FRS & GMRS

How much range do I get?

This is the hardest part to answer since every situation is different but the simple answer is not much. Initially FRS radios claimed 2km of range, then 3km became the average distance, with the introduction of GMRS higher ranges like 7 or 8 km appeared. Now these figures have grown to 27 or even 30 km. To put it simply, these are gross estimates only possible under ideal conditions such as mountain top to mountain top communication where the signal travels through nothing more than air and there are no obstructions of any kind. The instant hills, trees and buildings get in the way range is instantly cut dramatically. Using low power in buildings, heavily wooded or urban/suburban environments most radios will get on average 250 meters of clean communication before the signal becomes choppy, by 500 meters the signal will likely fade all together. High power settings will yield better results giving a clean 500 meters (1/2 km) of communication and a maximum range of 1000 meters (1 km).

Despite the poor range described above most in building communication takes place over distances of much less, usually on the order of 50 to 100 meters and most outdoor activities require ranges of 200 to 500 meters at the most. In rural environments where the ground tends to be relatively flat and there are few obstructions range is obviously much greater, instead of a maximum range of 1 kilometer there is the possibility that 2 or 2.5 km may be possible. In urban environments if one person is in a tall building and another on the ground again range is improved since the added height helps to remove obstructions and of course building to building communication on the range of 10 kilometers or more is possible so long as there are minimal or no obstructions (walls, people, other buildings, etc) between (it is best done beside a window).

What should I consider when I buy?

1. Consider what you would like to use your radio for and what sort of range is needed

2. Consider the size of the radio, do you want it to fit into your pocket with ease?

3. Battery life, how many hours of use will you need between charges?

4. Privacy codes and other features/accessories to help with congested airwaves and ease of use

The radios which boast bigger range typically have better (usually longer) antennas but at the same time the price goes up dramatically and they are also much heavier and bulkier making them harder to fit in pockets and purses. Smaller radios usually have shorter antennas and slightly less range but are lighter and less bulky the only drawback is that there is less space for larger or more batteries which means a bigger radio may have a slightly longer battery life. Lastly, consider the features of a radio and what use you will get out of them. Privacy codes, also called privacy tones or privacy channels are special signals which are embedded into the voice radio signal when you transmit so that only radios which are set to the same code as yours will hear you. This helps to prevent you from hearing other people in crowded situations such as at air shows or amusement parks where every other person has their own radio. You may also want to consider a radio which allows for special paging features such as a ringing tone similar to phone or a vibrating alert which is especially useful in really noisy environments. Lastly think about how you will use your radio, will there be situations where it might be cumbersome to hold the radio such as when skiing or mountain biking, if so buying a radio which allows for headsets or speaker microphones to be plugged in.

A carry case to protect from water, dust and scratches	Headsets are ideal when you hands are busy	A speaker-mic is ideal for skiing

Things to remember:

EVERYTHING IS PUBLIC

When using the public radio spectrum nothing is private. Never give out personal information, never use full names (only your first name) and if you have young children never use their names at all. I would suggest a numbering system instead, if there are 5 members in a family and dad is the oldest he is 5, mom is 4, and the kids are 3, 2 and 1. Since mom and dad are old (sorry!) it is ok to say mom/dad on the radio but the kids are always 1, 2 or 3. Abbreviations also work like JM for Jimmy or CR for Christopher and tell your children never to talk to strangers on the radio.

RADIOS ARE NOT FAIL SAFE

Never put yourself or anyone else in a position where a radio link is the only form or communication possible. What happens is that the radio becomes like a crutch and as soon as it does not work you are in trouble. Always have a backup plan, carry a cell phone or quarters for a pay phone. Have a map or spare batteries and if you can advise the other party your radio is failing before it kicks the bucket and agree to meet at a predetermined location (the one you choose long ago just in case the radio fails!).

GMRS WILL NOT SAVE YOUR LIFE

On occasion I run into people who think GMRS radios are like satellite phones, there is always reception and someone is always listening. If you are going camping and for some reason your life may be at risk if you get in trouble, rent or buy a satellite phone. A satellite phone will save your life, any other form of communication device including a cell phone (when there is no service) is hit and miss, you may or may not get help. At least with a satellite phone you have a definite link and many modern sat phones have GPS built into them so your position is very easy to find. Imagine being stranded out at sea in a raft and calling for help on your radio. It will just not work, you dial up help on the satellite phone not only do they know you are alive but they know exactly where to come and find you.

So you love your radio and think it's cool?

If you find yourself talking to random people to spark up conversation, experimenting to extend range or just love playing with the radio there is something out there called Amateur Radio and it might very well be for you. Think of it like this, GMRS is a toy compared to Amateur Radio. My girlfriend and I are both amateur radio operators who use both GMRS and Amateur Radio gear to communicate, check out my FT-60 page to see what I mean!

So what exactly is amateur radio? - Click Here!

Basically, you are legally allowed to use high powered gear, repeaters and operate on many different frequencies in all sorts of different modes (FM, AM, SSB, Digital, CW). You can talk to astronauts in space since they are all amateurs or talk to your buddy next door.