GMRS.io

Listen before you transmit

Before keying up on any channel or repeater, listen for at least 30 seconds to make sure you're not stepping on an ongoing conversation. This is especially important on repeaters where you may not hear both sides of a conversation.

Identify with your callsign

FCC rules require you to identify with your callsign at the beginning and end of each communication, and at least every 15 minutes during longer conversations. Say it using standard phonetics or just the letters — for example, "This is Whiskey X-ray Yankee Zulu One Two Three" or simply "WXYZ123."

Keep transmissions brief

Be concise and leave a pause between transmissions so others can break in if needed. GMRS channels and repeaters are shared resources — long, rambling transmissions tie up the frequency for everyone.

Check repeater access

Not all repeaters are open. Before transmitting on a repeater, check myGMRS.com to see if it's listed as open to all licensed users or if it requires permission from the owner first.

The travel tone: 141.3 Hz

Don't kerchunk

"Kerchunking" means keying up and releasing without saying anything, just to see if you can hit a repeater. Doing this repeatedly is poor etiquette and may annoy other users. If you want to test your radio, identify yourself: "WXYZ123 testing."

Yield to emergency traffic

If you hear an emergency communication on any channel, stop transmitting immediately and keep the frequency clear. Emergency traffic always takes priority over routine conversations.

Getting a GMRS license is straightforward. No test, no classes, no study guides. You apply online through the FCC's Universal Licensing System and typically have your callsign within a few days.

How to apply

1. Create an FCC Registration Number (FRN) at apps.fcc.gov/cores
2. Log in to the FCC ULS and file a new application for GMRS
3. Pay the $35 fee online
4. Receive your callsign (usually within 1-3 business days)

What the license covers

Your GMRS license covers you and your immediate family members: spouse, children, parents, and siblings. They can all operate under your callsign without needing their own license. The license is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

You can look up any GMRS callsign using our license search tool, or search the official FCC License Search for full license details.

GMRS uses 30 channels in the UHF 462/467 MHz band. Channels 1-22 are shared with FRS, while the 8 repeater input channels (15R-22R) are GMRS-only.

Channels 1-7: Interstitial (shared with FRS)

General-purpose channels. FRS radios can use up to 2W; GMRS radios up to 5W.

Channel	Frequency	GMRS Power	FRS Power	Notes
1	462.5625	5W	2W	Shared
2	462.5875	5W	2W	Shared
3	462.6125	5W	2W	Shared
4	462.6375	5W	2W	Shared
5	462.6625	5W	2W	Shared
6	462.6875	5W	2W	Shared
7	462.7125	5W	2W	Shared

Channels 8-14: Low-power interstitial (shared with FRS)

Low-power only. Limited to 0.5W for both FRS and GMRS. Good for close-range, quiet channels.

Channel	Frequency	GMRS Power	FRS Power	Notes
8	467.5625	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
9	467.5875	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
10	467.6125	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
11	467.6375	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
12	467.6625	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
13	467.6875	0.5W	0.5W	Shared
14	467.7125	0.5W	0.5W	Shared

Channels 15-22: Main channels (repeater-capable)

The workhorse channels. GMRS radios can transmit up to 50W and use repeaters. FRS radios are limited to 2W simplex.

Channel	Frequency	GMRS Power	FRS Power	Notes
15	462.5500	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
16	462.5750	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
17	462.6000	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
18	462.6250	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
19	462.6500	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
20	462.6750	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
21	462.7000	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable
22	462.7250	50W	2W	Shared, repeater-capable

Channels 15R-22R: Repeater input (GMRS only)

These are the input frequencies for repeaters, paired with channels 15-22. The standard offset is +5 MHz. These channels are not available to FRS.

Channel	Input Freq	Output Freq	GMRS Power	Notes
15R	467.5500	462.5500	50W	GMRS Only
16R	467.5750	462.5750	50W	GMRS Only
17R	467.6000	462.6000	50W	GMRS Only
18R	467.6250	462.6250	50W	GMRS Only
19R	467.6500	462.6500	50W	GMRS Only
20R	467.6750	462.6750	50W	GMRS Only
21R	467.7000	462.7000	50W	GMRS Only
22R	467.7250	462.7250	50W	GMRS Only

Simplex vs. Repeater

Simplex means radio-to-radio on a single frequency. Both sides transmit and receive on the same channel. This is how most FRS and basic GMRS communications work.

Repeater operation uses two frequencies. You transmit on the input frequency and the repeater rebroadcasts your signal on the output frequency from a high location, greatly extending your range. Only channels 15-22 support repeater operation on GMRS.

A repeater is a radio station, usually on a hilltop, tower, or tall building, that receives your signal on one frequency and simultaneously retransmits it on another. This extends your effective range from a few miles to potentially 50+ miles.

How repeaters work

• Your radio transmits on the input frequency (e.g., 467.6500 MHz for channel 19R)
• The repeater receives your signal and rebroadcasts it on the output frequency (e.g., 462.6500 MHz for channel 19)
• Other radios listen on the output frequency and hear you loud and clear
• The standard GMRS repeater offset is +5 MHz

CTCSS and DCS tones

Most repeaters require a CTCSS tone (a sub-audible tone your radio transmits) or DCS code (a digital code) to activate them. This prevents random signals from triggering the repeater. You'll need to program the correct tone into your radio. Check the repeater listing for the required tone.

Use our CTCSS/DCS cross-reference tool to translate tone codes between different radio brands.

Finding repeaters near you

The best resource for finding GMRS repeaters is myGMRS.com, which maintains a nationwide directory of GMRS repeaters with frequencies, tones, and coverage maps. Many repeaters are open to all licensed GMRS users.

GMRS radios come in two main form factors, and many operators end up owning both.

Handheld radios (HTs)

Portable, battery-powered, and great for hiking, events, or around the house. Typically 2-8 watts. Good starter options:

Mobile / base station radios

Mounted in a vehicle or at home. Higher power (15-50W), external antenna, and much better range. Ideal for road trips, off-roading, or as a base station.

What to look for

• Power output: more watts = more range. Handhelds: 5W+. Mobiles: 20W+.
• Repeater capable: make sure the radio supports the +5 MHz offset for repeater use
• CTCSS/DCS: essential for repeater access. All modern GMRS radios include this.
• Detachable antenna: lets you upgrade to a better antenna later. Avoid radios with fixed antennas if you want flexibility.
• Programming: some radios support USB programming via CHIRP software, making channel setup much easier

Antennas matter

A better antenna often makes more difference than more power. Upgrading from a stock rubber duck to a quality antenna can dramatically improve your range.

Personal use only

GMRS is for personal, not commercial, use. You cannot use it for business operations. See the Etiquette & Best Practices section for more on proper radio conduct.

Range expectations

• Handheld to handheld: 1-3 miles in typical terrain, less in dense urban areas
• Mobile to mobile: 5-15 miles depending on terrain and antenna
• Through a repeater: 20-50+ miles depending on repeater location and your antenna

Terrain is the biggest factor in UHF range. Hills, buildings, and dense foliage all reduce range. Higher elevation and line-of-sight dramatically improve it.

CHIRP is a free, open-source radio programming application that lets you configure your radio's channels, power levels, tones, and other settings from a computer. Instead of navigating menus on a tiny screen, you edit a spreadsheet-like interface and upload the configuration to your radio over USB.

What you need

• CHIRP software: download from chirpmyradio.com. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Programming cable: a USB cable that connects your computer to the radio. Many radios use a proprietary cable, so make sure you get the right one for your model.
• Drivers: some cables require drivers (commonly Prolific or FTDI USB-to-serial drivers). Install these before connecting the cable.

Basic workflow

1. Connect your radio to the computer with the programming cable and turn the radio on
2. Download from radio: always read the current configuration from your radio first. This gives you a baseline and prevents accidentally wiping settings you want to keep.
3. Edit channels: set frequencies, channel names, power levels, CTCSS/DCS tones, and duplex settings in the spreadsheet view
4. Upload to radio: write the updated configuration back to the radio

Programming GMRS channels

For each channel in CHIRP, you'll typically set:

• Frequency: the transmit/receive frequency (see the channel tables above)
• Name: a label like "GMRS 19" or "RPT 19" for easy identification on the radio display
• Tone mode: set to "Tone" for CTCSS or "DTCS" for DCS if the repeater requires it
• Tone value: the specific CTCSS frequency or DCS code. Check our CTCSS/DCS cross-reference for tone codes across different radio brands.
• Duplex: set to "+" or "-" for repeater channels (5 MHz offset on GMRS), or leave blank for simplex
• Offset: 5.000 MHz for GMRS repeater channels
• Power: set the transmit power level (varies by channel, see tables above)

Tips and common mistakes

• Always download first: read from the radio before making changes. This avoids overwriting settings you didn't intend to change.
• Save your file: CHIRP can save your channel configuration as a .csv or .img file. Keep a backup so you can restore it later or clone the setup to another radio.
• Correct COM port: if CHIRP can't find your radio, make sure you've selected the right COM port (Windows) or /dev/ttyUSB device (Linux/Mac). Try unplugging and reconnecting the cable.
• Radio in programming mode: some radios need to be in a specific mode or menu to accept programming. Check your radio's manual.
• Duplex direction: for GMRS repeaters, set duplex to "+" with a 5 MHz offset. Getting this wrong means your radio transmits on the output frequency instead of the input, and the repeater won't hear you.

Radios with dedicated software

Some radios have their own manufacturer programming software in addition to CHIRP support. For example, the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus comes with Wouxun's own software that can access advanced settings not available in CHIRP. If your radio has dedicated software, it's worth trying both to see which gives you more control. The manufacturer's software sometimes exposes model-specific features like power-on messages, display colors, or firmware updates that CHIRP can't change.