Quick Answer
There are 22 GMRS channels available for family use, with 8 of these channels being repeater input channels and 14 being simplex channels.
GMRS Channel Allocation
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. GMRS channels are allocated between 462 MHz and 467 MHz, with channel spacing of 10 kHz. Channel 1 is a repeater input channel, and channel 22 is a repeater output channel.
GMRS Channel Designation
The GMRS channel designation is as follows: channels 1-8 are repeater input channels, channels 9-14 are simplex channels, and channels 15-22 are simplex channels. Channel 16 is a popular channel for simplex communication, while channels 1 and 22 are commonly used for repeater operation. When selecting a GMRS channel, it’s essential to consider the interference potential and ensure that the channel is not already in use by another nearby operator.
GMRS Channel Usage Considerations
When operating on GMRS channels, it’s crucial to follow the FCC rules and regulations. This includes using a call sign and identifying yourself at the beginning and end of each transmission. Additionally, you must keep transmissions brief and avoid interfering with other channels. To minimize congestion and optimize channel usage, it’s recommended to use a digital mode of communication, such as DMR, or to operate on a simplex channel when a repeater is not available.
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