Communications Preparations

[DukeConnor]

How do it know ?

[Walleye Hunter]

How do it know ?

Well...when you get a license you also get assigned a call sign and without using one others won't talk to you and they will dime you out. Additionally, call signs are as public as it gets so if you make one up you'll get found out too.

[DukeConnor]

can you make your own call sign ? you know, like rubber duck or bandit ?

[Walleye Hunter]

can you make your own call sign ? you know, like rubber duck or bandit ?

Yes/No.

[t1066]

can you make your own call sign ? you know, like rubber duck or bandit ?

Not really. They have an option to select a vanity call sign, but it still has to be in the correct format, and is assigned to you. No actual words.

[DukeConnor]

I think I am going with Thunder Gun or Streaker68. Keep an ear out for me good buddies.

[Roland45]

got this from the midland website, perhaps it will help the technically challenged of us understand FRS / GMRS changes that have taken place recently.

6 Things You Should Know about FCC Changes for FRS and GMRS Radios

We receive many questions on the new FCC changes, what they mean for Midland Radios, and what they mean for our consumers. Below are the top takeaways from these recent changes. What you will notice is that not much has changed, these rules have basically just been updated to fit modern radio usage.

1. FRS radios are now allowed to transmit up to 2W of power and do not require a license to operate: Formally referred to as FRS/GMRS hybrid radios, these radios will now be reclassified as FRS units using expanded FRS capabilities.

2. FRS radios will now have 22 channels: These expanded capabilities now include usage of channels 8 – 14, and previously GMRS only channels 15 – 22, in addition to the existing FRS channels 1 – 7. It is important to note that each FRS transmitter type must be designed such that the effective radiated power (ERP) on channels 8 – 14 does not exceed 0.5 Watts and the ERP on channels 1 – 7 and 15 – 22 does not exceed 2.0 Watts. Part95 – eCFR

3. You will be allowed to use reclassified FRS units for personal or business reasons: People have been doing this for a while, but now it is legal! While the Midland BizTalk BR200 radio is better suited for business use, the XTalker line can now be used in a business setting.

4. Any radio above 2W of power is now classified as GMRS radio: and still requires a license from the FCC to operate. Not much change here, except sharing additional stations with FRS radio users.

5. GMRS licensing is now good for 10 years and cost $70: This covers you and your immediate family and was previously only valid for 5 years.

6. GMRS will have 30 total channels: This means 22 FRS/GMRS channels plus 8 repeater channels. As with FRS, radios on these channels are limited to the ERP designated. If you are using a GMRS radio on channels 8 -14 you are still limited to a transmitting power of .5W. FCC GMRS Channels
If you have questions regarding the new FCC regulations please give our industry-leading customer service a call at (816) 241-8500 M-F, 8am-4:30pm CT.

The part I like best is number 5. for $70. you can get your whole family radios , in GMRS,( that are listed as Part95 – eCFR) With a lot more watts of broadcasting power in your vehicle, or base, or anyone of your families vehicle. 40 watts and a decent antenna can go a long , long way. if there are repeaters in your area, even further.


hope this helps

[Walleye Hunter]

Sounds good to me, Roland. Now...are my Garmin Rino's able to be adjusted to work up to those new regs?

[Kramer]

For the future, getting your HAM license isn't difficult, and the license (while needing renewed at no cost every 10 years) is essentially a lifetime license, just keep your address up to date and let them know you want to renew every 10 years.

I remember back in the 1970s getting a HAM license was a long, expensive and arduous task. When I was in junior high someone came to the school to see if anyone was interested and a number of us signed up. He came over to the house and gave me and my parents a rundown of what was needed. Way too much and none of us perused the devour. Ump tine levels of Morse code plus tests in between. Upgrading equipment as you moved up the Morse code scale. I got into radio control instead.

This thread has my interest since early last September I bought one of those Baofeng radios and cable before they were banned or changed. I also picked up a multi pack of Midland handhelds too. I figured that my comms needs were taken care of for awhile. I hope that I can learn something here.

[Gripsafety]

Sounds good to me, Roland. Now...are my Garmin Rino's able to be adjusted to work up to those new regs?

Just out of curiosity, what is the model number of your Garmins? Since they are "type accepted", such adjustments, if available at all, would be internal and not easily available to a user.

It looks to me that the "type accepted" rules have actually been tightened, with the older FRS/GMRS "type accepted" being grandfathered. Going forward, such radios will not be approved. AFAIK, the Baofengs are not now nor ever have been "type accepted" and are not legal for use on those frequencies, even if they might be within the GMRS power requirements.