Recommendations for GMRS radio...

[tkdguy]

I think these have to be registered with the fcc? What hoops do I have to do to register? Thanks.

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[GrayGoose]

I think these have to be registered with the fcc? What hoops do I have to do to register? Thanks.

See this:

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

About Rule Part 47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart E Radio Service Code(s) ZA - GMRS

www.fcc.gov

 

[cigars]

GMRS radios do not have to be registered, nor ham radios for that matter. What is required for GMRS is the license. It's around $80 and is good for ten years, covers your whole family and no test required. The just wantcha money, so easy peasy and worth doing it right.
Start here: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

As far as GMRS radios, check out midlandusa.com. They have some of the latest HT's and mobile units out there, some with fairly high power.
Baofengtech also has a nice 50 watt mobile unit, as well as handheld: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-50x1/
Also check out mygmrs.com for GMRS repeater info. Once you get your GMRS call sign you can register with them (free).
Avoid the FRS (cheaper) radios. They are regulated to 2 watts and won't perform as well as the GMRS radios.
Another good source for all things radio: https://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_FRS.php

Cheers.

 

[Paesano]

I've been pretty happy with the BTech (Baofeng Tech) GMRS - V1. They are FCC part 95 compliant set up for operation the US. It's about $60 on Amazon. Fit it up with a Nagoya 701-C antenna (tuned specially for the higher UHF GMRS frequencies) and your all set. Don't be tempted to get the longer Nagoya 771, it's tuned for lower VHF Ham frequencies. Longer antenna is not always better for GMRS.

 

[tkdguy]

Just buy the radio and register with the fcc and you are good to go? No waiting?

 

[GWS]

Just buy the radio and register with the fcc and you are good to go? No waiting?

Buy the radio, get your license from the FCC.
They don't Care what brand/type of GMRS you own.

 

[ATCclears]

@tkdguy

GMRS. The FCC offers a license with no testing, and it covers the family. It's about $70 for five years.

What I recommend is first creating an account with the FCC for a FRN number, and then applying for the license using that FRN number. It makes it easier later in case you later end up with both a GMRS license and a ham license.
https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/suppor...rces/applying-new-license-universal-licensing

The GMRS license should be approved in about two working days.

 

[tkdguy]

These gmrs radios can be operated from the home on ac current or are they restricted to mobile applications off of a truck or car only? I'd like to set it up potentially both ways. Looks like they are intended only for mobile use? Is there a conversion unit for home applications? Home based antenna?

 

[Mark W.]

License is for ten years costs is $70.00 plus like a $3.00 credit card processing fee. I got my license last week took maybe two days for the email containing it to arrive. I printed out 5 copies and archived the email.

I bought a Midland mxt-400 40 watt mobile for my Willys jeep. I'll chose handhelds to go with it later.

 

[cigars]

These gmrs radios can be operated from the home on ac current or are they restricted to mobile applications off of a truck or car only? I'd like to set it up potentially both ways. Looks like they are intended only for mobile use? Is there a conversion unit for home applications? Home based antenna?

You can probably find a GMRS base station if you look hard enough. You will likely pay more though. What I would do is just get a strong mobile unit and run it from a good power supply. As far as antennas go, GMRS antennas are not complicated or huge. Do a web search and see what fits your budget and mounting requirements.

 

[Devneck]

FCC is changing the cost of ham and gmrs licenses.

$35 for gmrs for 10 years instead of $70

FCC approves new ham and GMRS license fees

The FCC has just approved new license fees for Amateur Radio and the GMRS. These fees are actually lower than the original fees proposed in August, which were highly contested by hams, but welcomed by GMRS licensees.

www.buytwowayradios.com

 

[cigars]

FCC is changing the cost of ham and gmrs licenses.

$35 for gmrs for 10 years instead of $70

FCC approves new ham and GMRS license fees

The FCC has just approved new license fees for Amateur Radio and the GMRS. These fees are actually lower than the original fees proposed in August, which were highly contested by hams, but welcomed by GMRS licensees.

www.buytwowayradios.com

Wow! Go Ajit Pai! That is really awesome news. Now there's no need to cringe about getting the GMRS ticket. Thanks for posting that! Just in time for my renewal too.

 

[cigars]

FCC is changing the cost of ham and gmrs licenses.

$35 for gmrs for 10 years instead of $70

FCC approves new ham and GMRS license fees

The FCC has just approved new license fees for Amateur Radio and the GMRS. These fees are actually lower than the original fees proposed in August, which were highly contested by hams, but welcomed by GMRS licensees.

www.buytwowayradios.com

From ARRL's website:

The effective date of the fee schedule has not been established, but it will be announced at least 30 days in advance. The FCC has directed the Office of Managing Director, in consultation with relevant offices and bureaus, to draft a notice for publication in the Federal Register announcing when rule change(s) will become effective, "once the relevant databases, guides, and internal procedures have been updated."

So keep watching for the fee change. Hopefully soon.

 

[Mark W.]

WELL SCREW ME!!! I could have waited and saved $35.00 LOL should I ask for 20 years now?

 

[Member 5605]

WELL SCREW ME!!! I could have waited and saved $35.00 LOL should I ask for 20 years now?

me too since I did mine over the summer.

 

[edzz]

So... a simple change of address now costs a ham $35.

 

[Retired Guy]

me too since I did mine over the summer.

Yeah, I just got mine last month!

 

[GWS]

2 years into my latest GMRS license
I forgot to mention for the OP
I personally like Motorola and Cobra GMRS sets. They are stout and can handle bouncing around in a truck. I find their range and reception good, but have never gotten 35 miles of range out of mine. Maybe out in the desert...

 

[tkdguy]

Is there a unit that can be used both from a home base and or vehicle/mobile?

 

[BlueJacket]

GMRS radios do not have to be registered, nor ham radios for that matter. What is required for GMRS is the license. It's around $80 and is good for ten years, covers your whole family and no test required. The just wantcha money, so easy peasy and worth doing it right.
Start here: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

As far as GMRS radios, check out midlandusa.com. They have some of the latest HT's and mobile units out there, some with fairly high power.
Baofengtech also has a nice 50 watt mobile unit, as well as handheld: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-50x1/
Also check out mygmrs.com for GMRS repeater info. Once you get your GMRS call sign you can register with them (free).
Avoid the FRS (cheaper) radios. They are regulated to 2 watts and won't perform as well as the GMRS radios.
Another good source for all things radio: https://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_FRS.php

Cheers.

great info