GMRS users of the newly permitted 467 MHz interstitial frequencies can only use handheld units transmitting up to 1/2 watt.At least GMRS users are still allowed twice the deviation (i.e., volume level) of FRS users. GMRS users of the 462 MHz interstitial frequencies are now limited to 5 watts (previously 50W!), and still share them with FRS users, who can now transmit up to 2 watts (previously 1/2 watt).The negative changes, from a GMRS viewpoint:
The antenna height restriction is eliminated for GMRS base station antennas (formerly 20 feet maximum). Since all 22 channels available to existing GMRS/FRS radios will now be legal FRS channels, all these old walkie-talkie units will effectively become "FRS radios." Applications for NEW combination GMRS/FRS radios will no longer be accepted (after the first 90 days of this revision). Brief, infrequent, and manually initiated digital data transmissions (e.g., APRS position reports and text messages) are now permitted from handheld units in either GMRS or FRS on 462 MHz channels. The 467 MHz Interstitial frequencies (formerly exclusive to FRS) are added for GMRS handheld units (with rubber-duck antennas), although limited to 1/2 watt, bandwidth of 12.5 kHz. The positive changes, from a GMRS viewpoint: I combined the before/after graphics from the Report and Order, clarified them a bit, and added some additional helpful labels. The graphic shown to the right (click for larger view) gives my own take on the changes, as they impact the channel assignments and new allowed power levels. You can also download the whole enchilada (a discussion of the reforms, as well as the complete revised Part 95 Rules) as a PDF. The Part 95 Reforms, covering FRS and GMRS start here. Here's the 2017 announcement of the Personal Radio Service Reform as published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2017. 
In our humble opinion, as a result of these changes, GMRS users step backwards and FRS users step forward. The FCC implemented several changes to the Part 95 rules impacting GMRS/FRS channels and power levels, apparently to address the problem of commercial GMRS/FRS radio packaging and weak compliance with GMRS licensing rules. Reference Part 95 Rules (html) Reform doc (incl Part 95 Rules) as PDF Changes to Part 95 Rules Affecting GMRS/FRS (Sept 2017)
0 kommentar(er)
