What is GMRS radios?
What is GMRS radios?
OVERVIEW
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) or GMRS radio is for personal use in general communications.
It shares some channels with FRS, but offers more power, range and versatility than low-power FRS radios.
GMRS radios are available in portable handheld models up to 5 watts and mobile/base station models up to 50 watts. The frequency range is 462 ` 467 MHZ.
Therefore, if you want to use a GMRS radio, you need to have a license, and many GMRS radios can be used with FRS
radios together.
GMRS FREQUENCY RANGE
|
Frequency |
FRS |
FRS Power |
FRS |
GMRS Power |
GMRS |
Notes |
|
462.5625 MHz |
1 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.5875 MHz |
2 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.6125 MHz |
3 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.6375 MHz |
4 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.6625 MHz |
5 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.6875 MHz |
6 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
462.7125 MHz |
7 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
5 W |
20 kHz |
(1)(4)(5) |
|
467.5625 MHz |
8 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.5875 MHz |
9 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.6125 MHz |
10 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.6375 MHz |
11 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.6625 MHz |
12 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.6875 MHz |
13 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
467.7125 MHz |
14 |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
0.5 W |
12.5 kHz |
(1)(4)(6) |
|
462.5500 MHz |
15 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.5750 MHz |
16 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.6000 MHz |
17 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.6250 MHz |
18 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.6500 MHz |
19 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.6750 MHz |
20 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5)(7) |
|
462.7000 MHz |
21 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
462.7250 MHz |
22 |
2 W |
12.5 kHz |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(2)(5) |
|
467.5500 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.5750 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.6000 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.6250 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.6500 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.6750 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.7000 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
|
467.7250 MHz |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
50 W |
20 kHz |
(3)(5) |
*FREQUENCY TABLE & NOTES FROM WIKIPEDIA*
Table Notes:
(1) Shared FRS and GMRS simplex.
(2) Shared FRS and GMRS simplex; GMRS repeater output.
(3) GMRS repeater input. The output frequency of this repeater input is the input frequency minus 5 MHz.
(4) FRS transmissions are limited to bandwidth of 11 kHz with a transmitter deviation of +/- 2.5 kHz. Channels are on 12.5 kHz centers.
(5) GMRS transmissions may have a bandwidth of 16 kHz with a transmitter deviation of +/- 5.0 kHz. Channels are on 25 kHz centers.
(6) GMRS transmissions are limited to a bandwidth of 11 kHz with a transmitter deviation of +/- 2.5 kHz. Channels are on 12.5 kHz centers.
(7) National GMRS calling channel (CTCSS tone 141.3 Hz).
Note: Some inexpensive GMRS mobiles and portables do not fully comply with FCC permissible modulation bandwidth for GMRS and thus have weak transmitter audio and reduced range.
Why use GMRS radios?
GMRS has become popular for its coverage, voice clarity, and ease of use.GMRS allows channels 15-22 to deliver up to 50 watts of power, compared to only 4 watts for CB.
Additionally, a very cool feature of many GMRS radios is the ability to utilize repeaters to greatly increase communication range. Quite simply, most GMRS repeater systems typically receive radio transmissions on one frequency, amplify them, and then transmit them on a different frequency. Most repeater antennas are located on top of buildings, towers, hills, or mountains to increase both receiving and transmitting range (again, height is possible in the antenna world). Since GMRS is a line-of-sight communications medium, range is usually limited by obstructions, but as mentioned above, repeater systems can greatly increase range.
Do I need a license to operate a GMRS radio?
A license is required to operate a GMRS radio. Obtaining a GMRS license is easy and relatively inexpensive, and the license legally covers everyone in your immediate family. Click here to follow our step-by-step guide to obtaining a GMRS license.
Whether you're on a weekend getaway, a passionate Jeeper, or just an outdoor enthusiast, GMRS could be the perfect radio for you, your family, or your Jeep club.
How do I apply for a GMRS license?
Before you are ready to purchase a GMRS radio, you need to obtain a GMRS license. To use these powerful radios and be able to use any remote repeater (with the owner's permission) across the U.S., you need an FCC license.The FCC recently reduced the cost of a 10-year license that covers the entire home from $70 to $35. The primary licensee must be at least 18 years of age; minors may operate under their authority, and adult licensees are ultimately responsible for complying with the rules of operation.GMRS licenses can be issued in as little as 24 hours or less. If you are 18 years of age or older and are not a representative of a foreign government, you may apply for a GMRS license. If you are licensed, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and devices within the licensed system. For information on obtaining a license; see "How to Get a GMRS License ".
