Does it has to be same brand of GMRS radio to communicate?

[Charlielj]

I'm very new to the world of GMRS radio. If I purchase a BTECH GMRS radio and a few of my other friends and family uses Midland or other brands, will we be able to communicate? I assumed we can but just want to confirm. Thank you.

 

[KonzaLander]

You will have absolutely no problem communicating with other manufactures GMRS radios.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Like @KonzaLander said, GMRS communications are not limited to in-brand communications. Much like CB's, ham radios, and really any radios, it's all based on frequency.

 

[Charlielj]

Thank you!

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Thank you!

My pleasure!

 

[Charlielj]

As a newbie, I just thought of another question. If I get the FCC license, my family and friends who want to communicate with me do not have to get their own license right?

 

[Charlielj]

What are some good budget friendly GMRS USB-C charging radio you find that are reliable? Is BAOFENG brand any good?

 

[Prerunner1982]

As a newbie, I just thought of another question. If I get the FCC license, my family and friends who want to communicate with me do not have to get their own license right?

Family no
Friends yes, unless they are using the low power FRS radios (no license) which share frequencies with the higher power GMRS radios.

 

[Shawn686]

You may have some issues with some of the Chinese radios being wide band vs narrow band, while domestic radios are the other way. IIRC.

If they dont talk to each other you can usually change the bandwidth via programming on the chinese radios

Shawn

 

[Charlielj]

Okay, how many days before I know what my Callsign is? I got my FRN number and paid the $35 fee but so far I've got nothing that tells me what my status.

 

[zgfiredude]

It's usually fairly quick, a day or two as I recall.