Getting back into it...Michigan's beautiful Keweenaw

[WSKU631]

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.

[SteveShannon]

Happy 2026!

[73blazer]

Zero GMRS around the NW UP, i've tuned in for several years. Someone had a repeater in L'Anse a while back but it's long gone. Even when it was there there was zero traffic on it. HAM has some activity  in the area with towers on Mt. Horace Greenly , Calumet, Hancock, Toivola (along the ridge!) . 

 

[WSIF574]

On 1/1/2026 at 12:12 PM, WSKU631 said:

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?

Welcome. My opinion on this is that with out a good repeater base GMRS and FRS just will not have the coverage for emergency communication other than a small community. I guess you could pass the information using the "telephone game " method but that relies on everyone being in place at the same time. HAM is the way to go for large scale emergencies. In that type of situation you can use the HAM bands for better coverage/range. 

[WSHT233]

I'm curious what you find, Bill.

I'm part of a small, hyper local community with a lot more FRS adoption and a good bit of tech/bureaucratic shyness around anything broader.

We have a handful of GMRS and HAM operators as well, but I'm always keen to see what other folks find effective in bridging the gap.

We do have pretty good emergency response/drill participation within that core group, but I'd love to see more folks become comfortable with the broader capability of the GMRS tier, especially with the well established repeaters we have here (greater Seattle area).

Best of luck, and welcome!

[WRZK526]

One big advantage for GMRS is it's widespread availability and simple operations.  Just about anyone can get their license and learn to operate one fast and easy. I can access repeaters over 50 miles from my house and fortunately there are several in my area. GMRS can talk to FRS radio's and local groups can organize and check in on scheduled times. Accessing repeaters is a bit more difficult but  with patience and maybe a little help very doable. Ham operators look down at what they call the "bubble pack GMRS and  FRS" crowd but they do like to use the GMRS repeaters! In an emergency all the communications we can get help, mostly we don't need to talk to someone hundreds of miles away, we need local help. Get your own group together and talk GMRS up and don't let anyone dissuade you! Maybe set up your own repeater.