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And if he needed to he could create a Repeaterbook account using his GMRS call sign.

Ahh, so I'll take the SSB channel off.

I am not aware of any mobile VHF/UHF radios that have SSB capabilities. You would have to get an all band/all mode radio AKA "shack in the box" that does HF, VHF, and UHF to get SSB capabilities on VHF/UHF. The other option is the Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF all mode base radio but that is expensive. I would love to use 2m SSB but I don't need or want a shack in the box radio as I already have 4 HF radios as it is. And I can't afford the Icom IC-9700 at $1900.00

No you don't. Anyone can look up repeaters without having to log in or have a call sign. You only need a call sign if you manage a listed repeater.

I went on Repeaterbook and wow, I've never seen so many Repeaters. I just when with the ones on my side of town that I think I might be able to reach and so far I have 6/2M, 2/1.25M and 4/70cm(I could have gotten more but only wanted my list on one sheet of paper) but there's dozens, especially 70cm. Way more than we've got with GMRS. I have a 2M, 144.200 SSB National Calling, can my "normal" radio do the SSB stuff? Anyway, looks like more to learn just like when I first jumped into GMRS a year ago.

Yep, I kind of figured that since HAM Frequencies are not really SET to a Channel like GMRS. It's like in Fly Fishing, they call a "Bobber" a "Strike Indicator", same thing only different. LOL. I put together a list of National Calling Freqs and some of the local Repeaters(I've never seen so many Repeaters, especially on 70cm) so I'll make up a code plug with them and write them to one of my radios to test them out once I get my call sign.

There are 9 DMR repeaters in the area also.

Funny thing is they typically transmit in simplex, so they are not even using the repeater. Once they hear him talking, the paparazzi gets on the air and mad chaos starts.

Just to clear some confusion, channels and frequencies are often interchanged but they are not the same in all cases. A channel always contains a frequency - GMRS is an example. Frequencies can be assigned to a channel but they are also free-standing. In the amateur world we talk frequencies, but use channels when any other service uses them.

If you are in Phoenix, I gather you are as you posted about Shaw being down, there are tons of 70 cm repeaters in the county. I think like 237 statewide. Another 1oo plus in 2m. If you want to dip your toes in Digital, there are a lot of "System Fusion" repeaters in the area. KM7BQP/WSEZ903

But you need your call sign before using the site. You can use the ARRL website to find local clubs and they often list repeaters and nets on their sites as well.

Well done!!

Repeater Book is a good place to look for local repeaters in your area.

146.520 2m National Calling Frequency (simplex) 446.000 70cm National Calling Frequency (simplex) For repeaters in your area, you have to listen and/or look them up (one good site I'm not sure if OK to post here). You should also find the band plan for your region (I only use Southeast.) And search for ham clubs in your area. There's a lot of info to get you started at arrl.org

I won't be much help on DMR since I have yet to use that mode. The national calling frequencies and local repeaters are a good start. Also look to see if there are any local DMR repeaters in your area. Asking on a local DMR repeater would be a good place to start.

Decided to use my spare Radtel RT-493s instead. Looks a little "cleaner"; at least in my humble opinion!

Thanks but I was thinking more about what "channels"(aka Frequencies) to add. I know there's National Calling Freqs. and some other standard channels and a lot of repeater channels. I just need to figure out what they are so I can make up a code plug for my radios.

Here is a good band plan that shows what modes can be used on each band. Icom band plan And the ARRL band https://www.arrl.org/images/view//Charts/Band_Chart_Image_for_ARRL_Web.jpg The ARRL band plan does better at showing what portions you can use per each license.

Just passed my Tech License test, now I need to set up a couple of my radios for HAM use. With GMRS it was easy, 22 channels plus 8 Repeaters. I add MURS and I've got all the channels I'd want to talk on. What are some common/popular channels to program into an HT for 2M/1.25M(yes, I know it's not used much but I'd still like them just in case)and 70cm that I should have?

I can do 10M with the Tech License but I don't have any radios that'll do that band. The test team said they'd summit things today any I should be processed tomorrow or next day. I'm going to reprogram a couple of my radios for HAM use. I just need to figure out which frequencies to use.

PS: Getting your general opens up all of the HF bands if you are interested. The general test is not hard, especially if you start studying now.

Congratulations! Now the wait begins. You will get an email from the FCC telling you your license is approved and a link for you to pay your $35. It should only take a few days as long as the VE submits everything electronically. Double check your spam folders too. Now you will have so many other squirrels to chase with your amateur license. Tech gives you AM, single side band, CW (morse code) and digital mode privileges on 10m. You also get CW privileges on 15m, 40m, and 80m. There is plenty to do with the 2m, 1.25m, and 70cm bands. You might end up enjoying talking to the space station when it passes over. It took 3 weeks for my technician and three weeks for my general since my local VE is stuck in the Stone Age and mails everything through USPS.

The only time a ham can receive compensation for the craft is when teaching at an educational institution.

Rugged Radio got a NoNo letter from the FCC for selling 6 different radios that RR advertised as being compliant and were not. Even with such gross disregard and massive exposure, they still did not get a fine. I don't know how bad you have mess up before the FCC gives a damn about GMRS violations, but the bar is obviously very high.

Congratulations! I knew you could do it.