WRTT642

- Part 2 continued -
 
Once this is complete, click Continue.  The next step is to answer the following question, then click Continue again:
 

 
The next step will show you a summary of the application.  Verify all the information supplied is correct, and click “Continue to Certify.”
 

 
Step 4: Submit the application
 
The final step before submitting application is reading all the certification statements, which summarize the rules you are agreeing to follow as a GMRS license holder.  Electronically sign the application and submit:
 

 
When you submit the application, you will be prompted to complete payment.  After that, all you can do is wait!  Applications will appear in ULS Application Search in about one or two businesses days after the application is filed. If you made an error in the application – don’t worry!  You can file an amendment to the application.  See the Applying for a New License in the Universal Licensing System FAQ for more information about the application process for FCC licenses.  I have read posts online where people have reported getting their license within a day, and I’ve read posts where people said it took three weeks, so I can’t give an accurate answer to the “how long until I receive my call sign?” question.  I applied for my GMRS license around the holidays and it took two weeks to receive my call sign.
 
 
Step 5: Receive call sign and download authorization documents
 
Check back to the Universal Licensing System daily, and when you see the call sign under “My Licenses” you are ready to get on the air!  To download or print a paper copy of the license authorization, click Download Electronic Authorizations:
 

 
 
Select your GMRS call sign from the “Filter by Radio Service” box and add it to the “Authorizations to Download” box then click Download:
 

 
The GMRS Authorization looks like this:
 

Interesting how so many are talking about how repeaters are dead and not much simplex use because modern tech such as cell phones has become the norm.
The school I teach at has gone completely cell phone-free. Meaning the kids can not have their cell phones from the time the morning bell rings to the last bell of the day. We have issued to all students Yondr Pouches, which are little bags the students have to put their cell phones in when the morning bell rings they magnetically lock and the kids can not get them open until we put the "keys" out at the end of the day.
With that being said, I have been able to use that to recruit more kids to ham radio. I have been showing the kids all the ways that radio can be used like a cell phone, such as text messaging, sharing pictures, and emails, and just plain ol talking with each other. Most of these kids all live in the same neighborhood or close enough to do simplex. The big thing when telling the kids this is that cell phones may be banned, but the principal never said anything about ham radio lol. I know there are caveats to all of these, but generally speaking as some of you already know these things are not difficult to do. I told them that even if they are grounded from their cell phones at home they can still use their radios to communicate with their friends and even share each other's locations etc. lol. Teaching these things to the younger generation has been a big hit and the school admin is all for it and super supportive of the kids using radio tech instead of their cell phones.
Please guys, and gals, don't give up on our younger generation. These kids are smart and catch on quickly, they just need more people showing them how to properly utilize ham radio and all the benefits it has. Man, I can go on all day on this subject as I have been working hard integrating ham radio into our school. The ham club I started at the school has been a big success to my surprise and has fired me up to know that ham radio is not dead and is alive and well in our kids, as long as WE do the work to show them. Sorry, rant over lol. 

I know it's been asked but I'll ask again because times change and so do opinions.  I'm looking for a 20w mobile with a cigarette plug or some other connection so I do not have to wire it in.  I know there are many good brands but if you cannot recommend one, can you tell me what to stay away from? Yes, I'm in the early stages of learning.
Looking for portability, ease of programming at a decent price.  
Thanks

Sounds like a group from a Stephen King novel!

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). A mobile two-way voice communication service, with limited data applications, for facilitating activities of individual licensees and their family members, including, but not limited to, voluntary provision of assistance to the public during emergencies and natural disasters.

Back to the original question, I am noticing some of the same. 
I made my private repeater public over 2 years ago, it didn't take long for some people to start using it, proving there were people around my area interested. This past Spring, there were probably 12 guys chatting on a regular basis, I would get in there now and then as well. 
Since about July, it's been oddly quiet. Now and then there's a kerchunker, now and then one guy calling (I answer if I happen to have time) but all the usual times they were talking, it's just quiet. 
I am probably going to sell my repeater, I don't need to maintain it or pay the electric if no one is going to use it. I am a HAM and can talk to people that way when I want to. 
 

I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete.

Hello Roger, nice to meet you. There are a lot of us out there and believe it or not a lot of the guys on here are great guys and have a lot of knowledge about radios and Im sure they would love to share that knowledge with you. If you ever want to get your amateur license, know that there are countless resources that help people with earning it. If there is anything I can do to help you please send me a message and I will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. 

I love GMRS and I am also a "HAMster". My name is Will nice to meet you, I have started a ham radio club at the jr high school I work at and I have already led one student to earn his technician license and have about 10 more in the works. I have about a total of 20 kids that I brought into the hobby. Check out the blog that Bridgecom Systems put out on the ham club that I created for these kids. 
With that being said, please do not assume that all amateur radio operators are a bunch of hermits that keep to themselves and do not share this hobby with others, because there are a lot of teachers like myself out there that are doing the same at their schools. As well as countless hams that teach their family and friends. I am sorry that you may have had a bad experience with some people. I hope we can talk more sir, I am always up for a good chat   

Lets keep this thread going.
 

What is it that you think people should be saying on the air?
What is it that you say on the repeater?  Maybe you could be the one to start the ball rolling.
GMRS is not ham radio, where people actively seek out people to strike up conversations on the radio just because the radio is there.  GMRS is more designed to be a utility for two people or an entire family who wish to communicate, generally while doing something else, possibly recreational like hiking, biking, etc., or possibly as a business, like farming or ranching.

We have a fairly active repeater here, but most conversations happen on simplex and the repeater is used more for range, and most conversations happening are between people that already know each other.

Hello Roger, nice to meet you. There are a lot of us out there and believe it or not a lot of the guys on here are great guys and have a lot of knowledge about radios and Im sure they would love to share that knowledge with you. If you ever want to get your amateur license, know that there are countless resources that help people with earning it. If there is anything I can do to help you please send me a message and I will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. 

You even been hit with a 771 with full swing?  It's hurts!

I know how that works all too well. I'm also into firearms, and R/C cars. The good thing, so far, about gmrs is that I can buy a "good" radio for a lot less that a good firearm or R/C car. 

^ That's what my son said last time he came home from college.

^ They multiply like rabbits!

You obviously bought one that was pregnant.

Oh, we can fix that.  Buckle up.
I got into this about a year ago with a $20 POS CCR.  "I'll just buy one and try it," I said to myself. I'm up to six and have no idea how this happened.

U Have Fun?

Welcome Vince.  UHF is a lot of fun.

Between here and there depending on where here is.

That's only if you have the best radio.
And welcome!

I'm expecting 10 miles and I won't settle for less 🙃

Yeah, but really, how far will your radio work? 😆