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Thread: GMRS call sign announcement rules.

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    Default GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    They appear virtually the same as ham requirements.

    § 95.1751 GMRS stationidentification.
    Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification.
    (a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted:
    (1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and,
    (2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.
    (b) The call sign must be transmitted using voice in the English language or international Morse code telegraphy using an audible tone.


    https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text...015%20minutes.
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    Trevor? (April 27th, 2022)

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    What complicates GMRS as opposed to amateur radio is that the frequencies are shared with the FRS "licence by rule" service which has no requirement for station ID. You can't really tell if the person making the transmission is FRS or GMRS, so how could GMRS station ID rules ever be enforceable? With amateur radio, there is a clearer line and a lot more community reporting and enforcement.

    The one exception would be GMRS repeaters.... If one is not IDing on a repeater you might get reported. I think the folks who operate GMRS repeaters could be savy enough to figure out where you are.

    Also, for some folks who are new to this, your GMRS (and Ham) callsign is publicly searchable on the FCC website and returns your name and address. If you're the type who would prefer not to post that info on an internet for whatever reason then I would recommend you only share your callsigns in DMs or in the members-only sections of this site.

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    I wondered about announcing callsign on FRS/GMRS for this same reason Trevor. I assume the requirement is only on GMRS channels and not shared FRS/GMRS channels, but you still have the confusing situation of radios permitted (at least previously) without a GMRS license on both bands, such the ones I use.

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    They are all shared channels pretty much now, except for the GMRS repeater input frequencies. That wasn't the case back before the 2017 (I think) rule change but the period with all those GMRS/FRS combined radios really let the genie out of the bottle with regard to keeping the frequencies separated and I suspect the current rules are really just the best compromise the FCC and industry groups could work out. There are the differences between bandwidth limits between the two services but you see a lot of GMRS radios still use the lower bandwidth of FRS anyway (most of the micromobile products).

    The rules say you should ID, so you should. But I guess what I am trying to convey is that practically speaking if you mess up a little and don't stick to the ID rules 100% on simplex it is very very unlikely anyone is going to come looking for you. I would say though that if you plan to use GMRS repeaters that community seems to really value proper IDing and proper etiquette so making an effort would be a good idea. From what I have listened to so far it can be mostly ham-like in that if you mess up a little someone will more likely try to help you out instead of scold or report you... but like with anything there are a few curmudgeons out there.

    If you ever feel inclined to peruse through the FCC's enforcement records you'll find that the only individual operators that get caught and fined tend to be repeatably and maliciously breaking the rules in an extreme way. Jamming, harassing people, broadcasting, too much power, etc. If you are reasonable and courteous you should be fine.

  6. The Following 2 Members Say Thanks to Trevor? For This Post:

    Jim (April 27th, 2022),Tom (April 27th, 2022)

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    I think non-announcing ID, where it legally should be, would also fall under the well flaunted FAA sub-part 103 Ultralight rules (254 pounds max weight, 5 gallons of fuel max, level flight max speed). I'd think flying an "illegal" vehicle would have greater concern with authorities than not announcing call sign - but after years in the ultralight world - "fat" ultralights were extremely common - and there was no (that I encountered) government involvement.

    Bottom line: Play nice (don't attract attention) and all is well.


    EDIT: I'll jump in after reading Trevor's new post - the repeater using community is likely the exception.

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    TDash (April 27th, 2022),Tom (April 27th, 2022),Trevor? (April 27th, 2022)

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    That's a great analogy.

    I just hope no one out there feels too intimidated about the rules to give GMRS a try. Anyone who makes a minimal effort and plays nice should be fine and there is some practical elasticity to allow people the opportunity to learn.

    I am of the opinion that licencing is important as it give GMRS some record of usage... reducing the likelihood the FCC would ever consider selling off this portion of the spectrum or making any new unpopular rule changes. I think it's evolved into a really cool service where you can pass a FRS handheld to a friend but still use a mobile with more reach and features if you feel so inclined.

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    I agree. Try to play nice.

    I have listened on ham repeaters and have encountered licensed hams only iding every 1/2 to 3/4 hr when they are having 1-1 conversations.
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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    Not advocating to skirt the rules - but this vid popped up and I thought I'd toss it over:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3blsD98-ho


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    Mad Maxx (May 13th, 2022)

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    One of the more egregious examples of an individual operator attracting the attention of the FCC is that of Kevin Bondy.
    https://transition.fcc.gov/eb/FieldN...-290813A1.html
    https://www.fcc.gov/document/24k-for...st-kevin-bondy

    You tend to see more folks than one might expect getting caught broadcasting on FM radio frequencies. Here's an example in CO:
    https://transition.fcc.gov/eb/Orders...-349300A1.html
    Im guessing this is some kind of over-powered version of a part 15 transmitter.

    In both examples here the FCC says they employed direction finding technques. There also seems to be a high bar to get the attention of the enforcement division.

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    Mad Maxx (May 13th, 2022)

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    Default Re: GMRS call sign announcement rules.



    Here's another example of the kind of caliber of a-hole one has to aspire to in order to get fined by the FCC:
    https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/lo.../501-578047146

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