5 watt radio's

[hammersley]

I know you need a license for these - but in all reality how are you going to be caught? I know the possibility exists - but so does getting hit with lightning - some area's of the country a lot more than other's. I'm thinking that they will work a lot better in the woods than the smaller 2 watt units. Thoughts... ...

 

[REndres]

I have tried t find how to and how much for license but haven't figured it out yet. Gets confusing because I think the 5 watt gmrs transmits on the same channel as the 2 watt frs. I was surprised to here they require a fee (if they do) because they dropped it for marine radios a few years ago.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

You might look into Amateur radio - I have a setup in my home and in my truck - I can communicate across town, or around the world - I run 1500 watts at home, and 500 watts from the mobile - and also have handi-talkies for the ham bands that avoid the interference from other users common on "public" frequencies. The test requirement for a ham license has become easy to obtain - try:



www.arrl.org



for more info - or check local electronics store bulletin boards for local testing info or help.

 

[TowPro]

the FCC has so many other problems, inforcement of the GMRS (5 watt radios) is not there main consern.



Just like the Amateur bands, most lisenced users of GMRS will not talk to you if you don't have a lisence. 7 of the channels are shared by FRS, even though you don't read it in the owners manuals, the GMRS radios will only transmit 1/2 watt on those frequencys.



the lisence is $75. 00 for 4 or 5 years, but you can't pay for just one year, its $75. 00 up front.



There is a new radio service called MURS that should start to catch on soon. Its uses around 150Mhz, which will work much better then FRS and GMRS, but right now radios are to expensive.



Or as Gary says, get into Amatuer radio. Its easy. Radio shack has a book you read (actual list of questions from FCC test), find a place to take the test (only a couple $) and get your lisences.



then your opertunites are unlimited.

 

[wcjp]

I just passed my exam tonight for amateur ham. The first of four licenses(technician). I'll be buying a rig soon. I'm curious what antenna others use with a slidein?

 

[klenger]

Operating a GMRS radio without a license seems to be in the same catagory as towing with a truck over GVWR. Nobody is going to stop you, but there are some real zelots out there trying to police the issue. Oops, did I start an overweight war here?

 

[DIESELMAN]

Actually, on the 5 'Color Dot' VHF frequencies, now called the MURS Radio Service, a license is not required as of Nov 13 2000.



These were and are limited to 2 watts and the FCC reasoned that since most users weren't licensed anyway, why bother.



151. 820 MHz,

151. 880 MHz, 151. 940 MHz, 154. 570 MHz, 154. 600 MHz.



These are no license and 2 Watt Channels



The GMRS Frequencies are :

462. 5500,

462. 5625, 462. 5750, 462. 5875, 462. 6000, 462. 6125, 462. 6250, 462. 6375,

462. 6500, 462. 6625, 462. 6750, 462. 6875, 462. 7000, 462. 7125, 462. 7250,

467. 5500, 467. 5750, 467. 6000, 467. 6250, 467. 6500, 467. 6750, 467. 7000,

and 467. 7250.



These are licensed but will probably change soon.



These include the FRS channels which are not licensed and are very low power... .



462. 5625 462. 5875 462. 6125 462. 6375 462. 6625 462. 6875 462. 7125 467. 5625 467. 5875 467. 6125 467. 6375 467. 6625

467. 6875 467. 7125



DM

 

[TowPro]

congrats on the new ticket!



For an antenna I use This mount on the drivers side corner of the hood, just in front of the windshild. It does clear my slide-in.



I have a Diamond antenna 2m antenna (highest gain they have), but if I had to replace it, my friends are having good luck with the MFJ Rough Rider antennas.

Originally posted by wcjp

I just passed my exam tonight for amateur ham. The first of four licenses(technician). I'll be buying a rig soon. I'm curious what antenna others use with a slidein?

 

[mbaston]

Re: Re: 5 watt radio's

Why is 150 mhz better? The VHF band is much more crowded and you have a higher chance of intermod. UHF works better through walls etc. VHF might be better if you are trying some rare DX opportunities, but I say stay with UHF of FRS and GMRS.