GFRS radios

[Tractorat]

I keep seeing GFRS radios in the store that say 5mile, 7 miles, 10miles range etc. I thought that GFRS specfied a certain power out etc. Does anyone know if there truly is a range differenct in these radios, or if it is just marketing ? (I know the plain FRS radios have reduced range)



Tractorat

 

[PatrickCampbell]

No, they are FRS radios that have GMRS channels. You technically need a license to operate on these frequencies. . EVEN if you do use these channels, you will only see 12 miles on the open ocean and even then you will be lucky.



I have a pair of GMR 638's from Uniden. They are advertised at 6 miles and we get less than 1 mile out of them.



Patrick - WQCC256

 

[SBall]

From what I recall, FRS radios are limited to . 5 watt, while the GMRS radios may range from 1 to 5 watts in power. GMRS radios also have a slightly wider FM modulation bandwidth. Another big distinction is that GMRS radios are sometimes equipped with detachable antennas so you can add an external antenna. My old Motorola GMRS radios with this feature enable us to use roof-mounted antennas on our vehicles. Communicating vehicle/vehicle with external antennas enabled us to communicate up to 7 miles with 2 watts. While power certainly makes a difference, I think range is dictated alot by whether or not you have obstructions between the radios, and antenna height. Hope this helps.

 

[Tractorat]

gmrs

Thanks, obstructions, hills, antenna height etc certainly do make a difference. I just didnt know if the 3mile, 5 mile, 10 mile etc gmrs radios actually have different power out, or if it was just marketing (sometimes you get the extended distance if conditions are perfect) It sounds like they could have different power outs. Ive tried to see the power on the boxes, but I can never find it (probably need stronger glasses) Sales people dont have a clue.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Thanks, obstructions, hills, antenna height etc certainly do make a difference. I just didnt know if the 3mile, 5 mile, 10 mile etc gmrs radios actually have different power out, or if it was just marketing (sometimes you get the extended distance if conditions are perfect) It sounds like they could have different power outs. Ive tried to see the power on the boxes, but I can never find it (probably need stronger glasses) Sales people dont have a clue.

If they are the lower output you probably won't see it advertised on the package, I recently saw some advertised with 5 watts. We have a couple of sets in the 5 to 7 mile advertised range, on the lake they do fair, maybe 3 miles, in the hills and woods, anywhere from 300 yards to a mile or two. bg

 

[juicedcummins]

Stay away from thr FRS bands they will disapoint you. [been there done that]

Try and buy the 5 watt GMRS models. I have the FRS. 5 and the 2watt GMRS and they are nothing to brag about. My latest purchase was a Garmin Rino 530 with the 5watt GMRS and it works way better.

 

[Tractorat]

gmrs

Thanks, Are the 5 watt radios listed by "range" ? I havent been able to see the actual power listed on the packaging, and the sales folks dont know anything.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

You might need to go to the manufacturer's website and download the manual in PDF. It usually says on there. This is found inside of the bubble pack.



What are you trying to do exactly? From there you can determine whether or not you can get a vehicle mounted radio which with a roof antenna will be able to go MUCH further.



I bought a pair of $18 GMRS radios for a drive from AZ to NJ in seperate cars from my fiance. They worked perfectly.



Remember You need a license to operate on GMRS frequencies. I do, but nobody else seems to.



Patrick

WQCC256

 

[terrywerm]

Remember You need a license to operate on GMRS frequencies. I do, but nobody else seems to.



Patrick

WQCC256

What is required to obtain the proper license?

 

[PatrickCampbell]

It is basically just a $75 fee for 5 years.



You have to register here:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/licensing/#filing



I think I remember it is pretty self explanatory.

 

[jwduke]

Stay away from thr FRS bands they will disapoint you. [been there done that]

Try and buy the 5 watt GMRS models. I have the FRS. 5 and the 2watt GMRS and they are nothing to brag about. My latest purchase was a Garmin Rino 530 with the 5watt GMRS and it works way better.

I'm looking at a Rino 530, do I need another one to be able to communicate, or can I buy another GMRS radio?

 

[WadePatton]

It is basically just a $75 fee for 5 years.



You have to register here:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/licensing/#filing



I think I remember it is pretty self explanatory.

HOLY DOLLAR BILLS. If you'll study a little bit (a very little bit) you can take an amater radio(ham) test for $10, then get a license good for TEN years. OH and the radios--even handhelds will talk just as far as you need.



And you'll meet new and interesting folks and maybe a new hobby. It's never been easier or cheaper.



My call is W1ADE and I've been "on the air" since January of 1996.



More info: http://www.qrz.com/i/howtoham.html

or: http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/haminfo.html



There's a club in your area I'm sure.

 

[klenger]

HOLY DOLLAR BILLS. If you'll study a little bit (a very little bit) you can take an amater radio(ham) test for $10, then get a license good for TEN years. OH and the radios--even handhelds will talk just as far as you need.



And you'll meet new and interesting folks and maybe a new hobby. It's never been easier or cheaper.



My call is W1ADE and I've been "on the air" since January of 1996.



More info: http://www.qrz.com/i/howtoham.html

or: http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/haminfo.html



There's a club in your area I'm sure.

Problem is wit a ham radio, everyone you talk to also needs to have a ham licnese. With GMRS you can buy two radios, get a license, and give one of the radios to your wife, son, etc. and legally talk to them.



I had a novice license over 35 years ago. WN8DOC. Never converted it to a general class, even though I did end up getting a 1st class commercial.

 

[juicedcummins]

I'm looking at a Rino 530, do I need another one to be able to communicate, or can I buy another GMRS radio?

With any Rino you can communicate with any FRS or GMRS radios as long as the scramble feature is turned off on the Rino. You also need to be on the same channel and code as the other radios.

If you have 2 Rinos you have the advantage of using the scrambler and the locator feature tells you the location of the other Rino users.

 

[WadePatton]

Problem is wit a ham radio, everyone you talk to also needs to have a ham licnese. With GMRS you can buy two radios, get a license, and give one of the radios to your wife, son, etc. and legally talk to them.



I had a novice license over 35 years ago. WN8DOC. Never converted it to a general class, even though I did end up getting a 1st class commercial.

Well, I came to ham in 1996 (after spending (wasting) a lot of time and money with high-powered CB stuff) Upgraded before the year was out. Passed 13wpm code and am Advanced Class. I run it mobile every day and am listening to the scanner now. The HF rigs are at my other place. My wife and I use it all the time. She's K4MZP. Her family is into it. Mine isn't. But I have a whole 'nuther family on the air--around the state. Heck, N4SSD performed our wedding and I've never attended a service at his church. But I have talked to him almost daily for nearly 10 years on the 2m.



The old, retired, commercial guys for this area hang out on 3. 980. They were telling old transmitter tales this morning. Some of them were "right there" putting/keeping the local broadcasters on the air since way back when.



I hear many husbands/wives/kids using ham radio to keep up with each other. They learn stuff and meet new people too. There's a school for blind kids here--they have a better radio program than any other school in the state. We have many of those kids joining us every year. Must not be very difficult.



Our girls will be licensed. Radios (real repeater using, 50 watters) work WAY MUCH BETTER than cell phones around here.



I put a CB in the truck to talk to my TDR bunch when we get together--but some of those guys have HORRIBLE audio. It's all garbled and tinny and boombastic--I have a hard time understanding them--and forget about picking out who it is. I finally figgured out that's what some of the junk on CB is for--for anonymity at rest areas and truck stops. :-laf



Back to Ham--it's a blast for a hobby and THE best way I've found to communicate.



OVER.