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How to operate on GMRS

Radio words, how to make your first call, signal reports and good habits, all on one page you can print and keep.

Radio words

Over
I am done talking and waiting for your reply.
Out
I am done and not expecting a reply.
Copy
I heard and understood you.
Say again
Please repeat what you just said.
Break
I need to interrupt for something urgent.
Stand by
Wait a moment, I will be right back.
Radio check
How do you hear my signal?
Clear
My station is finished and free for others.

Make your first call

  1. 1Listen first so you do not talk over someone.
  2. 2Press and hold the talk key, wait one second, then speak.
  3. 3Say who you are calling, then who you are: for example, "Any station, this is WSFW755."
  4. 4Release the key and listen for an answer.
  5. 5When someone answers, move on to your message, then say "over".
  6. 6Say your call sign when you finish.

Giving a signal report

When someone asks for a radio check, answer in plain words.

Loud and clear
Strong, easy to understand.
Readable with some noise
Understandable, a little static.
Weak but readable
Quiet, you may need to speak up or move.
Broken up
Parts missing. Try a higher spot or another direction.
Unreadable
Cannot understand you. Try again closer.

Good habits

  • Identify your call sign

    Every 15 minutes during a conversation and when you finish.

  • Keep it short

    Others share the channel and repeaters time out on long calls.

  • Use plain language

    Skip codes and slang. Plain words work for everyone.

  • Know the rules

    GMRS is built for personal and family use. Read Part 95 before using it for anything else.

  • No bad language

    Keep it clean. Kids and families listen.

  • Do not tie up the channel

    Wait for a gap, and if you hear an emergency, give way.

  • Know your power

    Use the least power that gets the job done.

  • Respect repeater owners

    Follow any rules the owner posts for their repeater.

Common mistakes

Talking too soon after pressing the key
The first word gets cut off. Pause one second.
Holding the radio sideways
Hold it upright with the antenna straight up.
Wrong PL tone
You will hear the repeater but it will not hear you.
Forgetting the offset
A repeater listens on a different frequency than it talks.
Standing in a low spot
Move to higher ground or step outside for a better signal.

More in the complete GMRS guide and the radio tools.