Looking To Get A GMRS Or HAM Radio, Or A Single Radio That Can Do Both

[ControlNode]

Legally, or within allowances of the FCC, you will not find any current radio that can transmit on both. GMRS requires a type certified radio and part of that cert is that it can only transmit on GMRS. And transmitting into the GMRS/FRS frequencies on a non-type certed device is also no allowed. Are there ways of "jailbreaking" a GMRS radio to work outside of those channels, yes. It's really a gray area, if you don't go pushing crazy power or using features not allowed on GMRS odds are noone cares, until someone does. I just use GMRS, one license and my whole house can use it and radios can talk with non-license holders on their FRS radios. I will say while there is currently a lack of enforcement, lack of enforcement does not mean it's legal/allowed.

I got the Wouxun KG-1000G in the truck and like that it can monitor other channels, including local EMS/Fire/airports, law enforcement went digital here. I have a couple of Baofeng UV-5G radios as well, use CHIRP to program them, the KG has it's own software as well. I also have a DM-1701 that is more of a HAM radio, but I use it to monitor and to also use at race track where I work races when the comm staff approve me to use my own radio instead of the ones they issue.

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[Dr. Zaius]

Legally, or within allowances of the FCC, you will not find any current radio that can transmit on both. GMRS requires a type certified radio and part of that cert is that it can only transmit on GMRS. And transmitting into the GMRS/FRS frequencies on a non-type certed device is also no allowed. Are there ways of "jailbreaking" a GMRS radio to work outside of those channels, yes. It's really a gray area, if you don't go pushing crazy power or using features not allowed on GMRS odds are noone cares, until someone does. I just use GMRS, one license and my whole house can use it and radios can talk with non-license holders on their FRS radios. I will say while there is currently a lack of enforcement, lack of enforcement does not mean it's legal/allowed.

I got the Wouxun KG-1000G in the truck and like that it can monitor other channels, including local EMS/Fire/airports, law enforcement went digital here. I have a couple of Baofeng UV-5G radios as well, use CHIRP to program them, the KG has it's own software as well. I also have a DM-1701 that is more of a HAM radio, but I use it to monitor and to also use at race track where I work races when the comm staff approve me to use my own radio instead of the ones they issue.

Is there a GMRS that can be programmed to only MONITOR the HAM frequencies?

Then I could listen in and see if it was something I wanted to expand into.

 

[canyonslicker]

May I suggest a Baofeng ham radio? They’re very inexpensive. You don’t need a license to listen. They’re about 50 bucks new on Amazon. License needed if you transmit and without a call sign most operators won’t respond or converse with you.

 

[canyonslicker]

I think they can also listen to gmrs but not transmit to them.

 

[Frenchy]

May I suggest a Baofeng ham radio? They’re very inexpensive. You don’t need a license to listen. They’re about 50 bucks new on Amazon. License needed if you transmit and without a call sign most operators won’t respond or converse with you.

Interesting. One would think that having one on would technically be considered "operating" and therefore requiring a license.

 

[canyonslicker]

Nope, otherwise you would need a license to purchase. Unless transmitting then who would know or care. Technically anyone can transmit in the case of a bonafide emergency. Like if the licensee became incapacitated just as an example, life saving is the utmost concern. It’s in the regulations. The government actually makes sense sometimes.

 

[canyonslicker]

Also it’s like sitting in an idling vehicle. You’re not technically operating until you try to drive.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I think they can also listen to gmrs but not transmit to them.

If you can tune to frequencies like xxx.xxx, you should be able to listen. You’ll also need an antenna that can receive house frequencies. (A small antenna like a 2m/70cm can get most frequencies in that range).

 

[ppfd]

I've got my general level ham license. I had all these grand plans and ideas of getting into ham, doing various. I bought thousands in HF gear. It has sat still new in the box since I bought.
I pretty much have zero interest in it now.
I belong to a club and don't mind doing club things. We cover races around a few counties, field day is a nice get together but that's my extent to ham anymore.

I'd look at GMRS and get a tech license. I used the Gordon West books and a couple of free online test banks. I pretty much memorized the tests.

Look on amazon for dual band (VHF/UHF) mobile radios. Go off the reviews. Radio oddity has some decent stuff and good prices.
No need to spend Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood or Alinco prices if you're just getting into it and just want a truck radio.

 

[ControlNode]

Is there a GMRS that can be programmed to only MONITOR the HAM frequencies?

Then I could listen in and see if it was something I wanted to expand into.

The mentioned KG-1000G and UV-5G handhelds all can monitor HAM.

 

[ControlNode]

I think they can also listen to gmrs but not transmit to them.

Partly correct. You could use an FRS radio to transmit to a GMRS radio user, but you can push as much power, and you can't get into the repeaters.

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