Source: https://www.twowayradioforum.com/t/fcc-license-question/7073
Timestamp: 2019-07-16 16:05:37
Document Index: 604388376

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 95', 'art 90', 'art 95', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 95', 'art-97', 'art-97']

Fcc license question - Amateur Radio - Two Way Radio Forum
razor1000 June 8, 2019, 6:30am #1
I’m new to this and want to try to do things right so I need some advice. I am buying a tyt th-8600 waterproof radio to put in my side by side to use as a trail radio to communicate with others on the trail short range. I’ve done a little bit of reading and please correct me if I’m wrong but I want to communicate to others using the cheap 2 way radios that you get from like walmart, I think those are gmrs frequencies? what licence do I need to get to be in the clear?
razor1000 June 8, 2019, 6:36am #2
K6CPO June 8, 2019, 6:36am #3
Now, herein lies the rub. The TYT TH-8600 is an amateur radio and because of that requires a completely separate license to operate and it’s frequencies are different from GMRS. To obtain the amateur license, there is a 35 question examination that you must pass with a 74% or better score. Some examiners charge a fee for administering the exam, but it can be no more than $15. The license covers only you. Anyone you talk to on the amateur bands must also be licensed.
While it’s possible that particular radio might cover the GMRS frequencies also, it is illegal to use it on GMRS because it hasn’t been type certified for GMRS by the FCC.
In the long run, you’re going to get better communications performance if you buy the TYT, ditch the cheap Walmart walkie talkies for amateur band handhelds and get licensed.
razor1000:
The TYT radio is not FCC certified for GMRS, so simply put… you cannot use this radio to communicate with GMRS radios.
To use any GMRS radio, a GMRS license is required…but you MUST use FCC certified Part 95 GMRS radios.
ipfd320 June 8, 2019, 6:36am #5
I,m Sorry I Have to Reply to This Answer to the Moderator jwilkers Posted–I Have Been a New Member for Approx 2 Months Now–I Have alot of Knowledge and Use of Radio Equipment thru the Years—I Have Read Alot of Posts on Here and all I See is Alot of Negitivity and Dont do This and Dont Use That From You
as for the Answer You Gave (QUOTE) The TYT radio is not FCC certified for GMRS, so simply put… you cannot use this radio to communicate with GMRS radios.
I Think You Should Read this From this Site—https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2012/06/using_a_business_radio_for_gmrs.aspx
Does it Really Matter What Radio is in Use ??–This has Been Sent Around Many Many Websites Honestly If You Dont Advertise It No One Will Know–Jmho
razor1000 June 8, 2019, 6:36am #6
Rick June 8, 2019, 6:36am #7
I’m going to jump in to clarify this further and provide a little perspective in regards to the article referenced earlier.
Just because someone can program a radio for those frequencies, doesn’t mean they should. It’s a matter of ethics and doing the right thing. I am not here to judge anyone for their morals, ethics, or lack of them. However, I am here to ensure that we do not promote or endorse illegal or unethical activity in these forums to protect all members. Let’s keep it clean.
Even if a Part 90 radio can be used on Part 95, there is one more caveat. Due to the delays in production, we pulled the TH-8600 from our lineup before it launched, so I don’t have one here to check, but if it isn’t Part 90 type accepted, then the entire argument is moot anyway, because if it isn’t approved for Part 90, it won’t meet approval for Part 95.
To address the OP’s question simply and directly, if the radios sold by Wal-Mart you refer to are the “bubble pack” FRS/GMRS radios under 2 watts, they are now considered lower powered FRS radios, which do not require a GMRS license to operate, and are therefore perfectly legal for non-licensed users, because they are “licensed by rule”.
I’m in the UK, and often get confused by the differences between our two sets of laws - but ours broadly reflect the US ones. Clearly in both countries people buy radios that are not compliant with the various laws, enter frequencies and use them. Normally, there is very little operation problem doing this, but it is not right, and a business who deal with professional radio cannot, hand on heart say it is OK to do this. The US FCC and the UK’s OFCOM clearly do not have enough staff to even attempt to check radios on a public band - but that doesn’t make it right.
If I ask if it’s OK to buy a radio that isn’t compliant and use it - the ONLY answer has to be no.
I’m sorry that a new member finds the forum unwelcoming because they have a policy of encouraging legal operating. There are lots of forums where people encourage using radios on channels they shouldn’t be used on. Some detail how to access government satellite channels - plenty of people do this in south America and of course it’s not legit at all. Other people use far higher powers than allowed. Others transmit in other bands not allowed. Some of these - like the satellite usage is very naughty. Using the free radio channels with a higher power radio is a bit naughty. Using these channels on low power is a slight amount of naughtiness. Breaking the law in this way is a bit like doing 35 in a 30 limit in your car. You might get caught but most people don’t unless they do other silly things.
The other thing is that if you read this forum, you will find numerous topics closed for promoting illegal activity. It is how the owners like it - as members, if we don’t like it, it is tough! Their forum, their rules. Frankly it’s unreasonable for a new member with no history to complain about a moderator doing his job. It’s a thankless task - and I personally support his decision.
K6CPO June 8, 2019, 6:39am #10
ipfd320:
In response to your comment about “radio policing,” the OP stated he was buying a radio that is marketed for the amateur bands and might be using it for other than its intended purpose. Amateur radio has always been “self-policing,” so it’s incumbent on us to educate people about potential improper or illegal operation. And “If You Dont Advertise It No One Will Know” serves no purpose but to breed anarchy on the bands.
W5LZ June 8, 2019, 6:36am #11
Very simply, read FCC Part-time 95 for Murs/Gmrs. Part-97 for amateur radio stuff. Read what you signed on your license application… You should have already read Part-97 (ham radio), not sure about Gmrs.
HAM SIMPLE:
You can use DANG near anything on ham bands as long as it meets minimum specifications, or build your own. Can’t do that in other services.