GMRS License

[letshearit4blue]

OK, I guess maybe this belongs in communications, but what the heck.
Does anyone know anything about the GMRS license you have to get from the FCC (i think) to operate certain radios like Motorola Talkabouts?
Like, does it cost extra and what sort of stuff do you have to do to apply for one and why would you be denied one?

[ZGXtreme]

With Talkabouts there is no license, you just buy and talk.

Much like a CB.

[letshearit4blue]

With Talkabouts there is no license, you just buy and talk.

Much like a CB.

What's a CB?
I looked at a pair of Talkabouts in the store today, I thought u didn't need a license either but i looked at the packaging and it said
"Operation on legal in US. GMRS license required."
idk if they mean you need a GMRS license in US or outside of US if you use it or what... its just confusing...

[ZGXtreme]

Then I dunno, anytime I have used a Talkabout it was license free. These may be different models using different frequencies.

Try Google and see what you can find under "GMRS radio license" and you should be good.

[ctt]

I know that there are radios you can buy at consumer electronics stores that will operate on FRS and GMRS that look the same as the FRS radios that people buy to keep in touch with each other when they go to an amusement park or camping.

I haven't looked into this stuff in a few years, but I think FRS is CB (no license) whereas GMRS is not. GMRS can transmit at a higher power and has some different frequencies assigned to it. A GMRS license costs around $50-$75 I think and I have no clue what the restrictions or the requirements are. Check the FCC's website... =)

The radios we bought were GMRS/FRS, but the radio only allowed the higher transmit power to be used on the GMRS frequencies.

[DavidP71]

Ctt is correct in that you do not need a liscense for FRS radio, but you do need a liscense for GMRS. Sorry I do not have any information regarding a GMRS liscense.

[redneck41]

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/

[Airforcop]

If you have to pay for it, just get a HAM radio license. Radios are more expensive, but with most cities having numerous repeaters, the transmitting distance is well above anything out there.

[ctt]

Amateur licenses require a test, I'm not sure if GMRS does. The first two should be fairly easy for most people to acquire. I *think* you can get a "site license" for GMRS where only one person needs to have the license for multiple radios to be used in an area, don't hold me to that though. I do not think you can get an amateur license that works in the same manner, each station would need its own license.

Aren't amateur HTs at a minimum about 4x as much as the normal GMRS/FRS radios?

[Airforcop]

you are correct. I know nothing about GMRS, but I am a HAM operator. With amateur radio, each individual needs to be licensed, and yes, the radios can get pretty spendy. Looking at probably over $100 for something decent, maybe more, haven't priced them recently. Both myself and my wife are licensed and it allowed us to keep in contact while traveling from Ak to lower 48 in different vehicles. We tried CB's on the trip up, but any seperation between vehicles and we couldn't get any reception due to the hilly terrain. No issues with the HAM radios, especially seeing the mobile rig in my truck will put out 30 watts or so. Obviously an amateur license is a little more involved, just throwing another option out there for any who may not have considered it.