So who here uses GMRS properly?

[jwilkers]

I do. If I want to converse with strangers, that's what the amateur bands are for.

Sent from my SM-S911U1 using Tapatalk

[GreggInFL]

On 3/10/2025 at 10:54 AM, WRTC928 said:

Whether that's for staying in touch while offroading or passing along the recipe for a Black Russian (which I just now heard on GMRS 19), you're using the radio "properly" IMO.

Yesterday's conversation was about the best Indian restaurant in the area, and this on the biggest repeater in central Florida.

[Socalgmrs]

18 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

Yesterday's conversation was about the best Indian restaurant in the area, and this on the biggest repeater in central Florida.

Everyone speeds it doesn’t make it right.   It’s funny how people give opinions on what is right and wrong when in reality it’s a factual thing.   Gmrs is for communication while doing an activity.  That’s it.  It’s not about chit chat, making an antenna out of pop cycle sticks, meeting strange men that call themselves queens,  chatting about your 100th antenna for your hand held radio, food, ect.   That’s what ham is for.  Sorry ladies but gmrs is for leaving the basement and getting out into the world in real life.  Go hunt, off road, plow a field, work cattle, go on a road trip hike bike camp ect.  The reason it matters is because some people actually want the air waves clear so they can use it properly.  
its the exact same thing as if few people think it’s totally ok to drive the wrong way on the freeway.  It’s not ok and never will be and now the freeway is useless to those that want to obey the rules.  It’s always funny how the same people that call out others for using ham radios on gmrs are the same people that will chit chat for hours about dinner recipes. 

[GreggInFL]

^ I tend to agree.  I think if I ever put up a repeater it will be private.

[Hoppyjr]

Everyone speeds it doesn’t make it right.   It’s funny how people give opinions on what is right and wrong when in reality it’s a factual thing.   Gmrs is for communication while doing an activity.  That’s it.  It’s not about chit chat, making an antenna out of pop cycle sticks, meeting strange men that call themselves queens,  chatting about your 100th antenna for your hand held radio, food, ect.   That’s what ham is for.  Sorry ladies but gmrs is for leaving the basement and getting out into the world in real life.  Go hunt, off road, plow a field, work cattle, go on a road trip hike bike camp ect.  The reason it matters is because some people actually want the air waves clear so they can use it properly.  
its the exact same thing as if few people think it’s totally ok to drive the wrong way on the freeway.  It’s not ok and never will be and now the freeway is useless to those that want to obey the rules.  It’s always funny how the same people that call out others for using ham radios on gmrs are the same people that will chit chat for hours about dinner recipes. 

Actually, you’re wrong…. again.

The FCC page on GMRS says this:

The GMRS is available to an individual for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of licensees and their immediate family members. Each licensee manages a system consisting of one or more transmitting units (stations.) The rules for GMRS limit eligibility for new GMRS system licenses to individuals in order to make the service available to personal users. (Some previously licensed non-individual systems are allowed to continue using GMRS.)

Now, “to facilitate the activities or licensees….” is not specific, so the licensee may find discussing Indian restaurants or personal waxing techniques to be their desired act. You don’t get to decide that.

To support this, on the same FCC page,it also says:

Services that provide functionality similar to GMRS include the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS), the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS).

I think we all know that CB has been used to ramble on about random stuff.

But wait, there’s more….the FCC also says this:

None of the GMRS channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any system. Licensees must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels under a “listen-before-talk” etiquette in order to use them most effectively and to reduce the possibility of interference.

And this:

GMRS and the Family Radio Service (FRS), which share many of the GMRS channels, are intended for individuals such as family members and friends, scouting troops, emergency response groups, and hobbyists to communicate with each other over short distances, directly or through a repeater station. Linking repeaters, via the internet or other networks, undermines the purpose and usefulness of the GMRS and FRS.

I think it’s pretty clear that “hobbyists” is the category where we place random radio geeks who like to rag chew about whatever.

All that said, random people chatting about nonsense can be annoying just as CB was at times, but I do not find anywhere that specifies one must only use GMRS when “performing an activity” that doesn’t include just talking to others, which is itself an “activity”.

I agree that Queen Randy is also correct, when he says GMRS is a brung your own friends type of service. While here in Western Washington State we have many users who engage in GMRS use to connect with others, a user shouldn’t expect that result everywhere. You pays your money and you makes your choice, as I’ve heard before.

[HHD1]

I've recently found a great use for our radios.  

Once in a while I like to use my phone to do livestreams on our YouTube channel.  There have been times when Katie has called me while in the middle of the stream, asking for me to bring her a beer. Well, as soon as my phone rings the livestream instantly ends. 

Now that we have switched to radio comms, I no longer have to march into the house and throw a beer at her.   Instead we now have cute pet names for each other, and less beer-soaked holes in the wall... (I have terrible aim) 

[LeoG]

1 hour ago, Hoppyjr said:

 

Actually, you’re wrong…. again.

The FCC page on GMRS says this:

The GMRS is available to an individual for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of licensees and their immediate family members. Each licensee manages a system consisting of one or more transmitting units (stations.) The rules for GMRS limit eligibility for new GMRS system licenses to individuals in order to make the service available to personal users. (Some previously licensed non-individual systems are allowed to continue using GMRS.)

Now, “to facilitate the activities or licensees….” is not specific, so the licensee may find discussing Indian restaurants or personal waxing techniques to be their desired act. You don’t get to decide that.

To support this, on the same FCC page,it also says:

Services that provide functionality similar to GMRS include the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS), the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS).

I think we all know that CB has been used to ramble on about random stuff.

But wait, there’s more….the FCC also says this:

None of the GMRS channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any system. Licensees must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels under a “listen-before-talk” etiquette in order to use them most effectively and to reduce the possibility of interference.

And this:

GMRS and the Family Radio Service (FRS), which share many of the GMRS channels, are intended for individuals such as family members and friends, scouting troops, emergency response groups, and hobbyists to communicate with each other over short distances, directly or through a repeater station. Linking repeaters, via the internet or other networks, undermines the purpose and usefulness of the GMRS and FRS.

I think it’s pretty clear that “hobbyists” is the category where we place random radio geeks who like to rag chew about whatever.

All that said, random people chatting about nonsense can be annoying just as CB was at times, but I do not find anywhere that specifies one must only use GMRS when “performing an activity” that doesn’t include just talking to others, which is itself an “activity”.

I agree that Queen Randy is also correct, when he says GMRS is a brung your own friends type of service. While here in Western Washington State we have many users who engage in GMRS use to connect with others, a user shouldn’t expect that result everywhere. You pays your money and you makes your choice, as I’ve heard before.

 

Chatting is an activity.

[Davichko5650]

1 hour ago, Hoppyjr said:

 

talking to others, which is itself an “activity”.

 

 

This!

[WRUE951]

On 3/7/2025 at 9:27 AM, OffRoaderX said:

Those are both mis-uses of GMRS.. If you want to meet and chat with anonymous men, try H.A.M.s radios or the Grindr app on your phone.

Coming from a guy (?) who promotes and uses Zello..  

[TrikeRadio]

You all need to stop rag-chewing and chatting about this subject here on the forums because that is not covered in Part 95 and is not allowed you know.

[dosw]

5 minutes ago, TrikeRadio said:

You all need to stop rag-chewing and chatting about this subject here on the forums because that is not covered in Part 95 and is not allowed you know.

From The Importance of Being Earnest:

Quote

JACK.
I am sick to death of cleverness. Everybody is clever nowadays. You can’t go anywhere without meeting clever people. The thing has become an absolute public nuisance. I wish to goodness we had a few fools left.

ALGERNON.
We have.

JACK.
I should extremely like to meet them. What do they talk about?

ALGERNON.
The fools? Oh! about the clever people, of course.

JACK.
What fools!

It seems like whether one is a rag chewer on an amateur repeater, or on a GMRS repeater, or a rag chewer here in online forums, we're talking about the fools clever people, of course, which makes us all clever fools.

 

[OffRoaderX]

1 hour ago, WRUE951 said:

Coming from a guy (?) who promotes and uses Zello..  

You forgot to mention: Also transmits on GMRS with 100+Watts, jams H.A.M.s and GMRS repeaters with music when bored and broadcasts on H.A.M.s radios frequencies with no license, just so I can feel something.

C'mon man, if you're going to be butthurt and whine like a girl, at least be complete and accurate about it.

[Davichko5650]

16 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

 when bored and broadcasts on H.A.M.s radios frequencies with no license, just so I can feel something.

 

I saw on a few videos in the recent past you saying you were the "soon to be King of H.A.M.S. radio" or words to that effect? Wondered if the Great Randolpho was secretly studying that Technician book?

[OffRoaderX]

18 minutes ago, Davichko5650 said:

Wondered if the Great Randolpho was secretly studying that Technician book?

My rise to the King of all that is H.A.M.s radios is not dependent on getting permission from the government or guessing 35 questions correctly.  In the 21st Century greatness is measured by subscribers and views..

[WRUE951]

51 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

You forgot to mention: Also transmits on GMRS with 100+Watts, jams H.A.M.s and GMRS repeaters with music when bored and broadcasts on H.A.M.s radios frequencies with no license, just so I can feel something.

C'mon man, if you're going to be butthurt and whine like a girl, at least be complete and accurate about it.

but hurt..   Yea, i have hemroids, but we all know where your butt 'hurts' comes from    Oh,,  we already know your uses..   bye bye 

[WRTC928]

6 hours ago, GreggInFL said:

Yesterday's conversation was about the best Indian restaurant in the area, and this on the biggest repeater in central Florida.

Now THAT's legitimate usage!

[Hoppyjr]

You forgot to mention: Also transmits on GMRS with 100+Watts, jams H.A.M.s and GMRS repeaters with music when bored and broadcasts on H.A.M.s radios frequencies with no license, just so I can feel something.

…..and sends D-pics to random men on Grindr, in an effort to promote GMRS.

C'mon man, if you're going to be butthurt and whine like a girl, at least be complete and accurate about it.

Fixed it for you Randy.

[WRTC928]

20 hours ago, Socalgmrs said:

Everyone speeds it doesn’t make it right.   It’s funny how people give opinions on what is right and wrong when in reality it’s a factual thing.   Gmrs is for communication while doing an activity.  That’s it.  It’s not about chit chat, making an antenna out of pop cycle sticks, meeting strange men that call themselves queens,  chatting about your 100th antenna for your hand held radio, food, ect.   That’s what ham is for.  Sorry ladies but gmrs is for leaving the basement and getting out into the world in real life.  Go hunt, off road, plow a field, work cattle, go on a road trip hike bike camp ect.  The reason it matters is because some people actually want the air waves clear so they can use it properly.  
its the exact same thing as if few people think it’s totally ok to drive the wrong way on the freeway.  It’s not ok and never will be and now the freeway is useless to those that want to obey the rules.  It’s always funny how the same people that call out others for using ham radios on gmrs are the same people that will chit chat for hours about dinner recipes. 

GMRS is for whatever TF I want to use it for as long as I'm not committing an actual violation. 

[WSGZ436]

On 3/7/2025 at 12:27 PM, OffRoaderX said:

Those are both mis-uses of GMRS.. If you want to meet and chat with anonymous men, try H.A.M.s radios or the Grindr app on your phone.

§ 95.1731 Permissible GMRS uses.

The operator of a GMRS station may use that station for two-way plain language voice communications with other GMRS stations and with FRS units concerning personal or business activities.

(a) Emergency communications. Any GMRS channel may be used for emergency communications or for traveler assistance. Operators of GMRS stations must, at all times and on all channels, give priority to emergency communications.

(b) One-way communications. The operator of a GMRS station may use that station to transmit one-way communications:

Enhanced Content - Paragraph Tools

URL

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/part-95/subpart-E#p-95.1731(b)

Citation

47 CFR 95.1731(b)

 

(1) To call for help or transmit other emergency communications;

(2) To provide warnings of hazardous road conditions to travelers; or,

(3) To make brief test transmissions.

(c) Travelers assistance. The operator of a GMRS station may transmit communications necessary to assist a traveler to reach a destination or to receive necessary services.

(d) Digital data. GMRS hand-held portable units may transmit digital data containing location information, or requesting location information from one or more other GMRS or FRS units, or containing a brief text message to another specific GMRS or FRS unit.

§ 95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses.

(a) In addition to the prohibited uses outlined in § 95.333 of this chapter, GMRS stations must not communicate:

(1) Messages in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State, or local law;

(2) False or deceptive messages;

(3) Coded messages or messages with hidden meanings (“10 codes” are permissible);

(4) Music, whistling, sound effects or material to amuse or entertain;

(5) Advertisements or offers for the sale of goods or services;

(6) Advertisements for a political candidate or political campaign (messages about the campaign business may be communicated);

(7) International distress signals, such as the word “Mayday” (except when on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger to ask for help);

(8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station;

(9) Messages (except emergency messages) to any station in the Amateur Radio Service, to any unauthorized station, or to any foreign station;

(10) Continuous or uninterrupted transmissions, except for communications involving the immediate safety of life or property; and

(11) Messages for public address systems.

(12) The provision of § 95.333 apply, however, if the licensee is a corporation and the license so indicates, it may use its GMRS system to furnish non-profit radio communication service to its parent corporation, to another subsidiary of the same parent, or to its own subsidiary.

(b) GMRS stations must not be used for one-way communications other than those listed in § 95.1731(b). Initial transmissions to establish two-way communications and data transmissions listed in § 95.1731(d) are not considered to be one-way communications for the purposes of this section.

[CaptainSarcastic]

 

SO, I guess I better stop telling my wife "I'm on the way now - traffic was bad".