Service area map - Oly-Comm1 Repeater
This prediction is based upon typical equipment performance histories and the known terrain. Green and gold shading indicate areas of operation, depending upon specific transmitter power. This map was generated with an arbitrary distance cut-off beyond about 100 miles. This UHF-FM system was designed from a regional-coverage perspective.
Service Area Map - Oly-Comm2 Repeater
While this prediction is also based upon typical equipment performance histories, and the known terrain, actual performance exceeds the immediate Port Townsend area with coverage into a portion of east Sequim.
Service Area Map - Oly-Comm3 (East Tiger)
462.675
This prediction was based upon typical equipment performance histories and the known terrain. Green and yellow tinting indicates mainly mobile (higher-powered) coverage. As with every radio system, "Your Mileage May Vary" so it is always best to plan for mobile operations first and foremost, and recognizing that hand-held radio coverage will be best-used in conjunction with localized mobile-command events! Notice will be given when the repeater is reactivated at this location. For more information go here.
Possible Service Area Map - Oly-Comm4 (West) Repeater
Coverage of the Oly-Comm1 system has been significantly improved with the addition of the DB-411B antenna. However, our desire to to provide solid coverage over more of the central Clallam County region, will be best served with the addition of a fourth repeater. This projection is based upon a theoretical installation at either Striped Peak (a common site for solid communications in this part of Clallam County) or at Mt Gunderson. For closer looks, "Right Click" the map and open in a new tab.
Beyond the coverages, listed above, of Oly-Comm repeaters 1, 2 and 3, there are other GMRS repeaters providing service for the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula region. These are also operated by visionary individuals interested in the well-being of residents in the region. Similar predictive mapping, for those systems, will be displayed here as the necessary details become available. Regional disaster-response repeater operators have a strong sense of helping-when-they-can and are happy to partner together in times of need.
Service Area Map - Lookout Mountain Repeater
462.725
Service Area Map - Cultus Repeater
462.550
Service Area Map - Sumas Repeater
462.725
Service Area Map - Gold Mountain
462.600
Jacob's Peak - Estimate
Capital Peak - Estimate
The personal and business usage of the GMRS continues to grow and evolve. Yes, business usage remains completely legal, it is only the licensing of business entities that was discontinued in 1987. Please refer to permitted usage here and prohibited usage here.
Another "hot topic" of discussion has been whether the "linking" together of GMRS repeaters is "legal" or not. In general, FCC Part 95 rules have (in sometimes previously imprecise language) said no. Some GMRS users have strenuously disagreed. However, the Commission has not been impressed with the verbal gymnastics presented and stands fast with their policy of prohibition.
Historically, this topic [among many] has been seriously discussed via information presented via YouTube videos. Examples are here and here (go to about 01:12:45). Subsequent language updates to the FCC website, and licensing documentation, now more clearly indicates that the continuing intention of the FCC is to prohibit GMRS repeater network interconnection (except as provided under Part 95.1745). Any wishful thinking (or just plain stubbornness) to the contrary is just that.
"Line A"
For many years a few special restrictions have existed upon licensees in the General Mobile Radio Service. Although not necessarily originating within the Rules framework of Part 95, these have been fully in effect as GMRS licensees are also required to adhere to other portions of the Communications Act of 1934 as amended. There is more to radio life than just Part 95, and when one "signs on the dotted line" for a license, ALL such responsibilities are accepted.
Occasionally, changes to the radio rules take place with little fanfare, and real impact is not immediately felt in the radio community. One such instance is that of a significant change to the International treaty that exists between the United States of America and Canada. Generally, operations on Channel 19 - 462/7.650 and Channel 20 - 462/7.700 north of Line A were prohibited due to potential interference to non-compatible radio usage in Canada. Modifications to this Treaty were agreed to (Jan 12/13, 2021), by both nations, and such restrictions are no longer warranted or in effect. FYI, it is recommended that all GMRS licensees re-visit the FCC license search portal here, enter their license and print out a new "Reference Copy" which no longer presents "Line A" restrictions. The removal or updating of obsolete portions of all other online Rules data references on the Internet can take time, so do not be surprised if you occasionally find old references not reflecting this important Treaty change.