How To Use A GMRS Repeater - How To Find A Repeater, AND GMRS Repeater Rules AND Etiquette 

Simplex repeaters

HAM radio guy here for 15 years. You GMRS guys keep doing what you're doing. The more folks we have on the radio the better. I often find myself in the GMRS bands talking with great people who don't have a FCC callsign. The more the merrier!

I'm a ham, and I appreciate your comedic and refreshingly honest videos - keep up the great work!

Gen X Ham/GMRS licensed operator here...love your videos, i dont know everything, here to learn, best channel for radio operators. Appreciate when you point out the Karens & Kevins of the Ham radio world...i cant believe they still comment on your page knowing what's in store for them. 😂😂 Not a sad ham...

I am a Ham operator. I studied for 3 months and tested successfully for my Tech, General, and extra license. However, I want my family to have a backup for communication and there is zero chance that they would put in the time and effort for a Ham license. GMRS is a really good option for them...and me to communicate in an emergency. Watching your videos, you have warned folks not to refer Chinese radios as CCR (Cheap Chinese Radios) so I will not do that. I did just order 4 Baofeng GMRS-9R inexpensive radios. I have also applied for a GMRS license. I'm looking forward to getting them setup and distributing them to my tribe. Thank you for your video's they have helped me in this process!!

Old ham be like "get off my lawn!" GMRS be like "let's go 4 wheelin'"

I’m a ham. It’s real bad that the community has such jerks in it. They are much more prevalent since I started 40 years ago. Please, accept our apologies for those morons who make the hobby look bad. Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

A perfect example of why Ham Radio is starting to fade a little & GMRS is taking off like a wildfire ! Thanks , I am a ham operator & a GMRS Licensed operator and now there is a GMRS repeater in our area ! Nice ! Really enjoy your show ..........keep it up !

I'm an expired ham. Picked up GMRS for wheeling with my friends. I'm enjoying your videos and learning a bunch. Thank you for the info.

Great video, I’m a licensed Ham and GMRS and agree with your Ham Police assessment, it discourages people from getting involved. I am an off-road enthusiast and encourage our group to get licensed and have a basic understanding of both types of radios if they want to use them. However, the Ham community has a seething disdain for off-roaders and discourage the use instead of trying educate, assist, and inform. The Ham hobby will continue to lose participation without expanding and involving more diverse users. BTW love the Baofeng videos...they aren’t so hard to manually program that 15 minutes on RU-vid can’t solve.

I'm a friendly ham with a GMRS license, also. Where I used to live there was a very active GMRS repeater. I miss that community. Those guys are great. There isn't a GMRS repeater where I live now, but there are some good amateur radio repeaters and there's a good ham club here, but GMRS is great and I recommend it highly.

Hey Randy, another noob here. I'm a just-retired guy preparing to spend some time traveling the US. I found your channel and have learned a few things about GMRS. In prep for my travels, I'm watching your vids to get up to speed on my communications/safety link for my journey. I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge, and I love your sense of humor. Keep it up!! Rich

Dude I feel like you are one of my people. Lol Jeeps, Radios, Sarcasm, Complete Passive Aggresive Disdain for Idiots. You're Definitely one of my favorites.

I am a ham and gmrs user, I absolutely love your videos! your no bullshit info is a much needed addition to the hobby.

I am really liking this channel. Brand new interest in radios, 2 days in. A coworker brought GMRS to my attention and I jumped into studying. My coworker is a HAM operator in addition to GMRS and he directed me to your channel. Thank you for the info and putting in the time to makes these videos. Application in for license , just waiting for it to clear.

As the owner of TWO GMRS high profile repeaters AND a amateur radio operator and amateur radio repeater owner, I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!

There's no need to ask or remind people for the (thumbs-up, etc.) because the viewers here know that and are happy hams, and appreciate honest, useful information.

Thank you for these “basic” GMRS videos, they are helpful. Especially pointing out that the repeater is permission needed, and that only one convo at a time is good to know.

Newbie here I just applied for my GMRS license today. Cost is 35.00. I’m working my way to a ham tech license not for a new hobby but for prep needs. I’m a humble guy when it comes to this field. My hobby is woodworking.

HELLO "Randy" ! , i am not a Amateur Radio Operator as of yet !, But i am a GMRS Licensed Radio Operator again as of August,2023 Second time GMRS Licensed ,first time "I" ended up with Cancer in my face my neck shoulder right arm , and never got to use my GMRS Equipment, Now Cancer Free ,thank god ! , Love your RU-vid Page here. My GMRS STATION Is Located in the City of Hemet , Ca.

Hello, I have HAM and GMRS licenses. I'm here to learn. Big fan of your humor! Even happy HAMs like me are tired of the sad HAMs. They annoy us too. They talk down to everyone. Thank you for giving us a voice! There really are happy HAMs.

Thank you for this wonderful series of GMRS radio vids. I am, yes I'll admit it, a ham radio operator. And now I'm a GMRS radio operator as well. Two separate services. Two totally different rules. I enjoy both. Thanks again Randy!

Thank you very much! You have quicky become one of my favorite new channels. Please keep up the great work.

Watching some of your older videos. Just as enjoyable as the new ones. Thanks Randy

Your videos are very informative and the humor keeps me awake and looking forward to the video. Thank you for doing what you do

30 seconds in, you’ve described me perfectly. Love your content, thanks for helping all of us newbies!

Thanks for explaining the repeater thing so even us ‘dummies’ can understand it. I’ve found your radio videos helpful, especially for programming that ‘ bo-fangled’ thing I got, the instructions just gave me a headache. Really enjoy your 4X vids too, even the ones you talk half way through . 👍 P.S. I like what you have done with your basement, the palm tree is a nice touch.

I started as a HAM tech and now I am interested more and more in GMRS

The first 3 seconds of this video is exactly why I am here brother! You hit that one dead on.

Thank you! I finally figured out how to get my license thanks to your links. Also I’ve been watching your videos to help me buy my first radio. Thanks for all you do to help out the rest of us. Keep up the good work

Love love love your assessment of some ham radio people I’ve run into. Thanks for being the common man and making this needed video. Hope to see you on the trails

Love the channel, especially the irreverent language, and dork references about men in the basement without girlfriends. Very informative , simple to understand, keep on posting we need more like you

Thanks for your work man, not only do you crack me up...I look forward to your videos. Your explanations are simple and to the point. Cheers!

You are a motivator. Thank you. Specially, because you set aside the sad hams that don’t let you even talk or much less debate. You are 100. Thank You... thanks to you already applied for my GMRS license.

I'm a ham and have a GMRS ticket. My wife and I are full time RVrs. GMRS is quite honestly a must have for RVrs. There are so many uses for gmrs radios as apposed to just a plain walk-talkies. By the way your channel has great content love the humor.

Hey Randy! Love you channel and the info and the unique way you bring knowledge to the masses in need of direction to enjoy radio communications. Much love from Texas! 👋🏿🤠

Sir, I enjoy your channel and have learned so much from you. I always chuckle. Everyone who I have turned onto your channel has thanked me!

I have really warmed up to your style and totally dig it! Thanks for doing this one and all the others. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for all of your great ham and gmrs radio videos. Not only informative but highly entertaining!!

I’m an extra class ham and just got my gmrs ticket ! Always ready to learn. I’m not sad either, as I was able to buy a new radio ! Great vids ! Keep ‘em coming.

Thank you for the video. I applied for my GMRS license this morning and am looking forward to joining local conversations and hopefully some when I visit my dad up in Maine this summer.

I'm a ham radio op we6jbo and I agree with you that gmrs+frs is a great option. In fact, being able to use diverse radio options is great because you'll always have the freedom to try a different radios.

I built a repeater out of 2 baofengs between my house and the river. It worked great. The river was in a valley and my house was on a hill too far away, I setup one up in a tree at the top of the river valley. Worked great because we were going back and forth. Used it for about a month. I used external antennas so I could keep the radios out of the weather.

I've watched a multitude of your videos and I hope to not waste your time. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Time such a valuable thing... ... ... ... ... ... I'd never dream of wasting a second of it... .. .. .. ... I digress. You are fantastic and informative. Thank you!

just learned a lot from you on this stuff and I appreciate it. I have been studying for my Ham radio license and didn't realize the abilities of GMRS. I decided to get my GMRS license now and will also still be taking my Ham Radio test because I have studied a lot for it and scheduled to take. But now I think I will just get my GMRS radio instead and maybe get a ham radio down the road. I like the simplicity of the GMRS.

Thank you for this video man, I am an extreme noob to gmrs radio and just got my license (any radio for that matter), and honestly nervous about asking how to use my radio properly being new. So I was very happy and relieved to see this video thx so much. Got yourself a new subscriber...

Thank you. I didnt know a thing about repeaters. Now I know a little.

Guys and Gals, we all have "radio" flowing in our veins. Let's not forget our roots. Working together amicably is best...helping each other out is the human thing to do. Each radio has its function, purpose, and range limits. But above all, let's have FUN at what we do! Remember, "USE IT OR LOSE IT". Keep the fun going before a commercial interest takes our frequencies away...they are always looking to expand at your expense. PEACE and LOVE, always. Keep up the good work, Randy!

Great video. Actually, this is just one of MANY great videos. So, first of all, I'm a ham radio operator (relatively newly licensed, 2019). Per your invitation, I wanted to say "hello!" 🙂 I've been binge watching your vids because I'm interested in RADIO, and GMRS sounds like a fascinating service. On the ham side, I'm happy to say that there are lots of 'evangelists' who encourage hams to be involved with/competent on multiple radio services. I haven't yet purchased my first GMRS radio/pair of radios, but the short list is getting shorter. In the meantime, *love *love *love your vids, Randy. Thanks for what you do! And, LMAO about "don't try to get us to join your cult." 🙂 Tim Manwell, KD9LAI.

Your vids are super informative and I love your approach! Let the haters hate, they just need something to have "control" over..... Same as a small child or inferior adult! If you cannot understand what I am saying or are unwilling to reflect on yourself, GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Many thanks for “keeping it simple” from a newbie!

just wanna say, im a huge huge fan of your channel and i really learn and appreciate this stuff. just got my GMRS license the other day and headed on a big ol' trip in September to the West. Hope I can run with your crew, even though were rocking a TAYota.

I just found this channel/page and am finding the info most useful. As I am a prepper & a member of a mag [mutual assistance group NOT a militia, but a group of like-minded preppers] and we are always looking for an inexpensive way for back up comms for just in case the cell/phone systems go down for what ever reson/s. [ie power failure, bad storms, earthquake (we are in mid Mo. & have a fault zone running through our county)

Thank you Randy. To everyone else: Can't stress enough how much you need to download his excellent instructions for navigating the quagmire that is the FCC website to register and request a GMRS license. As of 5/14/21, the fee is still $70. I made it to the screen that said that and quit. [insert coffee slurp sound here] I will try again later to see when it drops to $35. Edit: Because patience is my middle name, I waited a whole day and bit the bullet on 5/15/21 and paid the $70.

Like your videos. I am a ham but I am a hobby communicator who believes that we in this country need to expand the hobbynot just amatuer radio all services. Keep producing great vidios

Just getting started with GMRS, thanks for the info! very helpful !

Thanks again for your down to earth explanation

Those open to instruction appreciate your efforts.

I am a HAM (KN2FLY) with a primary interest in emergency procedures and disaster preparedness. But HAM doesn't seem the best option for gathering, notifying and sharing important information with my wide-spread family members. I am the only HAM in the family. I am researching GMRS as an alternative to HAM for family use in an emergency or just important family information dissemination. Thank you for sharing so much information in your GMRS series. Keep it up!

New to GMRS. I enjoy watching your videos and learning at lot. I’ve used your links to purchase my radio. Most of all. Thanks for sharing

Longtime ham op (K5PO) and also just recently picked up a GMRS license to have more effective family comms. It’s great to have options!

I'm one of the "nice" guys -- with a General License AND a GMRS License! And I've enjoyed each of your presentations as well as having actually learned some of the things that I need to know! Thanks!

Thank you FAMILY! helping keep our communication alive. You’ve taught me a lot!

I am a newbie. Thanks for the great content and for your commitment to promoting the fine art of sarcasm. Quite entertaining.

Thank you. I feel so much better now that I did the right thing.

WRJM553 / KN6EIY checking in. Love your videos. Not a ham snob. I always learn something from you. I'd like to send out an apology on behalf of ham operators who aren't exactly being an ambassador of that particular art and science.

I've been watching your videos for a while, great no bs knowledge. I get a kick out of some of your wording and laugh with my wife when she hears it.

Long time ham radio operator located up the hill in the High Desert. Had my GMRS license for 10+ years. I enjoy off roading and your videos!

Well said Randy thank you. Information that is needed. Crechuncking is keying and not identifying. Said by a Amature Radio Operator and a GMRS license holder .

Nice explanation for someone new to the radio world. I was on the fence between CB, Ham or GMRS in my vehicle for every day and on camping trips. Now I’m really leaning GMRS.

I’m a ham, an AE , and I love this channel, I know there are a ton of IDIOT hams… keep up the good work

Made it through you looking around and then saying "I like it" the way you did. I had to pause the video, giggle like a little school girl, and tell you I fucking love you, man. Your videos always seem to make me feel better and special in a way, somehow. I appreciate you, Randy.

Randy, you are an absolute breath of fresh air! I happen to be a ham operator, however I have to agree with you. There are so many ham snobs it's really ridiculous. I passed my test after the class and was super excited. I had a great instructor who was former military and we hit it off. Field day comes around and I'm looking at the different set ups etc. I look at one of the club guy's and he's doing packet. I wanted to learn this, so I asked him if could explain and show me how it all works. He looked at me and put his head phones back on and stared at the screen. That was seven years ago. I had my Gmrs license as well but it lapsed.I was waiting to see if the price would drop down I've made one contact in that time on a ham repeater then some guys got into a argument so I said I'll only go on there if necessary There are too many grumpy azz old men, who kill it for younger people. I stay strictly Gmrs. Nice rig you have. I'm working on a 2001 not a Jeep Montero sport 4x4 lifted ARB bumper winch etc. I've found that Gmrs is so much easier and less old grump bumps killing the mood of fun in communication. So I'm the one percent. Love the humor the SS Minnow humor made me lol. Keep doing what you do. Love the videos and the trips.

Friendly ham here and licensed GMRS as well. I enjoy your videos.

new subscriber.Just getting started in GMRS communication, and you have provided me the starting point of information to build on, read the manual several times but your videos really made it all come together. BTW really like your presentations, and {tongue&cheek} humor.Thank you and keep it up

Thank you for clear and concise content for us new to gmrs radio.

I like your videos. I’m wanting to have a communication set up for my property. For security and property management. So far I’m going to use a Midland MXT115 or the MXT400 for the base station and two of the Wouxun KG805G . Other family members will have there own GMRS radios. Once I get things set up and we get the range figured out. We will at some point build our own repeater . That way no matter where on the property we can communicate. That’s if on the 200 acre property we have any dead spots that we can’t communicate.

OK so this is my new fav channel for radio.... Thanks for the vid, man!

New to GMRS. Your videos are both nutty and helpful! Stay with it!

A little over a week in, and learning a lot from you Randy. I appreciate you, and the channel brother!

I really like your style and the content is what brings me to watch your videos. Keep up the excellent work. Btw, I am a 1% hammer and GMRS licensed operator who loves wheeling and everything that goes along with it - including communication on whatever you have to do it with.

I am an amateur radio operator. I appreciate your videos. I see GMRS as another radio tool in the communications hobby. Radios are cool, no matter what bands they operate on. WA2JOE

Thanks Randy!! I'm just starting my journey. You've already helped me. I used your website and I got my FRN number last night and waiting for my license to show up! I appreciate your humor and your videos greatly!!!!

I'm a ham, just got my gmrs call yesterday. This will work well to stay in touch with my non ham wife. Tnx for the info!

You’re right. I want to get my HAM license but tons of ass-hats. I just built my GMRS repeater with 2 KG1000Gs and a duplexer. Testing tomorrow. Thank you and keep ‘em com’n!

I hold both amateur and GRMS licenses. I enjoy both. Your videos are informative and witty. As to the sad hams, they have been around forever. Back in the 60's I often heard the phrase "no lids, no kids, and no space cadets". I have found it is best to just ignore them and try to set a positive example by being friendly and helpful. Fortunately the curmudgeons are just a small but vocal minority.

Thank you thank you! I have really enjoyed watching the channel trying to soak up as much information as I can. I am super excited to get into this hobby. Hopefully my radio shows up tonight

I recently got my Technician Ham Radio License. However, I got interested in GMRS because I wanted to stay connected with my family and I know my wife isn't going to go through the trouble of getting a HAM license. So far I'm liking GMRS and the videos you do. Thank you!

Good info as always and great sense of humor.........I think.

I just found your channel today. I laughed out loud. Thank you for presenting the info in a down to earth manner. AND, I just got my GMRS license last week. It's still $70.

I appreciate your videos. I started out watching your videos to get a little more famailar with my UV-5R, and as time went on, you helped me find an interest in GMRS. Thank you for your videos! And thank you for your article on your website on how to navigate the confusing mess that is the FCC GMRS license process.

Just got my GMRS radio KG-935G and my GMRS license today. You’ve been a lot of help and thanks. 79 years old in Arizona.

My requisite compliment as a HAM visiting your channel. WITH sincere appreciation for what you do. As I work to get many local people on-air with GMRS your simplicity and humor are appreciated. P.S. As a relatively new HAM, I can attest that at least the Milwaukee area HAMs are warm, welcoming and I've yet to encounter the NAZ..err.. "police" who give it a bad rep. New users are guided to resources v being chastised and intimidated to not get back on-air.

Lol.. I'm a HAM. W6***, I also have a GMRS license WRJW***, AND... WAIT FOR IT.. I also have a CB that I talk on almost every night... Have fun with radio 👍

W0EKA a ham for just four years. I am indeed a friendly ham and feel GMRS and even FRS is wonderful. Basically any radio is good. Thank you Randy for all you do.

Finally got my gmrs license, thank you so much for all of the info you have published on RU-vid, it has been extremely helpful. Also, they finally dropped it from 70 to 35 (why I got my license) I think as of Tuesday 4/19/22, though I'm sure you're likely very aware of that but just wanted to throw it out there since it just recently changed. Anywho, thank you again and I hope you have an amazing one.

Kerchunk- Especially new people seem to like to do it as a way just to see if they can hit the repeater. If you make it in, in most cases when you key down you will see/hear that the repeater is broadcasting. For those monitoring the frequency it is just a few seconds of silence or static that gets broadcast. More than anything, it's just annoying to some if it happens too much. Also, technically it's generall not done legally, because those who kerchunk normally don' go back and identify within the time limit. Seems to be more taboo on repeaters that are heavily used.

I enjoy your attitude towards Ham’s (the DH ones) I’ve ran into a few myself that present as if they are NASA rocket scientists and the earth is lucky to be graced with their cognitive ability’s.

I've had a ham license for 12 years but haven't done much with it. I just bought a BF-8HP and enjoying it. You have taught me much and I enjoy your humor. Thanks!

Randy. I am discovering GMRS thanks for the no bullshit information keep it up.