Sandy Emergency Preparedness Open House- GMRS Information

What is GMRS?

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION:  GMRS HANDOUT

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a licensed radio service that uses UHF channels for two-way communication. It’s stronger than FRS radios, allows repeater use for extended range, and is ideal for families, neighborhoods, and emergency groups. GMRS requires a license from the FCC, but no test is needed.

Why GMRS Radio?

 

·        Emergency Communication: GMRS radios provide reliable communication when phones and internet fail. Keep your radio charged and ready!

·        Local Coverage: Repeaters help you talk across valleys, cities, and mountains.

·        Community Connection: Nets let you practice and meet other operators, ensuring everyone is ready to help when needed.

·        Family Friendly: With nets like the Kids Net, the whole family can learn and get involved.

Why Get a GMRS License?

 

·        Covers Your Household: One license works for your entire family.

·        Legal & Reliable: Ensures you can use GMRS repeaters properly.

·        Strengthens the Community: More licensed users mean stronger networks in emergencies.

 

Why Your License Matters

Getting licensed does more than make you legal:

·        Shows Demand: The FCC sees that people value and use these frequencies.

·        Protects Spectrum: More licenses mean GMRS channels are less likely to be sold to commercial carriers.

·        Supports Public Safety: Proves GMRS is an important public safety and community resource.

·        Keeps It Clear: Licensing helps reduce interference so channels stay usable.

Your license helps protect GMRS for everyone!

GMRS Nets

Stay connected with your community and practice using your GMRS radios each week! Nets are a great way to meet other operators, learn how repeaters work, and be ready to communicate in case of emergencies. https://onesteptoprep.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-participate-in-gmrs-radio.html

Weekly Nets

·        Sunday- Sandy Community 10, CH 22, 4:10 pm on 2^nd & 4^th Sunday

·        Sunday – KIDS NET Mt. Ogden Repeater 6:30 pm, CH 17 – Mount Ogden 462.600 + DCS 114

·        Sunday- Sandy/Ward GMRS Net CH 22 PL tone of 100 to access repeater, 7 pm

·        Sunday – Mount Ogden Repeater 9:00 pm, CH 17 – Mount Ogden 462.600 + DCS 114

·        Tuesday – Promontory Repeater 9:00 pm, CH 21 – Promontory 462.700 + DCS 114

·        Wednesday – West-1 Repeater 8:00 pm, CH 15 – WEST-1 462.550 + PL146.2

·        Friday – Local Simplex Net CH 20 8:00 pm

·        Friday – National Simplex Net CH 19 9:00 or 9:30 pm

·        Saturday – Capital Repeater 8:00 pm, CH 20 – State Capital 462.675 + PL 141.3

Connect with local GMRS groups:  

Facebook:

• Sandy Community #10
• Utah GMRS Information

 Radio recommendations:

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/st-bnc/?band=440-monoband&color=black

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/adapt-smaf-bncf/

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/bncm-smam-adapt/

·        https://signalstuff.com/products/magmount-bnc/

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-805g.html?___SID=U

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-wx-zipcase.html

·        https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-cco-001.html

How to Get Your GMRS License:

Longer version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVD7MotGAv8

Short version: https://youtube.com/shorts/4lSEBryw4uw?feature=shared

Step 1: Register for a username/create new account with the FCC: (you will need this username & password in Step 2: https://apps2.fcc.gov/fccUserReg/pages/createAccount.htm

Check your email to verify that account, then:

Step 2: Register new FRN (Federal Registration Number) through CORES (Commission Registration System).

-         Click on Username Login (use your FCC username & password created in Step 1.)

-         Choose Register a new FRN. Register as an individual.

-         Fill out the FRN registration form. Write down your FRN number & password and keep it in a safe place.

3.      Step 3: Apply for a New License: Use your new FRN number to apply for a new license. (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

-         Click “Apply for a New License” on the left sidebar

-         Scroll ALL the way down to ZA – General Mobile Radio Service.

·        Note that Form 605 is used for a number of other applications, so be sure to go all the way down to ZA- General Mobile Radio Service.

-         Fill out the form.

Step 4: Pay the $35 fee.

-         On the Manage Existing FRN Number click on FRN Financial.

-         You should see your FRN number. Click on the link to the right, complete the process to pay, and submit.

 

Step 5: Get your call sign. Once approved, you’ll receive your GMRS call sign by email. Start using it on the air!

-         Your call sign should come within a few business days. Check your junk mail if you don’t see it within 2-3 days.For more information, contact Amy Dennison (amymorris2@gmail.com)  or tune in to the Sandy Community 10 GMRS net, 2^nd & 4^th Sundays at 4:10 PM on Ch. 22.