Cellular
Primary everyday voice, messaging, maps, traffic, location sharing, and emergency calling when the network is available.
Cellular · GMRS · amateur radio · APRS · linked systems · Winlink
Communications
No single system is expected to solve every problem.
GMRS
The age-appropriate family layer. Both boys actively use GMRS for local coordination, travel, activities, and operating discipline.
Amateur radio
Direct simplex, repeaters, APRS, Winlink, linked systems, and field operation under the privileges of K6RCS and K6KEG.
APRS
Position and message awareness on 144.390 MHz, especially for long road corridors and field movement.
Linked access
QSO One, EchoLink node 206608, openSPOT4 Pro, and digital networks where internet connectivity adds reach.
Rendezvous
Plain-language meeting points, timing, and fallback actions that still work when every battery-powered device becomes a paperweight.
Public channel plan
| Amateur primary simplex | 147.510 MHz |
|---|---|
| Amateur secondary simplex | 146.570 MHz |
| Crossband | 439.775 MHz |
| Team Stone tone | CTCSS 110.9 Hz where specified |
| GMRS family fallback | Channel 6, DCS 073 |
| APRS | 144.390 MHz in North America |
Bridge frequencies are labeled as bridge frequencies.
433.775 MHz and 145.670 MHz are hotspot or bridge-access channels in the system. They are not presented as ordinary direct family voice channels.
International and service boundaries
GMRS is not used in Mexico. Amateur radio, GMRS, marine radio, public-safety monitoring, cellular service, and internet-linked systems remain legally and operationally distinct.
The boys on GMRS
A real role, not a toy microphone.
GMRS lets the boys practice listening before transmitting, speaking clearly, using call signs, keeping messages short, changing channels deliberately, and reporting useful information. It also gives them a path into future amateur licensing without pretending they already have amateur privileges.
From the archive
The Stone boys using GMRS radios
Original photograph queued for caption, crop, and rights review.