OAUSA Net - May 2, 2024 - Alternate Comms - FRS / GMRS

[DaveK]

Alternate Comms - FRS / GMRS

On the trail, for emergencies, or just keeping in touch with family or friends, it's always a good idea to have multiple communication options. The capabilities of FRS and GMRS have improved considerably over the last decade, and their expanded range, along with improved equipment make for valuable tools to have at your disposal. Rick KK6CTT will be our guest. Join us for the discussion.

[Diesel4x]

Please check in Randy KF6KOC and Becky KF6RGR.

Thanks

[efciv]

Check in Ed KM6UWI Thanks.

[lrsrngr]

A lighter discussion about fun stuff rather than the heavy burden of firearm legislation staring us in the face.

Shootin' Shack White Mountains, AZ Shadow 1024.jpg (450.77 KiB) Viewed 9371 times

Let's talk about older double to single action firearms like the Sig P226 (commonly 9mm).

Why is trigger press/control so important? Which factory upgrade can you make that is relatively inexpensive and very effective?

• Trigger-Reset! What is it and why is it important (Discuss): Supporting USCCA video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIFMY0erW7M

• This is not just a double-single (action) issue but one that can be found with any semi-automatic firearm and can exponentially effect "rounds on target." An example of this from Sig Sauer Academy, in this case using a Sig P320/M18 a "striker fire" example.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A6Ww0dvHuI

• The part listed on the Sig Sauer site is approximately $50 for the Sig P226.

• Installing the part takes about 15-30 minutes but should be done by someone competent, confident and knowledgeable.

P226 SRT kit that is a nominal enhancement that you would commonly find on upgraded models of the Sig P226 like the "Extreme" and "Scorpion" models.

Sig Sauer SRT Kit.JPG (85.92 KiB) Viewed 9371 times

[K9Nigel]

check in please, KC6JGZ, Russ

[lrsrngr]

FRS/GMRS radios and their use as an alternative communication platform

Examples of the platforms we use with respect to HTs. From L-R, enhanced rubber duck, common. amateur radio, Baofeng, dual band HT, Retevis GMRS HT and a Midland FRS HT.

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• During "Snowmeggedon 2023" FRS/GMRS radios supplemented the call to action, emergency communications, during that event for the non-ham disaster service workers (people who came together to help)

• We also know that off-roaders commonly use FRS/GMRS radios for their adventures

• And, there are EMCOMM groups that practice public service events and EMCOMM through the use of both GMRS and amateur radio

• The supposition tonight is, "There is a place for FRS/GMRS in the toolbox of the amateur radio enthusiast and this could help others, at minimal cost and effort, see what we see...establishing and maintaining good communication is invaluable!"

Additional information that is commonly asked (who falls under the licensee's license):

• Any individual who holds an individual license may allow his or her immediate family members to operate his or her GMRS station or stations. Immediate family members are the licensee's spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/c ... on-95.1705

Modes of Communication:

• FRS (No License, inexpensive, low power but effective if used properly)

• GMRS (License, $35/10-years, moderately priced equipment, mimicking our UHF capabilities)

• Effectiveness should not be overlooked within your circle of trust

Don't fall for the hype, the FRS and GMRS platform are limited to the same capabilities as our beloved amateur radio service and we all know there are several limiting factors that negatively affect our "Fars" (as Randy from NotARubicon would say)

FRS Hype.jpg (57.02 KiB) Viewed 9240 times

This is an example that I will present to the City of Riverside CERT group. It reflects a breakdown of the CERT/FIRE training area with respect to FRS radio coverage. This gives the IC commander situational awareness and helps to provide safety and continuity of action.

RFD Training Field Graphic 01.jpg (813.53 KiB) Viewed 9240 times

Does your radio platform support the way your city breaks down the city? Riverside tracks 25 neighborhoods and 3 business parks. Many of the neighborhoods fit within a 2-mile radius.

Riverside Neighborhoods 01.jpg (147.92 KiB) Viewed 9240 times

The Wood Streets is approximately 1 x 1 mile; well within the operational probability of the FRS capabilities.

Riverside Neighborhoods 02.jpg (94.11 KiB) Viewed 9240 times

Green = 0.5 mile radius
Lime = 1.0 mile radius
Yellow = 1.5 mile radius
Red = 2.0 mile radius

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Establishing and maintaining effective communication (specific to amateur radio):

• The Wilderness protocol (see page 101, August 1995 QST

• Calls for hams in the wilderness to announce their presence on, and to monitor, the national calling frequencies

• 5-minutes minutes beginning at the top of the hour

• Every 3-hours from 7 AM to 7 PM while in the back country

• A ham in a remote location may be able to relay emergency information through another wilderness ham who has better access to a repeater

• National calling frequencies: 52.525, 146.52, 223.50, 446.00, 1294.50 MHz

FRS/GMRS channelization (suggested/in use):

• Channel 01: General Use “go to” channel

• Channel 09: Emergency

• Channel 16: Off Road

• Channel 19: Over the Road (“Trucker Channel” during CB era)

• Channel 20: 462.675 or channel 20 was once the accepted

FCC Website for:

• Family Radio Service: 47 C.F.R, Part 95

• General Mobile Radio Service: 47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart E

• Amateur Radio Service: 47 C.F.R, Part 97

Who’s Out there? Prepare for the "Rabbit Hole" effect!

• MyGMRS account: mygmrs.com

• Repeaterbook: RepeaterBook.com: GMRS Repeater Search

• American Redoubt Radio Operators Network: amrron.com

• CREST Communications: crestcommunications.org

• REACT International

• Not a Rubicon: youtube.com/@TheNotaRubicon/videos

• GMRS HTs and Mobile Radios - Buy Two Way Radios

[lrsrngr]

The band plan and things you should know before jumping in.

Understanding how the FRS/GMRS channel/frequency plan is setup will help work through the execution of a FRS/GMRS communication plan.

FRS GMRS Band Plan.jpg (148.56 KiB) Viewed 9313 times

• Channels 1-7 reflect a 2.0 FRS and 5.0 GMRS "max" watt output

• Channels 8-14 are fixed at 0.5 watts output

• Channels 15-22 are where GMRS shines at 50 watts maximum

• Other additional channels like 23-30 are set aside for duplex/repeater use from min-max power output (50 watts)

• Also note, there is a distinct difference in the use of narrow and wide band use between FRS/GMRS; this can become an issue when setting up your GMRS to talk with FRS stations; use the narrow band setting to maximize how you sound to FRS stations, while understanding GMRS to GMRS stations should take full advantage of the wide band audio settings

[lrsrngr]

In approximately 100 days, discussed during the AZ Quartzfest, Dede, K6DDZ, planned, prepared and executed the Big Bear Mini Ham Vacation on 26-28 April 2024 with a lot of help from the MTARA group and many other supporters and sponsors. This was a great event and although I have heard a few disappointing reviews, the overall consensus is excellent! This was an ARRL sanctioned event and should lead to an even bigger event next year.

BB Ham Vacation 2024.jpg (108.32 KiB) Viewed 9346 times

I participated in all three days, for the "full effect," having never attended Quartzfest or a ham convention other than the first online QSO Party. I will report this event as a great success. I was also one of the presenters who spoke on behalf of FRS/GMRS radios for their potential in an EMCOMM scenario.

[AK6DH]

Please check in David -AK6DH