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FRS/GMRS Radios
If you simply want to buy a radio and skip the
info below - click here to go to the manufacturers
and resellers section of this page.
When our club travels we use GMRS (General
Mobile Radio Service) or FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. There are
14 FRS channels some of which are shared with GMRS. Our club usually
uses channel 3, with no security code (default is 1). Many, NOT ALL,
FRS radios have the ability to use 38 of the security codes.
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RANGE -
When you see a maker boasting ranges beyond two miles, the maker
is probably referring to the range on the GMRS channels of the
dual FRS/GMRS Radios. FRS is limited to 0.5 watts (500 mw) and the
range is seldom better than a mile or two. From a practical
viewpoint with trees, dash boards, seats, windshields, your
significant other and other stuff in the way, you're lucky to get
1/2 mile with most radios. Consider purchasing a GMRS radio with
powers of 1, 2 or 5 watts max which will allow you to use high
power when transmitting on channels 1-7 which are
"shared" with FRS and GMRS radios.
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GPS+FRS -
Garmin has introduced some new interesting multi-purpose GPS/GMRS/FRS
units. These are their RINO
series.
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HEADSETS -
Consider using a headset. Road and wind noise in an open roadster
can make it very hard to hear a radio without a headset.
The differences between FRS and GMRS radios:
FRS: FRS or Family
Radios Service radios are compact, handheld, wireless 2-way radios
that provide very good clarity over a relatively short range. FRS
radios operate on any of 14 dedicated channels (1-14) designated by
the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) expressly for FRS radio
usage. In order to comply with FCC standards, FRS radios have a
maximum allowable power of 500 milliwatts (or 1/2 watt). FRS radio
transceivers and their antennas may not be modified to extend their
range. FRS radio distinctions:
- Unlike with CB (citizens
band) radios and most other 2-way radios, there is no license
required to use an FRS radio.
- FRS radios have a shorter
range than GMRS radios
- FRS radios cannot be
legally altered.
GMRS:
GMRS has two main groups of channels. It shares channels 1-7 with FRS
and one can use up to 5 watts, channels 8-14 which are limited to 500
mw (0.5 watts) and channels 15-22 which are GMRS only. Click
here for the frequency/power chart. GMRS or General Mobile Radio
Service radios operate on any of up to 8 dedicated channels (15-22)
designated by the FCC. GMRS radios typically have power ratings of 1.0
to 5.0 watts and have a maximum allowable power of 50 watts for base
stations.
GMRS radios are very similar to
FRS radios, except for a few important distinctions:
- GMRS radio use requires
you to purchase an FCC operator's license.
- GMRS radios generally achieve
greater ranges than FRS radios.
- GMRS radios may legally be
outfitted or retrofitted with optional items such as antennas,
car antennas or home antennas to extend their range. (Note: Some
GMRS radios - those with non-detachable antennas- will not
accommodate antenna alterations. If you intend to alter your GMRS
radio, please take care to choose a radio with a detachable-style
antenna that accommodates your needs.)
Information Links:
Please note the Information, Manufacturers,
and Resellers links are provided as a convenience, and the club
does not endorse or recommend any of these companies.
Please note the Information, Manufacturers,
and Resellers links are provided as a convenience, and the club
does not endorse or recommend any of these companies.
These radios are made by several companies today
and these sell for generally less than $100/pair and usually a lot
less! Below are some links which may still be current for purchasing
the units on-line. When you click on the links below, you may
need to then search that site for FRS or GMRS. You can also buy
FRS radios at most department stores such as Sears, K-Mart, Target,
Wal-Mart and a host of others.
Reseller Links
Please note the Information, Manufacturers,
and Resellers links are provided as a convenience, and the club
does not endorse or recommend any of these companies.
More
information HERE.
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