Why Do I Need a GMRS License & How Do I Get It?

LBarr2002 · Apr 19, 2022

The GMRS license fee recently dropped from$70 to $35 and Midland Radio is running a promotion for $35 off a purchase of $150 or more with code GMRS.

97TJGUZZY · Apr 19, 2022

Thats awesome! don't be that guy that can't hear anyone on the trails this year!

jimbo92 · Apr 20, 2022

Are you supposed to be licensed for the channel OffroadSC runs?

Twilliamson · Apr 20, 2022

jimbo92 said:
Are you supposed to be licensed for the channel OffroadSC runs?

If you have a radio/operate with more than 2 watts, YES.

jimbo92 · Apr 20, 2022

ah i just got some little handheld unit

LBarr2002 · Apr 20, 2022

jimbo92 said:
Are you supposed to be licensed for the channel OffroadSC runs?

That license (now $35) covers your household for 10 years. There isn't a test or anything, it's just sign up and pay.

Twilliamson · Apr 20, 2022

jimbo92 said:
ah i just got some little handheld unit

If its a ripoff (rugged) radio thats techinally 5 watts. If its a blister pack radio (walmart) you are golden.

jimbo92 · Apr 20, 2022

Twilliamson said:
If its a ripoff (rugged) radio thats techinally 5 watts. If its a blister pack radio (walmart) you are golden.

I got these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LVUBPPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

97TJGUZZY · Apr 20, 2022

jimbo92 said:
I got these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LVUBPPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Those are FRS, the GTX1000s are the same version but GMRS, so you should be under 2W

97TJGUZZY · Sep 6, 2022

@Twilliamson I need to get a larger antenna I think. I've had a few times now that I have been able to communicate with people in the middle of our group but not the back. I'm currently rocking a 6" maybe antenna on the back, amazon is full of options. Do you have any suggestions? Is there anything specific I need to be looking for?

Twilliamson · Sep 6, 2022

97TJGUZZY said:
@Twilliamson I need to get a larger antenna I think. I've had a few times now that I have been able to communicate with people in the middle of our group but not the back. I'm currently rocking a 6" maybe antenna on the back, amazon is full of options. Do you have any suggestions? Is there anything specific I need to be looking for?

The way your antenna is mounted, you probably need a No Ground Plane antenna.

https://www.amazon.com/Connectivity...a/dp/B00HY33MKG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2PFI7R3V3K28B

matth_85 · Sep 6, 2022

So, what happens if you operate a handheld radio W/O a license? Do the CB fairies come steal your antenna?

97TJGUZZY · Sep 7, 2022

matth_85 said:
So, what happens if you operate a handheld radio W/O a license? Do the CB fairies come steal your antenna?

Ask nick about the dude that caught them on the rugged ridge channels. No fairies, he was actually very nice about it, but he told them what they were doing wrong.

Twilliamson · Sep 7, 2022

matth_85 said:
So, what happens if you operate a handheld radio W/O a license? Do the CB fairies come steal your antenna?

Kind of like speeding except there are very few cops. REALLY the GMRS license is only important if you use Repeaters. Its cheap, doesn't require any knowledge so why not be in compliance. The bigger issue is people using rugged radios on unlicensed frequencies. They really don't take it easy on you when your 4wheeling communications wipe out/interfere with a hospital or law enforcement communications.