New 2-way GMRS/FRS radio
06-28-2011, 11:30 AM
#1
Thread Starter
New 2-way GMRS/FRS radio
I found out to my dismay at the Tomcatt Memorial Drive that my Uniden 2-way radio wasn't working properly. On our way home from Marietta, we stopped off at Cabelas and bought a Midland 2-way radio that was on their Father Day sale. The new radio, like the Uniden, operates on the FRS/GMRS bands. I was looking at the owner's manual and came across this part:
The GXT1000/1050 Series operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 42,
which comprise the GMRS channels of the GXT1000/1050 Series. Serious
penalties could result for unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC
rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act's Sections 501 and 502
(amended).
My question is: Do any of you bother to have a FCC license for your radios? The current fee is $85 for a 5-year renewable license!
The GXT1000/1050 Series operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 42,
which comprise the GMRS channels of the GXT1000/1050 Series. Serious
penalties could result for unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC
rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act's Sections 501 and 502
(amended).
My question is: Do any of you bother to have a FCC license for your radios? The current fee is $85 for a 5-year renewable license!
06-28-2011, 11:57 AM
#3
That must be something new. I don't have a license but would get one if needed or caught!
06-28-2011, 12:15 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Not new. But scofflaws are common. According to Wikipedia:
"Estimates of the number of hybrid FRS/GMRS radios sold to date range from 20 to 50 million units or more. This is compared with approximately 80,000 active GMRS licensees (per the FCC database). Enforcement against individuals is rarely, if ever, attempted"
I did more research.
Legally, you do not need a license for FRS low power channels 8-14. Channels 1-7 are shared with GMRS and can be used, but ONLY if your 2-way radio operates at 0.5 watts or less (neither of my radios even tells you how many watts they use). Channels 15-22 are GMRS only and require the $85 license.
"Estimates of the number of hybrid FRS/GMRS radios sold to date range from 20 to 50 million units or more. This is compared with approximately 80,000 active GMRS licensees (per the FCC database). Enforcement against individuals is rarely, if ever, attempted"
I did more research.
Legally, you do not need a license for FRS low power channels 8-14. Channels 1-7 are shared with GMRS and can be used, but ONLY if your 2-way radio operates at 0.5 watts or less (neither of my radios even tells you how many watts they use). Channels 15-22 are GMRS only and require the $85 license.
Don't bother !!!!!! I don't know any of us that went that route......
06-28-2011, 01:57 PM
#6
"Serious penalties could result." In other words, "it could go on your permanent record, young man."
Personally, when on the shared GMRS channels, I always try to keep my radio switched to the LOW power setting. Check your manual. Your mileage may vary. Various rules and regulations may apply. See store for details. Batteries not included.
Personally, when on the shared GMRS channels, I always try to keep my radio switched to the LOW power setting. Check your manual. Your mileage may vary. Various rules and regulations may apply. See store for details. Batteries not included.
06-28-2011, 06:37 PM
#7
I wonder what the rewards would be for this group! 
Still not getting one, never had, never will !!! Been using my radio, for almost every event since I purchased my car, in 2003 !!!!