North Georgia GMRS Network


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Our Tower Sites
ATL-700E Statham, GA
GA-550  Macon, GA
GA-575 Blue Mountain, GA
GA-600 Fort Mountain, GA
GA-650 Lookout Mtn, GA
GA-650 Powelton, GA
GA-675 Macon, GA
GA-675  Moultrie, GA
MPV-725 Thomasville, GA
GA-725 Toccoa, GA

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North Georgia GMRS Network

Is GMRS 4 Me?

What is GMRS radio?

GMRS radios operate on 8 UHF frequencies that were set aside by the FCC for family use. A license is required ($85.00) for five years, and it covers your entire family, including  (grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, sons, daughters, and pretty much any one related by blood or marriage). The purpose is to facilitate the communications of families over a limited distance. You can enter GMRS fairly inexpensively; however the extended range of repeaters is usually not available on the lower cost radios. If you have questions about which radio you need, contact Gary at WQFU865@NorthGeorgiaGMRS.com, he will help you understand what is the best radio for your needs, and point you in the right direction.


What can GMRS be used for?

Pretty much anything.
GMRS can be used as an alternative to a cell phone.  There are many areas with limited, or no cell coverage, that have clear radio coverage.  You can talk with your family or other GMRS users. It’s a way to communicate with multiple people at the same time. Some uses can include family outings outdoors, kids visiting friends or family away from home, ATV riding, hiking, fishing, hunting, traveling, camping or just keeping up with the kids. These are just a few of the uses for GMRS. You can use your imagination to come up with many ways GMRS can add to your life.

 If you and your family have a business, it can be used for business communications. However, non- related employees must have their own license. You cannot share a license with a non family member.

What are the advantages of GMRS?

GMRS radios provide instant communications rather than having to dial a number each time as with cell phones. It is great for families with children because the GMRS radio is “easier to use” for kids than a phone.

By having a repeater capable GMRS radio you can open up your options and range. You may have a mobile unit in your vehicles, repeater capable walkie talkies, base stations which in combination with a repeater can extend your talking abilities from a couple of miles to 40 plus miles. Best of all, the repeater access is FREE.

Here are some FAQ about the differences between GMRS and Amateur Radio?

Comparison of GMRS vs. Amateur Radio 7-31-08

 

GMRS

AMATEUR

License Required?

Yes

Yes

License Test?

No

Yes

Temporary License?

Yes

No

License Fee?

$85.00

Free (Local testing fee may apply)

License Term?

5 years

10 years

Application Process?

On-Line or Via U.S. Mail

At testing facility

Licensing Time.

1/2 Hour - online

Study, take test

Call Letter Format

Alpha-numeric (i.e.: WABC123)

Alpha-numeric-alpha (i.e.: W9ABC)

Equipment Type?

Professional / Commercial

Amateur / Homemade

Equipment Cost?

$100 - $300 used

$100- $300 New

Who is covered by your license?

You, your spouse, and all of your and your spouse's immediate blood relatives

You only.

Can you talk to other licensees?

Yes

Yes

Maximum Power?

50 Watts RF at transmitter

100 + Watts

Repeaters Allowed?

Yes

Yes

Telephone Interconnect Allowed?

No

Yes (though not common anymore)

Multiple PL's on Repeater?

Generally Yes

Generally No

Can I use Ham Equipment on GMRS frequency?

No

Yes

Can I use GMRS Equipment on an amateur frequency?

Yes

Yes

Is there an antenna height restriction?

No (except near airports or over 200')

No (except near airports or over 200')

Primarily Hobby Talk

No

Yes

Long Talks

Yes

Yes

Family Business

Yes (read grocery list, etc)

Not usually

Give the radios to the kids in a Mall?

Yes

No

Son/Daughter/Wife grab the radio to call you?

Yes

Only if licensed.

Business Use

Family Only

No

Emergency Communications

Yes

Yes

Average Conversation

1-2 minutes or less

10 + minutes

Average use

Home to mobile

Hobbyist to Hobbyist

Technical knowledge required?

No

Yes

Prepare you for a rewarding career in Radio?

No

Maybe........ :-)

Is one a threat to the other?

No

No

Can I have both licenses?

Yes

Yes


Do you want to know more!
This website has information about:
     Members list
     Tower/repeater locations and coverage
     How to apply for a license
     How to Join

If you have any question please sends us an email and we will contact you to assist you in any way possible.