TX'ing on channels 15 through 22 on simplex ok?

[GrouserPad]

Transmitting on channels 15-22 in simplex mode, with no +5khz offset programmed. If I have gone in and made sure the radio only transmits on these channels simplex frequencies by removing +5 offset then is this considered an ok practice amongst GMRS users? Am I ok to operate on these frequencies so long as I've removed the repeaters input freq? I did my research of the local area and picked a channel that doesn't appear to have any repeaters on it. Then I removed my radios ability to tx that freq +5khz.

My local geography requires using 50 watts for simplex and I don't want to be operating back and forth with my family if it might be interfering with repeater users. I only use the minumum wattage necessary but where I live it takes a full 50 watts to talk 3 miles because of the rolling hills and forests. 

I guess I'm asking if I'm being ethical running 50watts simplex on these channels? I always ask if the channel is being used by anyone but in my sparsely populated area the only repeater(which i don't use) is quiet and I stay off its frequencies. I rarely if ever hear anyone on our local repeater and the only thing i get when scanning the band is the rare frs users at a park across town.

Thank you.

[amaff]

Yes, you are allowed to transmit on 15=22.

[WRUU653]

The answer to your question is yes you can transmit on those frequencies/channels. You mentioned removing the offsets… Typically a type accepted GMRS radio will have 15-22 already programmed without an offset. Offsets are preset for repeaters above 22. They may be labeled RPTR 15 and so on or 23, 24, … and so on or even RPTR 1, RPTR 2… but simplex channels won’t come with an offset so there is no repeater input frequency to remove. 

[GrouserPad]

16 minutes ago, WRUU653 said:

The answer to your question is yes you can transmit on those frequencies/channels. You mentioned removing the offsets… Typically a type accepted GMRS radio will have 15-22 already programmed without an offset. Offsets are preset for repeaters above 22. They may be labeled RPTR 15 and so on or 23, 24, … and so on or even RPTR 1, RPTR 2… but simplex channels won’t come with an offset so there is no repeater input frequency to remove. 

Thank you for your reply. I guess I was kinda confused and now you mention this it all makes sense. I even pulled up the gmrs frequency chart and managed to forget this simple fact you have mentioned. Big DUH moment for me I guess. Thanks again guys. 

[WSEZ864]

An additional consideration is that the simplex channels 15-22 are sharing their frequency with repeater outputs. If you plan to use simplex on any of these channels, check for repeater activity so you don't create interference. I have two active repeaters in range, one uses 17 and the other uses 19, so I avoid these channels when operating simplex.

[amaff]

32 minutes ago, WSEZ864 said:

An additional consideration is that the simplex channels 15-22 are sharing their frequency with repeater outputs. If you plan to use simplex on any of these channels, check for repeater activity so you don't create interference. I have two active repeaters in range, one uses 17 and the other uses 19, so I avoid these channels when operating simplex.

Right, just like when using any other channel.

[WRTC928]

Yes, it's fine. If you want to use more than 5 watts (5w on 1-7, 0.5w 0n 8-14), it's your only option if you wish to remain compliant with FCC rules. As others have said, try not to use channels that are used by local repeaters. That may be easy, or they may all be busy. In my area, there's only one, and in your area, you apparently won't have difficulty either. However, if you want to use repeaters when you travel, that may not be the case. If you're in an area with lots of repeater use, the repeaters will probably have Tx/Rx tones, so people can set their tones to match the repeater output tone and ignore your traffic if they choose. If you set "privacy" tones, try to pick ones that the local repeaters don't use for their output tones. Anyone with no tones set can still hear you, but at least the repeater users can tune you out if they want. It's really just about courtesy. The Golden Rule applies.

[73blazer]

Your question is a bit confusing. Channels 15-22 (462.xxx)  are normally without the offset. But if your asking if you can transmit simplex on the "repeater" channels(467.xxx), according to the rules, no, it's not fine.

 

Part 95.1763c

467 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, control and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. Mobile, hand-held portable and control stations may transmit on these channels only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions in accordance with § 95.319(c). The channel center frequencies are: 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, and 467.7250 MHz.

 

 

[SteveShannon]

2 minutes ago, 73blazer said:

Actually, according to the rules, no, it's not fine.

 

Part 95.1763c

467 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, control and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. Mobile, hand-held portable and control stations may transmit on these channels only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions in accordance with § 95.319(c). The channel center frequencies are: 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, and 467.7250 MHz.

 

I could care less, but you’re technically breaking the rules. The real question is.....uh...why would you even want to do this?

If you’re referring to the OPs original question about using channels 15-22 for simplex, channels 15-22 are the 462 MHz Main channels not the 467 MHz Main channels. 

462 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, repeater, base and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 462.5500, 462.5750, 462.6000, 462.6250, 462.6500, 462.6750, 462.7000, and 462.7250 MHz.

 

[WRXL702]

Well I'm Confused With The Question & Answers.

Why The Concern About A 5 Kilohertz (kHz) Offset On GMRS Channels / Frequencies ?

Offsets For GMRS Repeater Pairs Are 5 Megahertz (MHz)

Guessing The Question Had A Typo, Or Are You Attempting Something Else ? 
 

[SteveShannon]

12 minutes ago, WRXL702 said:

Well I'm Confused With The Question & Answers.

Why The Concern About A 5 Kilohertz (kHz) Offset On GMRS Channels / Frequencies ?

Offsets For GMRS Repeater Pairs Are 5 Megahertz (MHz)

Guessing The Question Had A Typo, Or Are You Attempting Something Else ? 
 

I think it’s just a typo. The bandwidth is greater than that. 

[WQAI363]

15 hours ago, GrouserPad said:

Transmitting on channels 15-22 in simplex mode, with no +5khz offset programmed. If I have gone in and made sure the radio only transmits on these channels simplex frequencies by removing +5 offset then is this considered an ok practice amongst GMRS users? Am I ok to operate on these frequencies so long as I've removed the repeaters input freq? I did my research of the local area and picked a channel that doesn't appear to have any repeaters on it. Then I removed my radios ability to tx that freq +5khz.

My local geography requires using 50 watts for simplex and I don't want to be operating back and forth with my family if it might be interfering with repeater users. I only use the minumum wattage necessary but where I live it takes a full 50 watts to talk 3 miles because of the rolling hills and forests. 

I guess I'm asking if I'm being ethical running 50watts simplex on these channels? I always ask if the channel is being used by anyone but in my sparsely populated area the only repeater(which i don't use) is quiet and I stay off its frequencies. I rarely if ever hear anyone on our local repeater and the only thing i get when scanning the band is the rare frs users at a park across town.

Thank you.

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

[GrouserPad]

3 hours ago, 73blazer said:

Your question is a bit confusing. Channels 15-22 (462.xxx)  are normally without the offset. But if your asking if you can transmit simplex on the "repeater" channels(467.xxx), according to the rules, no, it's not fine.

 

Part 95.1763c

467 MHz main channels. Only mobile, hand-held portable, control and fixed stations may transmit on these 8 channels. Mobile, hand-held portable and control stations may transmit on these channels only when communicating through a repeater station or making brief test transmissions in accordance with § 95.319(c). The channel center frequencies are: 467.5500, 467.5750, 467.6000, 467.6250, 467.6500, 467.6750, 467.7000, and 467.7250 MHz.

 

 

I realize now, that the channels 15-22 are not pre-programmed gmrs repeater channels. When I made my initial post I for some silly reason thought they were repeater channels set with an offset. So essentially this ENTIRE thread is pointless. 

[GrouserPad]

2 hours ago, WQAI363 said:

If I were you, I would take look at your question. You can basically use all 22 simplex channels with the appropriate power level setting for communicating with friends or family.  The majority of GMRS radios the no need to go into the settings of the radio. You just pick any channel below channel 23 for those that have been in radios for a while. For those that need clarification channels 23 to 30 are RPT 15 through RPT 22. 

Perfect. Thank you. I realized what I thought was an issue isn’t an issue at all as the channels I was referring to using aren’t “designated” repeater channels to begin with. Although as I understand it these channels can sometimes have active repeaters on them. So I need to be aware of that. Thank you. 

[WQAI363]

43 minutes ago, GrouserPad said:

Perfect. Thank you. I realized what I thought was an issue isn’t an issue at all as the channels I was referring to using aren’t “designated” repeater channels to begin with. Although as I understand it these channels can sometimes have active repeaters on them. So I need to be aware of that. Thank you. 

Glad that I was able simply things for you! Sometimes I'm not sure about was my advise right on or was I pitching into left field. Anyway, I may stray from the topic, but I try to understand what reading.

Take Care..