How to Use GMRS
The Federal Communications Commission designates the use of GMRS, or General Mobile Radio Service, radios for short-distance two-way communications between family "over the general area of your residence or during recreational group outings." GMRS radios have a maximum power output of 50 watts, giving them a maximum transmission and reception range of up to five miles depending upon the environmental conditions. To legally operate a GMRS radio system, at least one family member in the group, called the "responsible party," must obtain a license from the FCC. The FCC typically grants GMRS radio licenses for a five-year term.
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Instructions
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Install batteries into each GMRS radio. Perform any other installation measures required for the brand and model of GMRS radios you're using. If the GMRS radios you're using come with the antenna detached, you need to connect the antenna to the antenna jack located on the top of the radio.
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Turn on each GMRS radio.
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Set each radio to the same radio frequency channel. The method of performing this operation varies depending upon the brand and model of GMRS radio you're using. Typically, however, you may use the Channel Up and Down button(s) on the GMRS radio to flip through the available GMRS radio frequency channels until you arrive at the one you want to use. The FCC has allocated 23 radio frequency channels for GMRS radio use. The radio frequencies are:
462.5625, 462.5875, 462.6125, 462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875, 462.7125, 462.5500, 462.5750, 462.6000, 462.6250, 462.6500, 462.6750, 462.7000, 462.7250, 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, 467.7250
It's not uncommon for a particular brand and model of GMRS radio to be equipped with only a select number of the available GMRS radio frequency channels. Each radio frequency is assigned a channel number. For example, Channel 1 could be radio frequency 462.5625. Channel assignments for radio frequencies vary depending on the brand and model of GMRS radio you're using. Refer to the channel chart in the owner's manual for your GMRS radio.
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Program each GMRS radio with the same "quiet code." Using a quiet code helps to make your communications using GMRS radios a little more private. The quiet code effectively sets up a sub-channel within the selected main radio frequency channel. The method of programming a GMRS radio with a quiet code varies depending upon the brand and model of GMRS radio you're using. Typically, however, you may use either a quiet code button on the GMRS radio, or select the quite code option in the radios menu to adjust this setting.
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Test the radios. Give each member of the group a GMRS radio. Each of you spread out at least 20 feet from one another. Take turns holding the GMRS radio about five inches away from your mouth, press the Push to Talk button located on the side of GMRS radio, and say something. If the GMRS radios have been set up properly, the other members of the group should hear the person speaking through the GMRS radio on their own GMRS radio.
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Tips & Warnings
You may apply for a GMRS radio license online via the FCC's Universal Licensing System (see the link in the Resources).
References
Resources
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