[ScanIndiana] RE: ScanIndiana Digest, Vol 98, Issue 1

[Duane Mantick]

I'll see how much I can get right from memory in the way
of providing a direct answer to your question - but I will
add that the reference to the FCC rules for GMRS is a
MUST READ.

That is because the *law* requires you to have a LICENSE 
to use GMRS.  Not that more than maybe 1% of GMRS radio
buyers pay any attention whatsoever to that technicality,
but it is the (now nearly unenforceable) law.

You have 22 channels, a number of which overlap with FRS
channels.  FRS is a lower-powered, unlicensed service which
has been overrun with rug rats and scumbuckets for quite 
some time now.  Fortunately, unlike the 11 meter Citizens 
Band, neither FRS or GMRS up in the 460 MHz area propagate
over long distances every time a sunspot farts.  :-)  This
limits the foul-mouthed scumbuckets and untamed rug-rats
to being able to screw up personal communications over a
fairly limited area.

It is now getting impossible to buy an FRS-only radio; they
all come as GMRS equipped which only encourages illegal
unlicensed operation.  I expect the FCC will eventually be forced
by their own stupidity to eliminate the GMRS license as 
they had to do with CB licenses simply because there is no
way to arrest/prosecute/fine half of the entire US population.
(or more!)

Do I have a GMRS license?  Yup - WPWX735.  I got it because I
am an Extra Class Amateur Radio licensee as well, and with over
30 years of continuous Amateur licensing I am not about to risk
losing my privileges over an unlicensed GMRS rap in front of
an overzealous FCC hearing. (they do that - if you're an Amateur,
you better NEVER get caught breaking any other FCC rules because
they will rule that you are unfit to hold an Amateur license and
yank that one even though you may not have broken any Amateur 
rules in the process).

That's probably an earful (er, screenful?  :-)  ) that you weren't
counting on, and I apologize for being slightly in rant mode but
it irritates the hell out of me that I got GMRS for serious 
uses and paid $$$$ for the license only to have to fight for
channel space against a lot of unruly teenagers or even younger
who either don't know what they are doing OR know damned good and
well what they are doing and are getting their little rocks off
interfering with legitimate communications.

Too many parents handing out GMRS radios without reading the
fine print.....

Duane
Lafayette
 

-----Original Message-----
From: scanindiana-bounces+wb9omc=nlci.com at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:scanindiana-bounces+wb9omc=nlci.com at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
tghoover at iquest.net
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 12:51 PM
To: Indiana Scanning
Subject: Re: [ScanIndiana] RE: ScanIndiana Digest, Vol 98, Issue 1

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Don, 

Forgive my asking but what is:

GMRS Radio? 

Do you need a license for GMRS?

How do you get licensed?

I have a couple of little radios I bought at Wal-Mart for use in or around
shopping trips and in large gatherings they have a range of a mle or so.

Thanks in advance 

Terry