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GMRS Radio Guide for Cedar Rapids Deck Building Crews

By Cedar Rapids Deck Pros · October 18, 2026

Building a deck in Cedar Rapids means a lot of trips between the trailer and the backyard. A two-way radio in the truck fixes a lot of that. Here is what GMRS is, what the Midland MXT295 does, how far it really reaches, and the license rules.

First, what is GMRS?

GMRS is the General Mobile Radio Service. The FCC licenses it for short-distance, two-way voice using handhelds, mobile radios in vehicles, and repeaters, on channels around 462 and 467 MHz.

There are 30 GMRS channels. 22 are shared with FRS, the license-free radios sold in blister packs, and 8 are repeater channels. Mobile and base radios can run up to 50 watts on the main channels. None of the channels belong to anyone, so you listen before you talk.

The radio: Midland MXT295

The MXT295 is a vehicle radio built for people who get out of the truck a lot. The mic is wireless, so a deck crew member can walk away from the cab and still talk.

• NOAA weather radio with weather alerts
• Automatic noise canceling, handy next to running equipment
• Compatible with FRS and GMRS radios
• 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS privacy codes, 154 in all
• Rated IP67, so dust and water stay out
• 15 watts on high and 5 watts on low
• A hideaway base unit that tucks out of sight and runs off a DC vehicle adapter

It needs an external antenna, mounted as high on the vehicle as you can. Midland's manual also notes FCC limits: 5 watts on channels 1 to 7, and no transmitting from a mobile on channels 8 to 14.

Real-world range

The FCC puts typical GMRS range at one to twenty-five miles, depending on station class, terrain and repeater use. Direct, radio to radio, a few miles is a fair expectation. Terrain and buildings shrink it.

To go farther, use a repeater: a station up high that rebroadcasts your signal. The radio's 8 repeater channels handle that. One rule to know: the FCC prohibits linking repeaters through the internet.

Where it helps a deck crew

• Ask the truck for the right hanger or post base before you set the next joist.
• Call for a board length from the cut station without walking around the house.
• Warn the crew when a delivery is backing in at the curb.
• Keep a helper posted at the saw while you check level and layout at the ledger.

Cedar Rapids has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, so check that deck stain, fasteners and covers are rated for those conditions before you buy. The IP67 rating and NOAA weather alerts make sense for that kind of weather.

Do you need a license? Yes.

The Amazon listing does not mention a license, but the radio does need one. Midland's MXT295 manual says: The MXT295 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies, which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. You must be licensed prior to operating your MXT295 radio. The FCC rule, 47 CFR 95.1705, says: A valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station.

• Cost: $35 (see the FCC fee schedule).
• One license is good for 10 years.
• There is no test.
• Only adults, 18 and up, can apply.
• It covers your immediate family: spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
• Crew members who are not family each need their own license. New GMRS licenses go only to individuals, not businesses.
• You will be issued a call sign, and you say it on the air to identify.

So for most deck building outfits, each non-family crew member gets their own license. It is $35 and good for 10 years, with no exam. Apply through the FCC; start at the FCC GMRS page.

One exception in the rule: a licensee may let anyone use the radio if it is needed to send an emergency message.

Before you buy

• Check that the truck is a 12-volt negative-ground system.
• License first, then key up.
• Pick an antenna spot high on the truck, away from fiberglass.
• Confirm that hired help has their own license.
• Agree on a channel and privacy code with your crew.

Midland MXT295 15W GMRS mobile radio with Bluetooth mic

See current price and details on Amazon. A GMRS license is required to transmit.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Sources: FCC GMRS page · 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart E · FCC fee guide · Midland MXT295 manual. Checked October 18, 2026.

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