GMRS for HAMS (and Everyone)

Name: GMRS for HAMS (and Everyone)
Start: 2026-03-06T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Schedule

Fri, 06 Mar, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center | Concord, NC

Hey, all,
I will be presenting a GMRS forum at the Charlotte Hamfest, likely 5 pm on Friday, March 6. The time is tentative until they publish the schedule, but that was suggested and I accepted.
The title is GMRS for HAMS (and Everyone). This is a 'ham'fest, though lots of GMRS ops have been attending for the past few years.
Friday forums are new this year. They only have one room, and they do three on Saturday. (I'll also be presenting the Digital Voice VHF/UHF forum at 9 am Saturday).
As you all know from operation on Crowders, GMRS has grown into a hobby radio service of its own. Maybe not exactly what the FCC intended (and the online forums have plenty of people grousing about that). It's still good for family/group operation, and the rules say 'personal' communication. The FCC doesn't seem to mind.
As for 'for HAMS', we know that many of the Crowder's ops are hams, too, and many GMRS ops have become hams or are interested in it, though it's fine with me if GMRS is all you want. But the title is more of a hook. The forum will focus on what GMRS is - frequencies (channels), expected range, FRS overlap, clearing up rumors and misinformation.
I'm looking for ideas and stuff to include, so drop a note in comments. And of course, try to be there. Check the hamfest website for forum times when they're published (not yet) to be sure when it's scheduled
This is a forum at the Charlotte Hamfest, held Friday afternoon and Satudray, March 6/7, at the Caparrus Arena. A hamfest ticket is required to attend the forum. I will cover basic GMRS operation (not just 'for hams') as it applies to the Charlotte area and beyond. Check the hamfest website for confirmation of the forum time.

https://charlottehamfest.org/
Gary K4AAQ WRPG652