GMRS Radios

[Bearman202]

I just purchased a couple of sets of Midland GMRS radios. One of the first things you see in the instruction booklet is that a license is required. No big deal, right? You can do it all on-line, in a couple of minutes. The part they DON'T tell you about is that the price for a license for an individual is $85.00. It's good for five years. My great deal on radios turned out to be not so great. I do like the 42 channels, with over a hundred privacy codes though. Not exactly buyers remorse, but I wish I had known about the license requirement. (I have this thing that I have to play by the rules as much as possible. I mean, something as simple as that to keep the feds off me? I know, there isn't much enforcement going on, but why risk it?)

[610Alpha]

Sorry to hear about the gotcha...thanks for sharing though.

[Klayton]

Wait, you have to have a license for a GMRS radio? Why is that? Does it fall under the same category as HAM radios that reach across half the nation? I am boggled here as to why such a short range radio requires a license?

Please help me out, as I know nothing about HAM radios (my friend has one and when I saw all the crap he had to learn for a license test I was like heck no) but a simple plug in and charge up radio looks like an option. That is until now... GRRRR

[Bearman202]

Yup, you are supposed to get a lisence, although I understand that most people don't bother. There is apparently not much enforcement going on, but I think that may be subject to change given the "right" cir***stances, so I went ahead and got the lisence. Part of the idea was to keep some of the card-carrying idiots off the frequencies. Have you listened to CB lately? Imagine trying to work with those people in REALLY bad times. The GMRS is short range, but I'm thinking it would keep me in touch with the house while I'm taking a stroll around the perimeter. You might look into FRS radios. They don't require a lisence, but they don't have as much power or as many frequencies. I thought I had done the research, just missed the lisence requirement.

[qrprat77]

GMRS is an interesting class of radios, they overlap with FRS radio frequencies, and they allow you more power on your gear, plus you get interesting options like repeaters, and base stations. As far as the license requirements go, look at the requirements a little closer, that $85 license covers your whole immediate family, not just you.
For me, Ham radio is a lot better. I took my test(s), and as long as I keep renewing (easy to do), it's free and great fun. Usually, there's a charge with your test, but it's not much, and some clubs giving the test will help you out with the cost. The tests are pretty easy, and it's stuff that if you are going to use radios, you should probably know, especially if you are taking the Technician class test. Best thing about the tests, they are given by hams, and for the most part, they really want you to get the license, and any ham worth his ticket will help you prepare. Some clubs offer classes that prepare you for the test. Check out your area, you fill find interesting people who are ham radio operators that also know a good bit of info about GMRS, and will show you how to get the most out of all your communcation options!