What is GMRS?

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that allows for long-range communication over greater distances than FRS. GMRS is suitable for longer distance communication, making it ideal for activities such as ATV usage, road trips, camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Here is a brief summary of the differences:

* These radios work "Line of Sight" meaning they are intended to have a clear view of your target. Using them with obstructions such as valleys, buildings, etc. can shorten the working distance.

Getting Your GMRS License:

1. Understanding GMRS Licensing:

GMRS operates on the same frequencies as FRS, as well as additional frequencies. To operate a GMRS radio, you must obtain a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The license costs $35, there is no test required, it is valid for 10 years and covers everyone in your immediate family.

2. Applying for a GMRS License:

Step 1: Go to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website. There it explains step by step hot to obtain your FRN number which you will use for all future requests from the FCC.

Step 2: Go to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website. There it explains step by step how to apply for a new license. When asked to select the Radio Service for the new license select "ZA - General Mobile Radio (GMRS)".

Here is another good step by step explanation for the 2 steps above.

3. Buying GMRS Radios:

Hand Held Radios (Walkie Talkies): You can purchase these from online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. Just search for "GMRS". A decent one at a good price is the "BAOFENG GM-15" radios which cost around $25/each in packs of 2.

Mobile Radios: These are pefect for putting them into your car or off-road vehicle. They typically have much more power than a hand held radio. You can purchase these from online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. Just search for "GMRS". You can also use these with a 12 volt power supply as a base station at your home or cabin.

4. Using Repeaters:

GMRS radios work best when you have line of sight between the communicating radios. In our environment that is rarely possible due to trees, hills, valleys, houses, etc. A repeater is a radio that is located in a central, usually higher location. It allows you to have line of sight and communicate with it. The Repeater can then send out your radio communication at a higher power level and because of it's location it can communicate your message to others that you may not have been able to reach. Below is a diagram illustrating how they might work:

To use a repeater, radios generally need to be programmed. There are a number of technical settings that must be set for the radio to communicate with each repeater. These settings vary so they are not generally set when you buy a radio.

5. Programming Your GMRS Radio:

GMRS radios come pre-programmed with the basic 22 designated channels. If you are going to use additional channels such as for repeater use, they can be programmed those as well. If you need assistance with this you can use the Contact Us page and we can help.

6. Our Forest Lakes Repeaters:

Did you know that we have several GMRS repeaters that you can use in and around Forest Lakes? Here is their programming info:

7. Getting Help:

If you have any questions or need assistance with obtaining your GMRS license, programming or using your radio, please feel free to reach out to us via our "Contact Us" page. Our volunteers are more than happy to assist you.