SteveShannon

Welcome! We were all new once.

That’s exactly the kind of thing you should turn in to the FCC.

Digital data transmissions.Digital data transmissions are limited to the 462 MHz main channels and interstitial channels in the 462 MHz and 467 MHz bands. But, that’s not the same as digital voice, such as DMR. Digital voice is not allowed on GMRS with the exception of some sites that applied for experimental usage.

I think that the original Garmin waiver became part of the current rules. So, currently, location data is already allowed to be shared, but the antenna must not be removable and digital data may not pass through a repeater. Midland is stretching those boundaries. If they’re successful and nobody has problems, I would expect the waiver terms to become codified. I haven’t followed what the Talkabout does.

Yes, Garmin interfaces their radios directly to the built in GPS in the radio.

“Section 95.1767(a), to allow the devices sending digital data to operate at 50 watts instead of the current 5 watt limit.13 In its Waiver Amendment, Midland argues that operating at higher powers will better serve the safety needs of and real-life use by off-road users.14 Midland also states that GMRS device users will be better served by data transmissions, as opposed to voice messages, because data transmission are more reliable and more accurate.15 Further, it claims that allowing a 50 watt power limit would enable a data transmission range of roughly 5-6 miles, as opposed to .5-1 miles for 5 watts, which would better serve the needs of users.”

Yes. They have a very nice couple of GMRS radios that have full maps and display your buddies on them. You can send messages as well. https://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-Rino-755T-Handheld-GPS-with-FRS-Radio-and-Topo-Maps-P4959.aspx?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiIOmBhDjARIsAP6YhSVYNu1RFB0RsbBYg5hgBllGY173cGXr7mVRm5gnkIV5O9UDmFi1_CEaAheNEALw_wcB

It was adopted this year and released July 24, 2023.

Garmin has had something like that since 2008: https://www.fcc.gov/document/garmin-international-inc-request-waiver-sections-9529f1-95

Feel free to reach out to me if there’s anything I can do to help.

Narrow band transmissions received on a wideband radio might sound weak (I’ve read) but the units are still capable of talking to each other.

Look up the licensee on the repeater page of this website or on the FCC license search page and write a letter. Every license is there.

The default offset is +5 MHz for GMRS. So, if your repeater is transmitting on 462.550 MHz you will transmit to the repeater at 467.550 MHz. As far as searching for tones, the feature is probably covered in your instructions. It will be called “scan for tones” if it is. But you must be scanning the transmit frequencies to be certain because the transmit tone is not always the same as the receive tone. It’s usually better to just ask for access and be given the tones.

Throw a GMRS/FRS party. Invite everyone in your neighborhood. Be ready with a show and tell session.

I’m not clear on your question about replying so here’s the pedantic version: To reply while quoting the post you’re replying to, simply click on the word “quote”. To reply without quoting, just go to the bottom of the screen and type in your reply. In either case you then click “Submit Reply”

Jonnylocks hasn’t been here in over three years.

GMRS radios, those certified under 95e, are GMRS Stations. In order to use a GMRS Station, you must be operating under the authority of a licensed user. In that instance you must comply with all of the rules in 95e, including those regarding identification (using your call sign) FRS radios, those certified under 95b, are FRS Stations. If you're using one you are required to comply with the rules of 95b. It's that simple. No license is require to use an FRS Station. The rules for 95b do not require identification. It doesn't matter if you have a GMRS license. When a GMRS station talks to an FRS station, the person operating the GMRS station is required to follow GMRS rules. The person operation the FRS station is required to follow FRS rules.

Did you look to see what GMRS repeaters are in your area? There are several in Colorado. That might lead to a GMRS club, which would be a pretty good way to find folks who are interested in talking to others about GMRS.

What connectors are needed on each end? I assume USB-A on one end. Is there an interface chip?

The initial question stipulated that the radio was an FRS radio. To me that assumes that the radio is compliant with the rules regarding certification of FRS radios. Given the following rule I'm curious why the question about channels is relevant: 95.587(a) Transmit frequency capability. FRS transmitter types must not be capable of transmitting on any frequency or channel other than those listed in § 95.563.

The rule regarding identification states the following: Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification. If you're using an FRS radio, you are not using a GMRS station, regardless of the fact that you hold a GMRS license.

Also, sometimes having someone appear after looking folks up on a government database can creep people out. It’s a delicate situation.

A mile from a basement seems optimistic. My recommendation is to try and start a neighborhood watch program first before coming at your neighbors with an idea for radio communications. They might have just bought their GMRS radios in order to talk while out recreating or traveling.

Welcome to the forums!

I’ll make it simpler yet. I’ll put you on my ignore list.