GMRS channels for CHIRP
The 22 GMRS channels and the 8 repeater channels are already in the table below. Add a repeater’s tone, add other lists, check against your radio — then download the CSV and import it in CHIRP.
What is in the file
Channels 1–7 (462.5625–462.7125 MHz, 5 W), 8–14 (467.5625–467.7125 MHz, 0.5 W, narrow FM) and 15–22 (462.550–462.725 MHz, 50 W), as in FCC Part 95. Repeater channels 15R–22R listen on 462.550–462.725 and transmit 5 MHz higher. Each channel carries the power the rules allow; CHIRP picks the nearest level your radio has.
Receive only, until you say otherwise
GMRS needs an FCC licence (no exam, ten years) and a radio certified for GMRS. Most dual-band handhelds are not, so the file is receive-only by default. To transmit, open “Add ready-made channels”, untick receive-only and add the list again.
Repeater tones
Most GMRS repeaters need a CTCSS tone to open. Click a repeater channel, set Tone mode to Tone and pick the tone from the repeater’s listing.
Before you load it into a radio
The file is for CHIRP, the free programming software — not for the radio itself. CHIRP is what writes the channels to the radio, and CHIRP and the radio decide what they accept; we cannot check that without your radio. Before uploading, download the radio’s current memories in CHIRP and save them as a backup, then look through the channels. Transmitting on some frequencies needs a licence or an approved radio — check the rules where you are. You use the file and program your radio at your own risk.
Questions
- How do I get this into my radio?
- Download the CSV, open it in CHIRP (File › Open), then download from your radio, and copy the channels across — or use Radio › Import on the radio’s tab.
- Is FRS the same frequencies?
- Yes — FRS uses the same 22 frequencies at lower power and narrow FM, with no licence. There is an FRS file too.