ACARTS GMRS

The Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society (ACARTS) is excited to offer a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) repeater for licensed users in our area! This repeater expands your communication range and provides a reliable way to connect with family, friends, and the local GMRS community. We encourage you to get licensed and join us on the air!”

GMRS: A Stepping Stone to Ham Radio!

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) offers a fantastic introduction to two-way radio communication and the world of radio frequencies. While a GMRS license requires a fee and covers your immediate family, it operates on specific channels with certain power limitations.

Many GMRS users find their interest in radio communication expanding, leading them to explore the broader and more technically diverse realm of Amateur Radio (Ham Radio). Ham radio offers access to a wider range of frequencies, modes of operation, and the opportunity for experimentation and global communication.

Getting Started with the ACARTS GMRS Repeater:

To use the ACARTS GMRS repeater, you’ll need a GMRS radio and a valid FCC license. Once you have your license, programming your radio is straightforward. Here’s the information you’ll need:

To connect to the ACARTS GMRS repeater on Channel 20, here’s how to program your radio:

  1. Select GMRS Channel 20 on your radio. Most GMRS radios have pre-programmed channels.
  2. Set the Transmit PL Tone: Program your radio to transmit with a PL (Private Line) tone of 141.3 Hz.
  3. Set the Receive PL Tone (optional): Program your radio to receive with a PL (Private Line) tone of 141.3 Hz.

For those who want to understand the technical details, the standard GMRS repeater Channel 20 operates on these frequencies:

  • Receive Frequency (Repeater Output): Your radio will receive on 462.675 MHz.
  • Transmit Frequency (Repeater Input): Your radio will transmit on 467.675 MHz.

Most GMRS radios that support repeaters will automatically handle this +5 MHz offset when you select repeater operation for Channel 20. You typically only need to ensure the correct PL Tone of 141.3 Hz is programmed.

Important Note: Radios Without Repeater Capability or PL Tones

Please be aware that some basic GMRS radios, often handheld models sold in blister packs, do not support repeater operation (transmit frequency offset) or the programming of CTCSS/PL tones. These radios are designed for simplex (radio-to-radio) communication on the shared GMRS frequencies and will not be able to access or utilize the ACARTS repeater. To use our repeater, you will need a GMRS radio that specifically lists support for repeater operation and the ability to program transmit and receive PL tones.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Get Your GMRS License!

To legally operate on the ACARTS GMRS repeater, you must hold a valid GMRS license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Obtaining a GMRS license is a straightforward online process. Visit the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) website to apply:

  1. Get your FCC Registration Number (FRN) – https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
  2. Then apply for your GMRS license – https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

Videos Tutorials for registering your FRN and GMRS License https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fcc-registration-system-cores/commission-registration-system-video-tutorials

We encourage all our GMRS repeater users to become familiar with the FCC rules and regulations governing GMRS operation. Visit the FCC GMRS page.

We hope you enjoy using the ACARTS GMRS repeater! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our club or come to our next club meeting.