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

If they understand how radios work and want a handheld, then this is probably true.. You can get 10X - 100x or more farz with an FRS radio than you can with an FM CB handheld with the same-size antenna..

My guess - FM CB will not supplant FRS because of the size of the units and their antennas.

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.
 
 

Law Enforcement Radio Network = LERN, or LEARN.  It's a group of networked GMRS repeaters throughout New Jersey. They reach into southeastern PA, DE, & NYC.  You're supposed to be Law Enforcement to use the system.  Not sure if it's still linked. I rarely heard anyone on it when I used to monitor GMRS in the area.
/off topic

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.

A Fixed Station is one that's been repaired.
/s

Why does it matter. Are you paying electric bil, tower fees and such for them ? You ever think the owners just dont care about users or nets on them ? I have multiple repeaters in multiple states. Some are those "300'" tower you speak of. They are my repeaters and I pay for maintenance and upkeep. they are there for me, my family and a few freinds. I can say 100% if you drive by some of them they are dead all week long as no one is there. Weeks are different. No way I'd want to put farmers or any of that on my stuff. Thats what LMR Part 90 is for. Additionally there is absolutely no requirement to have a repeater on the air. 95% of my traffic is simplex. repeater is there when needed. So its used. 
 

Not meant to be a divisive or abrasive topic. It's laid out pretty clearly what the spirit of GMRS is. Not 70cm lite.. Less for "rag chews" and "making contacts" and more for having radios in the family cars to home. Or a group or family on a ski trip, event, or off roading keeping track of eachother... Repeaters meant to be more local to get up over a hill... Not for yelling "WHISKEY SIERRA ALFA TANGO 423 Monitoring!". For people with some other stated goal and using radio as an aid, and not just "being on the radio".
Functional use..
 
 

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. 
 

That must mean I’m a random person 😄

This is, in no way, related to, or even similar to an "emergency channel" as asked about by the OP.   This advice should be ignored as it relates to a GMRS "Emergency Channel", unless your plan in a serious emergency is to die alone.

no, because it does not exist..
Contrary to "some people's", wishes, hopes and dreams, there is no generally accepted or FCC-designated emergency channel for GMRS. There may have been one, long, long ago, but not anymore. "Some people" claiming otherwise should be ignored, laughed at, and called names.

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

Glad that I was able simply things for you! Sometimes I'm not sure about was my advise right on or was I pitching into left field. Anyway, I may stray from the topic, but I try to understand what reading.
Take Care..

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

Glad that I was able simply things for you! Sometimes I'm not sure about was my advise right on or was I pitching into left field. Anyway, I may stray from the topic, but I try to understand what reading.
Take Care..

Let us go through the sands of time as best as I can tell and Im sure i got some dates and or specifics wrong.
1930's LMR is created for business use.
1960's GMRS (Class A CB) is created and is very popular among small rural business use. Ie Family Farms etc. Basically as a subset of LMR and then some channels absorbed into LMR (MURS started similarly but thats another story) 
1970's GMRS business channel pair licensing rule established. 
1987 End of GMRS Business exclusive license's and the channel pair rule
1994 FRS is created near GMRS for people who don't need GMRS and didn't want to pay the fee.
2000's GMRS/FRS combo radio's start appearing and people are using 15-22 unlicensed (who could've possibly seen this coming? 🤓).
Early 2010's GMRS begins to become popular among Outdoors enthusiasts
GMRS communities start forming
Late 2010's GMRS linking starts occurring over the internet.
2012 UV-5R appears.
2017 GMRS/FRS combo banned, free band UV-5R's kinda dealt with from the FCC.
GMRS really takes off and starts to become Ham-lite.
2020 FCC realizes the floodgates that they have caused ensuring HAM-lite is an eventuality.
2021 FCC tries to clarify some rules/definitions to prevent it, its too late.
 
Whether GMRS being Ham-lite is bad or good im not going to comment as I believe GMRS provides essential short range communications, but; also always had the power and design to talk at least county wide. GMRS is also being less enforced by the FCC and being self enforced by users playing nice is telling me the FCC really doesn't want to be forced deal with GMRS.
 
As long as it continues to play nice and not have interference/nuisance issues basically how they currently treat Ham.
Combining FRS and GMRS led to this eventuality and not re-seperating the channels made enforcement extremely difficult and hard for them to justify.
Again im not going to pass judgement besides on the FCC's inability to achieve what they want to whether or not I benefit/lose from their mistakes.
TL:DR:
Issues stemming from the FRS/GMRS combo era mean that the FCC cannot enforce GMRS as strongly as some people wish and the FCC is hoping that people can be civil on GMRS so they do not have to. 
 
 
Like all things in life:
Play nice, Work hard, Worry less.

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

Right now, I feel like a Democratic Mascot, rambling on about non-sense. It' obvious, GMRS licensees are solely responsible for their family communications under their call-sign. I never said anything different, because that's not accurate. Of course, rules and regulations on Amateur Radio are more strict, due the fact an Amateur Radio License cannot be shared with others. If as an Amateur Radio Operator may allow a Relative or a Friend to talk on the radio, you as the licensee must present during the entire duration.  
 
Getting to GMRS t supervise family members while they're using the radio and IDing the proper intervals, but the licensees are solely responsible for how and what is said over the air. 
 

This comment probable should be under the FCC Rules & Regulations discussion. I think the best radios for GMRS have to be the Motorola Maxtrac series and HT 1250 or even most Kenwood radios. Of course, I realize the majority of these radios wouldn't be Part 95 A or E accepted, but those radios are excellent for GMRS.  I have to say the besides the well-known radio manufacturers, I do really like the BTECH GMRS PRO, which I own two of them. 

It seems like mostly everyone makes and breaks their New Years Resolution. The funny thing about that is we do it without thinking. I realize over the years, I have post something that some may got my facts wrong or out of a Cracker Jax Box. And then other try to see things from my point and show where I may need to do my Homework. Speaking of Homework, if my favorite Teacher Friend and unofficial relative were alive Today, He would say Adam did homework, yea right and LA Dodgers will move back to Brooklyn and Oakland A's will go back to Philly. 
Seriously, I'll do better with commenting on particular subjects and do my best to K. I. S. A. T. T. P. Besides, sometimes I look what have posted and I kind of wonder what I was thinking or try to say. 
 
 

I personally wouldn't know, never been to Shreveport LA. Then again, I've only traveled the I-95 corridor between Florida and Massachusetts, not on the same trip.  I sure hope someone is able to help you out there, because I wish I was able to Now, if you every venture in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey I could help you out.  
 
May 2025 bring you and kin folk joy and good health!