5 Things to Know About GMRS Radio
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- General Mobile Radio Services (GMRS). In this video I share the top 5 things I think you should know about GMRS.
As an amateur radio and GMRS licensee, I have a passion for using various radio gear on my adventures. There seems to be a healthy appetite for learning more about available radio services, so this is my attempt to help demystify one of them, and perhaps inspire folks to learn more and join the hobby.
Video Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Number 5: GMRS Basics (what it is?)
2:15 - Number 4: It's Channel Based
5:01 - Number 3: You Need a License
6:15 - Number 2: It's Publicly Shared
8:42 - Number 1: Operating Range
Correction at 1:50 - CB frequencies are in the upper HF band (3-30 MHz), not lower VHF band.
Learn more about GMRS/FRS Privacy Tones:
o • How radio "privacy ton...
o • Understanding CTCSS an...
The following are affiliated links for the Midland GMRS radios I currently own and love. The cost is the same to you, but if you use this link I may earn a small commission on the purchase from Amazon which will help support this channel. Thank you.
- Midland GMRS Handheld Radios: amzn.to/37SDSSb
- Midland MXT 275 MicroMobile 15w GRMS Radio: amzn.to/37AVD8p
The best, "to the point" primer on GMRS I've watched.
Wow! Thanks for such high praise! I admit I was back and forth a lot trying to distill this info into something digestible that folks might actually stick around and watch. I was worried it was still too long, but in the end I'm happy with it. Thanks for watching and have a good one!
@@TomtheDilettante All you videos are very well done. I watched a bunch and I don't even have Subaru.
Took the words right from my mouth......
I agree.
@@TomtheDilettante As a seasoned Ham operator, and a fellow "Dilettante" of radio comms, I find this video VERY helpful in explaining GMRS even to ME! I will keep and share this video with folks I talk to about GMRS or Ham radio in the future. Fantastic work! 73's from KC8TCS!
Your voice was made for narration and radio. Great explanation
Haha! Thanks! I've been told that before, but truth be told, I don't hear it LOL. Does anyone really like the sound of their own voice recorded? :P Thank you for watching and have a good one!
@@TomtheDilettante I have a face for radio. You are lucky
absolutely, you should do voice narration. Perfect voice for that
@@RaceDayPhoto I've got a face for radio, and a voice for print
Better than a face made for radio )
Ham radio guy here and I've got to say. This is a great video and GMRS is the best option for most people.
Thanks for watching and the kind words. And yup, GMRS is a great option for most. Low barriers to entry and super practical for most common uses. At least that's my opinion. 73!
THE best, most clear, thorough yet short video on this subject, thank you so much.
I liked the video. I thought I'd mention a use-case for the very low power channels (8-14): when you're communicating with someone very nearby and don't want to interfere with others or be interfered with. When I was having my son practice reversing in the car, I put a radio in the passenger seat so that he could hear me as I walked around and spotted for him. No need for 100ft range...and liked the emptiness of those channels.
Great point. I've since found myself using those channels for similar reasons such as when spotting when offroading, etc.... thanks for watching and for the tipe!
Great explanation of GMRS.. We've just changed our group from CB radio to GMRS over the last year. Best choice for off-roading groups, in our opinion - and loving our KG-1000G 50Watt mobile GMRS radio.
Thanks a lot! And I'm flattered you checked out my video. I'm a fan and subscriber of your channel and it sounds like we share similar feelings about elitist trolls that are more off-putting than welcoming to the radio hobby...or any hobby for that matter. I'm new to CZcams and content creation in general but have been really enjoying it more than I thought I would. Started as a COVID hobby, but I see there are a lot of folks out there like me that just like to dabble, learn and explore. So, that's my gig so far. Share the random shit I know and like, and enjoy the creative process in making a video out of it.
Anyway, that KG-1000G of yours is a beauty! reminds me a lot of my Kenwood TM-V71a dual band unit I have as base station for VHF/UHF. Perhaps someday I'll graduate to a similar rig. In the meantime, keep the great content coming and thank you for checking out my humble little corner of CZcams!
You do have MURS as a vhf cb band for fm.
kg-1000g = 0 kilograms
Good to know your a Notarubicon fan. 🤟🤟
I have a CB please tell me why GMRS is better. I do a lot of 4x4ing is CB on the way out and GMRS taking its place? On the trail will I run into more with CB or GMRS? Do I need to have both?
Love the shirt! My dad came back after an 18yr trip to the store for beer when he found out my favorite band was Iron Maiden.
I'm a ham radio operator myself and stumbled on your video. Very well put together and very clearly "taught". Nice job.
Thank you very much!
This was one of he best, most concise GMRS videos that I have seen. Good job.
Tom. Great video. I've recently started getting curious about this venue considering the times that we live in. I am a retired over the road trucker and go back a few years to the guys who were operating BIG linear amplifiers and multi channel radios. I can see where we may soon find GMRS at the least a necessity. Thank you again for this video. All the best.
Excellent video and description. I really like how you kept the expectations of communication distance reasonable.
I'm impressed by the non-stop information. Very informative and useful.
One of the smartest lessons on GMRS I think I’ve seen.
I’m addictive to this channel! I stumbled onto this guy a couple days ago when I was looking at Diesel heaters. I subscribed and have not been disappointed. My husband is even impressed:)
this is a very good informative channel- I have a GMRS license and I just learned a few things myself from watching this. Thanks much !
Started following you based on Crosstrek vids- been looking into GMRS recently and happy to hear about this topic from you- great video and summary , thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Glad you found it useful! If you have any questions about this or amateur radio, don't hesitate to ask. I've had more than a few viewers asking for more info on my comms setups so I might try doing a couple videos on that in the near future. Too cold and snowy to be on the ground turning a wrench so gotta figure out something else for the time being :) Thanks for watching and have a good one!
As always, great video and concise info! This is a very helpful video for those new to GMRS, Tom!
P.s. love the Spyderco cameo
Thanks man! I dig radio stuff...one of the many things I geek out over LOL. Was wondering if anyone was gunna call out my Spyderco PM. Got the Para Military 2 and 3...two of my favorite EDC knives. Maybe I'll have to do some EDC videos on the future ;)
Damn, you're a solid teacher. Thanks for making this (and other) information so clear and digestible.
Ham here getting into GMRS and MURS systems, very new to both. This video is probably one of the most understandable yet complete I've seen covering GMRS. Great job, and 73
Thank you so much for making this easy to understand. I am new to this and trying to learn and not many of you guys make it simple. Notarubicon helps a lot too. Anyway, you got yourself a new subscriber sir! Thank you!
Very nice presentation, and all true. This is WRMD267 but I have been a licensed radio professional most of my adult life. Since i retired, I have gotten into GMRS theses last few months. My biggest fear is climbing my 50 foot tower at 65 years old as a disabled veteran with all kinds of mobility issues. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Thank you for not trying to hawk certain models of radio to us all. Keeping it general is keeping it honest. Thank you again.
This is the second video of yours I’m watching. Some feedback - very high production quality. Excellent audio, lighting, graphics, and editing. And of course great content. I know this isn’t easy to make it look and sound easy.
Thank you very much! It's on ongoing learning process to be sure but that's what I like about it. I'm amazed at how folks can churn out high quality content multiple times a week. Guess it's all about practice making progress.
I came across your videos when i was shopping for my crosstrek and love your build; Here I am searching for GMRS information and you pop up! Love the content!
Awesome! Thank you! My little corner of CZcams is just kind of a hodge-podge of sh*t I find interesting. I figure there's bound to be others that enjoy dabbling in multiple things :) Thanks for watching!
Thank you Tom for a concise and accurate review that not only is entertaining but understandable as well. Liked and subbed.
Agreed and well done.
Wow! I learned so much in a very short period of time! The idea of having a radio in an overland type scenario just entered my mind and this video helped me easily understand why GRMS is probably the way to go. Appreciate the respect and reminders of responsible use of this system.
Glad it was helpful! I have both Ham and GMRS licenses and I use GMRS more than ham on the road, overlanding and hiking personally. Mostly because there aren't as many hams in the groups I roll in unfortunately, but GMRS is just a solid and simple system that anyone can get into with few barriers. Have a good one!
HANDS DOWN , THE BEST GMRS simplified video. Thanks mate !
Thank you very much! I did misstate CB as being in the lower portion of the VHF band when in fact it's in the upper portion of the HF band, but aside from that, I was pretty proud of it :) Thanks for watching!
That was the most amazing explanation I have ever heard. I have held a ticket and that was a simple beautiful explanation. Particularly dealing with these frequencies
Quick, informative, and funny. Thanks Tom!
Thanks for this, Tom. New subscriber (N3FYP) here. We've worked HF for email and voice comms while offshore for many years...but using 2M comms strikes me as more of a nuisance than GMRS while land touring. You didn't mention Canada's use of GMRS but I gather it's in place as well, yes? Perhaps you would consider doing a 2M vs. GMRS discussion some day, since for mobile comms those are the two likely choices absent cell service.
This is an absolute GOLD MINE! Clear. Concise. Informative. Interesting.
You are a great teacher.
Love your videos, you explain things in a way that a novice like me can grasp easily. Keep them coming! 👍
Ha! Glad to hear it. I explain things this way because I'm a novice myself and it helps my own understanding LOL. I subscribe to the belief that a true test of how well you understand something is your ability to teach it back to someone. So, often as I try to learn something, I keep that goal in mind. Thanks for watching!
Came across your channel and this helped me to decide what my backup was going to be for communication. I am going to dig out my old cbs and see if I can find one that works. Thanks for a great vido.
You literally have the perfect voice to make instructional videos lol. Very concise.
Real radio operator… straight to the point, short and sweet.
No waste of the airwaves.
Awesome review... thank you.... just getting into GMRS for overlanding... helped A LOT!!!!
Best radio video i have ever seen. Thank you so much. This has provided a straight forward approach to honest truths about operating GMRS. You kick ass.
haha! Thanks for watching and the kind words.
That "Iron Mando" shirt is one of the coolest I've seen a CZcamsr wear in a very long time :)
Great video man. You are a killer communicator. Subscribed & Liked.
Excellent basic lessons Tom of GMRS radio. I'm all in.
Thanks Tom, I learned something today. A good and crisp presentation.
2 thumbs up man, your topo was so well done and straightforward, thanks a lot
"Don't be a shitbag" LOL I like this guy.
I like the video, straight forward and concept explained in details. Thanks again for the information. Looking forward for other updates
Thanks. I love the straight shooting to the point. Excellent channel sir!
Informative, plain speak…..professionally presented w/well paced delivery….kudos!! CZcams video makers should take note. THIS IS HOW IT IS DONE‼️
Thanks a bunch! I'll endeavor to continue being worthy of such praise :)
That was the best presentation on the subject I have heard on CZcams , sounds like you did a lot of public speaking ? There is another guy , an off roader who hates HAMs and is horribly arrogant , glad to hear your spin on the subject . Good work N1AKN
Thank you very much for your kind words! And I know of whom you speak. Good info, but delivery lacks a little "class" in my humble opinion. In a way, I get it though. I would like to do more amateur radio videos but find myself "turned off" by the numerous toxic / non-value adding pedantic comments from some in the community. But, recently I've been inspired by other commenters who seem to share this same disdain I have for those that hoard knowledge and lord it over others rather than sharing it, and am planning on creating more content sharing what I learn as a newbie :)
Haters will continue to hate, but if others can learn from me sharing what I've likely just learned myself, then I'll consider that time well spent :) Thanks for your support and 73! -KD9PXF
Excellent video as always Tom. Thanks for explaining.
Very awesome video editing. Simple and to the point. Content is spot on for what I need to know as a beginner.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this! Very clear and concise. I found a set of 4 really nice Uniden GMRS radios with charging stations at the thrift store for $7 so I'm excited to learn about them
nice find! Hope you find good use for them and enjoy!
Excellent video, you explained that very well. The one thing that I might add is that the FCC 's first and foremost interest is to make the bands available to as many people as possible by keeping down the interference as much as possible. It helps to understand their decisions when you bear that in mind.
Thanks for going to the trouble of doing the video
Jim
KE0JQA
WQXR840
Great point. Most people see rules as limitations to be annoyed at versus well intended. I for one appreciate the radio waves not getting all wild west.
I kinda wish I had seen this before I ever bought my radio, but I did get hyped into the whole 30 mile range of my GMRS radio. I still really like it and have used my mobile ones a few times.
The best explanation of GMRS on CZcams! Thanks!
You sounded like a guy in PBS..liked it
Liked and subbed, I appreciate straight talk
Happy New Year! This information so refreshing and well done even just after one year, for those of us looking for information on Gmrs is a great place to learn. Thank you for the great work! Yes, hit the Like and subscribed!
Thanks for watching and the kind words. happy new year!
Really appreciate your clarity and taking the time to make this video.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and your kind words!
You've got a solid narration/voice over type of voice.
Thanks! folks have told me that before but to be honest, I don't hear it. At this point I think I should just take the complement and roll with it LOL! Thank you for watching and have a good one!
I would like to add one important thing about GMRS repeaters aside from the fact that more and more are popping up. Many repeaters found on MyGMRS are networked and linked, so a user in NJ can communicate with a user in AZ. Like the ham radio community, many of the linked repeaters now hold regional nets on Sunday night with a national net held on the last Sunday of the month. There are also many "repeater groups" or two or more repeaters which are permanently linked to one another in an area which helps extend and improve range of a transmission.
Ultimately, before getting either ham radio or GMRS licenses, a person should ask themselves what they expect to use the radios for. A ham radio license isn't really useful for someone who is looking for a second way to communicate with family members. Likewise, a GMRS license won't really be useful to experiment and explore the radio spectrum and various communications modes as found in the ham radio community. And neither are really useful in a commercial setting due to rules, regulations, and the interference that comes along with both groups of radios.
Great points. The linked GRMS repeaters are really cool. Tuning into those nets either on a radio or online is fascinating if one is interested in that type of thing. And I couldn't agree more on encouraging folks to think about how they want to use a radio or what they expect / are interested in learning. When folks ask me what radio to buy, the first questions out of my mouth is "what do you want to use it for?" :) Thanks for watching and chiming in!
This was done very well and helped me understand the GMRS better. Thank you.
Newbie to gmrs. I actually just ordered the midlands you pictured. Thank you for the info. I definitely understand a little more than before.
Thanks for your input, we're at Defcon 3 war in Ukrain , and Bido is making Russia & China mad , I'm trying to learn all this stuff , including ham radio, and getting an FCC , requesting page 605 for GMRS.. I'm just being prepared as much as I can , & learn quick as possible. Thank you for your input
Great, well presented actual information. As a licensed ham (General) and license GMRS operator it's good to see someone who not only presents solid information, but is also dual licensed. The family coverage with GMRS is a big plus. Having both licenses gives another layer to communications. I've noticed a growing number of GMRS repeaters and think that's a good thing. One thing I do wish the FCC would consider is allowing the use of UHF ham gear (especially the handhelds) by operators who are both Amateur and GMRS licensed. When you take your Technician test for amateur then you have already learned and acknowledge proper radio practice in regards to following power and similar restrictions for any band you will operate in. So if you also have your GMRS license as well then you know to keep your power levels within the FCC restrictions for whatever GMRS channel you are operating on. It would be really nice to be able to have your 5 watt, dual channel handheld on you and be able to say have your local VHF ham repeater on A and the GMRS channel you usually use on B. One radio and in compliance instead of having to carry two radios, one of which is Part 95 accepted to be totally legal. Again, great video. Well done. 73, K2WLF/WQZW588.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words! Much appreciated. I agree with you on the desire for a single-purpose radio for sure. In the car, I roll with a Yaesu FTM 400 XDR and a Midland MXT 175. For HT's it's a Yaesu FT-60, Baofeng UV5R and Midland GMRS hand helds. It would be nice to condense and consolidate for sure. Truth be told, the UV5R is a great "swiss army knife" affordable radio IMO and in case of emergencies could RX/TX on both Ham and GMRS bands. Same for my FT-60 with the MARS/CAP mod. But, as you pointed out, that would not be FCC compliant and though I know it can be done, I haven't made a point about doing videos on it because I fear folks would simply use it as a means to circumvent rules, and I respect the hobby too much to enable a "wild west" which is likely to just bring down more restrictions long term.
Ha! Pardon me if TMI...I bet we could go on and on in a real life chat LOL. Thanks again for watching and 73!
LOL. Yep, we could probably rag chew for awhile. I'm running a VGC N7500 in the van. Pretty good, but I've not scratched the surface on what it can do. Too many other projects. I've had a few UV-5Rs. Still have one. I first tried the TYT 8000E which is a 10 watt (more like 8) HT that also does crossband repeat. I was using that in the van with external antenna until I got the N7500. Once I tried the TYT UV88 HT that has become my always on me, 24/7 radio. Blows the Baofeng away for about the same price. I've dropped it on concrete more than a few times and it looks like new. I just swap batteries off the charger before bed and it's good for 24 hrs or more. I've even ran our weekly VHF net with it a few times. We live in a 2 stop light town with no residential mail service. So for the daily PO and sometime store run I don't even bother to fire up the mobile and just use it. At home I run a Yasue FT-2900 on a power supply. Waiting until I get some disposable income to get a HF rig someday. For legit GMRS I use some BTECH GMRS-V1 handhelds.
Okay, I'll shut up now and free the frequency. 73.
I agree with other postings. This is probably one of the best GMRS radio videos on youtube. I just did some quick research and what I discovered is the best guesstimate for the new fee rates will become effective sometime in January 2022. Again this is just a *guesstimate*. Your mileage may vary. :) Thanks again for the great video and I clicked the "Like" and "Subscribe" buttons.
Concise and to the point. I like your style, sir.
FRS/GMRS sounds like a good radio for cyclist on group rides. You could attach a vox ear piece and look like the pros with team radios on the grand tours.
That would be a great application. The Midland GMRS radios I picked up (GXT1000) came with ear pieces and do VOX. Haven't used them in that way yet, but I can see where this would be an awesome use case. Thanks for watching and chiming in!
I bought my license for 35.00 today.
Me too. Can't wait to transmit
Thank you very much. I was looking for that information all over the place and you explain it pretty well, thank you again.
I really enjoyed this video. You have a very clear and concise presentation style. Kudos.
Thanks so much!
Cool video, man. A voice somewhere between a Public Service announcer, software designer, then he drops "don't be shit-bag". Just fuckin' grand!
LOL. Thanks? :P Software designer eh? Didn't know there was a stereotypical voice for that profession.
@@TomtheDilettante Very "sharp" and "professional" sounding! And again, dropping the "shit - bag" comment; I know this "shit -bag" from the C Radio - LOL!
Idea: Demonstrate the Wide-band, Narrow-band differences in GMRS/FRS channels...using a RTL-SDR. 🙂
I need to try that experiment myself now.
Hey Brother - that was fantastic and superbly delivered!! Helped me make a decision on how to get into the "radio" world since I retired and spend a lot of time outdoors.
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words, and I'm glad it was helpful! Hope you find some good ones and get to enjoy it outdoors!
Great radio voice; and kudos for the on-point and pithy information. Unlike most instructional videos posters, you spend the time talking about the subject, rather than about yourself.
On one hand, thanks a lot! :) Glad to hear that as I do try to design these videos to not waste people's time (I hate it when videos do that to me). On the other hand...awww...you mean no one wants to hear about me? LOL
My grandfather has been trying to get me into ham radio my entire life. I think I need to get my license before he passes.
I'm sure that would mean a lot to him - and it's sure not a bad idea anyway
There is a test you'll have to pass for your ham License. The entry level license is the Technician class. If you study at hamstudy dot org You be able to pass the test in no time.
Do it!
You really should, and consider getting your General license. You'll enjoy the best of both worlds. (HF, and VHF/UHF)
Do it. It’ll be fun 🤩
I like your production, your narration, and content. I am going to direct people to this channel. I see a lot of people asking about getting a ham radio to talk to their families and other activities and many times GMRS is the best service to meet their needs and I get tired of typing the same answer ad nauseam but your video answers most of their questions. I only slightly disagree about one thing and it is repeater range. GMRS has about the same range as an amateur repeater which can be up to and exceed 50 miles which gives a coverage of radio to radio of up 100 miles on the edge of the repeater's coverage. This has been my experience in mountains and on the flat land with average height towers (100'). Obviously it will be much less in hilly country or in a city. Thanks for posting this.
Very informative video. Clear,concise, and on point. I am or should say, will be new to GMRS as I just applied for my license and am shopping for a radio. Thanks for sharing. I also subscribed.
Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was helpful! These things, to me, are simply practical and fun. Win win. :)
Watching on May the 4th 2021..... and your shirt was spot on! LOL
Very informative, and I’m excited. Thank you for the info.
Excellent, very clear information.
I just bought a handheld HAM radio, not licensed yet, learning, but already wondering whether I should have gone GMRS instead…
Amazing video. Excellent information and very clear delivery. Great work.
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!
Take that voice and make money with it!! Its so clear and uniform! Great video and explanation! Fellow Subaru owner here too 😊 Also the animations for your video were well done sir!
thanks for the video, all the local offroad groups have upgraded to gmrs and i'm finally upgrading my CB to GMRS as well.
Great video Tom. I especially liked the up front and true expected distance performance of these types of radios and service. 73
I have been a ham for many years and just got my GMRS license on 6-2-2021. I find the video very interesting.
I like the straight to the point very informative nature of your video.
Lots of really helpful tips for newbs like me. Very clear. Awesome.
Perfect explanation. Just what I was looking for.
Just found this channel. Great info, great delivery. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I have to agree this is the best to the point explanation about GMRS. I have shared this video with a few people who have asked me about GMRS. 73..
Thanks a lot! I enjoyed making this one. I was trying to make a GMRS video I would want to watch / wish I had when I was trying to learn about it and it seems like folks have enjoyed it so far. Thanks for watching! 73! Tom (KD9PXF)
Thank you for a very clear and concise video. I learned a lot.
This was great info, thank you. I really appreciate it!
Great video. I am a licensed amateur and GMRS. I run GMRS, HF, VHF/UHF mobile.
Thanks for a very uncomplicated presentation. Keep up the good work. 👍☘️🇮🇪
Great Job on the video, best one I've seen so far.
Best info on this I've come across. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Great video, I just applied for a gmrs license today. This is exactly the resource I was looking for, thanks.
P.s. the licensing process took less than ten minutes to complete.
nice! congrats and I hope you enjoy it!
I'm in. Dudes rocking a Maiden shirt, Midland radios and GMRS. Subscribed!
Totally appreciate concise information about the GMRS, I just received my new MXT275 and installing it in my new 21 Cherokee. Looking forward to communicating with fellow GMRS users on trip to the High Sierras end of month, thx again Stay Healthy!
Nice! Thanks for watching., and good luck with the install! I love the MXT275. Have it permanently mounted in my Crosstrek and use it often on road trips and offroading with friends. I recommend Midland's 6db gain antenna as well. Just installed that recently and am happy with the performance.
@@TomtheDilettante I was thinking of giving the 6db ant a go, appreciate the advice
@@TomtheDilettante How does the Narrow-band limitation work out for you? Just installed an MXT275 in my Charger with a 3dB antenna. Haven’t really gotten a good field test yet, although I suspect the audio strength might be a bit “narrow” if you know what I mean.
Excellent video, I have fooled around with CBS and Ham radios for years but I've got out of it about 10 years ago let my ham license expired and just starting to get back in it, I learned a lot about the gmrs from you thank you, may God bless you and continue the good videos
Thank you! And thanks for watching :)
You do a very good explaining things. Thank you
That was a great walk through! Planning on getting a MXT275 soon!
Thanks man! I actually have an MXT275 and really like it. The cord to the mic is pretty beefy making it hard to snake around nice, but I found a nice spot to put it on a mount on my e-brake. I've had a few folks ask for more info on my comms setup so I might do an overview video on that sometime soon. Thanks for watching and have a good one! BTW, epic looking trip you took recently! Really love the pics you've been sharing!