Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

@Boomer3731 yea I heard about the FRS technicality is that just because of the wattage?

The GMRS rule is news to me. I keep getting conflicting information.

 

Whatcha like to know. Can most likely answer it for you.

 

We'll for FRS for starters, is the baofeng technically illegal on these chennels only because of the wattage? I mean FRS is basically the channels on any mickey mouse walkie talkie up to your basic midland right?

 

The baofeng does not have fcc certification to operate on FRS or GMRS.

 

Right, as opposed to any other walkie talkie on store shelves right?

It seems to me it's based on the wattage that the baofeng puts out?

 

cheater!

 

It's because it doesn't meet a long list of requirements to be allowed for that use. FRS GMRS radios are channelized. The baofeng can operate on a huge range of frequencies, a bunch they're not allowed to. Also, the fcc won't give it a certification because the transmission is spurious and very sloppy.

If you're looking for a good gmrs radio I'd look at the Btech gmrs radio. You can set up a good antenna with it and have yourself a nice portable and mobile set up at an ok price.

Haha absolutely

 

It also has to do with the fact that the antenna on the Baofeng can be removed/modified.

 

I don't have any plans today so I think I'll drive up a mountain, take a book and some coffee, and see if anyone is talking. Still can't transmit but I can listen. Isn't there a universal simplex calling frequency on VHF and UHF?

 

I've been lurking this thread for a while, and going back and forth on getting a HAM setup or GMRS setup, really main use is comms between rigs on weekend adventures. Do most people use frequencies on their HAMs that GMRS can pick up? or if people are mainly on HAM, I've got to also be on HAM?

 

I can't speak for everyone. But most trips I have been on the main communication device was a CB radio. I have a HAM, CB and tri-band handheld with FRS as well as cell.
I have no experience with GRMS as of yet.
Still the CB gets the most use on the trail.

 

146.520MHz and 446.000MHz are the national calling frequencies.

 

Really depends on your area and the people you are with as to what is popular. Amateur bands (HAM) and GMRS are different and require different radios and licenses.

 

I was aware of the licensing, but getting mixed answers searching about getting on certain bands with GMRS that people using HAM are on. Most people I've spoken to out here are using HAM. Guess my main hesitation to commit is the lack of room for mounting radios in 3rd gens. Really don't want to have a bunch of garbage hanging off my dash.

 

Put them all in the center console

 

That’s the one spot I’ve figured. It’s hella deep enough.

 

Bottom line. Only GMRS radios can be used on GMRS frequencies. All of these are separate.


Most run cb up here, the ham guys always run ham even on cb trips (also a cb on the side), but gmrs handhelds are become very popular and now there are more gmrs mobile options.

 

thank you! That’s the answer I was looking for.

 

Sure is quiet up here.

 

Get one with a Detachable face plate. Mount the main unit under a seat or somewhere out of the way.