The Loom

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/

In the current world with cellphones, smart watches and everything online. Its easy to get complacent. So much depends on a single thread. The internet, The unequivocable backbone. Cell sites are linked by it. text, email and practically all modern entertainment, communications and media rely on it. Financial transfers the store inventory and amazon turn upon it. Ham radio is more than it appears on the surface to many and the casual observer. Most people don’t realize the contributions that ham operators and experimenters have brought in the fields of technology. Many modern developments started in humble home workshops. Most recently hurricane Helene devastated communication infrastructure in the NC mountains.

Many linked public service radio systems were down for some time. MT. Mitchell repeater withstood the storm and provided many a crucial update and communication. I vividly remember hearing a search coordination in Swannanoa taking place in the first days. With the crew being reminded to leave the dead and push forward to find the living. As great as modern communications are they are weak. We depend on them but the truth is they are liken to a drunk giant ready to fall. Beyond this sphere ham radio still offers a lot of exciting projects for the inquisitive mind. Everything from morse code communications across the globe. Tracking and relaying messages through satellites. Even the ISS has a ham radio station on board and occasionally contacts hams on earth often as part of demonstrations to students.

Its a fun and rewarding hobby and full of friendly people. If your interested in learning more in Central NC check out The Rowan Amateur Radio Society or find me on the radio.
Steven Menius KF4VMU

Rowan Amateur Radio Society http://rowanars.org//

ARRL http://arrl.org/