FRS / GMRS Radios

chummer · 12-01-2003, 04:07 PM

I'm looking to upgrade the radios I use in hunting season. What's the difference in the GMRS and FRS systems? Anyone care to share thier opinion on the radios they use. My current ones use AAA batteries rather quickly. I'd like to change to something that uses AA.

Mello-Yello · 12-01-2003, 04:32 PM

PROs; GMRS are more powerful, so you're gonna get better range. Range is even greater with a repeater. Not sure about the battery situation. Most GMRS come with rechargable NiMH batteries.

CONs; You have to be licensed by FCC to use the GMRS channels.

M-Y

Chromaflage · 12-01-2003, 04:40 PM

I upgraded to FRS/GMRS from FRS this year. I have a pair of Motorolas, T5710. The power is much greater than the FRS. They each use 3 AA batteries or a rechargeable batt pack. The AA btteries lasted three days being on constantly (accidentally). They actually work over the hills and through the woods. Very nice radios.

ORS

[ 12-01-2003, 06:20 PM: Message edited by: OregonRedside ]

StickFish · 12-02-2003, 06:59 AM

I'm not doubting ORs experience as radio signals do unusual things. particularily above 400 mhz. However, don't always expect FRS/GMRS signals in the 460 plus megaherts range to go over a hill. Top to the bottom yes, line of sight with minor obstructions like trees yes. Bounce off of objects and refract about - yep!

Something else to consider is studying for you Amature Radio license and get away from those over used FRS/GMRS frequencies. Ham Radio is a great hobby to combine with hunting/fishing and camping. I use my gear all the time. In fact I setup contacts with a friend in Montana while hunting so he can relay messages for me home if necessary.

Also there are not the same equipment restrictions in Ham Radio as there are in FRS/GMRS. For instance FRS requires a loss antenna, meaning that the .3 watt signal is degraded by an antenna that is nothing but a 50 ohm resistor. I use a Yaesu VX5r while hunting and it transmits at 5 watts. This year I used it and the Mt Hood Repeater for coverage above Spray. I've also expanded the receive and transmit capabilities so that in an emergency I can use it on FRS and GMRS channels. PS I still have the 5 watts out as well. For emergency use, this is legal.

The test is a written test only for the Technician Class license - no morse code required. That gives you unlimited use of 50mhz and above within the Amature Frequency Allocations.

Talk about nice equipment - wow! older used gear isn't too expensive either.

73's De K7STW (Extra Class licensed since 1991)

chummer · 12-03-2003, 12:31 PM

What does it take to get licensed to use the Gmrs frequency? What happens if I buy the radio and don't get licensed? How does the FCC know who has a GMRS radio?

Fish_N_Russ · 12-04-2003, 12:02 AM

I bought some Cobra handhelds at BiMart last week when they had them on sale........they are supposed to be FRS/GMRS but I didnt see anything about haveing a license. Am I missing something?

StickFish · 12-04-2003, 08:14 AM

There are three questions:

How does the FCC know? They have monitoring stations mobile and fixed locations that they can listen to anything DC to day light. They often use the military to help. Do they have time? - only if there is abuse will they react. GMRS uses specific frequencies, if you'd like to know what they are I can post those.

License requirements? Use your browser and favorite search engine and key words, GMRS License, and you will find lots of sites that have license information. Your radios should have included a license application in the box along with instructions and may well be documented in the owners manual.

What can happen if I don't get a license? You can be fined for operating on frequencies without a license. The FCC calls these notices of liability and it is a very formal process. Again do they have time to track it down?

[ 12-04-2003, 09:16 AM: Message edited by: StickFish ]

biederboat · 12-04-2003, 11:02 PM

My buddy just bought a pair of the FRS/GMRS radios Sears had on sale, advertised with a 7-mile range (1 watt?, can't remmber). In the instuctions, not the outside box, it states that the higher power channels are to be used for employement/commercial work only (something to that affect). And, yes, you did need a license.

Biederboat