WSKU631

The strength of GMRS is its capacity to interact with a broad base of the community (FRS) for community events and for emergencies. FRS->GMRS->HAM-> EOC.

I gather that Michigan's hands free electronics motor vehicle law prohibits using a hand held microphone while driving. What alternatives have been developed? Seems like the only answer is using a VOX setting, but assume that would be tricky due to normal conversation, background music\, etc. Any instances of folks being stopped simply because they have an antenna on the roof?

Thanks Marc!

I know this has been a previous topic, but search on Line A and you get every use of the word "line." I've noticed Canada now allows full FRS, parallel to US FRS, including all 22 channels. Am I correct in presuming that the Line A restrictions no longer apply to GMRS? I'm up near the border and my new license has no restrictive verbiage.

Hi all: Bill here, on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, WSKU 631. Decided to re-up my GMRS license after being enticed by Baofeng on Amazon. I got my first GMRS license in 2002, but let it expire in 2012. Have been happy with FRS meeting my needs, but the allure has returned. Just for perspective I got a CB license over 50 years ago (KFO 0811 if I recall), so yes, I'm a bit older. GMRS is pretty quiet here. When I look at license records there is only one other active licensee here and I've never heard her. There are about 8 expired licenses in my zip; just not much happening. I've flirted with Amateur licensing the whole time, but just haven't gotten one of those round-tuits. I was active in Red Cross disaster for some years, so I am still interested in helping folks. I have an idea that GMRS could be a useful service in community emergencies, bridging between the HAM services and EOC ops. There is a tremendous 'installed base" of FRS radios in every community. I'm interested in exploring how to effectively marshal and corral these resources with GMRS being the skilled guide. I recognize the cacophony that would be involved, but might it be managed somewhat? Happy 2026 to all.

Hi all: Bill here, on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, WSKU 631. Decided to re-up my GMRS license after being enticed by Baofeng on Amazon. I got my first GMRS license in 2002, but let it expire in 2012. Have been happy with FRS meeting my needs, but the allure has returned. Just for perspective I got a CB license over 50 years ago (KFO 0811 if I recall), so yes, I'm a bit older. GMRS is pretty quiet here. When I look at license records there is only one other active licensee here and I've never heard her. There are about 8 expired licenses in my zip; just not much happening. I've flirted with Amateur licensing the whole time, but just haven't gotten one of those round-tuits. I was active in Red Cross disaster for some years, so I am still interested in helping folks. I have an idea that GMRS could be a useful service in community emergencies, bridging between the HAM services and EOC ops. There is a tremendous 'installed base" of FRS radios in every community. I'm interested in exploring how to effectively marshal and corral these resources with GMRS being the skilled guide. I recognize the cacophony that would be involved, but might it be managed somewhat? Happy 2026 to all.