prerunner1982
05-08-2014, 12:57 PM
FRS (Family Radio Service), GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), and MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) radios are a valid alternative to a CB radio. I will discuss MURS at a later date.
FRS/GMRS radios are typically found as a combination or multi-service radio, also sometimes known as "Bubblepack radios" due to their packaging.
These radios operate in the UHF frequency range, specifially in the 462 and 467 Mhz frequencies.
FRS:
No License required
1/2 watt
non-removeable antennas
no repeaters
Typical communication range: 1 mile +/- (longer communication is possible from hill top to hill top with no obstructions, 30 miles+.... not typical conditions)
GMRS:
License REQUIRED ($85, good for 5 years, no test, covers immediate family)..... (For reference an Amateur radio license is $15, good for 10 yrs, fairly easy test, only covers individual, but many, many, many more frequencies available)
50 watts max (handhelds will have upto 5 watts. Commercial radios that can operate within the GMRS frequencies can be used if they are Part 95accepted. Not as commonly found as the handheld radios).
External antenna allowed (base or mobile)
Repeaters available that can extend normal use range (30-40 miles +/-)
Typical Communication range: handheld to handheld- 2miles +/-, mobile to mobile - 5 miles +/-)
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/84/36/77/00/0084367700011_180X180.jpg
These radios will can have 22 channels: (You do not have free range of the frequency, but set channels like a CB)
Channels 1-7 are shared (FRS and GMRS): GMRS limited to 5 watts on these channels.
Channels 8-14: FRS only
Channels 15-22: GMRS only
There are also "sub-channels" which use sub-audible tones that only the radios can hear to allow many users only one frequency but still be able to keep conversations seperate. Example: If your radio is set to channel 8-1, if gives off a sub-audible tone that only radios set to channel 8-1 will hear allowing only those radios on channel 8-1 to receive your transmission. You will not hear uses on any other sub-channel of channel 8. (8-2, 8-3, 8-4, etc).
Neither FRS, GMRS, or MURS radios can communicate with a CB radio so for this radio to be useful the individuals you are wanting to communicate with will also have to have this type of radio.
You are also not likely to see anywhere on the packaging that to use the GMRS frequencies you are required to have a license. This has led to mis-use of the frequencies by non-licensed individuals... also known as "Bubble pack pirates".
Links:
FRS:
Family Radio Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/family-radio-service-frs
GMRS:
General Mobile Radio Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs
FRS/GMRS radios are typically found as a combination or multi-service radio, also sometimes known as "Bubblepack radios" due to their packaging.
These radios operate in the UHF frequency range, specifially in the 462 and 467 Mhz frequencies.
FRS:
No License required
1/2 watt
non-removeable antennas
no repeaters
Typical communication range: 1 mile +/- (longer communication is possible from hill top to hill top with no obstructions, 30 miles+.... not typical conditions)
GMRS:
License REQUIRED ($85, good for 5 years, no test, covers immediate family)..... (For reference an Amateur radio license is $15, good for 10 yrs, fairly easy test, only covers individual, but many, many, many more frequencies available)
50 watts max (handhelds will have upto 5 watts. Commercial radios that can operate within the GMRS frequencies can be used if they are Part 95accepted. Not as commonly found as the handheld radios).
External antenna allowed (base or mobile)
Repeaters available that can extend normal use range (30-40 miles +/-)
Typical Communication range: handheld to handheld- 2miles +/-, mobile to mobile - 5 miles +/-)
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/84/36/77/00/0084367700011_180X180.jpg
These radios will can have 22 channels: (You do not have free range of the frequency, but set channels like a CB)
Channels 1-7 are shared (FRS and GMRS): GMRS limited to 5 watts on these channels.
Channels 8-14: FRS only
Channels 15-22: GMRS only
There are also "sub-channels" which use sub-audible tones that only the radios can hear to allow many users only one frequency but still be able to keep conversations seperate. Example: If your radio is set to channel 8-1, if gives off a sub-audible tone that only radios set to channel 8-1 will hear allowing only those radios on channel 8-1 to receive your transmission. You will not hear uses on any other sub-channel of channel 8. (8-2, 8-3, 8-4, etc).
Neither FRS, GMRS, or MURS radios can communicate with a CB radio so for this radio to be useful the individuals you are wanting to communicate with will also have to have this type of radio.
You are also not likely to see anywhere on the packaging that to use the GMRS frequencies you are required to have a license. This has led to mis-use of the frequencies by non-licensed individuals... also known as "Bubble pack pirates".
Links:
FRS:
Family Radio Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/family-radio-service-frs
GMRS:
General Mobile Radio Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs