|
How is this band used? |
Functional (This band is not
intended to be used as a 'UHF CB band'), but rather, as a functional,
personal need radio communication system. |
How do I direct my
communications? |
To and from specific units (not
random calling). |
What frequencies are available
for GMRS? |
HIGH POWER: 462.550/467.550,
462.575/467.575, 462.600/467.600, 462.625/467.625, 462.650/467.650,
462.675/467.675, 462.700/467.700, 462.725/467.725
LOW POWER FREQUENCIES: 462.5625,
462.5875, 462.6125, 462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875, 462.7125 |
|
Number of channels available? |
8 frequencies can be used for
repeater and simplex communications, plus 7
individual "Splinter" frequencies for low-power (5
watts) simplex-only communications. |
How many channels can I have
on my license? |
You may now operate on all 8 high
power (50 watts) frequencies and the low power frequencies as well.
However the 462.675 is still used for Emergencies and traveler
assistance. Giving a total of 15 channels. |
|
Emission types: |
FM Voice, and paging
communications only. |
|
Maximum output power: |
50 watts, with a max of 400 watts
ERP on high power, .5 watt on the 7 low power simplex "splinter"
frequencies. |
|
Maximum antenna height: |
Unlimited on the high power
frequencies, except by FAA and environmental restrictions. Limited to
20 feet above structure for the low power "splinter" frequencies. |
|
Typical Range |
|
|
Direct simplex (No Repeater): |
.5 up to 10 miles, depending more
on antenna height than on transmitter power. |
|
Through a repeater: |
20 - 50 miles or more, depending
primarily on repeater antenna height. Example: Rampart SAR has a
repeater on 462.675MHz on Alamgre Mountain outside of Colorado Springs
is apx.6,000 feet above
the city. It has a range of over 500 miles from North to South.
It is the highest 462.675 repeater in the United States. |
|
Viability and use: |
Excellent for personal and family
uses.
excellent for public-service teams, but each member must be
license individually. |
|
Equipment Cost |
|
|
New: |
$200 - $500 or more depending on
capability. |
|
Used: |
$100 - $350 |
|
Equipment availability: |
From mail order outlets, and
local 2-way radio dealers. |
|
Repeater user fees: |
Typically from $5 to $30 per
month, per transmitter depending on the number of units. However
placing your own repeater "on the air" would be free, because you're
not using someone else's repeater. Most users groups make their
repeaters available to members at no charge. |
|
FCC licensing: |
FCC License is required - NO TEST
is required. Fee is currently $80 for five years. You must be at least
18 years old or older. Use FCC forms 605 and 159.
|
|
National Emergency & Travelers
Assist channel: |
The "462.675 / 467.675" channel
permitted for mobile use even for persons licensed on a different
channel. |
|
Probability of traveler aid
response (est. of % of national coverage): |
25% to 30% and growing! In
Colorado; the Rampart repeater on Cheyenne Mountain covers apx 25% of
the state of Colorado. |
|
ON the "National Emergency &
Travelers Assist (Aid) frequency what is the most common tone (ctcss)
used? |
141.3 is the most common ctcss
tone used nationwide. We use on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs:
662 DCS (Rampart SAR operations) and 141.3 for Traveler's
Assist. We have a CW ID'er on the system. |
|
Where can I get more information: |
The National organization
promoting disciplined use and providing user services along with
publications are:
Personal Radio
Steering Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 2851
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
or at
www.provide.net/~prsg
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