GMRS Radios for Newbies: How to Work Your New Radio

[@dmolmsted]

Very good information that I have been looking for quite some time. Thank you

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathyendicott9114]

I REALLY appreciate the fact that you're willing to teach us "newbies." When the camera is on the radios you are a natural teacher. I can follow what you teach easily because you are relaxed and talking normal. Relax and be yourself when you're in front of the camera. You've got this!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Very kind. Cheers.

[@jndassaro]

Just want to say thank you for taking the time to make this video. You did a great job.

[@AskIveSolar]

Greetings Sir!! I've always wanted gmrs radios and I'm not looking to purchase my first pair and I REALLY appreciate that you seem to be keeping up with the radios that are coming out and talking about them. There are so many variants and options that it's refreshing. I subscribed and will be checking out a few other videos. I'm leaning towards the boafeng 15 pro for my wife because it's more walkie talkie looking than most. And I still have to decide which one I'll grab. Thinking about the uv 5g plus I think. Anywho, thanks again for the content from one KZbinr to another!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Both are good budget class GMRS radios. Have fun.

[@PhilipBlank]

Great help sir! Listened through and it was very informative and clear. Thanks for sharing!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stevenemert837]

CTCSS and DCS codes.. the very first time I used someone else's GMRS radio, he called them "sub-channels". He was using Motorola GMRS radios which, like Midland radios, assign a one- to two-digit number sequentially to the tones, so it may be that's what Motorola calls them, or perhaps just what the people he was communicating with called them.

[@sombojoe]

Since I haven’t bought one yet, I definitely am the “novice” you’re talking about! :)

[@GadgetTalk4U]

We all started there at some point. Cheers.

[@BigInjun05]

Same

[@donl5158]

Thanks for the common sense newbie type approach

[@skiwillgee]

I purchased the Tidradio because I need more range than available with .5w family channel units. After watching this video hoping to understand all the features and menu items I am still very confused. Perhaps this is not truly for a "for newbies" video. Example: your explaining wide band vs narrow band just added to confusion on my part.

[@mikel9567]

All frequencies have a Bandwidth. In simple terms if a frequency band was a visible light beam, Wide band would be a flood light and Narrow band would be a spotlight. Generally it isn't real important in most cases but it can have an affect on range and data transmitted. Your GMRS radio will come from the factory with settings optimized for best use, so you won't have to worry about bandwidth. As you get more familiar and build your understanding, then you can start playing around with the settings. Ham radio, if you choose to get into it, is where bandwidth becomes more important.

[@PalmettoNDN]

⁠thank you

[@one_eyed_pete2462]

What is the real world range on something like the Tidradio TD-H3 without using a repeater? Not in the city but semi rural area with average natural and manmade structures.

[@kevinlopota3626]

I'm about 30 miles from my closet repeater and with a $8 dollar abbbree orange 771 gmrs antenna and my H3 i can get " full quiet " meaning a static free transmission and it'll receive just as well but that's outside. inside my house I only listen with it and planning on a mobile unit as a base station for indoor use.

[@oxidize99]

Great video. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.

[@RKingis]

You should check out the Midland GXT67! It just released, and it's a great basic GMRS repeater capable handheld.

[@sammeme7452]

Great video! Thx!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@nickkline2584]

What are the 8 preset repeater channels on my uv 5g pro. After I get to channel 22 the next channels are reptr 1-8? I put both of my radios on those channels and nothing came through either radio while trying to talk with the other radio close by so I’m assuming they aren’t actual channels you can talk on.? Sorry I’m new to this and just recently got my GMRS license

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Repeaters are a frequent stumbling block for new folks. Take a look at my GMRS repeater video. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4GkgaKFjrKpf6ssi=nrmuMUSdgLmLWkt9

[@Joe-s3b4d]

Great video thank you.

[@blade75964]

I filled out my gmrs license, been 7 days and I still have not heard anything back from them yet. Why is it taking so long. Been checking my email, but not getting anything yet. I want to get my gmrs license, but still waiting to get the forms to pay for it.

[@JoseArrom]

I think you pay it online. You probably applied for a FCC FRN number.

[@KaL_Terow]

I called the FCC, a real nice lady assisted me and about 2-3 days later, I received their email blessing my request and granting me the license. Contact them!

[@johnc3225]

Just purchased 2 Baofeng GMRS 9R. I’m clueless how to operate this thing! Will your book be informative to guide me through the button functions and settings? I’ve just wasted money on 2 other books that were useless! And the included manual is terrible!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Most of these radios work the same. I'd use some KZbin tutorials, even on other Baofeng radios. My book isn't radio specific. Good background but not button presses.

[@johnc3225]

@@GadgetTalk4U thanks so much I appreciate your advice.

[@Bulcano747]

Hello thank you for the video I just purchased the retrevis rt86 do i need a gmrs license?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@Bulcano747 To operate legally, yes.

[@Sonicgott]

Thank you for clarifying CTCSS and DCS for actually NOT being “privacy” functions. I hate it when marketers refer to these things as “privacy tones.” Such baloney.

[@TWX1138]

Ended up also getting my GMRS license this past year, got it because we have enough times where the family are caravaning somewhere and we needed communications that work away from cellular service. I got the license because unlike my amateur license, my family can operate without individual licensing. Unfortunately the particular radios I bought, despite having memory channels, one can't program tones and other features for simplex communications that are stored separately from the original simplex memory slots. This seems to be because the radio is basically a ham radio that has been software-locked so that it's operating in the GMRS band. Unfortunately they've locked it down in an annoying way. The pair I bought are Tidradio TD-H5 if memory serves. It looks like it's the same unit as the QRZ Explorer ham radio with mildly different firmware. Wish I could change it to make it work as I expect even if it can only TX in memory mode rather than VFO mode.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Lots of GMRS radios are ham radios with different firmware. I looked at the H5 and they should do what you mention. I almost always use the customer programming software - it's just so much easier. The Amazon page says they kit comes with a programming cable so you may have one already. Some radios only allow DIY channels in the first 24 or so channels beyond channel 30. Try one of those. Channel 35 might work while channel 75 won't. I did a video on using a CPS to program GMRS radios. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGSXmHSXepJrl5Ysi=E6mWoX1ilUQaxYM9 Here's the link to the CPS walkietalkiesoftware.com/portal/index/software_detail/id/42.html

[@715fishman]

Nice video. Thanks for posting!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertstolz2272]

Do I need a license for every GMRS RADIO I own? I currently have 4 radios

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The license is for you, the operator, and your family, not the devices. Have fun with your radios!

[@carolparker2868]

THANK YOU!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers

[@dkburruss]

We just turned on our new beofeng UV 5G. We hear a group on gmrs19 channel but we cannot a transmit to them?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

They are likely on a repeater on channel 19 R. Use myGMRS.com to find that repeater, see if it is open or members only, and program in its CTCSS or DCS codes.

[@NWcpl]

I'm very new to this. just got my 5G plus (just like one you have on the far right at the beginning of your video) and I'm just trying to figure out how to sync/connect the channels to just use them as radios.?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You should be able to simply select a channel and talk. Some models come with CTCSSS or DCS codes preprogrammed. That's a pain. Look at the radio's display and see if there is an icon for either of those two things showing. (Check the instructions for what they look like.) Either way, just work through the channels and check menu items 10 trhough 14. Set each menu item to off for each channel. That is the most likely issue. If you have a programming cable and the free downloadable CPS. do the same thing. I find the CPS is a bit faster. If you're new to CPS's just go through the menus for each channel. Good luck.

[@NWcpl]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thank you. 🙂

[@shaunteckno]

Hello there. Awesome video! I’m just beginning in GMRS radio, and this is helpful. I’m very glad to hear that the radios talk, as I am blind, and cannot see the radio screens. However, I’m noticing that they don’t speak the menus fully. Do you know of a radio that transmits and receives with plenty of watts, but is, able to speak all of the menus? Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Voice announcements for the menus is pretty rare in budget class radios. I checked a couple of brands I own both budget and more expensive, and found most had no voice for menus, although a couple would announce the menu name, they didn't announce the menu choices in that item, as you mentioned. Not much help. Sorry.

[@shaunteckno]

@@GadgetTalk4U thank you for looking. Which radios announced the menu names? If it’s something like Vox that I’m selecting, it might be pretty easy to tell what I’m clicking on, based on how many vox options there were. Thanks for any assistance. Would you be willing to do a video on the voice prompts for the radios that announce the menu titles? Thanks.

[@markallen9824]

Thank you for your video! Great stuff! Could you recommend a GMRS two-way mobile radio that can also scan/monitor US Forest Service channels (169 mhz)?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@markallen9824 In the budget category, either the new GM-30 Plus with GPS or the Baofeng UV-5G Plus. Amazon links: amzn.to/3YejPIm amzn.to/400pH9h or try my discount code at Radioddty.com. radioddity.refr.cc/jmohan351 Prime Day deals on both sites have good prices. GM 30 Plus dual pack is a good value.

[@MrLipperRipperBassman]

​@@GadgetTalk4U do you find the added GPS feature in the GM-30 to be handy? Trying to narrow these two recommended units down and that feature seems interesting but I don't know fully how effective and useful it is.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@JPWNC For many folks, the GPS is just a cool thing to talk about. Unless you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors hiking or hunting, where being able to see where others in your group are, this function is already in your phone. Ham guys use GPS for APRS, so the answer there would be different.

[@markallen9824]

@@MrLipperRipperBassman I went with the GM-21 BaoFeng. I have a garmin inreach, so I don't need GPS on the radios.

[@jerryberkel8421]

If I connect to a repeater close to me and my friend is on a repeater say 500 miles away, would we be able to communicate because we are going through repeaters?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Not normally. Some GMRS repeaters are networked together, providing longer range. Some question whether this is legit. Myself, I don't know. What you're trying to do is very easy with a ham license.

[@officalthedollmakergamerea7175]

Please help clorgo BT8000 find software for two ways radio download

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I ordered one based on this question. It hasn't come in yet.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I got the radio and asked the seller for the CPS though the function on AliExpress. They provided a link within a day. Here is the link they sent. It's basic but functional. I was able to program in several frequencies and set the menu functions. Save after typing in all your changes. I had the program crash but was able to load the new channels since I'd saved them. Here's the link: 1drv.ms/u/c/1caa9be258084525/ER62epLNttlBiIH5-WIi9sIBG3EtlASkD-cuc0f-ei0VhQ?e=QPd8pB

[@richardprather2900]

Hi, I'm an old time CB user from back in the 70's (funny, I still remember my old Lic NO#), I still have CB's, but I've been hearing the Jeep people talk about GMRS... is there a use/talking etiquette when talking??

[@GadgetTalk4U]

It's pretty casual. Be polite. When with a group, like overlanders, follow their lead.

[@josemanuel2244]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@bthemedia]

Setup for repeaters is generally the main challenge.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yes. Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4GkgaKFjrKpf6ssi=tqqCU3ytSFfKqyiq

[@jackielay6134]

All Gmrs Radio are pretty much same. I used gmrs sing 2019 I'm WRDK954 now I'm learning Ham radio system. Not easy for me. 😢😢😢

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@jackielay6134 Good for you. Adding tools to the tool box is good. I know you didn't ask for advice, but a couple of suggestions. Dave Casler has up to date videos for each class on the ARRL web learning site and on his own site, too. I found them very helpful. Also, the test practice sites like Ham Study .com really help. As I remember, both are free.

[@stephanieandjared390]

So is gmrs really only for people in the same group? or is there channels we can monitor like ham? I bought the baofeng ar-5rm, i believe its mainly ham, but also does gmrs. I got my license for gmrs, but it seems its just really like a walkie talkie license? Im very new to this, if someone could explain to me the basic concept of gmrs and its uses, i would greatly appreciate it. Also if there is any frequencies anyone would reccomend for listening, both ham or gmrs, in the new england (new hamshire) area, that would be awesome. Thanks everyone 👍

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Take a look at this video. I think it will 1:14 address several of your questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoS4mYGhhq2oas0si=n7hLpEYCuMyRc7Q7

[@coachrobwille4176]

How come in Canada we don’t need a licence ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@coachrobwille4176 As I understand it what is referred to as GMRS in Canada is the equivalent of FRS in the US. 2 watt power limit. Check with local knowledgeable folks

[@retireglenat75]

Per Google…GMRS in Canada is restricted to 2W and without repeaters. So range is very limited so no license is needed.

[@TheMeshenger]

Because all the truckers quit, and well, truckers were really the only people using radio

[@Jcounts]

Second

[@turdferguson2863]

First

[@steveward5917]

I guess I should just scroll on to another video since you didn't really cover much on the green one witch is the one we purchased , thanks anyways.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

This was an overview video. Here is the full review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH-xZIGEarONipI

[@ia2341]

I loathe with a passion people who waffle. Just get into it.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The wonderful thing about KZbin is you can find someone whose style is to your liking. Keep searching.

[@Koo-g4s]

I appreciate your help but your talking to novices and we dont even know what things like VFO means let along many of the other three letter "words" you mention. So this really isnt for a novice

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The term novice has a pretty broad meaning. Most would say it means someone who is new to or inexperieced in a task. That could, but does not necessarily, mean completely ignorant of the particular task. I have to make an assumption on the level of "newness" viewers will have. Defining every term would make the videos impossibly long. Sorry that a couple of terms were unfamiliar. One of the things I like about my Kindle e-reader is that when I come across a word I don't know, I can just tap on it and a dictionary entry pops up giving me the meaning. Unfortuantely, that doesn't work on KZbin. Thanks for reminding me to KISS. Cheers.

[@MrBubinski777]

Can you program them to communicate with citizen band (CB) radio ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@MrBubinski777 No. Different frequency band.

[@ddbb6721]

Please get to the point asap

[@butchwilliams825]

This guy is a delight compared to "Not a Rubicon"!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

@@butchwilliams825 yeah you mean the guy that thinks he’s a comedian.