FRS/GMRS Radios
PLEASE NOTE: Make sure the radio you buy can tune/select the 38 Privacy/Security Codes!
Motorola have 38 codes. Other brands may have more.
We do recommend you buy a GMRS capable radio that can transmit at powers above 500 mw (0.5 Watt). FRS Only radios are limited to 500 mw and have an absolute ideal range of 2 miles. GMRS radios allow far greater range!
Zimple Zuggestion
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If you're buying a radio now - Buy a
GMRS radio (FRS radios have much lower power)
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Always use a channel between 1 and 7
(These are common to both FRS lower power radios and the
recommended GMRS higher power radios.) <CLICK
HERE>
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Buy a headset. Road and wind noise in
an open roadster make it very hard to hear a radio without a
headset.
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Always use security/privacy code 1 as
it is common to all radio brands.
If you simply want to buy a radio and skip the info below - Click Here
When we travel in a convoy we should use GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) or FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. There are 14 FRS channels some of which are shared with GMRS. We keep ours tuned to Z-3 (2-3, The 2 looks like a Z which helps remember our channel). Many, NOT ALL, FRS radios have the ability to use 38 of security codes.
(Webmaster Note) - One of the challenges of Channel 2-3 is that not all radio brands
use the same privacy code frequencies. The best channels to use from
a technical viewpoint are channels 1-7 with Security/Privacy Code 1.
Security/Privacy code "1" is the same on all major brands of
FRS/GMRS radios.
Webmasters Ramblings:
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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. We recommend you buy 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. See Frequency Allocation Chart -
Click here.
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PRIVACY CODES - When you buy your radio MAKE SURE IT WILL TUNE/SELECT THE 38 PRIVACY or SECURITY CODES, if it does not, you may be able to hear others on channel two but you will not be able to transmit or talk to others.
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GPS+FRS - Garmin have introduced some new interesting dual purpose GPS/GMRS/FRS units. These are their RINO series which currently have monochrome displays. In September of 2005 they will be introducing color display models. See RINO 110, 120, 130, 520, 530
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.
- There are no fees for usage, airtime or per-call charges. (Aside from the cost of batteries, they are virtually free to use.)
GMRS: GMRS has two main groups of channels. It shares channels 1-7 with FRS and one can use up to 5 Watts ERP, 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 operators license.
- GMRS radios generally achieve greater ranges than FRS radios.
- While FRS radios may not legally be altered, GMRS radios may legally be outfitted or retrofitted with optional 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:
These radios are made by several companies today and these sell for generally less than $100.00/pair and usually a lot less! I spent some time wandering around the net for information on buying an FRS radio and without prejudice I came across the following purveyors of FRS radios. You can also buy FRS radios at most department stores such as Sears, K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart and a host of others.
Resellers
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