Emergency Use of FRS/GMRS “Channel 307” in Wyoming

[Bill Ruttan]

The State of Wyoming has launched the “Be 307 AWARE” campaign to promote use of FRS/GMRS Radios by backcountry travelers when Search and Rescue (SAR) has been activated. “Channel 307”, according to the State Office of Homeland Security, is 462.6125 mHz, PL 85.4 or Channel 3, PL 7, (thus the “Channel 307” designation). This ‘channel’ will only be monitored/used by SAR when a search is underway. Details may be found at: hls.wyo.gov/307

I find it unfortunate that only a medium power (5 watt) GMRS frequency was chosen for this important purpose.

 

[Bill Ruttan]

Yes, a Personal Locator Beacon (“PLB”) satellite communicator.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Yes, a Personal Locator Beacon (“PLB”) satellite communicator.

One presumes activation of a PLB prompted the SAR call out in the first place. Doesn't sound like this is intended to be an actively monitored frequency. Someone had to have called 9-1-1 or punched the SOS already.

After that having two-way real time between involved parties seems complimentary, particularly since only InReach and SpotX have two-way messaging and that's via the long wire of space. A regular PLB or Spot have only the one-way help beacon.

GMRS takes the place of the old CB channel 9 and for that it seems ideal compared to amateur radio or an even less publicly used option.

I don't think using a PL tone is wise in this context though. It should be noted that the 85.4 Hz tone is numbered 8 on some Kenwood radios and Motorolas might call it PL Tone YA. But most likely if you're using these brands and models using the public service schemes you'll know how to deal with this.

 

[Bill Ruttan]

“One presumes activation of a PLB prompted the SAR call out in the first place. Doesn't sound like this is intended to be an actively monitored frequency. Someone had to have called 9-1-1 or punched the SOS already.”

I agree, you are completely correct with regard to the communications plan put forth in Wyoming.



“GMRS takes the place of the old CB channel 9 and for that it seems ideal compared to amateur radio or an even less publicly used option

But most likely if you're using these brands and models using the public service schemes you'll know how to deal with this.”

The “307 Channel” plan is also put forward for backcountry users of ”license-by-rule” FRS Radios. While definition of ”Channel 3” seems fairly standardized, the selection of the correct CTCSS Code is indeed problematic.

 

[nwoods]

I find it unfortunate that only a medium power (5 watt) GMRS frequency was chosen for this important purpose.

That was my exact same thought when I read your statement about the FRS channel 3.07

Why low power? I always use the upper channels like 22 to take advantage of the higher power my handheld will transmit on at those channels. But I don’t think I’m anywhere near 5 watts. I though hand held FRS channels 1-18 (?) were .3 watts, and the higher channels were 1-3 watts

 

[Bill Ruttan]

That was my exact same thought when I read your statement about the FRS channel 3.07

Why low power? I always use the upper channels like 22 to take advantage of the higher power my handheld will transmit on at those channels. But I don’t think I’m anywhere near 5 watts. I though hand held FRS channels 1-18 (?) were .3 watts, and the higher channels were 1-3 watts

Hi Nathan,

FRS rules now permit up to two (2) watts transmitter power on Channels 01-07 and 15-22, while keeping the 0.5 watt limit on Channels 08-14. GMRS Handheld Radios are routinely rated at five (5) watts, and several Mobile GMRS Radios are rated at 50 watts, all depending on the frequency selected.

For any emergency use I would suggest “high power” FRS (2w)/GMRS (50w) Channels 15-22.

 

[nwoods]

Hi Nathan,

FRS rules now permit up to two (2) watts transmitter power on Channels 01-07 and 15-22, while keeping the 0.5 watt limit on Channels 08-14. GMRS Handheld Radios are routinely rated at five (5) watts, and several Mobile GMRS Radios are rated at 50 watts, all depending on the frequency selected.

For any emergency use I would suggest “high power” FRS (2w)/GMRS (50w) Channels 15-22.

Excellent, thank you for the update! I think I need to update my radios. Been looking at a Midway mobile base station for my Jeep, to accompany my Kenwood HAM radio

 

[DaveInDenver]

Excellent, thank you for the update! I think I need to update my radios. Been looking at a Midway mobile base station for my Jeep, to accompany my Kenwood HAM radio

FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki

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