How Many of you use GMRS in your Rigs?

[TucsonAZ]

I just got my license and I'm going to pick up a unit, mostly so I can communicate with the car that will be traveling with me but I'm wondering how many other RVers us GMRS and if you've found it useful?

[Killtimer]

Use it a lot when we're traveling with others. Quite useful IMO.

[Crasher]

The FMCA 4 Wheelers just switched over to the GMRS radios for communicating while on the trails. Much improved communication in the canyons over the previous CB radios. I rarely travel with anyone else and use the cell phone when I do. It wouldn't be practical for the GMRS in our coach. I removed the CB years ago.

[Dutch Star Don]

Originally Posted by Crasher

I rarely travel with anyone else and use the cell phone when I do. It wouldn't be practical for the GMRS in our coach. I removed the CB years ago.

Same for us. We still have them in the coach, but they don't really work well unless you're right on top of one another. I think the RV bodies blocking the signal are the biggest issue.

Recently, a friend grabbed up a bunch of Motorola school radios that were being tossed and gave us a pair. They work really well when we travel with someone.

[vsheetz]

GMRS mounted in the Jeep for group trail communications.

Plus a pair of GMRS handhelds units.

Handhelds used for parking the motorhome, comms around the camping area, loan to a friend when traveling, spotting on jeep trails, etc.

[Ray,IN]

Keep in mind the GMRS frequencies require a license and associated self-identification on the used channel, very similar to short-wave radio frequencies.

[TucsonAZ]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Keep in mind the GMRS frequencies require a license and associated self-identification on the used channel, very similar to short-wave radio frequencies.

I have the license, it's only $35 and they make it hard enough to figure out how to get and pay for it that they don't require a test. I'm guessing they figure if you can even solve the riddle that is applying and paying you are smart enough to have it.



That said, 90% of people using it don't seem to have a license and of the 10% that seem to 90% of those don't use their call signs properly anyway.

[Jim18655]

If you only travel with the same group members consider all getting an Amateur Technician Class license. Small test fee and good for 10 years. Allows greater range and more possibility of getting help on the road in rural areas. Radios can be found for about $20 each in bulk buys of 5. Test is relatively easy.

[TXiceman]

Originally Posted by Jim18655

If you only travel with the same group members consider all getting an Amateur Technician Class license. Small test fee and good for 10 years. Allows greater range and more possibility of getting help on the road in rural areas. Radios can be found for about $20 each in bulk buys of 5. Test is relatively easy.

Please get the FCC amateur license if you are going to use a ham radio. Lately I have heard some folks on the ham frequencies without a license. They picked up the radios on Ebay or Amazon and never read the manual about a ham license being required. They are abusing the radio with improper operating procedures and well as foul language.

Be known, if I can figure out who you are, I will file a report on you to the FCC.

I have both an FCC license for amateur radio and GMRS.

Ken

[vroom_vroom]

Was always curious however how many people rip off a call sign and try and use it? Could just be a new guy but from time to time I hear some not so confident call signs……..

Recently I broke down and got my gmrs license. Will make my life significantly smoother on convoy style long distance camping trips!

[Jim18655]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Please get the FCC amateur license if you are going to use a ham radio. Lately I have heard some folks on the ham frequencies without a license. They picked up the radios on Ebay or Amazon and never read the manual about a ham license being required. They are abusing the radio with improper operating procedures and well as foul language.

Be known, if I can figure out who you are, I will file a report on you to the FCC.


Ken

Same here.

I have noticed some of the on-air activity going downhill. I don't know if it's a society issue or the easier testing. The new observer program might help bring it back to normal.


Expect a several thousand dollar fine for illegal operation.

Jim
KB3ICM

[TucsonAZ]

Originally Posted by Jim18655

Same here.

I have noticed some of the on-air activity going downhill. I don't know if it's a society issue or the easier testing. The new observer program might help bring it back to normal.


Expect a several thousand dollar fine for illegal operation.

Jim
KB3ICM

To my knowledge looking at FCC data, nobody have ever gotten in trouble for not using a call sign. I don't think they have anything close to the resources needed.



My dad was into ham radios long ago when it was a lot of work and money to get into and taken seriously so I get what you're saying about things going down hill.



Now there are HUGE privacy concerns and sketchy people who could freak out over who you voted for. I'm not using a call sign linked to my name, address and all of that while driving alone I-10 or something where any random person could target me or my home.



Also, the burden of entry is so low now with the China radios it's changed the game a lot.

[Jim18655]

Only 2 of many.

07/29/2016 The FCC has fined a Georgia radio amateur $1000 for failing to properly identify. A Forfeiture Order issued to David J. Tolassi, W4BHV, of Ringgold, was released on July 29. The FCC had proposed the fine 1 year ago in a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL), noting that Tolassi had been warned the previous summer about not following Part 97 ID rules.
06/02/2014 The FCC Enforcement Bureau has made public several warning notices issued over the past few months to radio amateurs. A couple of the letters from Special Counsel Laura Smith involved alleged infractions on 20 meters. On April 15, the FCC wrote Larry S. King, KI8NGS, of Owosso, Michigan, regarding failure to properly follow station identification rules on March 21.

[hohenwald48]

I can just imagine an FCC guy crouched behind the bath house with his RDF trying triangulate the kid on a bike calling his mama.