New to GMRS? You’re in the right place!
Introduction
If you have ever used a “walkie-talkie” before, then you’ve either already used, or came very close to using GMRS. Most any “walkie-talkie” that you have ever used or seen was likely an FRS / GMRS combination handheld radio. These radios are the “walkie-talkies” sold in stores and kept in the households of many. They usually have 22 channels that the user can choose from. Out of these 22 channels, 1-14 are the FRS channels, and 15-22 are the GMRS channels. If you pay very close attention to the user manual or packaging provided with these radios, you will find a disclaimer stating that a GMRS license is required to use channels 15-22.
FRS and GMRS… what’s the difference?
Family Radio Service (FRS) is what you have most likely had experience with – it is is an unlicensed radio service, meaning anybody can use FRS radios without needing to obtain a license. This is the most common and well known radio service, but it has it’s limitations. FRS is limited to only 500 milliwatts (1/2 of a watt) of transmit power, and can only be used on small handheld radios with non-detachable antennas. FRS is great for very short range radio communications (1 mile or less) between group members on hiking trips, bike rides, and more.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is like FRS on steroids – it allows up to 50 watts of transmit power (100x more powerful than FRS), bigger & better radios, larger interchangeable antennas, and more! However, like driving a car, it is a licensed service so you must get a license before you can use it. Depending on how you use it, GMRS can allow you to communicate from hundreds of miles away!
All it takes is $35 and a few minutes online to get a GMRS license for your entire family to use!
GMRS is a great addition to any family or groups’ daily, emergency, or back up communications needs!
What can GMRS do for me?
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) offers an extensive range of communication solutions tailored for individuals and families who prioritize effective and reliable connectivity. Here’s how GMRS can be beneficial to you:
- Legality and Accessibility: Applying for a GMRS license is straightforward. Any adult who is not a representative of a foreign government can apply. This accessibility, combined with the broad coverage of the license, makes GMRS a valuable asset for family communication plans.
- Extended Family Licensing: Once you obtain a GMRS license, it is not just for your personal use but extends to your entire family. This includes not only your immediate family members but also grandparents, in-laws, and siblings. The inclusive nature of the license makes it an economical and practical choice for family-wide communication.
- Enhanced Communication Range with Repeaters: GMRS’s ability to integrate with repeater systems dramatically increases the communication range. This is especially useful in varied geographical settings, from the dense environments of big cities to the expansive spaces of rural areas. By boosting the signal of low-power portable and mobile radios, repeaters ensure that your messages reach further, providing better coverage and reliability.
- Support for Emergency and Routine Communication: Whether it’s a routine check-in with family members or an urgent communication during emergencies, GMRS stands out as a robust tool. Its capability to support not only voice communications but also text messaging and GPS location sharing makes it invaluable in ensuring safety and coordination among family members.
- Utility Across Locations: GMRS radios can be operated with or without a repeater. This adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of everyday situations—from communicating across a large store or event venue to staying connected across a town using a repeater. Whether you’re coordinating a family outing or ensuring safety in a crowd, GMRS provides a dependable way to keep in touch.
By leveraging GMRS, you’re investing in a communication system that not only enhances your day-to-day connectivity but also ensures your family’s safety and coordination in various circumstances.
Who Can Use GMRS?
You may apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system.
If one family member obtains a GMRS license, then ALL of his/her family members may also use that GMRS license. This includes parents, brothers, sisters and in-laws! It is the perfect tool for families to keep in touch with one another.
Radios can be used with or without a repeater. For small area communications such as a family event, portable and mobile radios might work just fine. If you’re looking for coverage across the whole town, you might need to make use of a repeater.
