WEGC Range Radio Communications Protocol
West End Gun Club is piloting radio communications at the range to further coordinate communications between RSO’s, Match Directors and Members with GMRS radios.
Range wide cease fire
Emergency medical assistance
Fire coordination and suppression
Vehicle assistance
Range event coordination
Bay and member coordination
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a popular public radio communication system in areas where cell phone reception is non existent. Many WEGC members use GRMS already, thus the intent of this protocol is to establish a working protocol and encourage the use of GRMS as an additional resource for communication between members and staff (including matches) while on WEGC property. Members would not be required, but are encouraged to use GMRS. Low power GMRS radio checks have been done throughout the range property and the radio signal covers all areas of WEGC, all the way to the entrance of the canyon at the creek crossing.
In the event of an emergency during the weekday (Mon-Thurs) radio communications may not be monitored by range staff or other members. When arriving it’s good to do a radio check-in.
LICENSING
GMRS is an FCC licensed frequency band and it is assumed that each member has their own license. Note that having a license is not required by WEGC to communicate at the range however it’s highly encouraged to obtain an FCC license. GMRS FCC licenses cost $35, are good for 10 years and apply to your entire immediate family; there is no test. The steps to get a license can be found here: https://radiothoughts.com/how-to-get-gmrs-license/
RECOMMENDED RADIOS
| Radio | See on Amazon | Features |
|---|---|---|
| TD-H3 |  | Bluetooth enabled and wireless programming |
| Baofeng UV-5R | | 5W Programmable with CHIRP, widely used |
| Baofeng AR-5RM | | 5W Programmable with CHIRP, widely used |
Table1 : Recommended Radios. Note that popular off the shelf brands like Midland and Cobra GMRS radios will also work.
RADIO CHANNEL USE
Here is a table of the channels we will be using. Note that these channels are subject to cross talk from nearby OHV users. Please keep range communications concise and to a minimum.
| CHANNEL | Frequency MHz | MAX Power | PRIMARY USE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 462.5625 | 5W | Default range wide frequency for RSO’s, Members and Directors |
| 2 | 462.5875 | 5W | Maintenance |
| 3 | 462.6125 | 5W | Event coordination |
| 4 | 462.6375 | 5W | Match coordination |
| 5 | 462.6625 | 5W | Match coordination |
| 6 | 462.6875 | 5W | Match coordination |
Table2 : WEGC Range Channels, Frequencies, and Protocols. Note that if more channels are needed, a match director can go up to channel 22 at their descretion.
Excellent proposal for noted safety purposes.
I support this experiment. It is a good idea.
GMRS is much better than Citizen’s Band (CB) and the license for GMRS does not require an examination as does Amateur Radio (ham).
My only question is whether radio transmissions will be readily heard or even noticed when wearing ear protection or when there are many people shooting. Nevertheless, it is worth a try since cell phone use is extremely at the time.
(I also usually bring my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to the range just in case of a serious emergency that might require immediate 911 response.)
In the licensing statement on the WEGC webpage you state, “GMRS is a FCC licensed frequency and it is assumed that each member has their own license. Note that having a license is not required to communicate at the range however it’s highly encouraged to obtain one.”
This statement is not accurate. Per 47C.F.R. Part 95 Subpart E. all users (immediate family members of the license holder) of the allocated GMRS frequencies are required to be licensed and broadcast that license ID during use. The only exception being emergency communication.
Additionally, while the frequencies identified for use are within the GMRS frequencies, they are also shared by the lower powered FRS frequencies. If users of these frequencies are using type accepted radios for FRS they could use the frequencies without a license but then must operate at the lower power restrictions and non-business use accordingly.
Lastly, the recommended radio list includes Amateur Band Radio’s that are not type accepted by the FCC for use on GMRS or FRS frequencies.