GMRS-V1
The new GMRS-V1, a full featured certified GMRS radio for
the serious GMRS user. The 30 GMRS
channels (22 simplex/8 repeater) are hard coded into the transceiver, with
98 VHF / UHF auxiliary memory slots
for
added receive channels.
This new expanded frequency range conforms with the new expanded frequency list authorized by the FCC as of September 2017.
What's in the Box
- The GMRS-V1 radio
- A-V85 Flex Antenna
- 7.4V 1800mAh Li-Ion Battery
- Upright Charger and AC adapter
- Manual written in English
- Dual PTT Earpiece/Microphone
- Belt Clip
- Hand Strap
FCC Part 95A
Certified
The GMRS-V1 is FCC Part 95A
Certified and compliant with U.S. FCC GMRS
specifications.
- FCC ID: 2AGND-GMRS-V1
For GMRS compliance, channels which are shared with the
FRS service, are pre-programmed as Narrow Band, where
the standard GMRS channels are Wide Band. The power
levels are pre-set to a .5w low and 2w high, depending
on the channel selected and version.
It appears that some radios were also shipped with .5/5w
power levels. I'm not sure what differentiates the 2
versions.
GMRS Licensing
To operate a GMRS radio, there is no test or examination
required. A single GMRS license is required which covers your entire immediate
family. An application and information
can be found online at
FCC Form 605.
More detailed information on the GMRS service can be
found at
FCC GMRS.
Power 5w (Version
1)
I put this radio on a calibrated Bird wattmeter and it
shows a full 5w output on high power. This is 10 times
more power than most 'blister pack' radios found
in department stores displays. On the local repeaters, I run on
low power to conserve battery, but for the long haul, I run the 5w
for maximum coverage. Although upgraded antennas
are readily available, I found the included antenna performs
very well.
Battery
The radio is supplied with a rechargeable 7.4V 1800mAh Li-Ion
battery. Running in the low power position, I can easily
average a
few days between charges. I also have the larger
optional 3600mAh
BL-8L battery. I use this battery when I feel the
need for using high power for longer periods of
time. For normal use, the included battery is fine.
Many off the shelf radios may only require AA batteries,
due to their low transmit power, but the cost of
alkaline batteries can run up rapidly, and not having an
extra set of batteries in your pocket when you need them
can be very frustrating. For SAR use, you may want to
invest in a spare battery.
Distance
I'm fortunate to have a good elevation here, so for me to
access GMRS repeaters 15-20 miles away with the standard antenna
is not uncommon. Direct communications radio to radio
depends strictly on your surroundings.
Many of the department store
low power 'bubble pack' radios are advertised as
having a 20-35 mile communication range
between radios. However, unless you are both on
unobstructed mountain tops, that's not going to
happen. This
DISTANCE CHART will bring the expected
range of these radios to reality.
Nice Features
CTCSS tones -
The GMRS-V1 allows you to easily add or change
CTCSS access tones on the fly. Simply select a channel,
select the tone, and save.
What exactly is CTCSS? Here's a link to
CTCSS
1.01 that goes into a short
description.
Dual PTT - There is a
dual function PTT switch which allows you instant access
to either one of the two channels displayed on the LCD.
Press the upper part of the PTT switch to select the
channel shown in the upper
display, or the lower part to select the
lower display.
Single / Dual PTT - The
Dual PTT
switch can be made to function as a conventional PTT, so whichever channel is selected
on the LCD is the one that transmits, regardless of
whether you press the top or bottom of the switch.
Display Syncing - This
allows the top and bottom of the LCD to track
together. The advantage is the there are three display
formats; Channel, Name, and Frequency. For example, the
top display can show the Name, while the bottom displays the frequency. My
personal preference is:
Name on top, Frequency on the bottom, and the Single PTT mode.
But, you can set it to whatever floats your boat.
The alpha display can support up to a full 7 characters
as compared to the normal 6.
Multicolor Selectable Display - LCD
selectable colors include Orange, Purple and Blue.
Adding a Scan Channel
- This is another function that can be performed in the
field by using the keypad. Dial in the desired channel,
select Scan On or Off and save. It's that easy.
FM Broadcast Radio -
The transceiver includes an FM radio that covers
the 65-108MHz FM broadcast band. When a call is received, the FM radio
is interrupted and
switches to the main channel, so an incoming call is never
missed.
98 open receive slots
- Although the radio is pre-programmed with the GMRS channels, there are
98 additional receive slots that can be user programmed to store
any VHF or UHF channel in the range of 136-175 or
400-520MHz. These could be weather channels (NOAA), marine
frequencies, or any other station within the frequency range. The
antenna supplied with the radio is a dual band antenna
that works well on both VHF and UHF.
Software /
Channel Labeling - The radio
can programmed either manually or with
CHIRP software. This software allows the relabeling of the 7
character Alpha
tags assigned to
each channel. Any channel can be renamed for easy field
identification, such as SAR No1, ENGN 61, etc.
Frequencies -
The radio is preprogrammed to the standard GMRS frequencies assigned to the
30 channels
which cannot be changed or deleted.
Options, however, such as Power level, CTCSS/DCS tones,
and scan status can still be changed in the field.
The pre-programmed frequencies
assigned to
the first 30 channels are:
 |
Other General
Observations
My
On-the-Air transmitter audio reports have
been excellent. The speaker audio is strong and
undistorted with plenty of volume, and the receiver performance is excellent.
I had given thought to upgrading the antenna, but the
stock antenna seems to perform with no issues. The
antenna connector is a standard SMA-Female. If an upgrade is desired,
here is an
ANTENNA Guide that may
assist. Just remember that there is no Magic Antenna out
there.
I have a large hand, and this radio fits perfectly. I've
had a few of the 'bubble pack' radios in the past and
they are not anywhere near the performance of this one.
There is a long list of accessories available, such as
Dual PTT Spkr/Micr, cases, holsters, battery
eliminators, AAA battery case, and a super duty 3800 mAh
battery.
Conclusion
The GMRS V1 is not a toy. It is meant for the serious
commercial user, SAR, REACT, Go Box, or Camper.
This is a
full power, full compliance, Part 95 certified, GMRS
transceiver. It does require licensing
as described above. Support for this radio is
based in the US.
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a
fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based
on the equipment I received. Any issues found have been
reported both here and back to the seller or
manufacturer.
