It seems GMRS has surged in the last decade. The two biggest factors I can drum up that are fueling this has been the arrival of cheap radio equipment and the surgence of prepper culture. Its become in a way the new CB band for a lot of people. GMRS offers some obvious advantages to CB. The higher frequency band equals shorter antennas, more compact radios. The power limit is 10 times greater and coupled with repeaters wide coverage is possible. I am a GMRS operator WQSR543. Have friends and continue to meet people on this interesting band. Being that it only requires an application submission and $35 to get onboard allows people to more less instantly get on the air and begin the experience.
Unlike Ham radio which requires passing of a knowledge test. The operating rules and principals are similar to Ham and prepare a user more or less in the proper customs of station identification and repeater operation. It lets people get their feet wet as the old saying goes. I would phasam to say If a person enjoys GMRS they should seriously consider pursuing a ham license and entering a similar world with much greater capabilities. Ham radio despite the necessity of study to obtain a license should not present an intimidation barrier.
The entry level Technician license only consist of 35 questions all multiple choice. This license gets you authorization on all VHF, UHF and some segments of HF bands. Power limits increase significantly and the ability to experiment with a limitless array of equipment opens up. You will find the Ham community at large very welcoming and willing to assist. Another interesting development in all this is a surge in Ham operators getting GMRS licenses. This is in fact the order I took having a Ham license since 1998 at the age of 16 and getting into GMRS in 2013. At the end of the day all radio operators share a common theme. Whichever way you choose to navigate this field we look forward to hearing you on the air. Below are links to information on getting your ham and GMRS licenses.
ARRL Getting your Technician class Ham license: https://arrl.org/get … -technician-license/
Instructions and link for GMRS Application: https://radiothought … to-get-gmrs-license/
