Traveler III
- 2,010
- First Name
- Kevin
- Last Name
- McCoy
- Member #
-
18200
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WREL219
Do we have any folks using GRMS radios in Overland Bound? Just curious since I hear so much on HAM radios support.
GMRS Radio!
- Thread starter TheRealMcCoy
- Start date
Enthusiast III
Member II
WRDY392 here.
Monitoring Chanel 15.
Midland MXT 275.
Monitoring Chanel 15.
Midland MXT 275.
Last edited:
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
-
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
The group I wheel with all uses gmrs. We have CB's as well, but we've pretty much switched. I also use a baofeng, but I'm putting a 15w Midland in the new rig.
Member III
- 2,771
- First Name
- Rolando
- Last Name
- Nispiros
- Member #
-
17011
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN6JJS
Yup in the Comms section there’s a lot of info on this. I too have GMRS and CB. I don’t want to get into Ham as it seems more of a hobby type of thing.
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
-
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
I'm licensed on both. The local GMRS repeater to me has great coverage about 40+ miles in all directions. I've had a little success getting my local Jeep club to switch to GMRS but absolutely zero with trying to get them into HAM radio. Many are still on CB. I've managed to utilize HAM radio for what I need it for without turning it into a HOBBY. I do make semi regular calls on GMRS 15 when commuting on I-30 east of Dallas. Never got a hit back from any OB members.
-WQYH678 / KK6RBI
-WQYH678 / KK6RBI
Pathfinder III
- 5,200
- First Name
- Kent
- Last Name
- Reynolds
- Member #
-
1632
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- K6KNT
- Service Branch
- Retired Firefighter
Member III
Ham is suggested over CB and GMRS due to it's capabilities and number of operators in general however GMRS is a great alternative to CB and for those that do not wish to take a ham test.
Some off road clubs have switched to GMRS or ham, some still fully embrace their 1970s technology. The best option is to have all 3.
There are a number of threads here in regards to GMRS in our communication section. Overland Communications
Currently I run only ham but have the ability to monitor both GMRS and CB. GMRS is likely in my near future since currently even for my family to go regular camping we have to take 2 vehicles.
And I on the other hand embraced the hobby side of ham radio.
Some off road clubs have switched to GMRS or ham, some still fully embrace their 1970s technology. The best option is to have all 3.
There are a number of threads here in regards to GMRS in our communication section. Overland Communications
Currently I run only ham but have the ability to monitor both GMRS and CB. GMRS is likely in my near future since currently even for my family to go regular camping we have to take 2 vehicles.
And I on the other hand embraced the hobby side of ham radio.
JButtress
Rank VI
Traveler II
I got the Midland MXT 275 a few months ago, and have not had any issues at all. Very rarely would I need to be able to communicate more than 20-30 miles so GMRS works great
Enthusiast III
Currently using GMRS and in need of antenna suggestions and mounting options for my WJ
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
-
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
Are you willing to punch a hole for an NMO mount in your roof? Ideally id go center of roof with 1/4 wave antenna.
I run a fender mount L bracket on my XJ. Works well. I just run half wave there normally and a 1/4 wave on trails. Next time i have the headliner out though im punching the roof then ill run a phantom antena on trails amd a 1/4 wave or half wave elsewhere.
Traveler III
- 2,010
- First Name
- Kevin
- Last Name
- McCoy
- Member #
-
18200
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WREL219
Great information, I also plan to get a Ham license but that is down the road. I also think having all three opens up your network for just about any option or issue that may arise.
Enthusiast III
- 1,213
- First Name
- Kenneth
- Last Name
- Murdoch
- Member #
-
19981
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KD2TQO GMRS: WREQ743
I have the Midland 115 and two handhelds coming soon. I am excited to get into it. Anyone have an idea of how long it takes the fcc to issue the call sign For GMRS?
Any suggestions or tips before the equipment arrives would be greatly appreciated. I will be using it in my ‘17 Tacoma.
Any suggestions or tips before the equipment arrives would be greatly appreciated. I will be using it in my ‘17 Tacoma.
Member II
After applying on-line(payment included), I received an email about 15 minutes later. The licence arrived in the email. I was very surprised.
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
-
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
I have a mxt-275 on the way myself. I've been using a baofeng hand held with an external antenna for a few years. It worked well, but since I have a dedicated rig now, I figured I might as well have a permanent radio solution.
Traveler III
- 2,010
- First Name
- Kevin
- Last Name
- McCoy
- Member #
-
18200
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WREL219
I got mine in about a day. Only because it was a weekend. Just check online and when you see you have a call sign you can start using.
Enthusiast III
- 1,213
- First Name
- Kenneth
- Last Name
- Murdoch
- Member #
-
19981
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KD2TQO GMRS: WREQ743
Well I guess I have to be patient. I got my payment confirmation from payment.gov but nothing from the FCC. It’s only been 24 hours.
Enthusiast III
- 1,213
- First Name
- Kenneth
- Last Name
- Murdoch
- Member #
-
19981
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KD2TQO GMRS: WREQ743
You wouldn’t happen to know where I go to check the status? I can’t find my way through the maze at fcc.gov
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
-
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
I got my callsign less than 24 hours after submitting payment. Take your FRN and search on the license search page. When it shows up on there you're good. They dont even issue paper license anymore.
Search by your frn
Search by your frn
License Search
wireless2.fcc.gov
Expedition Master III
Thanks for the link. It will help with Navigation for those drowning in the lawyer speak as written. I can so relate to the MAZE that is .gov. I would have gotten my GMRS license much earlier, if the website was easier to navigate. Gave up twice, before bulling my way to completion, and finally handing over the cash. Once I got thru, made my payment, and had my FRN in my pocket, it took only 24 hours at most. So it depends who is at the desk on the other end, processing. The guy with his cup of coffee, or the guy who needs a sugar rush pastry.
As has been stated, just go back in to the website, and check your FRN status on the proper page.
PS. Went on E-bay, and had a GMRS certificate made up, for myself,......just to have. They do verify your FRN status, so you have to supply it, and the certificate will be printed out with your information and shipped. A nice.....to me.....from me.
