GMRS radio #4, to ham or not to ham?

to answer a subscriber question, we delve into the advantages and disadvantages of amateur (ham) radio vs unlicensed radio bands like GMRS, FRS, MURS, and CB.
in short, the unlicensed bands are plenty of fun and can do pretty well in a pinch. But if you want more reliable emergency communication or a deeper dive into the radio world then get a ham license.
but the devil is in the details, do pleasecwatch to the end.
KA0KAO

[@Archtops]

I’ve learned more watching two of your videos than I knew before and truly appreciate your efforts. Clear!

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Wow, thanks!! 🤠

[@roc8534]

I just started with my son we both have a TIDRADIO TD-H8 And learning , you sir Explain things so we can understand them. Thank you give up the good works

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks for the kind words! I hope you both have many happy years of radio together.

[@kevintfrigon]

As a young chap i appreciate these videos. I have always been interested in radio so i recently placed and order for a couple tri bands just to check it out. Gg, wp.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@kevintfrigon good on ya! Enjoy those radios!! 🤠

[@kevintfrigon]

@kobblekraftka0kao29 very excited for sure, can't wait

[@xray9alpha]

Great video! Like you said - It's all about the frequencies and their propagation characteristics. I love my 5G cell phone and internet-linked GMRS/ham repeaters. However, for emergency backup communications, the less infrastructure required to function, the better. Amateur radio/ham frequency allocations enable NVIS (0-400 miles) and long range (100s-1000s miles) direct comms between operators without repeaters or any infrastructure.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Zactly!! I'd love to do a vid just on NVIS.

[@jackshaw9637]

I have talked worldwide regularly on 11 meters. AM 11 meter for distance. GMRS FM for line of sight. GMRS FM + repeaters for distance. No repeaters...VHF & UHF suffer. Right tool for the job. Have fun!!

[@user-rf5gz7cn1w]

I kinda did it backwards by getting my Ham license first. But my father-in-law, now a silent key, was into the hobby back when you needed to know CW to get your license. A little easier when there was an Elmer in the family. But now, wanting to add to my communication ability, I just got my GMRS license. I hope I find contacts, but if not, another tool in my tool box. It’s just so tough to beat everything Ham radio has to offer these days with contest, POTA and more. I thought you explained it all very well though. I enjoyed the video.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Awesome stuff, thanks for watching!

[@ericgulseth74]

I lived in Anamosa for a couple years. Definitely one of the most underrated places in the country for natural beauty. Part of the problem with GMRS is the lack of infrastructure. If there were more repeaters, I'm sure more people would use it. HT to HT is hard with small antennas. That being said, I'm glad I got my Ham license. So much more to be explored there if you want to.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Agreed! There are more and more GMRS repeaters coming online every day, even in Iowa. Check out Www.mygmrs.com

[@bulldogbrower6732]

MURS operators may use removable antennas, just like GMRS.

[@flierbill]

Okay, I applied for my GMRS license. although I bought a cheap Ham Radio, Should I buy a GMRS radio ? Thank you for talking in normal English!

[@madride858585]

I think as long as you don’t use over 5 watts and use GMRS frequencies you will be fine. Or you can get a cheap GMRS UV-5R. But I’m no expert.

[@Adamdaj]

MURS is allowed to have removeable antennas. I don't where get your information from. Now FRS on the other hand, is strictly forbidden to have removeable antennas.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks, i was just speaking off the cuff re MURS, alerting folks to the fact there are rules, though i wasn't sure what they were.

[@squallywally]

I thought GMRS is a licensed radio service

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Yes, i should be more clear. By unlicenced i'm really just grouping together several FCC designated frequency bands that DO NOT require testing to be licensed. GMRS and CB both technically require the purchase of a license, FRS and MURS are truly unlicenced. All of these stand in contrast to a wide variety of ham frequency bands which require various levels of testing, some being quite extensive. Thanks for asking. 🤠