Comments for GMRS Two Way Radio

Comment on two way radio (walkie-talkie) channel question? by planeguy3223

planeguy3223 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:05:38 +0000

There are many different factors that can come into play as to why you aren’t picking up the transmission. I will list a few:

- They could be using a different privacy code system. Although this usually isn’t the case since you can still hear anybody using one if you have your privacy codes turned off, some special GMRS radios have the ability to encrypt signals so that other radios cannot pick them up.

- They could be using different radios such as a CB or PMR radio system. It is very common for a large business to use either of these two since they are less common and thus the probability of interference from other people is very low. PMR also has many benefits such as trunking, which put in simple terms is like how a cell phone works, using multiple repeaters to send a signal across the air. However, you have to be a really big corporation for this, and usually this is only reserved for companies that have people all around town, the most common civilian type being a shipping service (UPS, FedEx). Obviously CB and PMR use different frequencies, so you can’t pick them up with a GMRS radio.

- While scanning, you could just be missing their transmissions, or they just have nothing to say. It depends on the radio, but scanning a single channel twice can take around 4-10 seconds, and a good amount of information can be passed by while your radio is off scanning other channels.

It all depends on the company as to what type of radio they use and how often they would be using it. FRS would be used for a grocery store sized company, CB for a Walmart size, and a PMR for a really big or widespread company. GMRS is almost never used because by law, every person who uses it must obtain a $75 license or takes the risk of being fined. You can’t get a license in GMRS for an entity that would cover every individual. Every person has to get one. CB doesn’t require a license, and with PMR you can get a license for an entity.

Comment on two way radio (walkie-talkie) channel question? by Steve N

Steve N — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:05:38 +0000

The freqs that store bought walkies use are no different than a CB radio, freqs set aside for public use, big companies most likely own the channels they use.

Comment on I have a FRS/GMRS question:? by

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:06:27 +0000

In an emergency, you can use the GMRS channel to get help. Not many monitor GMRS/FRS for emergencies unless there is a close GMRS repeater or REACT team.

For non emergencies, you can only use FRS frequencies if you do not posess a GMRS license.

Comment on I have a FRS/GMRS question:? by mexicotv

mexicotv — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:06:27 +0000

I wouldn’t worry about it. There most certainly isn’t any FCC enforcement of the regs like there was many years ago. They can’t afford the number of field folks that they would need. If there is a cost attached to the license be assured it’s just another way for the government to get your dollars.

Comment on Do they really enforce GMRS licenses? by Dusty

Dusty — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:23:52 +0000

I agree with mexicotv. Don’t let the adversing hype suck you in. They are still only 5 watts INTO THE FINAL TANK CIRCUIT just like CB’s. So the same " watt per mile " rule kicks in. At about 3.5 to .7 watts output, they are only good for about 3 miles, except over water or airborn. Also a Ham op with an old 1×3 call sign.

Comment on Do they really enforce GMRS licenses? by mexicotv

mexicotv — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:23:52 +0000

They don’t have the manpower or the time to bother enforcing those types of laws.

Comment on Do they really enforce GMRS licenses? by Net.Guru

Net.Guru — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:23:52 +0000

The FCC responds to complaints. If a local repeater owner starts to get hammered by a FRS radio, he will complain and the FCC will act.

Remember that the GMRS user paid for his license and the cost of keeping the repeater on the air, he is not going to take interference lightly.

There is a form with each radio, that keep the FCC off the sellers butt, and can place it squarely on the illegal user.

Comment on Would a car battery die from listening to the radio? by Bertsta

Bertsta — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:03:15 +0000

A radio on it’s own won’t drain the battery, those things can run 6 months on a couple of household batteries. Nah mate. it’s your killa amp and speakers that killed it.

Comment on Would a car battery die from listening to the radio? by fidgee

fidgee — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:03:15 +0000

Yep! If the engine is not on, the battery has no way of recharging so anything electrical will drain it–sometimes very quickly. Even leaving a light on in the car will drain the battery but your car’s stereo drains the electrical system quickly because of all the components. And, keep in mind, it doesn’t help to start the engine and idle for a few minutes at a time, you’re just wasting gas and still not recharging the battery. Hope that helps!

Comment on Would a car battery die from listening to the radio? by 713~YOWI

713~YOWI — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:03:15 +0000

yea