WiConduit provides fiscal sponsorship to the North Bay Communication Cooperative (NBCC). NBCC provides an organized platform and support for neighborhoods seeking redundancy in communication. Utilizing GMRS/FRS/HAM radio technology, NBCC ensures reliable communication when all else fails.
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General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Amateur Radio can empower individuals, families, and communities by fostering communication, preparedness, and service. Join us in this exciting journey to stay connected, contribute to public safety, and make a positive impact in the world through radio communication.

NBCC Radio Training Workshops

NBCC's dedicated team of volunteers coordinates and conducts community radio workshops throughout the region. These workshops provide attendees with comprehensive training on radio usage and how to effectively utilize the NBCC radio network. Each participating household is provided with a complimentary programmed radio to take home. Please attend one of our upcoming workshops listed in the schedule below!

Using the NBCC Radio Network

FCC Licensing

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires a license to operate most radios, and licensing instructions can be found below. Please adhere to FCC protocol. Family Radio Service (FRS) does not require a license. Please scroll down to the FAQ for more information.

Etiquette/Protocol

Please maintain a respectful and concise approach to communications. This radio system is designed to facilitate communication in cases where all other means are nonfunctional. Announce your call sign when initiating radio communication and every 10 minutes while on the air.

Making a call

​Turn on the radio and set the volume to maximum. Choose a channel and press the PTT (Push to Talk) button to speak. Release the button when finished talking and adjust the volume as needed. Switch to a different channel if required.

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Community Nets

Organize leaders within your neighborhood, create a neighborhood net, and practice using radios regularly. For additional guidance, contact the GMRS leader in your area. Many communities host a weekly radio net to which you are welcome to participate.

Emergency use

In the case of an emergency, call 911 first. If that is not successful, switch to your local GMRS neighborhood channel, contact other members, and establish an active net. Ask a neighborhood GMRS leader to contact the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Management. Have another neighborhood leader contact the nearest repeater and check in with their net. Information will be distributed by neighborhood leaders.

Volunteer

We're on the lookout for both neighborhood leaders and community champions to join our GMRS initiative. Get in touch with us to discover how you can be a part of positive change.



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Frequently Asked Questions

01  Obtaining a GMRS License

Step One: Obtain an FRN Number

1. Start by obtaining an FRN (FCC Registration Number):
   • Visit the FCC's CORES website.
   • We recommend using a computer as the site may be difficult to navigate on mobile devices.
2. Register your account:
   • Click the “Register” button in the middle box.
   • Use a permanent email address (not a school or work email) to ensure future access.
3. Log in to your new account:
   • After registration, log in with the email (your username) and the password you just created.
4. Register for your FRN:
   • Select “Register FRN” from the menu (third option from the top in the central box).
   • Confirm yourself as an individual and complete the FRN registration form.
   • You will need to input either your Social Security Number or a Tax Identification Number.
5. Receive your FRN:
   • After submitting the form, your 10-digit FRN will be displayed at the top of the landing page.

Step Two: Apply for Your GMRS License

1. Access the License Manager:
   • Visit the FCC License Manager and log in using your FRN and the password from the CORES registration.
2. Apply for a new license:
   • On the left-hand sidebar, click “Apply for a new license”.
   • From the dropdown menu, scroll down to “ZA - General Mobile Radio” and select it.
   • Click "Continue" to proceed.
3. Complete the application:
   • Answer the required questions and fill in your contact information.
   • Review the information on the Summary page and, if everything is correct, click "Continue to Certify".
   • Sign the form by entering your first name, middle initial, and last name (the "Title" field is optional).
4. Complete payment:
   • After submitting your application, you'll be redirected to the CORES website for payment.
   • Log in again using your email and password.
   • From the menu, select “Manage Existing FRNs | FRN Financial | Bills and Fees”.
   • Under the “Action” column, click “View/Make Payments” and follow the instructions to complete your payment.
5. Receive your call sign:
   • Your GMRS call sign should be issued via email within 1-2 business days.
   • If you don't receive an immediate confirmation, you can check your application status by logging into the License Manager.

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Tip: Once you receive your call sign, keep it handy—consider memorizing it or printing it out for easy access.

Need help?
If you have any questions or need assistance with the license application, you can contact the FCC at 1-888-CALLFCC or submit a request through the FCC Licensing Help Center. The FCC Help Desk is also available if you encounter any issues.

02  Downloading Authorizations in Univeral Licensing System (ULS)

After your application has been granted, you may also download an official copy of your license from the License Manager by following the steps below:

1. Go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp and log in with your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password.
2. Click the "Download Electronic Authorizations" link on the navigation bar on the left side of the License Manager home page.
3. In the My Authorizations box at the bottom of the page, select the call sign(s) you wish to download.
4. Add the call signs to the Authorizations to Download box by clicking the Add button.
5. Click the Download button in the lower right-hand corner of the page.

The download will be automatically converted to a PDF file, and you can choose to Open (to print) or Save (to save to the desired folder). If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.

​03  Emergency Use of Radios

In a situation where you don't have access to a cell phone, you can use a radio to request emergency assistance within your local area. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Call someone within your own home using your radio and ask them to call 911 on your behalf.
2. If there's no response or you're unable to reach anyone inside your home, initiate a call for help using neighborhood radio channels 1-7.
3. If there's still no response on these channels, switch to the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) repeater closest to your location. Key up the radio and request assistance.
4. In the event that all channels are busy, select one and wait for a brief pause before making an emergency call. Announce loudly, "Emergency! Emergency!" and provide your first name and call sign.
5. Wait for permission to proceed. If permission is not granted, repeat your emergency call. If still unsuccessful, attempt the process on another channel. It's important not to engage in an argument with the listener.
6. During the emergency call, provide a concise description of the situation, specifying whether you require an ambulance, fire department, law enforcement, or all of the above.
7. Request the listener to use their cell phone or landline to call 911 on your behalf, as you are unable to do so.
8. Provide the address of the emergency, including the house number, street name, cross-street if known, and the nearest town.
9. Ask for the first name and call sign of the person you are speaking to, along with their current location.
10. Share your own first name and call sign so they can contact you if necessary. Leave your radio turned on and within reach.
11. If possible, remain at the location to guide and direct emergency vehicles to the correct address.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your radio as a means to request emergency assistance when you don't have access to a cell phone.

04  Program Your Radio

Please attend our community GMRS training sessions and we will send you home with a free programmed GMRS radio! In the event you are unable to attend and prefer to train yourself and purchase your own radio, you may still program your radio with our channel directory that is connected to our network of repeaters. Provided below is a spreadsheet that you may download and upload to a programming software, such as CHIRP, which is free to use. You may also refer to YouTube videos for guidance on programming your specific radio. We encourage everyone to learn how to program your radio and update your radio over time as we expand our network.

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nbcc_programming_loadout_aug_2024.csv
File Size:	8 kb
File Type:	csv

Download File

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05  Sonoma County GMRS Repeater Map

To view the current locations of GMRS repeater sites, please click here. You may also scan the QR code shown below.

06 Radio Training Manual

In our radio training sessions, we cover the basic principles of GMRS radios, focusing on the Baofeng UV-5G model. Are you interested in volunteering and learning how to train yourself or your community members? Download our training manual below to explore the topics we cover.

nbcc_training_manual_-_august_2024.pdf
File Size:	1656 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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