About GMRS radios, 5 Things You Better Know

About GMRS radios, 5 Things You Better Know

Now GMRS radios are popular in the market, and lots of users have changed their equipment from FRS or CB radios to GMRS radios. If you still don't know more about GMRS radios, hope this blog can help you! And this blog will tell you what is a GMRS licensed system.

This blog will talk about 5 things about GMRS radios.

1, GMRS basic information you should know

So What is a GMRS licensed system?

From the FCC website, The GMRS is the service, it is the General Mobile radio service. is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462mhz and 467mhz. It is one of the most popular radio services in the United States. And authorized under FCC part 95E (47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart E)

The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, using handheld radios, mobile radios, and repeater systems.

GMRS shares some frequencies with FRS but is different from FRS.

FRS with limited power is less than 2W, but GMRS radios can reach 50W.

FRS can't connect with the base station( repeater), but GMRS radios can connect with the GMRS repeater.

So if you want to choose the long-range two-way radio, GMRS walkie-talkies will be a good choice.

2, Channel-based.

GMRS includes 30 channels,  with 22 common-use channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels. If you want to order more than 30 channels GMRS radios, Ailunce HA1G will be a good choice, because it not only has 30 channels but also offers 220 channels to be programmed.

Some radios support setting more than 30 channels, but these channels' frequencies should be in the GMRS range (462-647mhz).

If you want to connect with the GMRS repeater when you purchase, please double-check whether the radio has the GMRS repeater function or not. Retevis GMRS radios all have the GMRS repeater channels, you may easy to get long-range communication via connecting repeater.

3, Hold a license

Yes, the difference between FRS and GMRS radio is license or license-free. GMRS radios should hold the GMRS license, then you can operate the GMRS radios. ( Handheld GMRS radios, mobile GMRS radios even GMRS Repeaters)

Not like the ham radio license, if you want to get the GMRS license, it is very easy. Apply for the license from FCC and step by step fill in the information, and pay the fee, you will get the GMRS License and callsign. And now the GMRS license fee is very cheap, only USD35, and can be used for 10 years.

The GMRS license is issued for a ten-year term. If you get the license, your family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS radios. 

4, GMRS Repeater

GMRS radios can connect with the GMRS repeaters. There are lots of GMRS repeaters in the USA. But some of the repeaters are private-use. That means you can build your own GMRS repeater, and use it by yourself.

The GMRS repeaters transmit on 462mhz and receive on 476mhz. If you want to build your own GMRS repeater, you can consider ordering a Retevis RT97s GMRS repeater, it is a portable repeater.

5, GMRS service is Publicly shared

GMRS service is not a private but a public shared service.  So when you use it, please be responsible.

Retevis GMRS radios come with the standard CTCSS/DCS codes and Non-standard CTCSS/DCS codes, if you want to ignore the unwanted signals, you may set these codes on each channel.

Because GMRS service is a public frequency, but compared with FRS radios, GMRS radios will reach for longer.
Theoretically, for two handheld GMRS radios, for example, Ailunce HA1G, the range would be about 1~2 miles. But if you use them in high buildings, the range will be shorter than the theory.

And for GMRS mobile radio, it not only depends on the power of Mobile radio but also depends on the terrain. But most of the GMRS mobile radios have a high power of around 20-40Watts, and some models reach to 50Watts. Like Retevis RT87 GMRS mobile Radio, its power is up to 40 watts.
So the range will be much further than a handheld GMRS radio around 5 miles

The above ranges are radios in simplex mode. If you connect with A GMRS repeater, the range will further Up to an 8-10-mile radius around the repeater station.

Retevis GMRS radios recommend

Ailunce HA1G handheld GMRS radio

Ailunce HA1G is a waterproof GMRS radio with, a total of 250 channels and includes GMRS repeater channels, comes with LCD, easy to operate, and rugged long-range radio.

New Products in 2025 HA1G GMRS Radio (Green)

Introduced in 2025, the HA1G GMRS Radio (Green) offers a new stylish, eye-catching color scheme for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ailunce HA1G GMRS HAM Radio (Green)

Retevis RB48Plus Advanced Triple Proof GMRS handheld Radio

RB48Plus is a new model from Retevis, the upgrade of RB48. Comes with Advanced Triple Proof: Waterproof IP67, Dustproof, and Fallproof. 

Retevis RT86S Long Range GMRS Two Way Radio with LCD Display

The new model from Retevis, the upgrade of RT86, RT86 is a UHF band radio, with a hidden display, but RT86S is a long-range and LCD, but different from HA1G, this RT86S is not the colorful GMRS radio.

Retevis RA87-High power GMRS mobile radio

Retevis RA87 mobile radio has a 40W high power output. Easy to transmit the signal up to 40 miles. No matter for your off-road advantage, road trip, or even used on a huge farm. Make communication easier. There are 30 channels of 22 GMRS simplex channels and 8 Repeater channels.

Reliable and Durable for Retevis RA87 mobile Radio. It uses the aluminum substrate material, which makes it get better heat. And also the good materials will extend the radio's lifetime longer.

Easy to use. Not only comes with an LCD display, easy for your dad to check the radio information, and adjust the functions by its keypad and buttons directly.