Two-Way Radio Question

[DaViper]

So I guess you technically need a liscnese from the fcc (that costs around $75) to use the gmrs channel,w hich give you much more range with some radios. I dont want to try to sound like a rebel or anything, but do you really need a liscense to use these channels? Car you be tracked or something? Best buy has a pair of 6-mile two-way radios made by uniden for $29.99, so I'd use the frs for most of the time, but would it be dangerous or something to use the gmrs without a liscense sometimes?

 

[jersey_emt]

I've used 'illegal' frequencies and 'illegal' transmission wattage a lot in the past, never ran into any problems.

Yes it CAN be tracked via triangulation but the FCC has better things to do than try and track down every average Joe who 'misuses' a radio.

Don't **** with HAM radio guys though, they will gang up on you and track you down, and report you.

 

[pr5owner]

I've used 'illegal' frequencies and 'illegal' transmission wattage a lot in the past, never ran into any problems.

Yes it CAN be tracked via triangulation but the FCC has better things to do than try and track down every average Joe who 'misuses' a radio.

Don't **** with HAM radio guys though, they will gang up on you and track you down, and report you.

this quote can be used against you in a court of law.. LOL sorry had to say it

 

[Pheonix]

my father is a HAM radio buff, you should see the monster antenna he put on his civic. holy crap.

A HAM license isn't that difficult to get from what i hear, at least a D on a basic electronics test.

 

[jesse]

ham licences are easy to get. I read most of a book betwen thursday and the car ride over saturday mornign and passed the test. The questions and answers are all published. I think the whole thing cost me $10 for the test and however much the book(Now you're talking, published by ARRL) was. I dont think the license costs anything. It gives a lot more stations. Theres also BRS (business) or something i think. Maybe im thinking of gmrs. But no, if you broadcast illegally you wont get caught. The signal can be tracked really easily by a person walkign around on foot with an antenna, but this is a lot of work and i doubt you'd piss everyone off.

 

[johnsharpe]

Hmm, the radios look cool, great deal too! Check out the FCC site for more GMRS info. A license costs you $75 and I think it's good for 5 yrs.

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

Best Buy *might* not sell it unless you can produce your license, but it's upto the clerk and the store.

jersey_emt, you're right, the FCC doesn't have time to DF (direction-find) every interferer, but don't under-estimate them...one day you just might get a knock on your door. And for sure, don't screw with the ham or broadcast guys in the states...the FCC takes those complaints very seriously.

Cheers,
John

 

[ogilybogil]

Hey, (gossip)
The reason these GMRS radios have exploded in popularity in the past two years is becuase everyone has realized that they will not get caught. I work at a MAJOR, respectable outdoor chain that sells GMRS radios, and we dont ask anyone for s*** when we sell them. Talk loud, talk often, cuz nothings gonna happen.

 

[jersey_emt]

Yes the GMRS license is $75 for 5 years, not too bad, a bit over $1 a month.

But getting in trouble for broadcasting on the GMRS frequencies without a license is about as likely as getting a speeding ticket when you're doing 60 in a 55 when everybody else is going 70.

 

[DaViper]

I dont understand, is it possible at all for the fcc to track you if you're moving around in a car? Sounds like I'll be going with two-ways....it's too bad the uniden ones I found that are 6-mile and have a charger dont have privacy codes...those things are kinda important....they're only $30 I think...

-DaViper

 

[YellowMP5]

So I guess you technically need a liscnese from the fcc (that costs around $75) to use the gmrs channel,w hich give you much more range with some radios. I dont want to try to sound like a rebel or anything, but do you really need a liscense to use these channels? Car you be tracked or something? Best buy has a pair of 6-mile two-way radios made by uniden for $29.99, so I'd use the frs for most of the time, but would it be dangerous or something to use the gmrs without a liscense sometimes?

the fcc doesn't bother going after illegal radio operators (pirates?) who transmit and often times interfere with legal radio station frequencies. do you think they will bother tracking you down when you drive around town?

go ahead and use the radios and dont worry about it. our club has used them twice allready when going to NOPI in the past two years and we will do the same this september.

does best buy still has those radios? can you post a product number or brand and model? i don't really want to buy another set and especially pay $30, but 6 mile sounds tempting. and considering that we will have maybe up to 15 cars that will go, this will be usefull if somebody gets lost.

 

[johnsharpe]

Everyone here is correct, to a point...you most likely won't get caught unless *alot* of people complain to the FCC.

Do what you want...I've seen hefty fines handed down from the FCC for interfering with or tx without a license in the ham bands. It takes them a while to gather evidence, but when they do, look out...If other GMRS users compalin, and the FCC takes it seriously and begins to work on it, don't be surprised if you (the perverbial "you") get slapped with a fine.

 

[jersey_emt]

The $30 pair doesn't come with rechargeable batteries, a must IMO

 

[ogilybogil]

Everyone here is correct, to a point...you most likely won't get caught unless *alot* of people complain to the FCC.

Do what you want...I've seen hefty fines handed down from the FCC for interfering with or tx without a license in the ham bands. It takes them a while to gather evidence, but when they do, look out...If other GMRS users compalin, and the FCC takes it seriously and begins to work on it, don't be surprised if you (the perverbial "you") get slapped with a fine.

I would be suprised... (boom05)

 

[DaViper]

The $30 pair doesn't come with rechargeable batteries, a must IMO

I was going to get one with rechargable batteries, but then I learned that the rechargable batteries cut the range down significantly from regular alkaline or whatever batteries....that switched me right away. I ended up buy 4 Midland g-11 5 mile range frs radios on ebay for $48 shipped. I only need two, and I think I'm selling two to the bidder who I outbid, but if not I'll post here with pics when they come, to see if anybody here wants them.

Thanks!
-DaViper