C.E.R.T./Militias using GMRS/MURS illegally

Before I get started, those that know some argument I've had in the past on this section. I am not lumping all HAMS into a group of pirate radio users. In fact I have met some in my area that are really good. The HAMS I have a problem with are those in the group of Pirate Users who think that their Amateur Radio license gives them special privileges on CB/MURS/GMRS

A subset of that group I have a problem with is illegal GMRS users. The licensed HAMS who think they have the right to put up illegal FRS simplex repeaters or that they don't need a GMRS license to exceed 500mW (soon to be 2 watts) on the interstitial channels.

Part of the backstory is that I have had the worst time trying to find a channel to put up my legal GMRS repeater.

There is one simplex repeater run by 2 licensed Hams running 6 watts ERP (they have no GMRS license) with BaoFengs on FRS channel 3 with no PL code so everything transmitted gets broadcasted out across town, thus killing the ability to use GMRS 3 and 4 if you are close enough for it to pick up the edges of your legal Wideband signal. Also the language and attitude is too much for even this Sailor. They finally took the one they had on FRS 1 down, since every kid that got a bubble wrap radio from Walmart could hear that crap (one of the reasons I stayed away from GMRS 1 and 2 as well)

On FRS 7 there is a illegal simplex repeater running big power (not sure of the actual value, but it's definitely more than 500mW or even 5 for that matter. The number is pertinent in the fact that this is run by a local Ham (without GMRS license). But since it is for local C.E.R.T. / III'r it apparently is acceptable in their eyes. He even has his call sign being broadcast on the morse code identifier..

He also has another one on FRS 11. Contrary to the words FRS only, these frequencies straddle the GMRS Repeater Inputs and at these levels there is a conflict with Repeater Inputs. So these illegal C.E.R.T. repeaters trash the ability to use GMRS 7 and 8

There is one legal GMRS repeater using GMRS 6 with the same PL code as the unofficial GRMS emergency call freq. You have to give this HAM kudos, he has his GMRS license and has one heck of a repeater open for public use at his expense.

So that left me with GMRS Channel 5 (CC 19 on bubble wrap radios). There wasn't much traffic except for the occasional Highway traffic which was no biggie. My group (who are all licensed has been using this channel with our own PL code to mute the highway traffic, for 4 months now. I just brought our legal GMRS repeater online, much too the amusement of some Hams suggesting I use non type compliant equipment, last week.

Now I just got a call on CB from a licensed Ham wanting to inform me that that channel has been slated for "Zone 6 C.E.R.T." and I'm going to need to move frequencies. His suggestion is that I overlap on the only other legal Repeater in the area. I mentioned that then everyone that uses that repeater needs to get a license and his reply was "C.E.R.T. and the local miltia is exempt.

Now I am all for C.E.R.T., I was even thinking of joining them and the local militia. But it doesn't make you exempt from the FCC rules. I also discovered when I was working with Patriots Information Hotline that most militias want you to buy BaoFengs (A whole other can of worms for this section) and use them on MURS with twice the power out and non compliant bandwidth emissions.

Anyways, any suggestions for dealing with this problem other than calling the FCC, which don't do anything in enforcing GMRS. I really have been trying to get along with the Hams that use CB/FRS/GMRS in the local community, which I have a few friends that are licensed and have been invited to their monthly meeting. It's just a handful that feel that they don't have to follow FCC rules the same on CB/MURS/FRS/GMRS.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

C.E.R.T./Militias using GMRS/MURS illegally