FRS and GMRS Radios
FRS and GMRS Opening
OK, so what’s the deal with these other radio services besides Amateur Radio?
When it comes to radio communications, there is more than just short wave listening and ham radio. There’s a couple of categories within the FCC rules known as Part 95 radio services. They are the Family Radio Service or FRS and the General Mobile Radio Service or GMRS. In this video we’ll take a quick look at each service and explain how you might be interested in using one of them to solve a communications problem you might be facing.
These two services allow you to transmit from your radio without having to take the tests associated with amateur radio which is regulated under Part 97 of the FCC regs.
As you may know, I’m a ham operator so my bias is directed toward amateur radio. But there’s a reason why there are other radio services out there and one of these services might be just what you’re looking for to fill your particular need.
As you move from FRS to GMRS in part 95 to amateur operations in part 97, the government grants you more privileges as you move up the ladder. In this case, privileges simply means more flexibility and permissions when operating.
FRS Radios
FRS is the entry level radio service in the UHF band. Radios are restricted to a maximum of 2 watts of power on channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22. Power is limited to ½ watt on channels 8 through 14.
Speaking of channels, both FRS and GMRS radios operate on channels. Unlike ham operators who can operate on any frequency in an authorized band in most cases, Part 95 radios are limited to specified channels that are assigned to a particular frequency. These frequencies are in the UHF band between 462 and 467 megahertz.
Besides having limited power, FRS radios are not allowed to have detachable antennas. That means that FRS radios are basically handy talkie style radios. As the name implies, FRS radios are designed for family use. This means you could use these to keep in contact while driving two vehicles to a particular destination or give them to the kids to play with or to keep your party connected when out camping. I have a set of these radios that allows my wife help me when backing my RV into a campsite. Low power translates to short range for these small radios.
A big pro if this style radio meets your use case, is cost. You can get a pair of FRS radios for less than $30.
GMRS Radios
One big difference with GMRS radios is the need to get a license. Unlike ham radio, there is no test. You simply register with the FCC and pay the license fee. The license applies to all people in your immediate family to include grandparents, grandkids, brothers and sisters and so forth. As I publish this post the fee is $70 for a 10 year license. The FCC has recently announced a new fee structure with a new fee of only $35 for ten years. It may be worth waiting to get a GMRS license depending on when see this post.
The license gets GMRS operators a few more operating privileges.
The big addition is more transmitting power. GMRS channels 1 through 14 are shared with FRS operators and have the same power limits. GMRS channels 15 through 22 allow up to 50 watt transmissions. This chart shows the channel assignments and max power allowed for both FRS and GMRS radios. The usage column also provides some insightful information in terms of how each channel can be used.
Now, that doesn’t mean a GMRS handy talkie will output the max power on those upper channels. Those limits are more for mobile or base stations where the antenna is placed a safe distance from the operator. GMRS radios can have a separate antenna and you’d want to place it a safe distance away from the operator to avoid negative health impacts from the RF energy.
GMRS Repeaters
The other big addition in GMRS privileges is the ability to own and use a GMRS radio repeater. A repeater is a special radio station that immediately re-broadcasts what it receives on its input channel on a second output channel. In the GMRS world, that output channel is 5 megahertz below the input channel. Operators referred to this as a minus 5 or negative five offset. Ham band repeaters work similarly. This can get pricey so a typical user is unlikely to put a repeater on the air.
So why would you care about a repeater? Good question.
Repeaters expand how far you can communicate. They do this in three ways. First, repeaters have higher power transmitters. They often operate at the limit allowed by rule. Next, repeaters people usually set repeaters up on high hills or buildings giving them a larger, clearer line of sight. UHF radio waves generally travel in a line of sight. Third is geometry. A repeater allows someone on the edge of the repeater coverage to the north to communicate with someone on the edge of the repeater coverage to the south. This can potentially double the radio’s range.
Repeater owners can decide whether to publicize their repeaters and allow others to use them, or not.
FRS and GMRS Privacy Codes
The last feature I need to discuss is what is called CTCSS or continuous tone-coded squelch system and its digital counterpart, DCS or digital coded squelch.
While different, these two systems accomplish the same thing. When you look at the spec sheets of various FRS and GMRS radios you’ll often see them referred to as privacy codes.
These systems broadcast a sub-audible tone or digital code that opens the squelch on other radios set to the same CTCSS or DCS setting. What that means to you is that you’ll only hear transmissions that broadcast the code. When you set your group’s radios to the same channel and code, your group will not hear others’ transmissions on that channel, and others on that channel won’t hear yours.
If the radio doesn’t hear or receive the tone, it ignores the signal. While this limits who hears your transmissions and vice a versa, your transmissions aren’t truly private as any radio set to that channel and tone or code can receive the transmission.
FRS and GMRS Use Cases
Now, let’s take a look at some use cases to give you an idea why you might want to use radios in this Part 95 radio services.
FRS use cases are pretty easy to come up with.
You can use inexpensive FRS radios as a way to keep track of family member while out camping or in a large setting where getting back together once separated might be difficult. I also mentioned using FRS radios in a trailing vehicle when caravanning with several other vehicles. Since these radios don’t require licensing, they might simply be a fun kids’ toy to keep them occupied in a radio-enhanced game of hide and seek.
GMRS use cases simply build on the FRS cases.
Many GMRS handy talkie radios will transmit at 5 watts providing you with more range than a 2 watt FRS radio. This makes them handy for family businesses where communications within a warehouse or other large structure is important.
Another example is use by a group of outdoor enthusiasts. While each family group would require its own license, the common channels would allow hikers, four wheel drive enthusiasts and hunters to stay in contact with each other – especially where cell phone service is spotty. Since the entire group is on the same channel, the radios allow communication with all group members at the same time, unlike cell phones. Since the license is a fee only license, your buddies can all get a license without having to pass an amateur radio operator’s test.
Last, these radios are a favorite of various survivalists and those who refer to themselves as preppers. Since some of these radios also receive standard FM broadcasts and weather channels, they can be a source of important information in an emergency.
Using Legal FRS and GMRS Radios
As we wrap this up, let’s talk just a second about what are legal radios for FRS and GMRS. Basically, an FRS or GMRS radio should display only channels 1 through 22 and perhaps the ability to scan FM broadcast stations and weather stations. Radios such as the Bao Feng UV5R series of radios and other radios marketed to hams must not transmit on FRS or GMRS channels. Even though they can be programmed to transmit on FRS and GMRS channels, such operation is contrary to the rules. To transmit on a GMRS channel, a ham would need a GMRS license and to use a GMRS part 95 certified radio.
Video Tutorial
Coupon Link to Radioddity for FRS and GMRS Radios
http://radioddity.refr.cc/jmohan351
