How does Ham Radio compare to GMRS (personal radios often advertised as “5M range”)?
GMRS can do one of the range-enhancing tricks that hams use (Repeater operation). Unfortunately, though, repeaters on the GMRS band are very rare. GMRS is also limited to less power (2 watts for units that also use FRS frequencies), although GMRS has nearly four times as much power as allowed for FRS only. Some GMRS units can operate up to 50 watts for GMRS-only radios. GMRS is similar to ham radio in the respect that users require a license, but the licenses are very different. The GMRS license is more or less just a bunch of paperwork to send in. The ham radio license issued after taking an actual test. One other difference is that one GMRS license allows any family members to use the equipment without getting separate licenses. Ham radio licenses do not cover use by other family members. Other people in your family can use ham radio, but only if you are there to supervise them.
