Channel Usage

[Roadtrekker]

Just got my GMRS license and waiting for new radios to arrive.

 

The reason I am writing is that I want to install the radio in my RV; the primary usage will be for traffic info, etc., while traveling.

 

My question is which channels should I monitor while on the road?

 

Thank you all for your assistance.

 

Tim Hayes

WRKX428/NH0H

[gortex2]

Put it in scan but doubt you'll hear anything you asked above. GMRS does not have a WX channel or traffic reports. As much as i hate to say it CB is more of what you describe. While I hate it I do run both in my RV for traveling. If your looking to find out why traffic is slow or stopped that's the only place you'll find info on a radio. The use of GMRS while traveling is to talk to a vehicle in front or behind you in your travel party. 

 

Unofficial GMRS emergency channel is 463.675 but YMMV. I have never heard emergency traffic on that channel and most likely if i did no one would be monitoring it anyway ! 

[Roadtrekker]

Thank you for your input. I have CB, but only got one traffic report in 2 years.. Also use 2 meters which was slightly more useful-- about 6 reports in about 5 years. I was hopeing for something more useful.

[n4gix]

Unofficial GMRS emergency channel is 463.675 but YMMV. I have never heard emergency traffic on that channel and most likely if i did no one would be monitoring it anyway ! 

 

That should be 462.675...  When I travel at all (which isn't much since Covid-19), I put out my call occasionally on that "travel frequency" and have met some travelling companions along the way, as well as a few contacts with fixed operators.

[MozartMan]

That should be 462.675...  When I travel at all (which isn't much since Covid-19), I put out my call occasionally on that "travel frequency" and have met some travelling companions along the way, as well as a few contacts with fixed operators.

 

Do you use 141.3 tone on that "unofficial GMRS emergency/travel channel"?

[n4gix]

Do you use 141.3 tone on that "unofficial GMRS emergency/travel channel"?

 

Why yes I do. It doesn't matter whether it is there or not, when I'm operating simplex, and having it when on repeater offset will sometimes trigger an in-range repeater. I do not however, have any tone programmed for receive, preferring to potentially hear anyone on the frequency.

[MozartMan]

Why yes I do. It doesn't matter whether it is there or not, when I'm operating simplex, and having it when on repeater offset will sometimes trigger an in-range repeater. I do not however, have any tone programmed for receive, preferring to potentially hear anyone on the frequency.

 

The reason I asked is I saw on one website talking about this "SHTF emergency" channel and they said to use that tone. But, if I understand you correctly, I should not put the tone for this channel at all, or at least not for RX. Is this correct?

[Lscott]

Personally I never put in a RX tone for simplex and repeater use. That eliminates any issue with not hearing a station return a call.

[gortex2]

That should be 462.675...  When I travel at all (which isn't much since Covid-19), I put out my call occasionally on that "travel frequency" and have met some travelling companions along the way, as well as a few contacts with fixed operators.

Yup thanks Typing on my phone this morning. 

 

462.675 with 141.3. My main repeater has this enabled.

[n4gix]

The reason I asked is I saw on one website talking about this "SHTF emergency" channel and they said to use that tone. But, if I understand you correctly, I should not put the tone for this channel at all, or at least not for RX. Is this correct?

 

Tone on transmit yes.

Tone on receive no.