GMRS or HAM radio?

If you have an FCC GMRS license you can join
https://mygmrs.com/to see how wrong you are. Repeaters are private property and use can be restricted by the owners. That's what CTCSS codes are for and the repeater owner is not required to share those codes. It's a courtesy on their part to allow access by sharing their codes. And if you're a dick they can change the codes whenever they like - like a landowner might change the locks on his gates after repeated incursions.

Although you can go years, decades or however long you like w/o a license, and you are correct that the FCC doesn't enforce it, it is still illegal. Moreover, you are stealing from the folks who invest up to thousands of dollars on repeater equipment, and if everyone has your no-give-a-shit attitude the airwaves get clogged by idiots who echo your sentiments.
It could be inferred by your remarks that you also say screw the landowners and USFS/BLM, etc. and tread wherever you damn well please. It only takes a few to screw it up for all the rest, in either case.

I suggest you don't try that attitude and behavior on the ham bands; those boys will find you and hunt you down.

$3.50/year for 10 years. OMG Man?! Get F'n REAL.
The last real “repeater system” I used had a team of direction finders. These guys were ruthless. I loved to here the stories of them finding idiots. They loved the challenge. All old retired guys.

I miss the old guys. I took my grandfathers call sign years after he passed. I expected my dad to take it but one day he said I should. Glad to have it. He was old school code!

Playing by the rules is part of the fun to me.
 
Also, repeater owner's in our area and many others require a call sign for access to their equipment. So far I've gained access to half dozen repeaters that are available from all over this huge area. But more importantly, it's a matter of respecting private property and the folks who share theirs.
Absolutely! As they should! It costs a lot of money to build and maintain a system and people should support and respect it! Apparently not everyone here is very respectful. Thats a shame.
 
Anyone heard of this group? It looks nice but all these little $5- or $8-month things add up.

https://americanradioclub.com/
I have not. I downloaded an app on my phone, ham prep or something like that, and took the practice test over and over until I could consistently score of 80%.

The test is 30 or so questions randomly pulled from the question pool so if you can memorize the prep app you'll pass easy.

However I do think a program like that would he beneficial if you wanted to actually learn about ham radios instead of just passing the test.
 
I have not. I downloaded an app on my phone, ham prep or something like that, and took the practice test over and over until I could consistently score of 80%.

The test is 30 or so questions randomly pulled from the question pool so if you can memorize the prep app you'll pass easy.

However I do think a program like that would he beneficial if you wanted to actually learn about ham radios instead of just passing the test.

That was what I was thinking also. Reading thru some of their stuff it seemed like there was a lot of information they would provide. I need to look a little more and see if there is a minimum required sign up period. If not might be OK to join for a few months and learn what I can and then log out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alex01
Yes I have that one bookmarked and have been looking at it. But I'm also looking for more information for a beginner who just wants to learn more.

I haven’t read the whole thread so this may have been mentioned, but something to consider is joining the ARRL and getting their quarterly magazine called “On the Air”, which is aimed at new Hams.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wildman
to see how wrong you are. Repeaters are private property and use can be restricted by the owners.
I'm certainly wrong about public giving you a right to use the repeater. I did say private is clear. I also said be respectful when you use a repeater. I think an unlicensed operator with good manners is no issue at all. I don't understand, "you have to pay the FCC or you are disrespecting people that maintain repeaters." People that actively use the ham bands are going to be drawn into it. I have a licence but I think encouraging others to use the bands without will lead to more licensed operators and not fewer. I rarely hear any traffic other than the occasional kerchunk as some newbie is trying to hit the repeater but scared somebody will be mean to them.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Wildman and rasband
I'm certainly wrong about public giving you a right to use the repeater. I did say private is clear. I also said be respectful when you use a repeater. I think an unlicensed operator with good manners is no issue at all. I don't understand, "you have to pay the FCC or you are disrespecting people that maintain repeaters." People that actively use the ham bands are going to be drawn into it. I have a licence but I think encouraging others to use the bands without will lead to more licensed operators and not fewer. I rarely hear any traffic other than the occasional kerchunk as some newbie is trying to hit the repeater but scared somebody will be mean to them.
I'm going to respectfully walk into a store and carry out an xbox and TV. I'll report back.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Alex01
I think given the obvious parallel between the two government licences the person that lacks reasoning is obvious. That and calling names, funny stuff.
Driver's Licenses are for operating machines on public roads. You're an idiot because you compare the two unrelated things.

As usual you can try to act like you're smart in an argument acting like unrelated things are remotely similar. Go ahead and read the old posts between us.
 
Must have lost some money in crypto? Somebody new to radio or driving can probably get away with driving or talking a bit to ease into it. I get there are people that have to follow the rules to the letter but that's not me. Let's be honest, you probably speed right? We learned to drive in parking lots when it wasn't legal and it wasn't a big deal. I know it's not the same for younger people how things used to be but it really doesn't have to be that way. It's not a big deal to let a kid drive a car without a licence so they get the feel of it. It's not a big deal to talk on the radio without a licence so you can see what it's all about. The name calling is a joke. I still don't think it's stealing a console but I guess that's where you are.
 
I'm going to respectfully walk into a store and carry out an xbox and TV. I'll report back.
Make sure you come to CA as long as it's under $950 you'll be fine. Worse case a misdemeanor. May need to take two trips though..... together you'll be over the limit
🤣
 
  • Haha
Reactions: rasband
Must have lost some money in crypto? Somebody new to radio or driving can probably get away with driving or talking a bit to ease into it. I get there are people that have to follow the rules to the letter but that's not me. Let's be honest, you probably speed right? We learned to drive in parking lots when it wasn't legal and it wasn't a big deal. I know it's not the same for younger people how things used to be but it really doesn't have to be that way. It's not a big deal to let a kid drive a car without a licence so they get the feel of it. It's not a big deal to talk on the radio without a licence so you can see what it's all about. The name calling is a joke. I still don't think it's stealing a console but I guess that's where you are.
You can quote people, you know? Enough of this trying to side step an interaction you don't want.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pagrey
HAM Karen.jpeg