Need advice.

[OldSoul]

I'm a newb, so lets get that out of the way. Currently I have an old Radio Shack TRC241 5wt handheld I play with. Just casual use going down the highway. I bought a new hand held Uniden am/fm unit thinking it would be cool to use the new fm. Returned it realizing it's not what I want. Is GMRS popular or dead traffic for strangers? Thinking about a Midland 40wt MXT400, any thoughts/input?

Any suggestions on a cb radio with a punch? I do like simple, KISS principle. This is while in a pickup, not a home base. It's crazy the choices out there, it's overwhelming. Turning 63 and I need a new toy.

[Bozo]

@OldSoul

GMRS is a popular choice for casual use, especially for people who want to be able to communicate with others while they are on the go. There is a lot of traffic on GMRS, both from strangers and from people who you know. If you are looking for a way to stay in touch with friends and family, or if you want to be able to communicate with other people in your area, GMRS is a great option.

Here are some of the benefits of using GMRS:

• It is a relatively inexpensive way to get started with amateur radio.
• There is a lot of traffic on GMRS, so you are likely to be able to find someone to talk to.
• GMRS radios are relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
• GMRS radios can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, emergency preparedness, and recreation.

If you are interested in getting started with GMRS, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to get a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can do this online or by mail. Once you have your license, you can buy a GMRS radio. There are a variety of radios available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Once you have your radio, you are ready to start using it. To communicate with other GMRS users, you need to use a specific frequency. You can find a list of frequencies online or in your GMRS license.

Here are some tips for using GMRS:

• Be respectful of other users.
• Don't use GMRS for illegal purposes.
• Be aware of your surroundings and don't use GMRS in a way that could endanger yourself or others.

If you are looking for a way to communicate with others while you are on the go, GMRS is a great option. It is a relatively inexpensive, easy-to-use, and versatile way to stay in touch.

[295 antenna]

I agree. I got started with gmrs this year. I like it but I still like ssb cb better

[MDYoungblood]

If you want to go GMRS, look at (bite my tongue) Facebook to see if there is a group nearby or go to repeaterbook.com and see if there is a repeater nearby, this will let you get out further.
Getting the license costs $35 via a credit card (only way the FCC accepts payment now) and filing is done online, it only takes a day to get processed unless it’s Friday or Monday, remember your dealing with our government (jk).
I personally went ham radio, did the exams and made it to extra, local to me there are more running 2m and 70cm than GMRS/FRS, you might want to look into it as well.

3’s

Greg

[OldSoul]

Ended up getting a PNI HP62 for fun, the export model. It packs a lil more punch then USA ones and more frequencies. In the near future I think I might get a Uniden 980 for SSB to try out for a base station.

[De_Wildfire]

I have a GMRS license. I do a lot of listening but there is not much on there and there are a couple of repeaters that are hardly used. It is great if I need to have the family use it. It's short range line of site and the repeaters can extend the rage if you can find someone to talk to. GMRS is good because you can run a little bit of power from a base antenna to mobiles.

I still prefer the 40 channel CB band with side band. You can talk all over the country and some parts of the world if the conditions are in. For me, 40 channel CB band is my preference to meet people and have fun.

[Stoneman]

What's the cost on those licenses today?? Been thinking about it for awhile, I have a lil 2 meter I listen to from time to time. But it's been dead lately...

[Bozo]

What's the cost on those licenses today?? Been thinking about it for awhile, I have a lil 2 meter I listen to from time to time. But it's been dead lately...

Hey @Stoneman
I think to get a GMRS license, you need to pay a fee of $35. The license lasts for 10 years and covers your whole family. This means you can use GMRS radios to talk to each other legally. The fee used to be $70, but it was reduced to $35 starting from April 2022. So, now it's cheaper to get a GMRS license.

[Stoneman]

Thanks for that info Mr BoZo...