Range

Q:  How far can I talk with (fill in the blank) radio?

A:  The range of a particular radio depends on several factors.  One         of those is the band in which the radio operates (HF, VHF, UHF).         Some bands have line of sight propagation (GMRS/FRS/MURS)         and others do not.  The higher the elevation above the average

     terrain, the better the range.  Other factors include antenna               gain, cable loss, power output and obstructions to signal, such         as hills, buildings, etc.  For a good website that can help you               estimate VHF or UHF range from one point to another, click here.

Repeaters

Q:  How do I find a repeater in my area?

A:  Repeaters, if they are high above the average terrain, are great at       extending your GMRS range.  Check with local GMRS groups.  Or,         you can try these two links for searching your area:  mygmrs.com         or repeaterbook.

Q:  Can I put up my own repeater?  Should I?

A:  Repeaters are allowed in the General Mobile Radio Service                   (GMRS).  You should first check if a repeater is available in your         area.  If it is, and the owner/operator will allow you to use it,               that is the best bet.  Some repeaters are "open" and allow any             licensed operator to use it.  Unless you are experienced with the         install of repeater equipment, it is better to use an existing one.       Putting up a permanent repeater can be very time consuming             and costly. 

Q:  How does a repeater work?

A:  It is a transceiver, usually located at an advantageous height,             that extends range.  It operates by automatically taking a signal         from a mobile or base unit on one frequency and transmitting it       on another frequency. 

Q:  My radio manual says it is repeater capable.  Does that mean it         can operate like a repeater? 

A:  No.  A repeater capable radio can operate on input channels and       use a repeater.  It is not actually a repeater.

Q:  What is a linked repeater?  How do I connect to one?

A:  A repeater can be linked to other repeaters via a network                     connection or RF link.  This allows a conversation to be

     transmitted on several repeaters at once, greatly extending                 range.  There are different linking networks.  Some are regional           and others are nationwide.  You cannot connect a GMRS system         to the public switched telephone network or other network for           the purpose of interconnection to make telephone calls.  For a             list of linked systems, you can check www.mygmrs.com. 

Q:  Why aren't all repeaters open?  Can repeater owners restrict               those who use it? 

A:  Repeater owners, who pay the cost of equipment, upkeep and             sometimes site rental, have the right to restrict who uses their           system.  Some require permission from the owner and others             that are operated by a group, may require membership.

Q:  When I program a repeater into my mobile or hand-held radio,           should it be wideband or narrowband?

A:  Confirm information about the specific repeater.  Some are                 wideband and others are narrowband.  Check with the repeater         directories, such as mygmrs.com, or the owner of the repeater.      

Licensing

Q:  Do I need a license for my radio?  How much does it cost?  Who         is covered?  What is the license term?  How long does it take to           get my license?

A:  FRS, MURS and CB Radio don't require a license.  A license is             needed for some radio services, such as GMRS or a business               radio.  For information about a GMRS license, click here.   

Q:  Does a GMRS license allow me to use Ham frequencies?

A:  No.  You need an Amateur (Ham) radio license.

Q:  I'm a Ham radio operator.  I've taken the test and have my                    license.  Does this allow me to use GMRS frequencies?

A:  No.  The Amateur radio service and General Mobile Radio Service         (GMRS) are two different services under FCC rules.  Separate               licenses are required.     

Type of Radio

Q:  What kind of radio do I need? 

A:  Just like when you buy a car or truck, it depends on what you're          going to use it for.  If you just want short distance radio contact        (no more than a mile or two) for personal use, than FRS should          do the trick.  For short distance business activity, a MURS or              business radio would work.  To talk a bit further for personal              use, GMRS is the best bet.  For a good comparison chart of the            Personal Radio Services, click here.

Q:  Is my radio legal to use?

A:  Radio transceivers, with few exceptions, must be certified by the       FCC.  The certification shows that the equipment was tested and       confirmed to comply with certain specifications.  This assures           that the equipment has the right frequency bandwidth, power           output and other specifications, so it will not interfere with               other systems.  GMRS, FRS, MURS, CBRS, Marine and business           radios must all be certified.  Certified equipment must have a             label with an FCC ID number.  Check with your radio supplier.  In       the near future, we will have a list of certified radio equipment.

Privacy

Q:  Are my communications on the radio private?  What about                 privacy codes? 

A:  No communications on the personal radios services are private.         Privacy codes or tone codes do not provide security of your                 conversations.  Use caution not to communicate private or                 financial information.  If you wouldn't want it posted on the               internet, don't talk about it on the radio.  

Q:  What about scrambling or encryption?  Can that be used?

A:  No.  Only cell phones, business/industrial, government or                   military radio equipment can use encryption. 

Telephone Connection 

Q:  Can I connect my repeater or other station to the public                      telephone system and make phone calls?

A:  No.  FCC regulations do not allow this. 

Note

Want to see more questions added?  Contact us here.  Much more information will be available in our upcoming book and other publications.