Nauvoo Emergency Communications Network

Quick Start Guide to GMRS/FRS Radio For Beginners

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) radios are some of the most versatile and powerful communications tools we can use for communicating in places where cell phones aren’t an option. Whether they’re used for keeping a family connected while hiking and exploring the back-country or simply as a backup to have on hand when the cellular networks fail, these radios are now affordable enough that everyone can have access to one if needed.

The abbreviations “GMRS” and “FRS” can cause some confusion to people who are new to radio. To avoid confusion, the FCC says that any radio with more than 2 watts of power is a GMRS radio. And any radio with 2 watts or less is an FRS radio.

Is GMRS right for you

Not everyone needs a GMRS radio. For some, license-free FRS radios, which can have a range from 1/2 mile to 3 miles, are a good alternative. These inexpensive low-power radios are great for outdoor activities and in the event of an emergency when you need to communicate over a small area. If you need more range, then GMRS radios are a better option to communicate over a large area.

Get your GMRS license

You’ll need an FCC license to use a GMRS radio. FRS radios are license-free. The FCC recently lowered the cost to $35 for a ten-year GMRS license which covers the whole family (including grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, and uncles). The primary license holder must be 18 years old and minors may operate under their authorization, with the adult license holder ultimately being responsible for compliance with the rules of operation. Your GMRS license comes with a unique call sign that you will use to identify yourself when you transmit on your radio. GMRS call signs look like this: 'WABC123".

Features and operations

Whether it’s a GMRS or an FRS radio, there are some features that all these radios have in common:

PTT (Push to Talk) switch - A radio isn’t like your cell phone. You must push a button to talk, then release to listen. Make sure everyone in the family gets the hang of this important step.

Volume Control – If your radio’s volume is turned down you won’t hear incoming calls. Learn what setting works best, then always set your radio to the same volume after turning it on.

Channel Selector – GMRS and FRS radios share 22 main channels. Repeater-capable GMRS radios will have an additional 8 channels. Our primary channel is 22 (channel 30 for repeater users).

Orientation - Radio signals are best received and transmitted when held with the antenna as vertical as possible. Hold your radio vertical, a couple inches from your mouth, push and hold the PTT button, wait 1 second, then talk. When you're finished talking, release the PTT button. It's also better to talk across the front of the radio rather than directly into it.

Privacy codes

When you get your new radio, you’ll most likely need to change some of the factory settings. Some handhelds, like the Retevis RB27, are shipped preset with “privacy codes” that keep you from hearing any radios except other RB27's. We recommend removing all such codes to make sure you can hear and talk to anyone during an emergency. We will help you with this task, if needed.

Programming your radio

We offer programming services for all our members. Send us an email at nauvooradio@gmail.com and we will arrange to have it programmed for you. Programming will automatically set up your channels, remove privacy codes, and more.

Listen first, then talk

Before you ever push the PTT button, it’s best to listen to other GMRS users talking in your area. Our monthly practice sessions are held for this very purpose. Many channels are shared with license-free FRS radios, and others are even used legally by local businesses, but you can usually tell which users are GMRS operators, either by the better sound quality or by their use of call signs.

Making your first call

If you want to call a friend whose GMRS call sign is WXYZ456, you would say their call sign first, followed by yours. For example: “WXYZ456 this is WABC123. Joe, are you available?”. 

If you aren’t calling anyone specifically and just want a signal report for example, you might say “WABC123 looking for a signal report on channel 22” or if you simply want to talk to anyone, you could say “WABC123 monitoring channel 22”. The FCC doesn’t specify any exact way to phrase a call. You are only required to give your call sign at the end of your conversation, and at least every 15 minutes during a long conversation.

Remember that if your radio is 2 watts or less (FRS), then you are not required to be licensed so you will not have a call sign. You can simply use your name instead.

For emergency communications, please avoid using slang, CB lingo, 10 codes, Q codes, etc. Not everyone is familiar with these terms and using them can cause confusion and delays.

Just remember to always be courteous. Be aware that radio transmissions are never private and that anyone could be listening to your conversation. Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help. 

Glossary of frequently used radio terms

Net - An acceptable abbreviation for 'network'. Think of it as another word for a radio conference call.

Traffic - Verbal communication on the radio is called traffic. If you have something to say, you have 'traffic'.

Station - Every person using a radio is their own station, usually identified by a unique callsign or name.

Break Tags - These are special key words used to simplify radio communications. The most common ones are: 'EMERGENCY' indicating a critical situation; 'ANSWER' is used when you have the answer to an question posed on a net; 'INFO' indicates that you have important information about the topic being discussed on a net.