[MarinTeams] GMRS/FRS

[Richard Dillman]

On Wed, Sep 24, 2014 at 10:18 PM, geoirishbox via MarinTeams <
marinteams at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

I am not fond of gmrs radio as there is no prohibition for chaos.  I think
> better develop ham radio licencees to create real networks.  Just listen to
> CB radio and experience chsos.  Get a technician license and join Bill
> Smith Marin wide network with radio discipline and have fun too.
>

​My first hand experience doesn't quite support the the idea that GMRS
systems are inherently chaotic or that possession of an amateur license
somehow ​prevents chaos.

The West Marin Disaster Council (WMDC) operates a network of seven
repeaters employed by 120+ users for emergency communications.  The system
is a model of communications discipline with the repeaters being silent
most of the time until used for tests, drills and emergency
communications.  In those cases the transmissions are crisp and to the
point with no chit-chat.  Plus, as Nick Clark has pointed out, GMRS systems
are much better positioned for a quick, "grab and go" response to an
emergency without the need to await the arrival of a specially licensed
operator.  This was borne out in the recent Novato earthquake in which the
WMDC network immediately self-activated.  This included the chiefs of
several fire departments here on the coast who have WMDC radios in their
official vehicles.

In contrast, the Amateur Radio Service is the *only* service I'm aware of
in which the violations are so rampant that a FCC Special Counsel dedicated
entirely to the service is required to address them.  These violations are
typically not technical in nature.  A review of the FCC list of amateur
violations <http://transition.fcc.gov/eb/AmateurActions/Welcome.html> will
show the vast majority are the result of what can only be called
personality disorders among amateur licensees, who are cited for everything
from jamming and playing music to obscene language and playing recordings
of other operators.  Many of these amateurs hold higher grade licenses.
That, to me, is a good definition of chaos which possession of an amateur
license almost seems to encourage, not prevent.

There is certainly a place for amateur radio in emergency communications.
By way of full disclosure, I've had a ham license since 1958 and have
participated in many communications emergencies from the east coast
blackouts in the 1960s to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and several here
in West Marin.  The only way any emergency communications system can be
effective in the actual event is through discipline and training.  That's
why I agree that an organization like Bill Smith's is indispensable since
it has a strong history of organizing amateurs under exactly those
standards.

Best Regards,

RD

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Richard Dillman, Transmitter Wrangler
KWMR Community Radio for West Marin
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