Have You Heard GMRS Users on HAM RADIO Repeaters?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- I got this story from an email list at a local club in my area. Have you ever heard GMRS users or callsigns on any of your Ham Radio repeaters in your area? If so, how did you handle it? Here are my thoughts...
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Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #kc5hwb #gmrs
I am both a Ham and a GMRS'er. I own a local GMRS repeater and hold weekly nets for the GMRS community. I always end the net with " be a good steward of GMRS" and "GMRS is your gateway to HAM radio". If you are a fellow HAM be a leader and a good role model for our hobby.
I second your comment, we should do this instead of trying to be smarty pants and just going off on the person. Our hobby is to have fun as well and be able to help others learn the hobby and be able to guide those who do not have the knowledge and have not been guided correctly. Best 73’s
I just have a CB radio in my vehicle. With the current solar flux levels and sunspots, CB radio can transmit thousands of kilometers with no effort.
I had to return to this thread because you are not one to be a judgemental jerk. I made a Yagi antenna using easily obtainable formulas and instructions to operate on 49.895Mhz FM. I tested the ancient Radio Shack Walkie Talkie and found it wax transmitting five times the legal limit. It was transmitting 500 milliwatts. From what I gather, the power limit is 100 milliwatts. The extra power likely helped in my experiment. I left the 49.895Mhz transmitter on top of a very tall hill and aimed the antenna over he valley. The 500 milliwatt transmission was understandable at 10 kilometers, using binoculars to aim at the tall hill from the top of another very tall hill, using a second Yagi! I could hear the music that I left playing from the transmitter understandably. Granted, it was not a broadcast radio quality. But, it was very understandable. Connecting the scanner to the 259 centimeter antenna on my Jeep allowed for a little bit wider range of movement and be able to listen.. It was actually rather exciting. By the way, 49Mhz is not the beautifully occupied band it once was. I heard nobody during. Perhaps if 4 or 5 watts were allowed on that band, others would use 49 Mhz. One does not need to be licensed to be a hobbyist experimenter.
@@digitaldreamer5481 Kilometers is NATO standard just like the 'meter bands' in RF.
@@tedkrasicki3857REALLY? Are you sure?
Most polite rant I have ever heard. LOL😂
I don't recall Randy ever saying that it was OK for GMRS to TX on 70cm.
No I don't think he's said this directly, but he hints at it.
I also have never heard Randy say that it was OK for GMRS to TX on 70cm. I can only say to anyone that listens/watches Randy's videos that you do so with much more attention to that which he says. He says things just to get those 'sad hams' railed up and they fall for it most all the time. I just laugh at it all...pacifically speaking, of course...
@@HamRadio2maybe you missed Josh interviewing Randy over the weekend...
Randy will never actually say that out loud on a video but even the most clueless observer will be able to read between the lines. I think he probably does this to rile up people who actually care about being good stewards of the airwaves but forgets that there's a large portion, maybe a majority, of his audience that isn't in on the joke and believes that he's telling them that they should do whatever they want. Maybe he's repeated the joke so much that he believes it too.
I believe people get the idea that Randy promotes this because of statements he makes about the FCC not caring/doing anything, and such. The truth is Randy doesn't actually encourage people to violate FCC regs, but he's not encouraging them to follow the regs either. Based on your state of mind when you watch one of his videos you can walk away with a completely different interpretation of what he said each time your watch it.
I own a ham repeater and honestly, I don’t care who uses it. Everyone is welcome. If they don’t give a call sign or give a GMRS one, it’s just an opportunity to help them get into ham radio. And sad ham is still very funny.
Good for you it should be that way
Amen, brother!
You should care. Your callsign is on the line. You are responsible for what goes through your repeater.
You sir are not the typical HAM. Sorry to say but a LOT not saying all but a lot are curmudgeons who love to complain about everything including other new HAM operators! I've heard them on radio chewing out people for making a mistake. Someone said HAM is dead! I disagree, HAM is not dead, but with the internet it's stagnant in its growth. It's not growing like it used to, and I blame the Internet. GMRS is a lot more relaxed and people are gravitating to that as a radio comms method. The radios are very inexpensive and getting a license take about 10 minutes if you can figure out the FCC website, or in a lot of cases people don't even bother to get a license, and I'm OK with that as long as you're respectful to others. Oh, and the GMRS is a gateway to getting a HAM license... Maybe for a very small group, but overall GMRS is being used for quick comms and not full roundtable talks.
Never heard NotaRubicon say anything like a GMRS user can talk on a ham repeater.
I'm guilty of accidentally giving out my GMRS callsign on a ham repeater. The ham who responded was not salty about it. I just replied with a sorry and said my ham callsign.
As it should be
It is as simple as that!
I've done the opposite, I've used a HAM call-sign accidentally on GMRS because I memorized that over 30 years ago and it just pops to mind when on a radio. Only had a GMRS license for a few years. The HAM on the GMRS repeater was not polite and I haven't used that repeater sense.
@@EthosAtheos I probably would have made a comment like "Who kicked your cage this morning?".
I've done the reverse and thrown out my ham callsign instead of my GMRS callsign. I usually catch myself almost immediately and give the correct one, but it's an easy thing to do if you hold both licenses.
All good points. I stopped watching Randy's videos, in part because of his attitude toward licensing. I know that's part of his comedy, but it sends the wrong message.
Comedy?? I thought comedy was supposed to be funny. He's just a douche.
Agreed
I get Randy’s humor, but many of his followers don’t, he foments some real hatred for radio amateurs.
Notarubicon Randy would call the person who wrote he said it was okay to broadcast on ham frequencies a “sad ham” because Randy never said that.
He calls everyone that he disagrees with a "sad ham" - that is why I say that it has lost all meaning and isn't funny anymore
@@HamRadio2Yes it is. You’re a crybaby.
@@philweed1603 🤡
This reminds me of the old “CB “ radio days . The airwave “FUDS “ and duds always complaining. I like the term “sad ham “ however I prefer “ whiny old douche bag”
"he never said that". correct. what he does say is that the FCC is toothless, they don't enforce the rules anyway, it is a victimless crime, no one has ever been fined and so on. we can all read between the lines dude and his appeal is definitely to a certain subset of people and that are not interested in promoting the hobby in a positive way- just read the comments. his audience is made up of mostly what I would refer to as Baofeng preppers and guys that wear printed t shirts to tell you what they think about things, what I would also call unserious people. I don't dislike the passive aggressive radio guy's channel I just take it for what it is and will not join the chorus of "he didn't say that!" guys (there are a lot of you) when we have all heard what he has actually said. and maybe you guys could get together and work on a new insult, your one joke is old.
Notarubicon never said it's ok to talk on ham frequencies without a license. He talks a lot about the sad hams who get butthurt about issues that don't involve them, but that's about it.
I remember this one time a ham radio operator showed up on our local GMRS repeater. Threw out his ham callsign. Our GMRS folks are super nice. They didn't get mad or anything. Apparently, the guy thought his ham license covered him for GMRS as well. Well, our GMRS guys just explained to him how to get a GMRS license. Actually, I think they were happy to have an opportunity to do so:) And that was it.
Isn’t a Gmrs license free? Just have to pretty much sign up online?
@@OGamputee According to Lord Xenu, all airwaves should be license-free:) But then there will be a mess. All I was trying to say is be nice and helpful to each other.
@@SK-rj1tiI was simply asking a question. Never heard of Xenu lol.
My GMRS license was not free. Just test free.
@@OGamputee GMRS is not free. The cost is $35.00 and that gets you a license good for 10 years. There is no testing requirement for GMRS. I have both a Ham call and a GMRS call...but don't ask me to spit out the GMRS one as I don't use it much and don't yet have it committed to memory.
If you work for something and that thing has a set of rights or privileges then that should be respected and not intruded. Innocent mistakes need to be corrected politely and not eye gouged. It’s a big hobby, radio. There’s room for more good folks. Good to encourage that.
Just got my GMRS call sign and I 100% agree with this video. I am currently studying for my HAM Technicians license. I would like to put a Repeater or two on my property if needed so I can help others who may need it. I think GMRS and HAM both have their place in todays world and people should be encouraged to learn the rules and follow them.
Awesome
Good for you!
How long did it take you to recieve your GMRS license?
Don’t put the club name in there then
While you’re in study mode, get your general at the same time. You get to learn and then do so much more. Too many get stuck at tech. You can do it!
I agree with most of what you said.
One thing I would add to the "Sad Ham"" part.
If you are a licensed ham and you are going to tell someone what the "rules are", please actually know what the hell you are talking about before you run your mouth.
I am embarrassed by many of my fellow licensed hams spouting off false information like they actually have a clue.
Yes, good idea
I think you are calling the right shots on this subject.
Also, while correcting GMRS or and others while on ham freq's, take a moment and not only correct, but let these folks know that once they get their Ham license they would be more than welcome to return, and that you hope to hear their Ham call sign in the future.
People that screw up today may be the folks that carry Amateur Radio into the future ;)
I'm a numb nut but a General class. If I can achieve it, any one can.
The way testing is set up, you can go through practice questions on various websites and essentially memorize or recognize answers. I think if they gave a real test, most people wouldn't pass. Kind of like driver's licenses here in the US.
I feel the same way. You just have to study the material and take the exam. My Dad was surprised when I was able to get all 3 licenses. He said he didn’t know I was that smart. I guess it was a compliment. lol.
I have not personally heard any GMRS users on any of our local HAM repeaters. BUT, a lot of GMRS people say they don't care, and will cross the line, when ever they want to. Almost having the CB'r attitude, of damn the law! So...?
Some of them are rebels without a cause.
I have both licenses. My personal experience is that ham got way more Karen's who tend to make a storm in a tea cup.
All the cryers I hear are GMRS guys.
Unless you are talking about people ACTUALLY on the air, and not just on social media. Judging either group by their dumbass social media posts is not wise
"This is a ham frequency and not a GMRS frequency. You need to have a Technician's license to transit. However, don't let that statement scare you away. We want you in the hobby, but we want you to be legal."
Yep
As for a repeater operator (rules might have changed).... But I thought they were legally require to ensure he proper operation of the repeater. Example, if someone used the f-bomb on the repeater, you would need to say knock it of or report them if need be.
How does the complainer know its an inexpensive radio?
Ya.. that’s a really big leap 🤦♂️
Roger beep is probably on
@@HamRadio2Roger beep… God’s gift to the radio hobby. 😅. Waiting for optional Roger beeps to be incorporated into the radio technology. Like ringtones! 😅 oh Lordy….
Lol
They can't I'm on a cheap chinese handheld with a cheap chinese antenna on the back and people comment on how loud and clear I sound. 5w across 30 miles. The difference, I think, is that I affect my 'radio voice' and speak clearly and I know to keep the mic right in front of my mouth and turn off the music. The difference seems to be effort, not equipment. Doesn't take a lot of either.
I was running a net on a 2 meter repeater and a guy came in with a GMRS call sign. I politely told him that the repeater was a ham repeater and he apologized and left.
I believe the “information” argument is about the public access to info with a call sign, some bad actor can look up an address with a call sign, not the government having that info. I use a PO Box but I can understand the concern.
I use a mailbox also. I've been doing this since I created an eBay account and signed up for Amazon prime, regardless of my Ham Radio license
Xenu said it was ok
Who?
@@HamRadio2 Zeenu/Xenu Notarubicon's God who has bestowed his GMRS knowledge upon him. 👍
I know. My question remains.....
Who?
@@HamRadio2Scientologist god !
Haha 😂 i got it!
I have complained about laziness for years....lol. So glad I am not alone
I have a Baofeng UV5G plus GMRS radio that I put a ham frequency on for listening only. It won't allow me to transmit on ham frequencies.
Most of them won't without some sort of modification
One night we had one check into a net and confuse the heck out of all the OMs. After the net there was like 20 minutes of discussion on the call sign cause they were all so confused 😂😂
lol
So someone checked in on a UHF or VHF net with a GMRS callsign? I can see how that would be confusing. The net controller didn't stop things right there?
@@javabeanz8549 they were too confused and rolled with it. The guy checked in and then the net rolled right along lol. He didn't do a report or anything. I was not net control so i didn't want to "make a scene". Figured the guy would figure it out. Haven't heard him again and didn't copy the call sign. Lol
@@the_mad_swimbaiter455 Dang that's funny! Does make you wonder if they are recently dual licensed.
A guy checked into our amateur radio net with his GMRS call, net control was not sure what is was, I recognized it as I'm licensed for both services, I told the net control and spoke to the GMRS operator and he was under the mistaken idea that he could use his GMRS license on ham as well, we got him correctly informed and he's been on the GMRS repeaters and is now working on his ham license as well
Some may also disagree, but I feel once you pass the amateur radio licensing, you should get access to all the amateur radio bands off one license, like how people who are licensed for gmrs who just pay a fee an go. But I dont make the rules, sometimes with all the studying i feel like it's useless to upgrade my technician to general even extra. With life i keep studying, then life happens so i keep putting the general on hold, then get back to studying again a week later. Kq4hcu
I've heard it several times in California. Most of them are cool and understand when they are told. Some cursed us out and continued to use it for a few weeks. We just wouldn't let them talk to each other.
The ones who were jerks...if you call them out, you get labeled a Sad Ham. It's ok for them to be rude and obnoxious, but not for you to be
Randy has never said its okay for people to use amateur radio without a license. He has shown that the FCC isn't enforcing their rules which is a fact and other ham radio channels such as ham radio crash course have also pointed that out. There are a lot of sad hams (very appropriate term) out there that hate this guy and really just love talking about rules and regulations. I've only been a ham for a year but I've constantly seen these old grumpy bastards put words in his mouth. He's very entertaining and keeps the topic of radio practical and understandable for the common man. Not to be mean, but this is something sorely lacking in nearly all ham radio youtube channels.
You're mostly right but Randy's channel is more about comedy and satire, rather than education. No, he hasn't said it's ok to transmit without a license but he has said other things that are wrong, but since he's just a comedy channel, it doesn't matter
@@HamRadio2 I think you underestimate the power of satire for the purpose of education. It doesn't have to be satire OR education. Speaking as a former teacher, it is extremely effective to use both. I'm sure you had teachers in school that weren't boring so you know what I mean. This is why he has a lot more subs than a lot of the ham channels on TH-cam.
You guys are mostly living in the world of HF which I understand, but us new guys are going to be working on a HT or cheap mobile for the most part and looking for simple plain English content that applies in those areas. Not to mention most of us can't afford to jump into HF for quite a while when we first start. Randy is capitalizing on that audience.
If he has said "other things" that are wrong, then call him out on it because a lot of us newbies are sure learning a lot from him. I'd like to know if I'm getting bad information.
@@_Mordion_ I've done far more videos about DMR, YSF Allstar and other things in the VHF/UHF world than I have HF. Sure I do some HF, it's very enjoyable but that's not where I started.
Satire is fine if you're trying to educate people. Randy insults and talks down to people who disagree with him too much for that. And when you point out something he says that's wrong, you get called a sad ham.
It's funny I have heard Hams using GMRS Repeaters....ending with there Call sign.... interesting
Jason for Amateur Radio & GMRS President 2024! You are always the voice of reason and willing to view both sides of topic. Thanks for sharing. KC3UEE
Thanks
Guys , I am not Radio expert, but I know the difference between 462 & 442- I think is not Fk excuse for that type of mistake, I accept you 460 or near GMRS frequencies, but from 462 end on 70 cm, I always Love to use a 70 cm or 2 meter repeater, I get my ticket-KE2AUM- I love too use GMRS repeater, I get my callsign WRMZ361- but on TH-cam is too much BS about ham radio operator, I am cool with both side, I enjoy the hobby 24/7 and I not see anyone like less or enemy because divided, we weak, United we Strong. God bless everyone.
All good points and well said. 👍
Thanks
Being new to GMRS but being a HAM for 22 years I KNOW I'll make the call sign mistake a time or three - putting my GMRS call on the radio should help - it'll be as much for me as my family but for different reasons. I think it should be pretty obvious though who is making the mistake and who is out of band.
Ohhh boyyyy Jason, I agree with you, however you invoked HIS name, now the Swifties of GMRS will be all over this! :)
Meh
@@HamRadio2 I'm liking your channel more and more.
Thanks
Meh, adds views. Considering how many views “he” gets and is the highest watched / suscriber radio channel, it wouldn’t hurt anyone to share viewers.
Gmrs vs Ham…never knew the battle for middle earth was so important
I'm both Ham and GMRS licensed. I wish we had a GMRS repeater here. GMRS folks should understand that if they are tossing out their call sign (same as with a Ham call sign) is that they can be looked up on FCC license search. Another reason to be careful where you are transmitting is that here in rural SW Texas is some LE and some Business licensed activity that when close enough on UHF and VHF that it tosses some noise when they are close that it trips the repeaters with some major static for a moment. Since I have a Uniden SDS100 going at the same time as my GMRS and Ham Radios (monitoring 2 Meter and 70cm) going and can tell when an LEO really close by the tower keys up and triggers the repeater. Just because they are on P25 doesn't mean analog signals can't interfere with them either. We actually have our repeater in the same building and tower as the Sheriff's department. Just using whatever frequency you happen to pick might be a good way to get unwanted LE attention if you are interferring with their comes. Not to mention that down this way the cartels and smugglers are using some GMRS and hijacking some ham and business coms here and there. We had to swap our primary GMRS channel when out at a ranch because illegal smugglers were using it so much. It was deep in a valley and no UHF signals got over those ridges. You had to be in there to have signal and theirs was strong.
I do have a few of those in a grey hair GMRS simplex net I run that "Don't want the gov't..." That's why they have HTs and I did the programming on them allowing listening on some other freqs, but no TX. We do have another there who is also ham licensed. So their radio can do both. Like you said, the gov't already has your info and they aren't going to go rounding up everyone with a GMRS license when it's easier to simply jam and/or monitor those freqs. Play nice people. The allocations are there so you don't have such a mess that no one can communicate when they need too. Maybe more clubs need to start fox hunting again to have those skills when needed.
I agree with you, the only obstacle to get a license is the individual. No science here.
With the price of ham and gmrs radios becoming more affordable, more people area getting into this great hobby. Everyone has a starting point and not everyone is familiar with the regs or the importance of following them so everyone can enjoy this fun hobby. I think this is an opportunity for older and more experienced hams to kindly inform the unauthorized user of the regs and encourage them to your local club website to join or attend a meeting and study for their Technician license. This can be an opportunity not to scold the individual and be a unauthorized regulatory "enforcement" officer, but to kindly inform and encourage to get their ham certs. This can be a way to turn a potentially negative encounter into a positive one. I think this will also prevent people from intentionally "yrolling" or "jamming up" frequencies. We should try to be a guide and encourage those in the right direction before going to the negative. I think many that do this, do it out of not knowing the regs or understanding the importance of it. The more you start by encouraging, the better results you will get!
Before I had any license or knowledge about radios I had a baofeng and a Bluetooth programmer that would automatically load all the repeater info in for you. So I loaded a local repeater in and it worked! For weeks I never heard anyone on it. Then one day my life changed. A ham by the name of Jim came on and talked to me. Told me what I was doing was wrong but he wasn’t going to turn me in but if I was wanting an “in” then come to the club meetings. I went to their very next meeting. That was last year, now I’m a licensed ham and GMRS user. (This was all allegedly btw)
This is the perfect way to do it
If a person starts to use my GMRS repeater, with out permission I would not care as long as they are being behaving and not hogging it from other people to use.
I started on GMRS by accidentally catching Randy @ notarubicon on youtube. Thanks to Randy i started following both Josh @ HRCC and your Channel . I am now a technician class Ham studying for my General license. Thanks to all of you ABC the APE lol. I will say though i have come across a couple uppity "sad" hams. Joined a club and now well on my way.
Welcome!
One day freak of weather or something a ham in mexico was on a local repeater was able to talk for a few minutes
Yeah I've heard that
I learned this weekend that this has been the case in the Midland/Odessa area. I have heard a GMRS operator on the 2M calling frequency in my town, after meeting with them I explained what was wrong. The folks at the Odessa club reportedly have been working to convert the GMRS users to amateur operators which is a model that some folks in the Midland club are discussing.
Nice
VERY WELL SAID THANK YOU ,..........................
I totally agree with what you are saying. This is the correct message to send. I like NOTARUBICON and I think he can be a humorous guy at times, but he sends the the wrong message in his videos and comments, and he takes the "Sad Ham" trope too far. A ham radio licenses is like a drivers license, It is there so we will not have total chaos on the air - the same function a drivers license is for the streets and highways! If people do not follow these rules then the privilege (remember if you need a license then it is a privilege and not a right, just like driving), i.e. the bands, will be taken away and sold to commercial carriers and my guess is those licenses will be much more expensive than ham radio licenses. Follow the rules folks!!!!!
Well said
Where do you live where a driver's license means there won't be chaos on the roads? I think if we gave real tests, most drivers and ham radio operators would fail.
@@major__kong well that’s the idea at least🤣🤣🤣🤣
They give real tests when you are 16, but nothing after.
Bring back the Haltom repeater!
I also have both licenses. I don't hear cross overs locally but I do hear people doing simplex on GMRS repeater channels. They weren't talking English so I couldn't "educate."
Was it the illegal infedels, already inbedded in our country?
There’s nothing to educate on. The repeater outputs overlap with 8 of the simplex frequencies.
Get over it. You are granted a license not a badge. Stop trying to pull people over. For 5 decades I've been listening to ham radio operators CRY about people who aren't supposed to doing things they're not allowed to. Get over yourself and your hobby.
I'm sorry if the truth offends you. I don't need a badge to speak the truth. Freedom of speech is still a thing in my country. At no point in this video did I cry, I simply asked a question and gave an example of the topic. This comment is you crying, though...
Ok so I'm interested in becoming a ham I have been listening to my local 2 meter repertors there is no one on them (every or at least I have never cot anyone using them ) and not having a license I can't talk on them
But the ham study guide says you are supposed to listen and then only talk after you hear someone else do talking !!! So who is the Lord and savior who gets to talk first if you can't talk until you hear someone else talking first ???
I know this sounds stupid but that's the ham rules
What that actually means is that you should listen first to make sure you aren't interrupting an ongoing conversation. If the repeater is clear, you're free to use it, assuming you have a license
I think we as ham radio operators should be inviting the GMRS people to come and take a look at what ham radio is all about. There is also a opportunity for us ham radio operators to Elmer the GMRS side so they become better operators.
I think you're thinking that GMRS users want to be HAMS. Most GMRS users use the radios like they would a 4 bulk lot of FRS radios in a blister pack from Walmart. I would say 95% don't even program in a repeater.
@rustynail6819 that is true with most but recently in our club several GMRS users have taken there tech test as a small group of us was willing to answer there beginners questions about GMRS.
I end up using a GMRS radio to talk to FRS radios I have handed out at events or convoys and if I identify on air, the others on FRS start going, "What did you say?" I just quit doing it. No one else cares on GMRS/FRS anyway. I haven't heard anyone call out anyone on GMRS repeater either, come to think of it, but it takes a deliberate action to cross over to ham repeaters and frequencies. It should not be happening, though I haven't heard it happen either way. It's like CB talking to AIR. It would stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. I've had to learn at least four different languages to talk on all these radios over the decades 😂.
Anything to do with GMRS can be solely blamed on Randy “the outlaw” NotA Rubin sandwich 🥪
😮!! How dare you speak ill of thy Sensei
I’m his favorite viewer
Agree.. I have his channel blocked. He has absolutely nothing to say that I care to hear. He can call me a sad ham if he want's. That's extremely tame compared to the names I have for him.
My goodness, all the sleepless nights Randy will have over your comments! 🤣
Like I care@@gregorysloat4258
I’m a GMRS license holder and working on getting my Technician license. People who would use a ham radio without a license are just ignorant and lazy !!
I’m glad you dropped this video!
Thanks
I am ignorant and lazy.
And I will STILL use ham radio without a license whether you like it or not.
@@philweed1603 No you won't. We`ll just turn it off. Get stuffed.
@@terryparker1925 Wrong. I still use it EVERYDAY and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it, Sad Ham.
@@terryparker1925 Now maintain that repeater for me, stuffing boy.
I heard a Ham callsign on FRS and I was like "errr...buddy?" and he snapped out of it, LOL!
Maybe that person hadn't had their first cup of coffee?
I did that the other day....gotta be careful with that quad-watch feature 😂
I've even used my Ham callsign on the telephone!
@@rustyhaddock7954 I've done that before. We are all human, and fallible.
FRS frequencies are shared with GMRS so you actually hear that often.
Good job. I like how you got around to mentioning being a good ambassador for amateur radio and getting the GMRS users there ham license.
The Repeaters ARE OUR PROPERTY, The Amateur Radio Club's and Amateur Radio Licensed Operator's PROPERTY. So...First thing We do around here is to politely engage with those that don't have a callsign etc and INVITE them to Come to our Club Meeting and Encourage them To Join the Hobby! Then explain to them Why they Shouldn't be Operating on the Repeaters "illegally". We don't want to run them off, we want to pull them into the fold!. Usually, that's the end of the issue and we get new hams!
As it should be...
To be clear you can't program a GMRS type certified radio to a HAM repeater. What happens is people keep using HAM radios for GMRS for lots of reasons. The FCC is telling you what radio you can use for GMRS, its dumb but it's true. Most GMRS users don't know stuff a HAM does and the HAM community isn't doing a good job of teaching anyone. I am not a HAM because the HAM community is a toxic wasteland. I used to use HAM radio in school because the school had a HAM license and it was awesome. I don't know what happened to the community but it isn't approachable anymore. ARRL is only 20 years older than the FCC, not much there to brag about.
100% true. The HAM community used to be very welcoming and helpful. A good friend of mine has been a HAM for 40 years, and he says the same thing. HAM radio started taking a nose dive in the late 90s, and again I think the internet had everything to do with it.
@@rustynail6819 IDK if it was the internet or not. I realize I am being over general. But the old get off my lawn crowd is who is running the show and they suck.
Who gives a shit who's on the repeater whether it's a gmrs'er or ham'er?!?! Why would you give a shit if somebody is simply using the repeater for its intended purpose. Who gives a shit which license you have. I feel like the people bitching and griping are typically the people who are in charge of some HOA or just a plain busy body constantly worrying with what others are doing. No harm no foul Live and Let Live, golden rules of life
People who've taken the time and energy to actually learn the process correctly. That's who.
Maybe you should stick to FRS radios.
I agree with the laziness part. I'm far from the sharpest tool in the shed, and I was able to get both my technician and General.
Same here
😂 I have no issue with none licensed TX on amateur simplex frequencies as long as its not for malicious purposes. Repeater on the other hand is someone else’s property, which you should follow owner’s rule.
If they want to use Ham frequencies, they should get a Ham license.
If they want to use GMRS frequencies, they should get a GMRS license.
If they don't want to get a license, they can use CB or FRS.
It isn't that complicated....
@@HamRadio2 Yes, it is against FCC rule to TX on HAM without license. All I am saying is I don't care if people do on simplex. There are plenty of rules and regulations from those 3 letter agencies that make no sense. Just as much as those they should enforce but don't (ICE). lol
Thank you for sharing. The rules are clear. I learned more while studying for my General and am pleased.
Excellent!
Firstly, I follow your channel because you always have good radio content, mostly ham, but none-the-less, good content. WRUN578 here and wanted to thank you for posting this. Be a responsible radio operator, no matter the band. If you just want to mouth off to hear yourself, get a cobra and play on 27.025 😀
Probably the best reason for the ham license is to keep random yahoos from just picking up a radio and cluttering up the frequencies. WRUS402
But the license doesn't prevent that. It's just a piece of paper like a restraining order. Anyone can buy a radio and transmit.
I hold a license for both HAM and GMRS. 3 months ago I became an Amateur Extra. Can't wait to start using the HF freqs. First I need a radio and antenna,
Well stated. It's not at all unlikely that some people just don't know. And you're right that every user has an obligation to know what frequencies they can and cannot use. TBH, I don't really see any significant downside to getting a GMRS license. It averages out to $3.50/yr and for that, you can use GMRS repeaters without incurring the wrath of the owners. TBH, the reason I bought a "full spectrum" radio was so that I could put both GRS and MURS on the same radio. Turns out, I don't use MURS anyway.I don't even program any HAM frequencies. It's really just about good manners.
nice video. have not herd any GMRS users using HAM repeaters in my area. I have herd wrong call being used and corrected. I have even done that. when you have more then 1 call you can invertedly use the wrong call. been a lot or repeater keys with nothing said around me. both GMRS and HAM but not done to interfere with anyone. I have not herd much repeater jamming around me. but not all ways listing. I do get a lot of kids with FRS radio's messing around. 73's
What if I’m off grid and watching this video?
Well stated Jason.! 73 De N9RAN
Well said Jason. I have both ham and GMRS licenses. I have made the mistake of saying the wrong callsign on both, it happens. I'm guilty of that myself. It's very easy to forget which radio service your using at times. Sometimes I catch myself. But, well said video. 73s. Still waiting for your review on the Ailunce hd2 as well.
I'm guilty of crossing my GMRS and ham call signs at times, especially if I used one all week then go use the other. Oh well, I'm human, I make mistakes. In Randy's defense, of all the videos I've watched of his, he has never spoken of GMRS being able to talk on ham frequencies. He actually got me and helped me into GMRS which led to my ham. GMRS is the gateway "drug". My first radios I got for GMRS were "Open" but I did my research to made sure I stayed in my lane and that any programmed ham frequency had the PTT locked out.
I have been a licensed ham since 1969. I learned electronics in High School (back when schools actually taught useful topics). The very first thing I did was to build my own receiver (in a cigar box) and my own transmitter from a $5 kit. My antenna was made from coat hanger wire. I was 16 years old. It was fun.
I talked to all sorts of people all over the place. Today, the FCC has eliminated the requirement to learn Morris Code. That’s a good thing as that is not for everyone. SO... my 2 cents worth here is that those folks who haven't bothered looking into obtaining their ham license more likely than not have had no formal education in electronics. That is not really those peoples fault. I blame this on the school districts.
Electronics SEEMS very complicated and the math can be intimidating, but so are many other things. In my day we DID NOT have calculators (today that is not a problem) we ciphered all those circuits by hand with a pencil, but I digress. However, once someone gets a taste of Ham, especially DXing and speaking to people in far off lands, they will NEVER go back to GMRS, CB or other such things. Try bouncing a signal off of the moon and talking to someone in France with your GMRS radio. BUT ONE THING I REALLY MISS is the ability to buy a kit of some kind and build a new transmitter, tune it, test it and listen to someone on the other side of the world with my home-made cigar box receiver. That to me is what ham is all about. Today it seems like it is about lots of money.
I don’t blame people for starting out small to see if they like it. But, if the bug bites, keep going. As far as those “Karen” hams out there, well… where did YOU start?
GMRS operator obtained preprogrammed HT from dealer. Ham and GMRS repeaters were identified only by LOCATION, such as SHAW BUTTE, not whether they were amateur or GMRS. Local hams make general call, "This is an AMATEUR RADIO REPEATER." All but dedicated trolls change frequency.
Either we have rule of law or we do not. If you feel that each person is entitled to decide for themselves what should or should not be subject to consequences, or is victimless because the victim is not within sight, then don’t whine when you become the victim of someone who feels that what they did to you should have no consequences for them. These words are from the “sad about everything and we are doomed” story that is in the process of being written.
Yes we need to all do this and yes I have thrown out my Ham callsign on GRMS also
We have a real problem here in West Virginia people's been buying them cheap handhelds Baofeng and whatever they've been getting on and using them on 2 meters and disrupting ham nets where this inbred bunch of people come from thinks they could do this I have no idea I just thought I'd throw that out there I'm also a ham radio operator myself it could come very confusing at times that who is talking to who I Just thought I'd throw that out there I don't know if you have the same problem there like we do or not.
I’m new to this radio game and obtained my GMRS license. I am currently in the process on studying for a HAM license so I can have best of both worlds. I have heard last week one HAM operator mistakingly use the wrong frequency and a gentleman taught him what to do so he doesn’t get himself in trouble. A lot of people are uptight and douche bags from what I see in yt comments. Take it easy and instead of bitching teach and show the way. Be easy all god bless.
Amen!!! Awesome video!!!! Yes, be nice. It's not the end of the world. We talk to them and explain the ham license. We even had them in a Net a few times. All good. We run the net and call them during the net. Talk to them about a ham license. Roll with it. They will usual be cool and leave nicely once they know. Elmer the community. If it's a net, then let them know about net logger. They can use the AIM window to ask questions. They can put NOCALL in the licenses spot. 😎
I have a general class ham license. I do not have a GMRS license. Anyone with a ham license should know the rules, though some choose to ignore them. But don't expect someone with a GMRS license to have the first clue about radio anything. They bought their radio simply as a communications device. No different from a phone. They are not radio hobbyists or enthusiasts. They have ZERO interest in getting a ham license. To me, this is a Baof**k problem. Why are these cheap communist POS radios legal in the U.S.? A CB radio that can transmit on anything other than CB frequencies is absolutely not legal. A 10 meter radio that can transmit on anything but 10 meter frequencies is not legal. Yes, people modify them, but they are not legally sold that way. Yet these cheap crappy communist Chinese POS radios that absolutely transmit all over the place, including some police and public service frequencies are being LEGALLY sold all over the place, and almost every ham radio channel on TH-cam supports them, mostly because "they are cheap" and someone with a new technician license apparently can't afford a used Yaesu FT-60R. A GMRS radio should be sold as ONLY a GMRS radio. It should be capable of ONLY transmitting on GMRS frequencies. As for that NotaRubicon guy, I wish TH-cam would shut him down, and remove his videos. he is out there telling everybody that they DO NOT need a license, and that almost nobody has ever been busted for transmitting without a license. This is absolutely not good for amateur radio. If you don't need a license, why did I go to the trouble of getting one (or actually three in my case) I got my novice and technician licenses back in the late '80s. But because I was unable to pass the 13 wpm code test, I didn't get my general license until 2009. Geez. I could have been transmitting on HF for decades without the proper license.
BTW, just how are these idiots getting on amateur repeaters? Every single amateur repeater in my area, requires a PL tone to access it. My favorite local repeater 145.4100, requires a tone of 71.9Hz to access it. I have that tone programmed into my radio along with the frequency and offset. Is a GMRS radio capable of generating that tone? And even if it is, someone would have to look it up and use it to get into the repeater, so it could not be done by mistake. Anyone out there that is operating an "open" repeater needs to fix that. As for being nice to these idiots, maybe once. But if the FCC did their job and put a stop to these cheap crappy communist Chinese radios from being sold in the U.S., this wouldn't be the huge problem it is. (and yes I have a ton of issues with the FCC just like everybody else) but if amateur radio is going to survive, someone has to have some control over it. And the answer is not to try and talk everybody into getting a ham license. Only those who are really serious about radio are going to do that. The answer is to make it illegal (and have heavy fines and prison time) for anyone selling non type accepted radios that transmit out of band. While those with ham licenses can build their own radios, they are not allowed to transmit illegally. They still have to follow the rules.
I like that Collins equipment you have behind you. No GMRS type is going to have something like that.
Here is the thing. ARRL got hacked and is ransomware locked out of thier own system. They stopped talking to the FCC and it's been weeks and weeks. I have friends with new Technicians and upgraded General and it's been weeks and it's not sent to the FCC. This could also be part of why this us happening. I know people with passed exams and receipts and been weeks and no call sign still. And ARRL is handling this horrifically and no communication or help. Even LOTW is totally down.
Jason, I’m a little mixed on this one. While yes it is my repeater, I’m using a public frequency at no cost. I didn’t purchase that spectrum for exclusive use. It’s like a mass transit bus, yes my tax dollars paid for the bus and the road, but it’s a public road. Yes you paid for the infrastructure, but it’s a public frequency. If you want a private repeater that only your club can use, go digital.
I run two repeaters and that’s how I did it.
That's interesting.... I've not heard this issue in my area, but we've had a few seasoned Hams use my GMRS repeaters without a GMRS license with the attitude that their amateur license overrides GMRS.
Everyone has been talking about SHTF. I was into CB's back in the 70's and that faded out. I have never or thought about using Ham Radios and heard of people using them, but since something is changing in the world and CB's don't get a bunch distance, I am concerned about contacting and to hear what is going on after SHTF (if we survive), I heard about talking to people almost anywhere and and if SHTF, I would like to be in the know. I understand you need a license to use SW but people are saying if SHTF, who cares if you have a license, the FCC will not have the time to search you out. Please help me understand. I know as a newby I would have a lot to learn. Thanks in advance.
Many time it is the result of a ham & GMRS operator keying the wrong channel when running a dual monitor radio. I have called guys out for not using their ham call signs. Many times a GMRS operator has a new technician license and just need little guidance. That said, 2 meters and GMRS is getting like CB in Phoenix, AZ. Not A Rubicon is a Rube!
I have heard this on occasion. Once it was from a new ham who used his GMRS call. The other times it was from kids playing, and I'm not sure if they got a hold of their parent's or grandparent's radios or what. On the first one I heard someone else come back to them in a nasty, condescending tone, chastising them for using amateur frequencies without a license and yadda-yadda. As I noted, turns out the guy was a new ham and (ironically) was used to using his GMRS call and forgot which service he was using.
That nastiness is uncalled for, especially considering it was an honest mistake. That only bolsters the "sad hams" argument made by Notarubicon and others. Had it not been, however, the entire conversation could've been in violation of the rules -- the licensed amateur included. We're not supposed to communicate with unlicensed individuals on amateur frequencies, unless there is a ham at the control point of that station (ie - 3rd party traffic.) So this begs the question... what should we do in such a situation?
I don’t think it’s that serious at all. The only thing ham bands are used for nowadays is for guys who just want to talk about ham stuff on radios. Nothing super important is going on. I can get people getting mad if people are getting in the way of someone talking or a conversation, but other than that, who cares. I know the FCC doesn’t😂
I pretty much answered this question in this video, I think you should just inform them of what's going on politely. I don't really see a problem with talking to them without a license, unless it's a longer extended period of time
During the last two to three years, when we had ice storms and power outages in my area, several of the local repeaters would get used for welfare checks by people in the surrounding area. No emergency, nothing really all that highly sensitive, just everyday welfare checks. It's good to have options like that when you have no power or internet at home due to weather related issues
GMRS coming up in popularity in the last five years or so is cool, and I enjoy the GMRS repeaters in my area, but ham is so much more involved and capable than GMRS.
I have a problem with people like Rubicon sewing division. By constantly engaging the “sad hams” meme in his videos, he’s causing people to get this uppity and entitled attitude about all of it. They get on GMRS, because it’s convenient and they think it’s “the same thing without a test” and stop there. Which then causes them to short change themselves in the end. Big time.
In the last month alone I’ve come to find ham radio is so much more capable than I thought it was, after more than 10 years playing radio casually, five years on GMRS and two on ham, and it’s so much more useful too.
My GMRS club is pretty good and offers decent coverage across a nice part of the state. The multiple ham radio clubs on the other hand offer coverage across the whole state. All of it.
And unfortunately my friends who stopped at GMRS can’t even comprehend the usefulness of that, and they won’t bother to do the work. All because “ham radio operators are mean!”
I’ve only come across like four mean people on repeaters, two of them were hams, and two of them on GMRS, all of them were being stupid for their own stupid reasons. All you do in that situation when they’re being stupid, call them out on it, like an adult. Usually they’re in the wrong anyway.
You should be enthusiastically inviting them to join your local Ham Club. Listening my local repeater frequencies it seems to be a dead hobby. At least here in rural Michigan.
Agreed
GMRS in Phoenix has a few operators that curse and key up on top of users, and worse. The FCC has been notified with all the details, call sign, name, location, recordings, etc., on many occasions, and typical of our Federal government, they don't do squat!
I do wish a licensed Ham operators should be exempted, and be able to transmit on GMRS frequencies without a seperate GMRS license since us Hams have to do more inorder to become a Hammer.
Sometimes i wished they made it rasier for licensed hams were they didnt have to test to get access to gen or extra without another exam as well but sad hams will cry foul about that when, GMRS users dont have to take a exam just pay the fee to transmit GMRS. If i had to do it over again i would havd started with gmrs first. Me i just like chewing the rag on simplex.
I had a GMRS guy on my amateur 2-meter repeater a couple of months ago. I very politely let the other person he was talking to (a ham who didn't recognize the guy's call sign as a GMRS call) that our repeater is an amateur repeater and the person he was talking to was a GMRS licensee. The GMRS guy apologized and left. Additionally, although I avoid Randy's videos like the plague, the ones I have seen made no mention of it being OK to use amateur repeaters if you're not an amateur. That said, for obvious reasons, I have not seen them all. But judging by the way he feels about and talks shit about hams, I can't imagine he would be caught dead on an amateur radio repeater, let alone advise anyone to use one without a license.
It happen here in San Antonio TX. A ham said his call sign on GMRS. Reminded him on what band he is on with no problem. The GMRS folk here have a better system then our own repeater on the ham band. The ones I can stand are the people on the intertie freq. Those guys are a bunch of A-holes. But that just my opinion. 73!
I just got my GMRS license and im currently studying to got my Ham license. I have both type of radios and have been monitoring to learn the lingo and i cant wait to dive in on ham but for now im getting my chops wet on GMRS and loving it
I don’t have a dog in this fight. I watch both ham and gmrs videos for the information and entertainment value. There are a lot of great people in both camps, and I’m toying with the idea of getting both licenses, but my goodness, there are others whose jockey shorts are just wound too tight. Those are the ones that provide the entertainment.
People who get on Randy’s case obviously don’t get him, as his trolling skills are world class. Those are the people whose comments get pinned.
Many don’t seem to understand the actual meaning of “sad ham,” either, and like it or not, it’s still funny, because it still triggers people. If you’re a ham who gets triggered by “sad ham,” you’re probably one.
We have another guy in San Fernando valley Gmrs 700 . Using all pL tones . Creating havoc . .. anybody can activate that repeater without their own consent . Because people already had pre-programmed a Specific Repeater and now when they try to use there repeater already had programmed they will activate San Fernando repeater un-intentionally!
I heard this issue on a local repeater. A GMRS user used the repeater and gave his GMRS call sign. No other conversations were going on at the time. One of the, my guess, club users came on yelling at this operator. It was a bit sad as maybe this user made a mistake and, in the future, could become a Ham user, but this experience was so negative.
I was thinking about attending and checking out the local club that ran the repeater, I have second thoughts if this is how they treat new and maybe future operators. That's no how you invite someone to check out your hobby.
Agreed
I was in Grapevine about a month ago and encountered someone on simplex that would not identify. Figured it was something like this.
I've heard that in this area also
Just use a fake call sign and move on. Problem solved.
“We should be nice to THOSE people”. Thank you for letting all of us really know how you feel.
Just because they made a Mistake or something it doesn't mean they are Bad people we need to fix this Country and Stop the hate
Rember hams have both and make mistakes and use the wrong call. No gmrs user is going to use his call on ham. I have seen hams using thete call on gmrs
Sometimes I do grab the wrong mic and use the wrong callsign. But I apologize for it.