[Dayhike Mike]

I've been studying for the Technician-level license from the FCC, so that I'll be able to use VHF handsets when in the backcountry, and am wondering how exactly GMRS fits into the spectrum. Are GMRS radios able to use the same repeaters that VHF handsets can? The theoretical range of the GMRS radios is 5 miles. How do typical VHF handsets compare? Finally, if there is an issue, is anyone even out there listening on GMRS channels or is VHF really the way to go when you need to connect from the middle of nowhere? Thanks in advance! Michael

[Scouter]

Amateur VHF frequencies are from 144-148MHz. GMRS frequencies are up in the UHF frequency range 462-467MHz. So to answer your question, no, you would not be able to access the same repeaters with a GMRS unit that an amateur VHF radio would. As far as range goes, VHF is the way to go when it comes to moutainous terrain compared to UHF. The higher the frequency, the more directional the signals become and they tend to get reflected easier. The theoretical range is based on flat land tests, I believe, so don't count on those kinds of ranges in any sort of terrain. Also those are line of sight tests, meaning that if you could see the other party five miles away in a straight line, theoretically you would be able to talk to them. It would be entirely possible for two people with radios to be on opposites of a ridge and not be able to talk to each other directly. I can't answer the last question since I don't know how many people have GMRS equipment compared to FRS or VHF. I hope this helps, Scouter

[Dayhike Mike]

Thanks! It helped immeasurably. Sounds like VHF is the way to go, at least for the near future. It will be interesting to see how GMRS develops in the near future. It's apparently nothing new, but GMRS radios are starting to become popular; they're visible/available in the mainstream market. I've found them availalbe online at Costco.com and in store at REI. But ask the guy behind the counter in REI whether they carry VHF radios and you'll often get nothing but a blank stare. Perhaps it'll be good in that many people will be going out and getting their Technicians licenses from the FCC in order to use the GMRS abilities of their newly acquired GMRS radios. Perhaps it'll be bad in that you'll have unlicensed operators wandering into bandwidth they shouldn't be using.

[Scouter]

In my former life, I knew that the ski-patrol at Baker used VHF radios. The forest service and similar agencies that work in the mountains also use VHF, but also have the benefit of having a wide repeater network to communicate over long distances. I'm not sure how the GMRS radio manufacturers are handling the licensing issue with the FCC. If I remember the blurb in the last REI catalog that had the GMRS radios in them, it said license required or something to that effect. I don't think that not having a license will keep you from being able purchase one, you're just expected to license it after purchase. Just don't get busted by the FCC. :-) How are your studies going for the Technician license?

[Dayhike Mike]

Checked out "Now You're Talking" from KCLS and I'm reading, reading, reading. Got the various bands and usages down. Getting into a bit of theory now. Give me another week or two.

[Scouter]

If you have questions, I can sure try to help. I got my amateur license back in '88. The rules have changed quite a bit since then, but I'll be glad to give it a shot. The "Now You're Talking" book does a good job. That's the one I used when I was studying.