GMRS Radio Service

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a mobile radio service designed for short-range two-way voice communication and authorized under part 95 of the U.S. FCC code. It requires a license in the United States. GMRS licenses cost $35, covering a person and their immediate family for 10 years with no test required. As with other radio services, reliable range is considered to be line-of-sight and the distance to the radio horizon can be estimated based on antenna height. Theoretically, the range between two hand-held units on flat ground would be about one or two miles (about 1.5–3 km). All 22 Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies are shared with GMRS, and users of the two services may communicate with each other.

The Radio Club has a GMRS and Family Radio Service (FRS) practice drill Wednesdays at 9:309:45 a.m. on Channel 18-0 (Channel subject to change). FRS radios are license-free, GMRS licensees may use higher power radios with detachable or external antennas and can communicate over much longer distances.

Ham, GMRS and FRS radios play a vital role in emergency communications. They work without relying on any existing infrastructure, making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes, flooding and wildfires. Those interested in learning more about radio communication are welcome to attend a club meeting and meet the club’s helpful, diverse and talented members. The LW Amateur Radio Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. For more information, call 562431-6586, ext. 2409 or visit www.lwsb.com/amateurradio- service-club.