Changes

GMRS

1,735 bytes added, 22:50, 20 July 2015
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=== GMRS Repeater ====GMRS range is line of sight.  A GMRS repeater with an antenna that is high above the surrounding terrain can extend the usable range over a wide area up to 20 miles or more.  The GMRS-only channels are defined in pairs, with one frequency in the 462 MHz range for simplex and repeater outputs, and another frequency 5 MHz higher for repeater inputs. To build a repeater use a quality bandpass with reject type UHF duplexor.  With a license a GMRS user can transmit up to 50-watts of power.  Build the repeater to transmit at full power, 50-watts.  === FCC Considering GMRS Rule Changes ===The FCC is seeking comment on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making in regards to GMRS, whether to do away with the license requirement or possible close down GMRS altogether.  Considerations in the NPRM:*Eliminate GMRS licensing (aka “license by rule”), similar to the FRS and CB spectrum, or extend licensing term from five to ten years.*Relax eligibility requirements. Under the current GMRS licensing regulations, only those aged 18 years or older are eligible to apply for a GMRS license. According to the FCC, if licensing is eliminated, it will be very similar to the FRS service, which has no such age restriction, so they don’t find a reason to continue the age eligibility requirement.*Move to narrowband 12.5 kHz spacing. Currently GMRS uses 25 kHz spacing.*Decrease GMRS handheld radio output power from 5 to 2 watts.*Eliminate the use of repeaters in the GMRS service.What does the future of GMRS hold?  It is difficult to say.  If the FCC takes GMRS away completely, then it will become illegal to use any of the FRS/GMRS combo radios.  Repeater owners will have to turn off their repeaters.
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