RE: GMRS (Five Mile) Two-Way Radios

[MesaMadness]

 
We bought two-pack of Motorola GMRS (five mile) radios at Costso at at really good price.  In order to use the five-file bands we have to get an FCC operators license and are confused about the process of getting one.
 
 Has anyone obtained a license and if so, can you enlighten us on the process of applying for one.
 
 Thanks!
 

[tlhdoc]

 MesaMadness
I can t help you with the application, I thought they would have it in the package.  I saw a set of Cobra Radios at Sam s Club for under $50.  How did the price at Costco compare?

[AustinBoston]

 MesaMadness
See the [Link=http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/licensing/]FCC GMRS License[/link] page for information.  The license is $75[:@] for 5 years.
 
 Austin

[The Overmans]

 MesaMadness
In the process of shopping for radios as well.  Per a website (cabello s, sorry can t spell for xksksl), that FCC operators license, it is good for 6 radio s for the family.

[Camper Dan]

 MesaMadness
MesaMaddness[],
 
 I d be interested in knowing how well these radios work (range wize, in particular).  I got a pair of FRS radios that boast of a 2 mile range...well, we tested them out in the campground area...kind of woody...lucky to get 1/4 to 1/3 mile trasmission distance.[]   I thought we d get at least 3/4 to 1 mile range, but no shot![]
 
 Thanks!

[mike4947]

 MesaMadness
Figures the part 95  of the regulations which controlls FRS and GMRS radio frequencies were unavailable on the FFC site.
 But as a ground rule GMRS will have apx twice to three times the range of FRS. I can t remember the wattage of the two bands now. But since GMRS requires a lisence to operate the frequencies are usually quieter than FRS in a busy campground due to less units operating.

[aldebnj]

 MesaMadness
FRS = 1/2 watt max.
 GMRS = 5 watt max.
 
 Radios with both FRS and GMRS will have the power limited on the FRS channels to 1/2 watt.
 
 Hopes this helps.
 
 Ex-two-way radio Salesman.
 
 Al

[lhuff]

 MesaMadness
You can apply online and it s pretty painless.  There is a good website to help with your questions at http://www.gmrsweb.com/gmrs.html and specifics about licensing at http://www.gmrsweb.com/gmrslicense.html.  As mentioned, it s $75 for five years.  
 
 The five mile range is a little optomistic for radio to radio direct, but if you have the ones which allow repeater use, and there is a repeater in the area, the range can be many times the five miles advertised.  There is a lot of info on the GMRS Web site.

[CAPEd CODger]

 MesaMadness
I applied and paid for my GMRS License on-line at the FCC website. VERY EASY.
 Buyer BEWARE!!!! read the fine print......UP TO 5 mile range. I would not bet the farm that you ll see 5 miles out of ANY " bubble pack"  radios. The antennas are too short to give good performance. FRS radios have the same problem with antenna length. There are some other Bulletin boards that deal with GMRS/FRS and MURS radio questions.   http://www.popularwireless.com  This is a good one.
 I prefer to use second-hand commercial grade walkie talkies for GMRS but the DW likes the little FRS units.
 Anyway, getting a GMRS license is not a problem. PLEASE be sure to get one if you plan on using the band. " Gummers"  don t want the thing to turn into CB.
 
 Bob