As someone who just got their license, here’s a few ideas. I think I know the answer to some, but not all:
Rules- just basics, for example - What’s a household? It says parents, family etc. can use my license, but my brother is in California & I’m in Connecticut. I doubt he’s in my household, but that’s not what it seems to imply. Or can he use my license when talking to me? And do we both have to announce the same call sign every 10 minutes, or is one enough?
Practices- when I want to go on, are there common practices? Do I call CQ, like the hams do? Is there a standard calling channel (like CH 19 on CB)? How about when I arrive in a strange town? Any networks? How do those interconnected repeaters work and can I use them?
Is there a CB CH 9 analog for emergencies? I’m assuming no, with only 8 channels.
Are there clubs? Who supports and pays for the repeaters?
Is there something like RACES for community support during emergencies?
How much power do I really need? I keep seeing reviews where people say ‘manufacturers said 36 miles but I only got 3.’ Any easy rule to figure that out?
What’s a good radio to start with? A 3 watt $29 handheld? Or are people generally disappointed in those? Do I need to have repeater capability? Or should I get 25 or 50 watts? Seems like if 5W was enough, we’d all stick to FRS.
Yes, all this info is out there, and I can find most of it on the internet, and by listening , but there’s some ideas for a short ‘So you wanna GMRS’ pamphlet.
WRZR764
