Station Log
GMRS vs. MURS: Two Services, Very Different Tradeoffs
MURS offers license-free VHF with decent range but only 5 channels and 2 watts. How it compares to GMRS, and when each one makes sense.
My Recommended Baseline GMRS Radio Config
A walk through my default GMRS channel programming — why 141.3 Hz goes on everything and how FCC power limits break down by channel type.
Best Budget GMRS Stubby Antenna: A 3-Way Field Test
Field-tested three budget GMRS stubby antennas for handhelds — Baofeng, ABBREE AR-805S, and Airiton — over 7–11 miles of obstructed UHF range.
Instant FCC Lookups with uls
Offline FCC license lookup for GMRS and amateur radio — query the entire ULS database locally with instant callsign lookups, area searches, and bulk filtering.
Adding a Radio to CHIRP
What it takes to write a CHIRP driver — lessons from adding the Radioddity GM-30, GM-30 Plus, MU-5, and other GMRS radios to the open-source programming tool.
Why GMRS?
No exam, family coverage on one license, and repeater access — why GMRS is often the better starting point than ham radio for practical communication.
Ham Radios on GMRS
Can you legally use a Baofeng or ham radio on GMRS frequencies? A look at FCC Part 95E type approval, enforcement reality, and what actually matters.