Community Forums

Ray,IN · 05-20-2022, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

That is exactly why the citizens band is wide open, so anyone(kids) can use it without regulation.

Jim18655 · 05-20-2022, 01:37 PM

No license required to use the FRS channels but the instructions that come with most of the radios aren't very clear on requirements for the different channels.

hohenwald48 · 05-20-2022, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Do those involve GMRS? Seems to look like amateur radio bands are being described.

I have found many articles that claim nobody has ever been charged or convicted for using a GMRS radio without a license. Is that incorrect?

Jim18655 · 05-20-2022, 03:23 PM

My apologies for the confusion. I was referring to the post about Amateur enforcement.

jeanluc001 · 05-20-2022, 03:57 PM

Why do you need a license to talk on a radio??

baraff · 05-20-2022, 04:28 PM

I'm old enough to remember when CB radio required a license. Eventually the FCC gave up and opened it up. The result was what we have today.

vroom_vroom · 05-20-2022, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

I'm old enough to remember when CB radio required a license. Eventually the FCC gave up and opened it up. The result was what we have today.

Enough people flooded the air without the license they had to pull they could’ve t regulate it. I doubt there is enough people out there with interest to do the same today.

TucsonAZ · 05-21-2022, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

Do those involve GMRS? Seems to look like amateur radio bands are being described.

I have found many articles that claim nobody has ever been charged or convicted for using a GMRS radio without a license. Is that incorrect?

That was my thought but it's the internet so I figured why bother responding when the comment didn't even apply.

redbaron73 · 05-21-2022, 07:44 AM

We use gmrs, Ham (2m/70cm), and Wifi/Voip

When doing convoy in the RVs GMRS with rooftop antenna gives terrific range. I am in the process of upgrading my MXT275 to a Chinese radio that acts as a repeater at 45W.

When boondocking, Wifi/voip works best. Everyone has a handheld cellular phone, and can use it to communicate on the voip chat or call easily with others. Much simpler than running handhelds, and allows for private communication.

Only a few of us are HAM licensed, so that is the least used but best range for known separation.

Rexlion · 05-24-2022, 01:36 PM

We boondock in the middle of nowhere to get away from it all, and then we spend the time chatting with other people. There's some irony.

We humans are funny creatures.

Rodg495 · 05-24-2022, 03:40 PM

Quote:

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.

Easy to apply for the license, no test and I think it is $35. It's more of a registration ID than a license.

Rodg495 · 05-24-2022, 03:42 PM

What channel do you use when traveling? Do you monitor RVs or Truckers?

Alpine36 · 05-24-2022, 04:02 PM

Our convoy group has tried handheld GMRS and FRS. As mentioned, be prepared to install rooftop antennas if trying to travel in a group. My biggest complaint is the audio sucks, sounds like a scratchy transistor radio inside a garbage can is the best way to describe it. Our most common conversations were usually "can you repeat that please".
I know I'm in the minority, but our group has all switched back to simple Uniden or Cobra basic AM (or better) CBs and short vertical mount Firestick Fiberglas antennas. Garage sale finds mostly. Way better audio and range when trying to communicate thru the coach to traveling companions. Yes, hard to get a good swr match or better range in a Fiberglas and aluminum coach, but, IMHO, the better way to go. Oh, and the little kids have a blast with them too. All communications rig to rig suffer the same detriments. For outdoor line of sight use and backing up, tough to beat GMRS or FRS, but a properly tuned/matched CB with a 5/8 wave will out perform them every time.

73's Kokanee is on the side.
KACD6077 lol

Rodg495 · 07-03-2022, 02:52 PM

Use of channels 8 thru 14 are FRS channels and DO NOT require a license or a call sign. However, they are low power channels - 1/2 watt.
Channels 1-7 and 15 thru 22 are higher wattages channels and require the GMRS license and call sign. When I'm out and about I use only part of my call sign. I do monitor channel 19 while on the road.