GMRS

Who will you call when the phones go dark?

GMRS radio is similar to ham radio but it is far more simple and easy to get started with. You do need a license from the FCC but there is no knowledge test. The FCC charges $35 for a license that covers you and your family for 10 years. 22 channels and the ability to extend range with repeaters. There are a number of well placed repeaters in this area that will enable you to talk for many miles with just a handheld radio.
👉 How to get your GMRS license

Priest River GMRS Repeater Info

Depending on your model of radio, this repeater channel will be listed as RPT21, RPT-21, Channel 29, RPT-7. So if you turn any GMRS radio to 22 and then go up 7 more channels, you will be on the right channel. 1-22 are the same on all radios but the 8 repeater channels get numbered differently by each radio manufaturer. You will hear this repeater on channel 21 but only Repeater-channel 21 will be able to transmit into it and also receive.

📡 We are also working on off grid text communications with the Meshtastic Project.

See how GMRS radio is already in use

This is a great video that shows how GMRS radio is helping a California community stay connected when the usual methods like cell phones fail.

Local Farm and Trade

The FCC laws do not allow advertisements or offers of sale using GMRS. In my opinion it would be legal for local farmers and producers to talk about their activities and arrange the logistics of meeting or transportation of good. I don't think asking your friends what produce they have available would constitute an advertisement.
Currently, we are doing a walk-and-talk net at the Newport Farmers Market each Saturday at 10 AM. If you want to join in the conversation, it happens on the Cooks Mountain Repeater.

What Radio To Buy?

There are lots of great choices and unfortunately lots of poor choices. For simplicity, I will recommend two good ones; a low cost and a higher cost option to get you started. Of course you are free to wade into the radio world and do your own research.
First: The Baofeng GMRS-9R. (Amazon link)

👇 Here is a great video review of this radio.

Baofeng GMRS-9R Review - Overview, Demonstration & Range Test Of Baofeng's New Waterproof GMRS Radio
Second:
My favorite handheld radio is the Wouxun KG-935G
If you are looking for an American made radio, sadly, we no longer make radios in the US. If you ever hear of one, let me know and I will post it.
If you are a Ham radio operator or plan to be, the Baofeng UV-5R is very popular. If you are not a Ham, odds are very high that you will store the UV-5R away without ever learning to use it.

What About Ham Radio?

You will find that many GMRS radio folks are also Ham Radio operators. I believe that when times get tough, communication with your local community is the most important because that is where you will find goods and services to trade. If you want to reach further and talk around the world, by all means do so. 👍
Our community has a great radio club with some very experienced Ham Radio operators. Check the events page to see how to hang out with us.

Pend Oreille County Radio Group

Need Help Getting Started With GMRS?

I have set up a Telegram chat group to help people get started with GMRS. You will find many resource and links there as well as many experienced radio folks who can answer questions.
👉Nation Wide GMRS Chat
👉Private Priest River Telegram Chat (for locals)
Got Signal?
👉Private Priest River Signal Chat (for locals)