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I know I personally made a comment about sharing channels with kids... but the was me just being a smart aleck. I actually think it would be a great idea. I'm a dad and a grandfather, so i understand wanting to keep the kids engaged and having fun. It's a family friendly radio service by design. That said... with young people being among our most vulnerable, i would keep an ear open. My amateur radio club did something similar, hosting a Kids Night net every week, on Saturday. We have our kids and grandchildren get on the radio and talk to each other. They have a great time. Some of them like it so much that they are studying to get their license.

Well, interesting post! So, here are my thoughts - without any pre-judgement, others may, and will, vary. 1) If GMRS works where FRS doesn't it is just because of the power difference, and maybe the wider bandwidth. But, the downside besides having to talk other families into getting licensed (although, that is probably a good thing in-and-of itself), is more expensive equipment, heavier equipment and shorter battery life. 2) It is not, per-se, a bad idea. But, that does not mean it is a good idea. My guess is the kids will tire of playing radio fairly quickly. If the use of the radios was integrated into some other activity, like board games or online gaming, that might have a longer lasting appeal. But, I do wonder if young kids will take the rules of good operation seriously and not just yell stupidities at each other for 10 minutes before tossing the radios into a drawer. 3) Yes, some other users will be pissed off. But, many won't. You have as much right to the channels as they do as long as you and your family operate in a legal manner. 4) No such thing. But, I would not use PL. That might give the kids a sens that the channel is clear, and they might not hear someone telling them to talk less, yield the channel, etc. 5) FIRST, you need two ask the repeater owner, even if it is an open repeater. But, it is always ok to ask and if the owner laughs at you, well that would be an indication of his/her poor attitude, and no mark against you. Good luck and tell us how or if it goes.

Multiple post hit the nail on the head. I am working on the general ticket now. Boy just researching the antennas is giving me a headache. As an early birthday gift I got to choose a radio. So as I type this I am listening to the FT991a. Why that radio? 2 fold, 1 all band so I can utilize my tech fully. SSB, data, SSTV yada yada. 2. all band (HF)... so I can grow a bit without having to blow tons of money on another radio immediately. There just so many aspects to amateur radio then just calling CQ randomly. There are a million things to learn and do. Gmrs is great...2m is much more fun. From personal experience. The one thing that doesn't have to really do with the radio directly that amateur radio has over GMRS (for the most part) is the community. It is small but omg... never met a better bunch of people. Most will share advice, experience and even gear to get you on the air.

That is a nice setup. I did similar in my wifes JK. I used the ICOM 6061 with remote head kit. It wasn't much more than the Midland and let me use MDC on my LMR channels in addition to being able to add some ham stuff.

That's deeply rude to the people who weren't involved. … Especially to other fans of the MicroMobile series. Love that handheld control head.

https://www.fcc.gov/document/wtb-confirms-amateur-radio-license-exams-may-be-held-remotely The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a notice today that Amater Radio License exams may be conducted remotely. This is great news for those who are stuck at home but wanting to get their Technician or General ticket.

https://www.fcc.gov/document/wtb-confirms-amateur-radio-license-exams-may-be-held-remotely The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a notice today that Amater Radio License exams may be conducted remotely. This is great news for those who are stuck at home but wanting to get their Technician or General ticket.

FWIW, one of my neighbors has successfully completed his Tech license 100% remotely during the C19 lock down. I asked him for details on how he did this and he said, "The exam I took was from GLAARG. Because the remote sessions worked well in April, they’ve said flt he’ll schedule more sessions in May. I check this link daily: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/91364." IMHO, this is a wonderful step forward, and the lock down has catalyzed innovation and acceptance. As an IT security professional who's been using remote video for decades, I welcome the change. I also know that exam integrity must be ensured, but I'm confident that can be done. Cheers, Ken

As you have made clear in several posts. However, I am referring to now, not some possible time in the future. Also, even if/when Midland does address the problems with their radios, there is no evidence that “fix” will be available to upgrade radios already in the field. With all the options out there, other GMRS certified products, used products, and non-certified Part90 gear. I could not, in good conscience recommend that someone buy a Midland radio today.

Found this in my feed today: https://qrznow.com/fully-remote-amateur-radio-license-exam-administration/ Fits with what was mentioned about some remote testing already in progress