[Geysers] what kind of scanner

[Bruce Jensen]

FWIW, GMRS licenses are now up to $85 for 5 years; and in the geyser
basins, while it is not always essential, the considerable extra power
allowed to GMRS transmitters certainly helps the signal get through.

Bruce Jensen

--- eclipserd <eclipserd at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Meg,
> 
> The use of FRS radios concerning "gazers" in the basin
> don't involve GMRS which is the main part of my
> message but I want to give a heads up anyway.
> 
> One thing to be aware of is that there are some radio
> models out there that feature dual service (FRS/GMRS
> (General Mobile Radio Service)).  This allows the user
> to use both FRS and GMRS services from one radio. 
> While this may seem like more capable radios, and
> indeed they are, and sales representatives may push
> them, be forewarned that GMRS requires a license from
> the FCC (federal communications commission) to
> transmit.  The cost to obtain a license is $75 and is
> good for five years.  Again this doesn't concern GOSA
> related activities on FRS but, may be a consideration
> when deciding on a particular radio to purchase. 
> 
> The reason I bring this up is; as an amateur radio
> operator, I've heard numerous stories of Radio Shack
> staff pushing/selling hand-held (walkie-talkies)
> amateur radios to those who didn't know a amateur
> radio license was required to transmit.  I've heard
> similar stories concerning FRS/GMRS radios. 
> 
> I would expect that the packaging and instruction
> manual with any radio that is dual FRS/GMRS to be
> marked stating the requirement for a FCC GMRS license
> to use the GMRS channels.  It may be in very small
> print but should be there.  If in doubt, question the
> sales person specifically as to the radio's licensing
> requirements.  If they are unable to satisfactorily
> answer the question, ask them to produce an
> instruction manual for that radio and look through the
> entire manual for any licensing requirements.  You
> could also contact the FCC and inquire of them about a
> radio.  I consider it EXTREMELY unlikely for a radio
> not to have a notice somewhere on the packaging
> stating licensing requirement for GMRS.  Just to
> clarify, FRS does not require a license.
> 
> FRS radios may also tout a "privacy code".  This is
> stretching it quite a bit.  It's more of a end user
> silencing mode in which the "Receiving" radio requires
> a non-audible tone to open it's squelch and allow you
> to hear what is being received.  There is NO privacy
> from others listening on another FRS radio or general
> receiver to your conversations.  For what it does for
> the geyser group, it works just fine.  Just don't
> transmit any sensitive information (SS Numbers,
> passwords, etc.,).
> 
> There may be other features of from radio to radio but
> these are the important issues to consider.
> 
> If you have any questions on this, please email me and
> I will be happy to answer them.
> 
> Take Care,
> 
> Daldnd Speirs
> WVC, UT
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------
> It's been too long - Yellowstone is calling.....
> 
> 
> --- Meg Justus <megj at nwlink.com> wrote:
> 
> > Thanks, all, for the information.
> > 
> > Looks like a trip to Radio Shack is in my future
> > <g>.
> > 
> > Meg> _______________________________________________
> > Geysers mailing list
> > Geysers at wwc.edu
> > https://mailman.wwc.edu/mailman/listinfo/geysers
> > 
> 
> 
>        
>
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