HappyWanderer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2014
- Posts
- 2,967
Ham is neither an acronym or initialization. No need to capitalize.There are no requirements to obtain a GMRS license other than paying the fee. That's it. No studying. No tests. No having to track down a HAM club to take a test or dealing with a bunch of arrogance that we all know exists. Once the GMRS application has been approved and call sign given out then the members within the licensee's household can also participate under the same license and call sign. You can't do that with HAM. We can freely chat with our family (kids too) and if we're out hunting or fishing with our buddies and they aren't licensed, then no problem. Just throw them an FRS radio and they can chat with you on some of the GMRS channels. No complications!!! And the best part is the equipment is very inexpensive. Of course, as with any other hobby, you can invest as much money as you wish into it. So there's your answer. Honestly the only thing the GMRS license does for you is allow you to talk on a radio with higher wattage and be able to use repeaters. I believe that GMRS fits a niche for those of us that don't want the complications of HAM.
GMRS compared to ham radio? Apples and oranges. Wait, make that apples and hand grenades.