Why and how to get a GMRS license

Josh CentersContributor - November 16, 2021

We here at The Prepared are big proponents of getting your ham radio license so you can communicate effectively without the grid. But not everyone has
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Over this side of the pond our systen is called PMR, its unlicenced and limited to 1/2 watt, it uses generally 8 to 16 channels in the 440 Mhz range ( its also called PMR 446) .

However many people utilised the Baofeng UV5R family of transievers running betwen 4 and 8 watts with longer antenna like the Nagoya 771 ( I think) , and go up to 20 channels  PMR and DPMR.

We also have CB at 12 watt in AM / FM and SSB but not many people use it.

 

Just wondering what the advantages of Ham/GMRS are over the two-way satellite communication devices (e.g., Garmin-mini or Zoleo) favored by hikers/backpackers.  Other than redundancy and/or having additional communication options, is there any advantage to also pursuing GMRS or Ham licensure for those who already own a two-way satellite communication device?

 

One of the reasons I got into ham is because it isn’t reliant on the grid or other systems. Maybe it’s the doomsdayer in me, but if everything went down the radios will still work as long as two of you have them within range of each other. 

The satellite devices are reliant on the internet and multiple services. More room for failure in a disaster. 

For just backpacking or camping in the woods during normal times though, hands down a satellite device is the best option. You won’t be messing around with climbing a mountain for a good signal and reach some random person who then will relay your message. You can text or call directly to emergency services. 

Just my two cents.

 

Thanks, Robert!  A very helpful explanation.

 

Okay, having thought about this a bit over the weekend, I have a few more questions:

Assuming there are sufficient repeaters in my area (a densely populated metropolitan city), realistically, could I use handheld GMRS in the following scenarios?

• Communicating from work to home or vice-versa ~5 miles.
• Communicating with my parents across town ~20 miles.
• Communicating with my wife on mountain camping trips.  (Due to topography and, presumably, no repeaters, I’m assuming we’d be limited to very short distances.)

In a true SHTF scenario, I’m assuming that repeaters would likely not be available due to power outages and, therefore, I’d be limited to whatever line of site communication is possible with a handheld GMRS, correct?

 

1. Yes, that should work. However, you probably need a mobile radio in the car because cars act like Faraday cages.

2. That’s going to depend on your terrain.

3. GMRS is ideal for that sort of scenario. Expect about one mile of range, depending on terrain.

4. Ham repeaters are often set up with solar power or a generator so they remain functional during power outages. GMRS repeaters might be the same way. (I’m not aware of any in my area.)

One note about repeaters: the regulars might get annoyed if you use them for personal chit-chat. I’ve noticed that many of the repeaters on myGMRS say they’re only for club members or you have to ask permission, which isn’t really how that’s supposed to work, but is how it is anyway. It’s a different attitude than ham radio operators, who see themselves as operating a public service.

 

Thanks, Josh!  Very helpful.

 

Which version of the Midland do you use, Josh?  The Midlands at the Walmart link above (which are also readily available at Bass Pro, Cabelas, REI, and Sportsman’s Warehouse) don’t appear to be repeater capable.  Definitely a deal breaker for me.

 

They’re not. Check out the Wouxon GMRS radios. I think most of them are repeater capable.

 

Thanks again, Josh!  Looks like in addition to Wouxun, Radioddity has some good entry level options.

 

Can confirm, the license fee is now $35

 

For someone with no Ham experience but want to communicate with family over long distances (50-400mi) what would you recommend me to do? I don’t mind getting a Ham radio license. I operated radios a bit in the military so I hope I’d understand it a bit more than the average person.

Respectfully,