In this post i’ll talk about how to setup the Zello app to access the GMRS network.
Before we start I want to clarify on a quick point about the use of the label ‘GMRS network’ – specifically this phrase is very generic, and is more of a concept than a specific name or brand.
Why do I say this? Because when I reference ‘GMRS network’ on this post it is specifically referring to the GMRS Network on this page – a page that to access you need to have a GMRS license and apply for membership to via that Facebook link. There are many GMRS Networks, this is just one of them 🙂
Start out by joining the GMRS Network facebook group
This is pretty easy, go to this link, fill in the application that includes your GMRS callsign and wait for approval – generally this happens quite quickly as the admins are on frequently.
Download the Zello app
Another easy task – if you’re using Android click here, and if you’re using Apple click here.
Setup your Zello account
Unfortunately as i’ve already set mine up I can’t give you screenshots – that said i’m relatively comfortable that if you can signup to Facebook and other services that you’re going to do just fine.
Request access approval for you Zello username to access the GMRS network
After opening up the Zello app, on the main screen at the bottom you will a ‘Contacts’ button, click that.
On the bottom right hand corner of the screen you will see a icon/button with a + symbol, click that
You will then be on the Add a contact screen, type in Sfbayarea415 and send off the request
At this time you will likely have a conversation with Marcos while he verifies your callsign and details against FB – after that he will approve.
Ok, i’ve been provided access, now what?
When you open up the app on the main screen you will see three icons on the bottom – Recents, Contacts & Channels – click on channels
When you click on channels you should see a screen that looks like this
I see two channels on my app, which one do I choose?
GMRS-Repeaters – Using this will connect you to the everyone who is a member of the Zello group, PLUS all repeaters that are linked to the network:
- San Jose (CA)
- Bakersfield (CA)
- Keasbey (NJ)
- Indiana (2 sites, cities TBC)
NOTE: Not all repeaters are linked at all times, that said you can always go on here and communicate
GMRS Network – This is a Zello-only group that anybody (with a GMRS license) can use – it however does not connect to the repeaters, and for those out there mobile this means they miss out on these conversations.
Pick a channel and get talking!
Now for the fun part, let’s start talking!
Choose the channel that is most appropriate for you – personally I say go big and choose GMRS-REPEATERS, but it’s entirely up to you.
Once you choose the channel you want you will see the below image – importantly you will see that the everything is grey, this is because you haven’t yet connected to the channel, and if you’re not connected you cannot hear anything nor communicate out.
See that little power on the right side?, click that and then it will turn green – like below.
That’s it, you’re ready to go. All you do now is hold down the speaker button and start talking. The button is exactly the same as the talk button on a radio – you press it down and people hear you, you unpress and your communication stops.
So what do I say?
One of the biggest things i’ve found is that people get nervous about sending out a message and so they sit their waiting and waiting and waiting and never joining in – if you do that you’re missing out most if not all of the reason why you joined up! So let’s quickly go over what I recommend you say, this should help smoothe things along and get you going
“This is [insert your callsign] from [your city and state] with my first time on the Zello network looking for a callback”
This message is easy and will very likely (it certainly wil if i’m on!) get you a response from someone – and from there away you go!
On your second use many people will say “This is [insert your callsign] from [your city and state] listening”
This means that they are waiting for someone else to say something – so now is a chance to jump on, give your callsign and ask how they are doing today.
A few things on etiquette and (frankly) how not to bore the daylights out of everyone….
These are all my personal comments here – you may agree or disagree and that’s fine, we don’t always have to agree and most importantly i’m right 100% of the time so do as I say, and as I do *smile*
- Normal conversation is great – talk about your job, activities you have on the weekend, what radio setup you are using, what activities you like to do for fun. Sometimes people will use some words like ’73’s’ and ‘QSO’ – you can learn about it later, but for right now don’t even worry about it – just talk.
- Ask questions(!) – Don’t know what to talk about, still feeling nervous, I have a perfect solution – ask questions – it gets the other person talking without making them uncomfortable and will very likely have them ask you a question in return that you can answer
- Try not to say i’m from X, 83 miles from blah blah and the weather is 174 degrees. If I had a nickel for everytime i’ve heard that on radio and wanted to brain myself …. well, i’d have a lot of nickels. Try to communicate in the same way you would converse with someone if you just met them for the first time in person. See above about asking questions and talking about things you like ….
I hope this has been an informative article – if you see anything that needs changing please don’t hesitate to throw out a message on the FB page and tag me (Adam Joy) and i’ll be more than happy to help out where I can.
Adam – WRQD914
Revision history
17-May-2020 – Initial release