I have a total newbie question…
I understand that a family can share one GMRS license. I’ve also read that GMRS stations must identify themselves. How does this work in practice? It seems impractical to have a conversation between family like, “WXX123 son this is WXX123 dad, are you ready to meet up for lunch?” If my family were to use a CTCSS or DCS code on a given frequency so we’re only hearing each other then could we ignore the call sign formality and chat freely?
I ask because I’m exploring the idea of using GMRS radios while skiing. My family has used FRS radios and they’re usually okay, but when we get spread out across the mountain there are times we could use the extra transmit power.
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The general rule is identification every 15 minutes or at the end of an exchange. Only one person in the exchange has to identify, if they’re all on the same license.
Your family can use them use them just like they do FRS units. Within your conversation, use normal names, “unit numbers”, or nothing at all as you will, then you just have to throw in station identification once in a while…
Similar boat here. I got a handful of cheap Baofeng units and I’m pretty happy with them. Set channel and DCS code and enabled lock and not a peep out of them except for us. Crystal clear at least at the extent I’ve tested.
Anyways, I think no one cares about your call sign. Any serious use will be on a different frequency. If you go on GMRS you can expect 6 year olds keying up to say they just pooped. People will probably get crabby if you just open mic or vox constantly.
In the ham radio world you must also identify yourself. A good rule is to do so about every 10 minutes although some don’t. Hams are rarely prosecuted for not identifying in a timely manner and I would assume the rules are even more relaxed for GRMS, considering they are store bought radios with decent filters (vs ham radios which can be built and can cause all sorts of interference if not properly filtered).
