shellback91 1,851 Posted December 8, 2020 I have Baofeng handheld that I should be able to program GMRS for emergency use. I took a look earlier with CHIRP, I just need to go back and update the radio and see how it goes. I am looking to get an external microphone for it. Maybe a longer antenna too that will fit inside. If the Baofeng can effectively use GMRS I may go after a license. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gearhead 468 Posted December 8, 2020 GMRS is where it is at IMHO. There is no test to take and the radios are intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K2man56 82 Posted December 9, 2020 I am hoping that Off Road Passport also goes the way of GMRS. My CB gives me fits trying to adjust it with an SWR meter and I only end up hearing one side of the conversation if someone is talking. I like the look of my CB antenna but it can be non functional and no one would know...lol. I thought you had to have a license for GMRS if you wanted to broadcast on certain channels... I unknowingly had GMRS and got the license too but it is really EASY to get the license that lasts for 2 years, I think... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4tographer 2,923 Posted December 9, 2020 49 minutes ago, K2man56 said: I unknowingly had GMRS and got the license too but it is really EASY to get the license that lasts for 2 years, I think... Even better! It's for 10 years and covers your immediate family! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4tographer 2,923 Posted December 15, 2020 (edited) For you guys running GMRS, did you find that coax length matters? Mine came with 6m (19.7ft) of coax, but I only need about 6ft to go from my dashboard to the driver-side hood cowl. I'm not too excited about cramming 13ft of spare cable into the dash cavities if I don't have to. I know with CB, you need to go with "multiples of 8ft" or something crazy like that. ***EDIT - found an answer, figured I'd share (from the Expedition Portal) as it might help others! Quote Question: What is the "correct" length of coax? Answer: The shortest length that makes it from the radio to the antenna. Question: Are there any exceptions to the above rule? Answer: 75 Ohm harnesses for Co-phasing is the only exception. Question: Why do most mobile antenna makers recommend 18 feet of coax? Answer: You got me, they claim you should use 1/2 wavelength multiples of coax. 18 feet isn't even close to being a 1/2 wavelength in any 50 Ohm coax you will find. Check some commonly used coax using the above formulas. RG-58, the most commonly used mobile antenna coax length would have to be 12 feet to be a 1/2 wavelength. RG-8X would need to be 14 feet. Cut and paste from the question and answer section http://www.signalengineering.com/ultimate/coax_basics.html Its a good read and not very long. Edited December 15, 2020 by 4x4tographer 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4tographer 2,923 Posted February 16, 2021 Big thanks to @Bradywgn71 letting me know that the FCC dropped the processing costs for a GMRS license from $70 to $35. This license provides full family coverage for a period of 10 years, which is a heck of a deal. Some backstory, if you're interested: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2020/12/fcc-approves-new-ham-and-gmrs-license-fees.html 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shellback91 1,851 Posted February 16, 2021 2 hours ago, 4x4tographer said: Big thanks to @Bradywgn71 letting me know that the FCC dropped the processing costs for a GMRS license from $70 to $35. This license provides full family coverage for a period of 10 years, which is a heck of a deal. Some backstory, if you're interested: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2020/12/fcc-approves-new-ham-and-gmrs-license-fees.html Thanks for the backstory on that. Side note...Every time I research or discuss GMRS I cannot help but think of "NotaRubicon Productions" on YouTube. That dude is funny and lets the HAM operators he thinks are full of themselves have it. 😆 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mesach 44 Posted May 30, 2021 (edited) On 2/16/2021 at 7:56 AM, 4x4tographer said: Big thanks to @Bradywgn71 letting me know that the FCC dropped the processing costs for a GMRS license from $70 to $35. This license provides full family coverage for a period of 10 years, which is a heck of a deal. Some backstory, if you're interested: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2020/12/fcc-approves-new-ham-and-gmrs-license-fees.html Just an FYI, the price for the license is still $70 as of 5/18/21 (when I got my license), I think I read somewhere that it has to be approved by the Senate or something like that, so it's not in effect yet. Still $7/year is a good deal. Edit: from the buytwowayradios.com link there is another link to an update with this paragraph "The Schedule of Application Fees of the Commission's Rules was published in the Federal Register March 19, 2021. According to the notice, the fees officially take effect once it is sent to Congress and the FCC's systems have been updated. The FCC will then publish a notice of the actual effective date." Edited May 30, 2021 by mesach 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZLugz 27 Posted September 4, 2021 Just installed a Rugged Radios GMR45 45W unit, got my license and ready to try it out, always had CB before 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZLugz 27 Posted September 4, 2021 Jeeping sure has changed in 7 years!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
