What are the difference between GMRS and HAM?
At present, ham accounts for a large proportion of people who use GMRS. Although this proportion is reduced in the new family members every year, you must understand the differences between GMRS and ham, so that you can be soberer when making choices.
When you are interested in this article, it means that you have become interested in GMRS and HAM. You may confuse these two radio services. Please don't worry. In this article, we will solve all your doubts.
GMRS and HAM: understand the essential differences between them
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile FM UHF radio service designed for short-distance two-way communication and authorized under part 95 of 47 USC. GMRS is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz.
HAM Radio, also known as Amateur radio, is the use of radiofrequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication.
We will analyze the difference between GMRS and Ham from 4 aspects
License
Although both GMRS and HAM radios require a license, the situation for the two radio services is slightly different. For GMRS, obtaining a license is very easy. You only need to pay a license fee to the FCC to easily obtain a license.
However, for amateur radio, we also called ham radio, you must pass one or sometimes more than one test to qualify for an amateur license.
Scope of use
Using GMRS and ham, the licensee can only communicate with other valid licensees. If needed, one person can obtain two radio licenses. Another thing to note is that GMRS can be accessed in a limited number of countries, while ham can be used almost all over the world.
You should also remember that the GMRS certificate has related effects. Although it is only used for two-way communication between immediate family members, in a family, if one person obtains the GMRS License, all other members of the family can use GMRS to communicate. The service is used for general purposes and can be used to communicate with public safety services in any emergency situation.
Unlike GMRS, as mentioned above, amateur radio is very popular among the public and is limited to the use of only individuals, and the certificate of amateur radio has no associated utility. Because it is often used by amateurs for radio competitions and radio propagation research.
Frequency
GMRS is generally used for professional and emergency two-way communication, the frequency range is relatively narrow, from 462-467MHz.
Ham's operable frequency range is very wide, from 1.6 MHz to 27 MHz, although the ideal frequency during the day is 15 to 27 MHz, and at night, the ideal frequency for long-distance communication is 1.6 to 15 MHz.
Due to a large number of radio frequency bands, the radios that can be used with amateur radio services may vary greatly. However, for GMRS, the narrow frequency range brings many restrictions to users.
Communication
The main difference between amateur radio and GMRS is that GMRS is only suitable for short distances, while amateur radio can be used for long distances. You can also use it to communicate with people from all over the world.
Although GMRS can be connected to relays like ham radios, the difference is that ham radios are used with many repeaters to allow higher power signals to be sent within the distance of the earth. However, the use of GMRS is limited to use with local repeaters, which is why its distance range is much lower than ham.
summary:
We hope that after you finish reading this article, you can solve your confusion about GMRS and Ham. And to help you make a choice between GMRS and HAM. Let you have a thorough understanding of the similarities and differences between GMRS and amateur radio. If you are still a bit confused, please feel free to ask your questions in the comments below, and we will answer you in time!
Retevis Solutions focus on supplying Long Distance GMRS radio and long range radio solutions, if you need any help, welcome to contact us: info@retevis.com.
