GMRS

[Moose843]

Box or handheld? Im thinking 1 handheld for a spotter, but just get 2 handhelds or a fixed box inside the jeep?

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[gouacats]

I have one mounted in the Jeep and 2 handhelds. I think the handhelds were sold in pairs.

 

[Radio Guy]

If your need is just for spotting and short range like less than 1/2 mi outdoors, handhelds should work fine.

 

[sarguy1941]

Depends.
Handheld - No license.
Mobile - License Required.

 

[Thunderspud]

Depends.
Handheld - No license.
Mobile - License Required.

This is an oversimplification.

I would urge the OP to just visit the FCC site regarding GMRS if they want the more accurate version of the requirements. That said, I would wager the majority of folks that utilize GMRS capable radios are not licensed, regardless of the rules. Not that I am condoning that. It's easy enough to get.

Edit: Link to the specific regulations.

 

[sarguy1941]

Yes thats the simple terms but for most of the folks it makes sense. There is not a mobile radio you dont need a license for so thats a good rule of thumb. And yes I agree many do not get the licese but should.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

The license is under $40 and good for 10 years so it's not a big deal. I think it took me about 10 minutes to apply, pay and print license. No test or anything, which begs the question, why even bother except to extort more money, but I digress... (no politics, guys)

 

[Figmo]

it's not the license that bothers me - it's constantly having to say "this is BR549..." Even if I had the license, I wouldn't do that crap and neither does anybody else.

which begs the question: why am I paying for a license?

 

[pharmfrank]

Way back during the CB craze of the 70's I went for a Royce 40 ch for my wagon. And since
pharmacists are known for their honesty I filed for a license and was given my call sign,
KARF something. Within a year or two there were literally tens of thousands (more ?) CB's
out there and very few signed on or off per regulations. I think the FCC just gave up as it
is nearly impossible to enforce. I see little reason to expect anything different from GMRS.
By the way I switched to handheld CB's by the late 70's, could still power from vehicle and
plug in exterior antenna.

 

[ASU_Greg]

FYI, if you go the fixed mount, you will not have channels 8-14 due to high power. I use both in case my group is running one of the off channels.

 

[Josh00333]

I have both. I run a Midland MXT275 mounted (get the new MXT575 if you go this route) and I have a Wouxun KG-605G handheld if I need to get out of the rig, want a spoter or another rig needs a radio. The mic holder Ihave holds the Midland mike and the hand held in it.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Unless you plan on having a good bit of distance between you and whoever you are talking to, I wouldn't waste the space on a mobile mounted in the truck. When I was wheeling more all of us had handhelds except for one person, so it really didn't benefit anyone since we could hear him from a few miles away, but we couldn't talk to him.

So - my personal opinion, I wouldn't worry with a mobile unless others in your group have a mobile as well, or you plan to use it to hit repeaters and talk to other people entirely. Just stick with some quality handhelds, ideally something that charges via USB instead of the charging base.

 

[ChrisNLA]

it's not the license that bothers me - it's constantly having to say "this is BR549..." Even if I had the license, I wouldn't do that crap and neither does anybody else.

which begs the question: why am I paying for a license?

I bought the GMRS license for giggles. I have an amateur radio technician license now as well.

For GMRS, if I decide to try and talk for fun locally and hit repeaters, etc on a 25W or 50W base station (more formalized communication) I'll go ahead and use the call sign and be legit.

If me and a friend are using two 5W handhelds to communicate during a road trip - yea not doing all of that.

 

[djthumper]

FYI, if you go the fixed mount, you will not have channels 8-14 due to high power. I use both in case my group is running one of the off channels.

I guess that depends on your mobile. For me it doesn't matter much, I run a mobile and have several handhelds.

 

[Einsteiger]

The bad actors ruined CB for the most part, but the FCC still has eyes on it. They just socked a chronic offender [causing deliberate interference} with a $25K fine. So it does happen. Rarely.

With GMRS you get one call sign, but any family member can use it, and the interpretation of "family" is pretty broad.

As far as having to identify, the actual requirement is every 10 minutes of conversation, which is a pretty long time for most people. If you're just listening, that doesn't apply.

The popularity of GMRS is what will bring the FCC sniffing around. Like at large overlander gatherings, etc. You might occasionally see enforcement actions in CA, FL, NY etc., but mostly for things like linking repeaters and such. I can't really fathom WHY that is not allowed, but whatever.

In GMRS like all other radio, buy the best unit you can afford, but do not skimp on antennas. Type and placement are key. Don't just throw one on a bumper and wing it. If you want decent performance, check out Midland's website. A lot of info and vids on the subject.

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