WQAI363

I may not sound like a knowledgeable person, but I do my best to keep up. I recently purchased a BTECH UV-PRO, which is a Part 90 equivalent to the GMRS PRO. My first thoughts so far, the radio feels good in my hands. As far as programming it, well it's different than most Amateur Radio HTs and Mobiles. Of course, with Amateur Radio Equipment doesn't really have a Part 97 type acceptance or certification, but that's a different topic. Back to programming, the UV-PRO is similar to the GMRS PRO, which I find as easy as changing the trash liner in one's trash can. The APRS function can be a little bit tricky, but that may just for me. I was able turn on and off APRS, but I still need learn more about to use the full capabilities of the radio. I have to give BTECT an A for an excellent radio that is budget friendly and can be easy to program in a pinch when necessary

Offroaderx is absolutely right, FRS may sound as a better option than CB Radio but sounding good does not mean that it is so. One needs to comprehend the characteristics of each radio service and way the radio waves move through the atmosphere. FRS or GMRS simplex may be fine farms or indoor applications where VHF HI or VHF Low fails. I seriously doubt the FRS would be a replacement for CB radio. I guess if you in group in close proximity convoy it would ideal. But nothing like making call out for anyone who may know why I-95 is backed up 5 miles. You're not going random strangers to give you a heads up on FRS as it was on CB back in the day.

I'm not planning to purchase an AM/FM CB Radio anytime soon. However, I would imagine nothing special has happen since the FCC gave the Green Light for Frequency Modulation on the 11m CB Band.

Could FM CB supplant FRS? I wouldn't really say that FM CB supplant FRS, because each radio service has its own characteristics. Traditionally CB was either straight 4 watts AM or 12 watts SSB, which is good for travelling over the road. Now, since the FCC approved FM on CB, I can only imagine the range varies as it has on AM. FRS not GMRS, but FRS simplex only depending on what channel you're using will determine the range. You may get up to 1 to 8 miles with a handheld or walkie talkie using channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22. Of course, using a mobile would extend that ranger further. However, since channels 8 through 14 aren't available on mobiles, I wouldn't expect more than 3.5 miles on channels 8 through 14 I tried to stay focus on the topic and if it seems that I strayed, I sincere apologize for sounding like the know it Kid from Polar Express.

This is one topic that I know that everyone would want to slap me across the head. I used to complain about LEARN. But, I have to admit that there's a lot of intelligent individuals in that organization, which I wouldn't want tarnish the organization by joining. I'm just happy that I change my mind about LEARN. Of course, I wish there .575 repeater that was open for anyone to use, even if the Repeater Owner or Trustee asked for donations. Besides, Repeaters cannot remain on without money

No Problem! I recently was listening, and the LEARN SYSTEM is opened to not just Public Safety Individuals, but a lot of other occupations are joining. I would join, but right now I think I better steer clear of one individual who I won't disclose their name or unit number. I have to say that I done something wrong, which I won't go into details. Nothing Illegal or in violation of FCC R&Rs. Glad to Help again!

The LEARN SYSTEM is the Law Enforcement Associated Radio Network. LEARN was form about 40 plus years ago by Law Enforcement Officers to have private social network of GMRS repeaters, which I'm sure they have included Amateur Radio Repeaters for Law Enforcement Officers to use while traveling. The conversations or QSOs that I hear on the LEARN SYSTEM is exactly what you probably hear Amateur Radio, minus the Ten Codes, which I think the LEARN members watch too much old TV shows and movies. However, don't get me wrong, I realize that at one time, Public Safety use Ten Codes, with so many changes that has taken place. Plain speech is the standard protocol, because Ten Codes weren't universal. Maybe a Few were, but Plain Langue is the Best Practice.

I may not have privilege to talk on the LEARN system, but I don't need permission to monitor the LEARN system. Besides, some of those individuals sound as if they're want to be Law Enforcement Officers. Maybe a few of them were actually LEOs, but they certainly overdo it with using Ten Codes. Anyway, one of those LEARN members always manage to fail to identify his station with his FCC Call-Sign. Of course, I can't say anything since I'm not allowed the key up. Sometimes, I feel like saying something, but I know a certain individual call on the phone and chew me out.

After reading the subject of using repeaters that seem to be silent most of the time, sounds similar to the ones that I have posted. I will admit that I've narrow minded on this subject. Besides, the General Mobile Radio Service wasn't intended as HOBBY. Of course, GMRS is technically intended for recreational, or an alternative use Telephone Systems aren't available. I may be wrong with what just said, but I know I'm not totally wrong about what I tried to say.

I would follow the advice of Mr. Shannon and a few others that have added their comments to this discussion. But setting up Neighborhood Network shouldn't be too difficult. If you can encourage some neighbors to purchase at least FRS radios, all you really need to agree on, is one of the 22 simplex channels meet up on. You may also want to pick a tone for your channel and another channel as a backup.

I don't own plan to make a purchase of any MIDLAND GMRS Radios, because I have too many radios, and need to sell some. Another reason, MIDLAND radios don't have extended receive capabilities, which other manufacturers, such as BTECH and WOUXUN has. Now, don't get me wrong, MIDLAND has always been an excellent manufacture of Two-way Radios, especially with CB Radios. But if I was looking for a radio for GMRS and the ability to monitor other services, MIDLAND wouldn't be my choice, unless came out with wide range UHF / VHF receiver.

The General Mobile Radio Service wasn't intended as a hobby, such as the Amateur Radio Service. Of course, the Citizen Band Radio Service wasn't intended as a hobby, but unlike FRS / GMRS, CB Radio became a social media outlet. Yes, you can find GMRS Radio Clubs, but they're not going to as popular as Amateur Radio Clubs. Then again, you don't see much CB Radio Clubs anymore like back in the 1960s and 1970s. I'm sure you'll find similar forums about the Multi Use Radio Service. Of course, with only 5 channels, I doubt there are any MURS Radios Clubs forming.

Yep, Mr. Steve Shannon is correct, you must be a premium member to access the list clubs. Then again, there are GMRS clubs out there that aren't registered under MyGMRS, so you only access the ones that have registered. Just like the ARRL for Amateur Radio Clubs, there are a lot of Amateur Radio Amateur Radio Clubs that aren't listed with ARRL.

Listen to OffRoaderX! OffRoaderX usually knows the ins and outs of GMRS and if he says that there isn't an official emergency channel, well he should know. Of course, there's the CH-3 Project sponsored by AMRRON. In my opinion, that's the closes thing to having an official Emergency channel is, to fellow along with AMRRON. I'm sure there's folks out there who would disagree with me about that, but everyone has that right. Then again, GMRS isn't like CB or MARINE. Even with Amateur Radio there really isn't any official designated frequencies set aside for Emergency use.

From I see on the spec sheet for the VGC N76, I would assume that it's capable of transmitting on the FRS/GMRS allocation, but I don't own one, and don't plan on owning one anytime soon. Of course, the VGC N76 is marketed to Amateur Radio Operators. I didn't check the FCC's certification number which will give indication of its overall transmitting ability. It's probably not certified for Part 95 B 95 E or 95 J, but that's not going stop some from using in those section. I won't say that you shouldn't for GMRS, because I've used plenty of radios that weren't typed accepted or as it is now, certified. Heck, if I can find a dual band for my CS 800D, I use that for GMRS as well as Amateur Radio DMR and two of the 5 MURS Channels. Of course, the CS 800D is FCC Part 90 radio and could be use in commercial business. I may have stayed of a little, but I hope I have help you out. 73s