Welcome To WQPY804's GMRS Page!

My FCC license page for GMRS

Greetings from WQPY804. My name is Dan and live just outside
the city of Bangor in a town called Glenburn.

I mostly frequent three area repeaters in the Bangor area which
are Charleston, Dedham, and Eddington. I periodically use the
other ones if I am traveling within their respective areas.

I also maintain information on many of the local repeaters on
multiple online databases. Plus I forward voluntary donations
to the group members who make the tower sites and active
repeater equipment possible and kept on the air.

Speaking of which, voluntary donations can be made here and
would be greatly appreciated to help keep them going...
https://paypal.me/BangorAreaGMRS

View a list of those who have donated by clicking here.


Listed and known 'open' repeaters around Maine as of 4/18/24...

* Athens (Stickney Hill) | WRQJ805 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 82.5 hz CTCSS (Code 6)
...coming soon and to the RoIP link
* Bristol (Local) | WQYE926 | 462.625+ Mhz (CH 18r) | 186.2 hz CTCSS (Code 30)
* Brownville (Stickney Hill) | WQQG481 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4)
* Brunswick (Oak Hill) | WRQU806 | 462.700+ Mhz (CH 21r) | 114.8 hz CTCSS (Code 16)
* Camden (Ragged Mtn) | WRQJ805 | 462.700+ Mhz (CH 21r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4) [RoIP linked]
* Casco (Local) | WRAX632 | 462.600+ Mhz (CH 17r) | 67.0 hz CTCSS (Code 1)
* Charleston (Bull Hill) | WQPY804 | 462.600+ Mhz (CH 17r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4)
* Cooper (Cooper Hill) | WQPY804 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4) [RoIP linked]
* Dedham (Bald Mtn) | WRQJ805 | 462.550+ Mhz (CH 15r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4)
* Dixmont (Peaked Mtn) | WRQJ805 | 462.625+ Mhz (CH 18r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4)
* Dresden (Blinn Hill) | WRQU806 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 179.9 hz CTCSS (Code 29)
* Eddington (Blackcap Mtn) | WRQJ805 | 462.725+ Mhz (CH 22r) | (TONE UNLISTED) [RoIP linked]
* Falmouth (Blackstrap Hill) | WRQU806 | 462.650+ Mhz (CH 19r) | 156.7 hz CTCSS (Code 25)
* Frankfort (Mt Waldo) | WRQK331 | 462.650+ Mhz (CH 19r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4)
* Frenchville (Local) | WRQI581 | 462.725+ Mhz (CH 22r) | 123.0 hz CTCSS (Code 18)
* Gardiner (Libby Hill) | WRKN725 | 462.600+ Mhz (CH 17r) | 123.0 hz (Code 18) [RoIP linked]
* Gray (Hunts Hill) | WRQU806 | 462.625+ Mhz (CH 18r) | 179.9 hz CTCSS (Code 29) [RoIP linked]
* Knox (Aborn Hill) | WREW412 | 462.550+ Mhz (CH 15r) | 141.3 hz CTCSS (Code 22)
* Limestone (Local) | WQNI696 | 462.575+ MHz (CH 16r) | 123.0 hz CTCSS (Code 18)
* Lincoln (Bagley Mtn) | WRQJ805 | 462.625+ Mhz (CH 18r) | 88.5 hz CTCSS (Code 8) [RoIP linked]
* Monmouth (Local) | WRCF905 | 462.650+ Mhz (CH 19r) | 203.5 hz CTCSS (Code 32)
* Norway (Local) | WRMW315 | 462.700+ Mhz (CH 21r) | NO TONE (Code 0 -or- Code off)
* Orland (Front Ridge) | WRQJ805 | 462.600+ Mhz (CH 17r) | 100.0 hz CTCSS (Code 12)
* Pittsfield (Local) | WRJK250 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH16r) | 123.0 hz CTCSS (Code 18) ...tested in early Feb 2023 and appears off
* Portland (One City Center) | WRQU806 | 462.725+ Mhz (CH 22r) | 156.7 hz CTCSS (Code 25)
* Pownal (Bradbury Mtn) | WRMH471 | 462.550+ Mhz (CH 15r) | 141.3 hz CTCSS (Code 22)
* Presque Isle (Quoggy Jo Mtn) | WQU806 | 462.550+ Mhz (CH 15r) | 77.0 hz CTCSS (Code 4) [RoIP linked]
* Rumford (Local) | WROI590 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 141.3 hz CTCSS (Code 22)
* St George (Local) | WQZI552 | 462.600+ Mhz (CH 17r) | 123.0 hz CTCSS (Code 18) ...confirmed active in mid-Jul 2023
* Unity (Local) | WRQY318 | 462.725+ Mhz (CH 22r) | 107.2 hz CTCSS (Code 14)
* Waterboro (Ossipee Hill) | WQQJ953 | 462.575+ Mhz (CH 16r) | 192.8 hz CTCSS (Code 31) ...seasonal, Apr-Nov
* Woodstock (Spruce Mtn) | WQOP567 | 462.675+ Mhz (CH 20r) | 156.7 hz CTCSS (Code 25) ...being added to the RoIP link soon

(FYI: There is now an informal check-in net on the RoIP linked repeaters every Thursday evening at 7pm ET.)

A list of actively licensed GMRS operators I know as of 8/28/22...

(FYI, it's become too time consuming for me to keep this list
updated so, below this list, you'll find instructions on how
to search for new and active users on your own.)

* Location, Callsign, Name (Other radio service aliases)
* Auburn, WRKU839, Deane (Ham-K1BWO)
* Bangor, WRTM777, Kevin B (Ham-NOUKM)
* Bangor, WQPI418, Kevin C (Ham-W1KMC)
* Bangor, WRQL942, Dave (Ham-N1DAE)
* Bangor, WRQT497, Wes (Ham-WA1IOG)
* Bangor, WRQV499, Chris
* Bangor, WRQV721, Rebecca (Ham-W1LIC)
* Bangor, WRQY941, Jim (Ham-N1OQS)
* Bangor, WRTC685, Deb (Ham-K1DAE)
* Bangor, WRTS331, Luke (Ham-KC1AXY)
* Bangor, WRUF845, Brennen
* Belfast, WREK509, Doug (Ham-KV1B)
* Blue Hill, WRTI327, Donny (CB-Rubber Duck)
* Bradley, WRQZ404, Jim
* Brewer, WRQJ805, Gerry (Ham-KC1FRJ)
* Brewer, WRQS919, Ed (Ham-KB1LUO)
* Bucksport, WPUK253, Bob
* Bucksport, WRQK331, Mark (Ham-KA1KWH)
* Bucksport, WRQJ811, Rick (Ham-KC1FXJ) (CB-Ridge Runner)
* Calais, WRUD431, Nick (Ham-KC1MWZ)
* Clifton, WRUD379, Dustin
* Dexter, WRTJ658, John
* Ellsworth, WRQY318, Matt (Ham-KC1NIA)
* Ellsworth, WRUC705, Dick (Ham-W1KRP)
* Franklin, WRQX977, Steve (Ham-W1DTX) (CB-Tranquility)
* Hancock, WRQU482, Chris (Ham-K1WJY)
* Hancock, WRQW297, George (Ham-N1ARO) (CB-Barefoot)
* Hancock, WRTB535, Dewayne (CB-Stump Jumper)
* Hampden, WREA379, Mike
* Hampden, WRNZ579, Glen
* Harmony, WRAV269, Paul (Ham-KC1JMI)
* Hermon, WQPY804, Dan (Ham-W1DLO) (CB-River Rat)
* Kenduskeag, WRTM458, Mike (CB-Mike in Kenduskeag)
* Lincoln, WRPK891, Jim (Ham-KB1YWP)
* Machias, WRTU435, Colby (Ham-W1BSB)
* Milo, WQQG481, Rick (Ham-N1STO)
* Newburgh, WRTI463, Dwight, uses wife's call (CB-Firefighter)
* Newport, WRTA845, Mike (Ham-WA1REQ)
* Newport, WRTS480, Jason (HAM-KC1DLN)
* Northport, WREW412, Bob (Ham-N1PBY)
* Old Town, WPYV380, Carroll (Ham-N1OJD)
* Old Town, WRQZ678, Ed (Ham-WI1Z)
* Orono, WRQH528, Allan (Ham-KC1IWF) (CB-Allan in Orono)
* Penobscot, WRUX700, Rocky (Ham-KC1AVF)
* Pittsfield, WRQE990, Chris (Ham-N1JSD)
* Plymouth, WRQV647, Larry (Ham-N1YMM)
* Sabattus, WRNZ594, Cory (Ham-KU1U)
* Sangerville, WRMA670, David (Ham-KC1RFK)
* Sidney, WRTE856, Bart (Ham-N1UB)
* Surry, WRUB302, Sam (Ham-KC1PMG)
* Westbrook, WROM423, Mike (Ham-AB1TZ)
* Wilton, WRPJ591, Steve (Ham-KA1ZFY)
* Winterport, WRQW910, Dennis (Ham-KC1DXD) (CB-Knuckle Buster)
* Wiscasset, WRTI318, Bob

For further results, I'd suggest going to the FCC's
Advanced License Search page.
For a little further help, view this image and the circled
parameters.
Use it to guide you on entering them into the actual
search page. Good luck!

Frequencies/Channels/Power output Max Chart...

Fixed stations (the limited data applications such as for GPS and text messaging) can be
used up to 15 watts on any of the "main channels" (channels 15-22 and channels 15a-22a).

FREQ		CH	PWR	ADDITIONAL INFO

462.5625 MHz	1	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.5875 MHz	2	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6125 MHz	3	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6375 MHz	4	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6625 MHz	5	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6875 MHz	6	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)
462.7125 MHz	7	5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow or wide banded)

467.5625 MHz	8	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.5875 MHz	9	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.6125 MHz	10	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.6375 MHz	11	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.6625 MHz	12	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.6875 MHz	13	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)
467.7125 MHz	14	0.5 W	(Interstitial channel; Simplex only; Narrow banded only)

462.5500 MHz	15	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.5750 MHz	16	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6000 MHz	17	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6250 MHz	18	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6500 MHz	19!	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.6750 MHz	20*	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.7000 MHz	21!	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)
462.7250 MHz	22	50 W	(Main channel; Data, Simplex, & Repeater output; Narrow or wide banded)

467.5500 MHz	15a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.5750 MHz	16a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.6000 MHz	17a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.6250 MHz	18a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.6500 MHz	19a!	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.6750 MHz	20a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.7000 MHz	21a!	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)
467.7250 MHz	22a	50 W	(Main channel; Data & Repeater intput; Narrow or wide banded)

(* = Unofficially recognized travel channel while using a 141.3 hz tone)
(! = Restricted use near the Canadian border... click for info)
(All GMRS frequencies, except the repeater input frequencies, are shared with FRS.)
(Not all transceivers follow the same ch/freq standard as above but 'most' do.)

Simply put, what is GMRS?

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a land-mobile FM radio service
designed for short-distance 2-way communication between hand-held and
mobile transceivers. It allows families, friends, and associates to
communicate during recreational outings, casual conversation, and/or
other personal business. One must obtain a GMRS license to use it.

Is a GMRS License hard to get?

Unlike Amateur/Ham radio, you do not need to study up to take a test
to get a license. You only need to submit an application and pay
a fee to the FCC and they will assign you a callsign.

How do I get a GMRS License?

On the FCC website, go to 'ULS License Manager' and log in with
your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password. After entering
your password, click the 'Apply for a New License' link on the
left side of the page. Choose "ZA - General Mobile Radio
Service (GMRS)" from the radio service drop down list. After
that, click 'Continue' to navigate through the application. On
the Summary page, review your application and click the
'Continue to Certify' button to continue. On the Certification
page, sign your application by typing your name in the boxes
provided and click the 'Submit' button. The ULS will calculate
the fees. Click the 'Continue For Payment Options' button to
choose the method of payment and follow their instructions.

Once your application has been granted, you can download an
official copy of your license from the License Manager by
clicking the "Download Electronic Authorizations" link on the
navigation bar on the left side of the License Manager home
page. In the 'My Authorizations' box at the bottom of the
page, select the call sign(s) you wish to download. Add the
call signs to the 'Authorizations to Download' box by
clicking the "Add' button. Then click the Download button in
the lower right-hand corner of the page. The download will
be automatically converted to a PDF file and you can choose
to Open, Print, or Save.

(If you do not have an FRN, register for one by clicking here.)

What rules should I follow with a GMRS license?

A GMRS properly licensed individual with an assigned callsign not
only covers that specific individual, but includes members of their
immediate family. This means that your spouse, children, parents,
and siblings are all legally allowed to use the GMRS using your
callsign. However, friends and co-workers will each have to apply
and pay for their own license (but will respectively include their
own immediate family members and so on).

All individuals and respective licensed members, must say their
proper callsign at least once every 15 minutes along with at the
start and end of their communication conversation. Also, unlike
Amateur/Ham radio, you are allowed to conduct business on GMRS.

GMRS is somewhat similar to what CB Radio was supposed to be. CB
radio took a rebellious turn in the late 1970s all the way up to
even today. Granted, beginners in the GMRS or those using just
the license-free Family Radio Service or FRS (which are shared
frequencies with GMRS by the way, but with much less power and
transceiver restriction) either follow that path or just mimic
it. For the more serious licensed individuals, the mannerism is
generally more mature and professional leaning more toward how
Amateur/Ham radio operators generally speak on the air.

Last piece worth an extra mention, since we are surrounded by the
Canadian border, there are a set of frequency pairings that we
aren't allowed to use in much of Maine. Those Mhz frequencies are
462.650, 462.700, 467.650, and 467.700. This applies to repeater
and simplex use. The map below, showing "Line A", indicates where
you can and cannot use them. This is a FCC regulation and should
be noted on your GMRS license and followed...

Also, for licensed GMRS operators near the Canadian border, here
are a few "good to know" pieces of info regarding the rules that
Canadian operators have to follow...
* There is no license required for GMRS in Canada.
* Power output on any unit cannot exceed 2 watts in Canada.
* Repeater operation is not allowed in Canada.
* Simplex operation between US licensed users and Canadian
non-licensed users are permitted but each side must follow
within their own respective rules.

GMRS Related Links...

MyGMRS.com
Repeaterbook.com: GMRS Repeater Database
FCC.gov: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
FCC.gov: GMRS License Search
FCC.gov: Coordination w/ Canada Below 470 MHz
'Maine GMRS Info' group on Facebook
'Maine GMRS' group on Facebook
'USGMRS-ME (Maine) Repeater System' on Facebook
'USGMRS Repeater System' on Facebook
USA GMRS Association
New England GMRS Linked Repeater Network
'Wolfpack GMRS Node' group on Facebook
GMRS Live (hosted nodes)
The GMRS Linked Network
Buy Two Way Radios (seller)
Amazon Search (keywords: gmrs + repeater + capable)
GMRS: Buy-Sell-Trade-Discuss (Facebook group)
Inexpensive repeater capable GMRS transceivers...
Midland MXT115 15w mobile unit w/ antenna (Amazon)
Midland MXT275 15w mobile unit w/ antenna (Amazon)
Radioddity GM-30 5w handheld unit (Amazon)
This next handheld unit below is unfortunately not in production anymore but,
from personal experience, it is a great repeater capable choice if found...

Motorola Talkabout MS350R 2w handheld unit (eBay search)
New batteries for the Motorola Talkabout MS350R can still be bought here...
Replacement batteries 2pk for the Motorola Talkabout MS350R (Amazon)
Inexpensive non-GMRS transceivers that can be easily programmed for use...
These makes and models below can be programmed for any simplex/repeater pairing
between 400-470 Mhz so can also be used for both UHF commercial and 70cm ham
parameter purposes. Also, I have tested many of these units with a Bird 43
wattmeter on a dummy load. The TM-481A produced 43 watts to an advertised 45
watts so very close. And, even though you may see them advertised as producing
4-5 watts, the BF-888S generally only put out 1.7 watts. However, that lower
wattage, on those handhelds is still plenty of power for the wide area GMRS
repeaters we now have in the area. And for their extremely low price, they are
genuinely worth it.

Kenwood TM-481A 40-45 watt mobile unit (eBay search)
Baofeng BF-888S 1.7w handheld unit w/ removable SMA antenna (Amazon)
Programming cable for the Beofeng BF-888S (Amazon)
Replacement/extra batteries for the Baeofeng BF-888S 6-pack (Amazon)

Contact info...

Email: [email protected]

Also as an extra FYI...
If I'm not too busy, I do locally offer to help test radio equipment.
I have 100w, 300w, and 1500w dummy loads plus a Bird 43P wattmeter.
The elements I have are listed at the link below...
http://qsl.net/w1dlo/dano/data/bird-43p-elements.txt

Non-GMRS related pages & links I also have that are radio related...

My LIVE public safety scanner feed that I host on YouTube
My CB Radio Page | My Ham Radio Page

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