

  • @46camper50
    @46camper50 2 роки тому

    I have my GMRS license. I have a 25 watt base radio set up it can reach out to the closest town . I’m also set up to do MURS.
    I can also do ham frequencies except I’m not licensed for ham.
    I going to be soon a ham.
    I also want to set up a GMRS repeater so I can reach out further. And others that are further away reach me . Mostly friends and family will be able to use it .
    My license cost $35 and it’s good for 10 years . GMRS license that is.
    One reason I chose GMRS is for the fact that it’s not as popular in my area . I scan every day early in the morning. I have only picked up a few transmissions over the last year. A couple kids . Then one time to adults were on the radio but that was just before a storm. So I’m not sure how far away they were.

  • @stevelucier8346
    @stevelucier8346 4 роки тому

    With limited funds and my physical limitations the GMRS sure seems the best choice I can see at least for starting out. The repeater list for my area indicates the repeaters locations might help yet also indicates not one has been updated since 2013 and this is 2020. That is another reason to not spend a lot of money because without repeaters we can be limited by our location. If I can landtop near by I think I can pick up the large repeater location somewhere north Pittsburgh and the GMRS I am looking at has the range to reach it. We live only 7 or 8 miles west of Pittsburgh. Lots to learn having just started to. Originally began researching for a system to use camping at events where cell phone use is problematic if there is service at all. Keeping in contact on location is important.

  • @freshoxygen2176
    @freshoxygen2176 3 роки тому

    Thank you!! Excellent. Well communicated.

  • @jonl207
    @jonl207 6 років тому +1

    This was very helpful. Thanks so much for these introductory type videos. I've been thinking about this topic and didn't really know the differences between the radios, so this is great information.

  • @jackpinesavage1628
    @jackpinesavage1628 6 років тому +4

    Recently, I got a GMRS license. I live in the highest elevation area in my county. I would like to communicate with my friend, who lives 17 miles away. He lives in a two story home. If I can get my antenna high enough, hopefully, with two 40 watt GMRS base stations, I can communicate with him. I like that the new rule for GMRS antenna height is no longer 60 feet. I may have to find a suitable location half-way between us to install a repeater. Those big towers, that wind turbine companies use, can cost $30,000.00. Quite a bit of cash for a line-of-site communications link. Thanks for the comparisons between the type of radios.

    • @junkman2758
      @junkman2758 5 років тому +2

      If you can't do 17 miles with 2 50w base radios with antennas at 20ft above structure or 60ft above ground. then you are doing something wrong. 2 uhf mobile rigs center roof mag mounts commonly get that range or better.

  • @williamgonzalaez229
    @williamgonzalaez229 3 роки тому

    This guys videos I understand!

  • @jaybarr3307
    @jaybarr3307 3 роки тому +1

    A GMRS license is presently $70 for ten years and covers your entire immediate family, which includes siblings, parents, offspring, and - I believe - aunts and uncles. It will soon move to $35 but this hasn't happened at the time this was posted. Also heard that ham licenses will be going up in cost. Pretty clear the FCC is trying to promote GMRS and it is growing rapidly among off-road clubs, prepping communities, and outdoorsman activities.

  • @WH6FQE
    @WH6FQE 5 років тому +8

    The GMRS license fee is $70 and is good for 10 years now, but it does NOT cover family members outside of your home. It is for everyone within your household. If they live in another house, they need their own license.

    • @BryanPendleton
      @BryanPendleton 4 роки тому +4

      The text of the current rules doesn't have that restriction anymore. You just need to be directly related. 95.1705.c.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."... which doesn't say anything about living in the same household, just the required list of relationships.

    • @aprilk141
      @aprilk141 4 роки тому

      Damn, some people don't have any family members, or relationships with them. Should be written to allow up to a minimum number of chosen family members.

    • @WH6FQE
      @WH6FQE 4 роки тому

      April Shadows they all have to live at the same address because the license is for that address

  • @bruceclark5627
    @bruceclark5627 6 років тому

    Great video!! Thanksfor the great and honest content!

  • @duaneatsaltysixhomestead5405
    @duaneatsaltysixhomestead5405 3 роки тому

    Again, great content for me (a ham noob)!

  • @samuelsujuno375
    @samuelsujuno375 4 роки тому

    It is possible to make a diy "repeater" with frs radios. You can get 2 frs radios with vox and microphone in and headphone out ports and make a cable to connect the two. put those 2 on VOX mode and the same channel. you just made a diy reapeater for frs radios.

    • @n3sjh
      @n3sjh 4 роки тому

      FRS is designed to be junk.

  • @crazyhorseranchaz
    @crazyhorseranchaz 6 років тому +7

    In the bunkhouse or on the move I'll take a CB RADIO.

    • @junkman2758
      @junkman2758 5 років тому +2

      10-4 good buddy. TurtleMan said that.

  • @raymondwarceneaux7423
    @raymondwarceneaux7423 Рік тому

    Correction: the 15 dollar is the fee to pay for the testing (testing fee) PLUS the FCC will require a 35 dollar licensing fee in addition to the 15 test fee. Total license fee will be50 dollars for a 10 year license (assuming of course that you pass the written test).

  • @jjeffstile80
    @jjeffstile80 3 роки тому

    I have a budk model no 5081 two way transceiver ugh 16 channel and can not get it to what's wrong?

  • @adama.schitt6568
    @adama.schitt6568 6 років тому +2

    Back when I had all my hairs, none of which were grey, I heard about DX'ing and talking worldwide. Bouncing signals off the ionosphere? The "bands" started at 2 meters and went up from there. Are you going to cover any of that stuff?

    • @josephdixon7697
      @josephdixon7697 3 роки тому

      @Adam A. Schitt when my hunting club used cbs whe had a 5 foot whip on ours and we bounced off the higline power lines and talked to texas

  • @junkman2758
    @junkman2758 5 років тому +3

    I see you published this in 2018 however, your info is outdated as the FCC has made changed to frs/gmrs in 2017. one example is license fee/duration is $70/10yrs. You might want to consider redoing this segment with the updated info to make it more accurate. thank you.

  • @richardparker3150
    @richardparker3150 5 років тому +6

    That is supposed to be 5 watts for handheld and 50 watts for mobile.

  • @SuAmigoElilegal
    @SuAmigoElilegal 3 роки тому

    Hello sir i own a pair of cp200 uhf and also another pair of cp200 vhf. My question is. I got my GMRS lisence and i got my callsing . I also have a pair of baofeng radios. Witch radios m i able to use with my gmrs lisence can i use any of my radios and programmed them and use them

  • @jacquelinehall4771
    @jacquelinehall4771 3 роки тому

    Single parent here. Just wanting something incase of emergency yo reach my children which are both are about 8 miles from me but can be upto 22 miles if they are at work. Which would be best in a city for that kind of range..minimum 8 miles

  • @johnchan6191
    @johnchan6191 2 роки тому

    As of 4/26/22, GMRS license cost: $35 & good 10 yrs & covers entire family.

  • @n3sjh
    @n3sjh 4 роки тому

    I have 5 GMRS repeaters. One running on solar. There is no limit on antenna height

    • @Sheridantank
      @Sheridantank 4 роки тому

      I’m gonna take a guess that you got a tall antenna?

  • @dwaynerobertson383
    @dwaynerobertson383 4 роки тому

    I have no problems finding a wealth of information about American FCC rules and regulations, laws, clubs; over-all, general information. Canadian? Borderline impossible. I think our rules are a lot more relaxed than our kin South of the border have to contend with, but good luck finding where to even begin searching for definitive answers. I'm brand new at this so I am vquite lost, basically. Great video, by the way. Wish I could find the Canadian equivalent.

  • @adamroach5260
    @adamroach5260 5 років тому

    Jack pine savage it may be cheaper for you an your buddy to get some high powered cbs or 10meter radios that work on cb 11 meters and antron 99 5/8 wave antennas. You will for sure be able to talk 17 mile.

  • @usha777
    @usha777 4 роки тому +5

    Keep this in mind...Once you get a Ham license the Gov knows you have a Ham and mark my words at some point they will come for it after other citizen confiscations.

  • @garybivens3236
    @garybivens3236 6 років тому +1

    What is a 10 meter repeter radio? I have been thinking about a radio for a while

    • @survivalistprepper
      @survivalistprepper  6 років тому

      Those are 3 different things haha. 10 Meter is a band, and a repeater bounces (extends) your signal.

    • @garybivens3236
      @garybivens3236 6 років тому

      Survivalist Prepper sorry I know nothing about them I was just here to learn

    • @survivalistprepper
      @survivalistprepper  6 років тому +1

      I totally get it. I was in the same boat a few years ago...I remember how confusing everything was, and still is haha.

  • @montanaactualsurvival8769
    @montanaactualsurvival8769 5 років тому +7

    Your chart of distances proves a profound misunderstanding of how radio waves propagate,

  • @donaldsmith3048
    @donaldsmith3048 5 років тому +1

    The $15 is for the test! There is nothing for the license. Nothing to renew the license.

  • @djsoundzentertainment42
    @djsoundzentertainment42 5 років тому

    FRS is up to 2 watts, (ch.'s 1-7 and 15-22), (ch.'s 8-14 are still half watt) and includes all the 22 channels that are in GMRS but narrowband not 14 channels, or half watt only. Your info is outdated on FRS and GMRS. GMRS is 5 watts max on ch.'s 1-7, half watt on 8-14, 50 watts on 15-22.

  • @ShipWreck54
    @ShipWreck54 4 роки тому +1

    Lots of misinformation in this video. GMRS is 5 watts on the non-repeater frequencies regardless of whether it’s handheld, mobile or base. And it’s 50 watts on the GMRS repeater frequencies. Range is also vastly incorrect as you can get 2500 miles on a single hop on the 80 meter band. MURS has a consistent 6-7 mile range, not 2 miles. And with a base antenna it will talk 12 miles consistently. The guy mentions line of site but doesn’t apply it to his “guesstimations” here.

    • @craigr7262
      @craigr7262 4 роки тому

      Do you have a gmrs radio?

  • @ometofu
    @ometofu 5 років тому +1

    problem is shtf. repeaters won’t work. i need strong mesh Radio network

    • @DaltonTk423
      @DaltonTk423 4 роки тому +2

      Look up Nextel Direct Talk. Pretty much older Nextel cell phones create their own network when there isn't any cell service. The phones create a digital mesh network on the 800MHZ iDEN band and can communicate as a group or to individual phones through contacts and phone numbers you assign to each device. The phones dont have to be active on the Nextel network as that network is pretty much gone. The phones just need old Nextel SIM cards in them. The phones can even act as repeaters if you have one person 10 miles away from another but you have someone with a phone 5 miles between them.

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 3 роки тому +1

      @fpeletz during Sandy, most NY repeaters down within in a week. true shtf event ain’t no one going to put gas to those generators

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 3 роки тому

      @fpeletz u have not live thru a real event, relying on infrastructure you have no control with is pure death. You might as well lecture me on cell tower which got way more diesels and solar

    • @ometofu
      @ometofu 3 роки тому

      @fpeletznah. i live thru all the event with my mobile phone too. dumb comment. u don’t get it. hope there won’t be real shtf

  • @toml.8210
    @toml.8210 2 роки тому

    People who have a license usually know what to do, except for t he special things, like emergency nets.
    The real problem is that unlicensed people (morons) will just grab a radio and start yelling for help. There needs to be a simple protocol developed that can be available at your local City Hall or online, so people can educate themselves. Maybe even some informative PSAs on local TV telling them to get a copy...
    Maybe towns that might have emergencies (hurricane or tornado areas, earthquakes, etc.) can have meetings whee they can educate people for the protocols in their specific area.

  • @philip6419
    @philip6419 3 роки тому

    SHOOT. I wondered what CB was in comparison.

  • @PoverousPrepping
    @PoverousPrepping 6 років тому +5

    Johnny I would not publicly announce your call sign. You might as well just hand out your address.

  • @adambatchelder4121
    @adambatchelder4121 4 роки тому

    Don't forget about the most commonly used band 11m

  • @donaldsmith3048
    @donaldsmith3048 4 роки тому

    It is $15 to take the test! The license is Free!

  • @tyronebland5966
    @tyronebland5966 4 роки тому +1

    Commenting I'm trying to get on IQ wacky tacky on Leica yeah picture of a now yeah he I open no a I yeah a no I I a I security officer 3590

  • @n3sjh
    @n3sjh 4 роки тому

    Any radio you modify is not FRS. They are designed to be junk.

  • @DerAnstreicher
    @DerAnstreicher 4 роки тому

    Ich dachte immer ihr könnt machen was ihr wollt! Aber ihr seid auch nicht besser dran.

  • @duaneatsaltysixhomestead5405
    @duaneatsaltysixhomestead5405 3 роки тому

    Again, great content for me (a ham noob)!