Finding PL code

[Guest Aaron]

       I'm new to GMRS and I'm having trouble finding the repeater's PL codes .If anyone can can help me I would appreciate it.

[WRAK968]

You will need to contact the repeater owner for PL codes. Often times if the repeater has an identifier you can look up the owner of the repeater on the FCC ULS database and get an e-mail address there. MyGMRS listings simply require you to click "Request access" and it will auto e-mail your name and callsign to the owner of the repeater.

Simply "hacking" your way onto a repeater without knowing if it is open or not, is usually frowned upon so I wont explain how to do it here.

[mbrun]

I agree that you need the permission of the owner to use their repeater. Be a good GMRS citizen and use only repeaters that you have permission to use. If MyGMRS lists the repeater as open and the owner publishes the code in their listing, one can interpret that as permission. I still ask.

 

There are a couple of models of GMRS radios on the market that are derivatives of similar amateur radios and feature the ability to scan for the code.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

[Guest KT]

So unlike ham repeaters that publish their PL tones and allows anyone to know, gmrs repeaters are trying to get people out...hmmm wonder if it worth the soon to be $35 to get a gmrs license.

 

[berkinet]

So unlike ham repeaters that publish their PL tones and allows anyone to know, gmrs repeaters are trying to get people out...hmmm wonder if it worth the soon to be $35 to get a gmrs license.

Sorry. But that is simply incorrect on 2 grounds. 1. Many ham repeaters are effectively private and do not publish their access requirements; and 2. Repeaters are not and have never been part of what you get rights to use with a GMRS license.  

[WRAK968]

So unlike ham repeaters that publish their PL tones and allows anyone to know, gmrs repeaters are trying to get people out...hmmm wonder if it worth the soon to be $35 to get a gmrs license.

I wouldn't say repeater owners are trying to keep people out, rather, trying to control abuse of their systems. Repeater owners easily put out nearly $1000 just to get a system running. That doesn't include time spent maintaining the system, cost for repeater sites, cost of internet use (for linked systems,) or cost of power use. Because of this, and because there are people who simply wish to be destructive for whatever reason, repeater owners don't always disclose their access codes to the general public. This prevents unlicensed access and also reduces intentional disruption of the system.

 

I use to publish my input codes for the public, however after an unknown user jammed the repeater forcing me to take it off the air so it didn't suffer damage, I changed my input code and did not publish it. When a licensed GMRS operator contacts me requesting the info, and I can see that user is local to the repeater, I give them the access code. Simple as that. Ask and I think most operators will grant you access.

[MacJack]

I'm having a problem with your statement as I look at it from another perspective.  Being new to GMRS and reading and studying owners of GMRS repeaters, I see GMRS as a family private repeater and some owners are willing to share with other like minded family friendly folks who are within their coverage area access to owners repeater...  Thus I have a great relationship with my local repeater owner and sent him a donation $ and offer of time to help him in maintenance plus support his vision and mission for local GMRS.  Ham are more of the mindset IMHO willing to share with other Hams community to access a more universal access and communication on a broader area for coverage as Ham can have greater range and entertainment value, like a brotherhood.

 

Under full disclosure I'm not a Ham, have many friends who are and so noted the reason they share, give to others... great group of folks and my friends.  My only reason for GMRS is to help grand daughter who started with FRS and now with our family GMRS in hopes she go to study for Ham ticket.  She 12 yo and a vision for enlisting into Space Force and see this as her future dream...  She still mic shy with adults ok with kid younger than her.  The private GMRS repeater owner is so supporter and a Ham.  I could not get a better family friend to help me with her dream.  So lastly with a safe place for my grand daughter to be encouraged, protected and safe from bad guys, I like the private protected GMRS owners with that mindset.     

 

Edit:  Reread your post.  Save your $70 today fee soon to be $35 in less then 90 days and get sit for your Ham ticket while it cost less and do not get your GMRS as we may not be a good fit for your needs at $35 and private GMRS repeaters owners.

So unlike ham repeaters that publish their PL tones and allows anyone to know, gmrs repeaters are trying to get people out...hmmm wonder if it worth the soon to be $35 to get a gmrs license.

[AdmiralCochrane]

I've met several 12 year old Techs.  She should be able to study and pass the test now.

[BoxCar]

I've met several 12 year old Techs.  She should be able to study and pass the test now.

It's not much more difficult to pass the Genera class exam which also covers everything the Tech class can use plus even more frequencies. 

[MacJack]

Thanks, I agree with you... she smarter then me..  Has a mind to remember things... Her only problem is does not know WHY this or that yet.

Jack

I've met several 12 year old Techs.  She should be able to study and pass the test now.

[n4gix]

I know a 9 year old who passed Tech, General and Extra in one sitting! He's a smart lad, that's for sure.

[smalpierre]

I know a 9 year old who passed Tech, General and Extra in one sitting! He's a smart lad, that's for sure.

Kid is getting things DONE! I sat for tech, went for general and didn't quite make it. Been meaning to study up and go back!

 

And for this episode of "are you smarter than a 5th grader" the result is "Not even close"

[OldRadioGuy]

The choice between ham and GMRS is sort of complicated and does not just depend on you.

I've been an extra class ham since 1985 and just got my GMRS license.

The reason is that radios are most useful to me for outdoors outings and traveling with others.

My wife and fishing buddies don't have a ham license so FRS/GMRS is the way to go. 

 

Ham repeaters seem to be very quiet these days and maybe sort of "clicky" or unwelcoming. 

They are not hostile but not really interested in making new friends either.

They mostly want to talk to their club members.

They also tend to just talk about medical problems and complain about things.

It varies quite a bit though.

 

The bottom line for me is that they probably will not do me any good when I go out on my bike and want to talk back to camp.

Even in an emergency I may not be able to reach anybody because they simply aren't listening.

 

Once you have your GMRS license you can log into mygmrs.com and then the repeater tones are mostly posted.

If they are not posted they may not be open repeaters but you can usually get to an email through mygmrs.

 

Vince