Just Got Call Sign and a Radio and I’m trying but Clueless.

[Guest Yusef Man in GA]

I’m reading and looking at YouTube. I just want to program my radio for GMRS Channels so I can talk and listen however I don’t know where to begin.

[WRAK968]

First, Welcome to GMRS, its an interesting hobby and can be a bit of fun.

Now, most importantly (And not to dissuade you from getting into the hobby) you should never talk on a radio that you programmed without knowing what your doing. The reason is that GMRS is mixed in with business and public safety frequencies so a minor mistake could result in interference with those agencies. There is a bit to learn and know about your radio and its important to note that each radio is different.

So lets start off with these questions;
What is the make and model of your radio?
What do you plan to use it for? (Family, business, to chat with other users?)
Do you plan to use a local repeater or do you plan to only talk direct to other radios?

By answering these questions we may be better able to help you out

[BoxCar]

Welcome to  the group and,yes, there are some valid concerns about causing interference to other licensed user of adjacent frequencies. The question about the brand and model of your radios will allow those of us with more knowledge to mentor you along and provide help on configuring your radios, needed accessories and software to program your radios for proper operation in your area. Perhaps one question that needs an answer first is if you have applied for a GMRS license. If you haven't, then our advice is to log onto the FCC website and complete the process and pay the filing fee. If you aren't licensed, then don't expect our assistance to operate what would then be an illegal unlicensed station on the GMRS frequencies. You do not need a license for the FRS or Family Radio Service channels which include some channels shared between GMRS and FRS but US radios would already have FRS frequencies coded into them.

[Guest Doug WRFM785]

Got my Call Sign last night. Starting out with a pair on little uv-5r's  Planning to ask permission to use a local repeater in Chino, CA  My radio is programmed for 1 channel so far, 462.675  it was programmed by a Ham Operator I know. After I get used to these, my next step will be to study for a Ham license. I went to college for radio broadcast engineering and computer science in 1981. WRFM785

[Guest John T]

Hello, name is John. I just got my GMRS license as well, WRFH801, and my Midland 115 has Repeater channels, but am not sure exactly how to get on one, and do it right. I am just south of Phoenix Arizona and I hear traffic occasionally on a 462.575 repeater which is open to the public, but am not sure exactly how to access that repeater. Anyone help out?

[Zectron2348]

I just received my GMRS license a few weeks ago as well, and am trying to figure out how to properly access some repeaters in my state. My radio is a Midland 115, 15 watt radio, and it does have some repeater channels. Many of the repeaters nearby are open to the public, but I want to make sure I don’t screw up trying to access one of them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

John

WRFH801

[citizensoldier16]

For John T and Zectron, thebrepeater channels in the MXT115 will have a small “r” next to the channel number. Reference the charts in the back of your manual and select the channel that corresponds to the frequencies in your area.

 

Then you need to set the CTCSS code. This code will be listed on the map when you select the repeater you want to access.

 

Follow the instructions in the manual to set the CTCSS code on the specific channel you chose.

 

You should be set. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I guess what I’m saying is read your manual. Using repeaters isn’t just “plug and play”.

 

73,

WREX979

KO4CWG