GMRS Radios

[Pathfinder]

I went out to the FCC website for licensing FRS/GMRS radios like you can buy anywhere, the 5 watt walkie talkies. I was startled to see that they are charging $85 for a mandatory license (GMRS). Am I reading this right? Anyone here have experience with this?

I just bought a set of Midland FRS/GMRS radios and have not used them on GMRS as yet, as I don't need the FCC sniffer trucks wandering through the neighborhood looking for the "illegal" transmission source.   

[Hazcat]

Path,

If you're talking about hand held units that are good for 5 to 18 miles, I would not worry about it.

[Outlaw]

Back about 100 years ago when I went for my FCC License, GMRS did not need a license. Still don't best of my knowledge (which I wonder about sometimes) 5 Watts max I believe. I've got the Uniden Model GMR 895-2CK that are good for 7 miles on the flat. I think I paid like 49.00 for the pair a couple years ago.

[Pathfinder]

Back about 100 years ago when I went for my FCC License, GMRS did not need a license. Still don't best of my knowledge (which I wonder about sometimes) 5 Watts max I believe. I've got the Uniden Model GMR 895-2CK that are good for 7 miles on the flat. I think I paid like 49.00 for the pair a couple years ago.

My Midlands in woodland camo cost the same, with 22 channels, 121 privacy codes, etc. I have not powered them up as yet, and here's why. It's real clear that a license is $85 for GMRS, nothing for FRS channels. FRS is less than a watt, GMRS is 1-5 watts max.

From FCC.gov at http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile - bold highlights by Pathfinder

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
 
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (47 CFR 95.179). Normally, as a GMRS system licensee, you and your family members would communicate among yourselves over the general area of your residence or during recreational group outings, such as camping or hiking.
The FCC grants five-year renewable licenses for GMRS Systems. The individual licensee is responsible for the proper operations of the licensed GMRS system at all times.
 
FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios
Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that:

    * Some channels are authorized to both services, or
    * A user of the radio may communicate with stations in the other service.

Radios marketed as "FRS/GMRS" or "dual-service radios" are available from many manufacturers and many retail or discount stores. The manual that comes with the radio, or the label placed on it by the manufacturer, should indicate the service the unit is certified for. If you cannot determine what service the unit may be used in, contact the manufacturer.
If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas.
 
Licensing
Before any station transmits on any channel authorized in the GMRS from any point within or over the territorial limits of any area where the FCC regulates radio services, the responsible party must obtain a license. The FCC usually grants GMRS system licenses for a five-year term. To apply for a GMRS system license, you may file online through the Universal Licensing System (ULS), or file FCC Form 605 manually. New filers can learn more about ULS in its getting started tutorials. See Fee Requirements for FCC Form 605 (pdf) for current licensing fee information.

and from the fee instructions at http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form1070/1070y.pdf

The instructions that follow are for filing applications. Select the purpose of filing and follow the instructions below:
New, Renewal or Renewal/Modification
• FCC 605
• FCC 159
• Payment/Fee Type Code: PAZR - $85.00 Fee
Modification or Special Temporary Authority
• FCC 605
• FCC 159
• Payment/Fee Type Code: PAZM - $60.00 Fee
Duplicate License
• FCC 605
• FCC 159
• Payment/Fee Type Code: PADM - $60.00 Fee
Rule Waiver
• FCC 605
• FCC 159
• Payment/Fee Type Code: PDWM - $170.00 Fee (multiply the number of stations by the number of rule sections by $170.00)
PART 95 FEE EXEMPTIONS:
Eligibles filing as Governmental Entities are exempt from fee payment. Additionally, there is no fee required for applications filed with purposes of
Amendment (unless adding call signs, adding waivers, or changing Exemption for the Fee(s) to ‘No’), Administrative Update, Request to Cancel a License, or
a Request for Withdrawal of a Pending Application.

[Outlaw]

Now why did ya have to go and show me all that for

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

I didn't see it   Did you?

[Pathfinder]

I just ran across this link to MURS radios Know nothing about them, but are license free. Here's a link.

http://mursradio.googlepages.com/whymurs

This article is a little misleading, I believe GMRS are 5-watt max, not the 2 watts shown in the link. Rest of it seems to be on the money fact wise. Need to look into MURS a little more I guess.

[DDMac]

As a mere observation, I have seen more UFOs than I have FCC sniffer trucks.
Mac.

[texcaliber]

As a mere observation, I have seen more UFOs than I have FCC sniffer trucks.
Mac.

Maybe they are one-n-the-same..........just saying man

[DDMac]

No wonder they stay near my house!!! Brilliant .
Mac.