Trying to decide which frs radio to get
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Anonymous Poster
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NO LICENSE REQUIRED for 500mw = Correct.
This sounds like a new product aimed at the market that realizes FRS is overloaded in metro areas.
Does it have a "privacy" squelch, such as CTCSS or digital squelch so you don't hear all traffic on the chanel?
Before you invest, I'd use a scanner to determine the current amount of traffic in the area you intend to operate in. The number of units operating on both FRS and GMRS chanels is huge.
This sounds like a new product aimed at the market that realizes FRS is overloaded in metro areas.
Does it have a "privacy" squelch, such as CTCSS or digital squelch so you don't hear all traffic on the chanel?
Before you invest, I'd use a scanner to determine the current amount of traffic in the area you intend to operate in. The number of units operating on both FRS and GMRS chanels is huge.
Here is a picture of them.. Pretty close.. cobra's at wal mart
What ya think?? Should or do i need the liscence?/
Thanks...
Oh yea,, not much traffic in my area
What ya think?? Should or do i need the liscence?/
Thanks...
Oh yea,, not much traffic in my area
<font color="blue">Should or do i need the liscence? </font>
Short answer: <font color="red">YES </font>
These radios use the GMRS frequencies, otherwise they wouldn't be called FRS/GMRS but simply FRS radios.
Utilizing the GMRS frequencies has the same effect as having a higher wattage output - e.g. the FCC requires you to have a license to use them, even if you are transmitting on one of the first 7 channels shared with FRS and at a lower power output.
The last line in the description where it says "Easy FCC self-licensing information is included in the owners manual" I think helps to "set the concrete" on this (e.g. FRS do not have any licensing requirements.)
All is not lost - GMRS is a great thing and with a bit more looking on-line, you can get much more powerful radios with additional features for cheaper than the Wal-mart ones you are looking at. The FCC "gauntlet" isn't that hard to navigate, (you can do everything from your PC in order to get your license), so I'd say if you want GMRS radios - go for it. If you simply want FRS and want to stay away from any licensing issues, just make sure not to buy any radios that have GMRS stamped anywhere on them.
Short answer: <font color="red">YES </font>
These radios use the GMRS frequencies, otherwise they wouldn't be called FRS/GMRS but simply FRS radios.
Utilizing the GMRS frequencies has the same effect as having a higher wattage output - e.g. the FCC requires you to have a license to use them, even if you are transmitting on one of the first 7 channels shared with FRS and at a lower power output.
The last line in the description where it says "Easy FCC self-licensing information is included in the owners manual" I think helps to "set the concrete" on this (e.g. FRS do not have any licensing requirements.)
All is not lost - GMRS is a great thing and with a bit more looking on-line, you can get much more powerful radios with additional features for cheaper than the Wal-mart ones you are looking at. The FCC "gauntlet" isn't that hard to navigate, (you can do everything from your PC in order to get your license), so I'd say if you want GMRS radios - go for it. If you simply want FRS and want to stay away from any licensing issues, just make sure not to buy any radios that have GMRS stamped anywhere on them.
JerryG
Super Member
Snapper,
Like Harv and I think Richard, I have Motorola Talkabout 250's and also Motorola T5100's. They are good radios. I like the 250's the best.
Like Harv and I think Richard, I have Motorola Talkabout 250's and also Motorola T5100's. They are good radios. I like the 250's the best.
ronjhall
Super Star Member
snapper
You will not need the license with the 500mw FRS radio’s.
I looked up the model you are considering on Cobra’s site. Click Here They do not have the same model number that Wal-Mart has but the picture is the same.
The model # shows up as a Uniden FRS500-2. Check them out at this location. Click Here
You will not need the license with the 500mw FRS radio’s.
I looked up the model you are considering on Cobra’s site. Click Here They do not have the same model number that Wal-Mart has but the picture is the same.
The model # shows up as a Uniden FRS500-2. Check them out at this location. Click Here
This as a stand along statement is incorrect. A 500mw FRS radio needs no license, A 500mw GMRS radio requires a license. a 500mw frs/gmrs combo radio needs a license on the grms channels.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( NO LICENSE REQUIRED for 500mw = Correct.
)</font>
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( NO LICENSE REQUIRED for 500mw = Correct.
)</font>
Snapper -
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I covered all this in depth on the other thread you started entitled "Cobra frs two way radios." I outlined the cost ($75) and even had web links to information, including detailed instructions on how to get a GMRS license.
I'll assume you simply didn't read my reply in the other post - which actually raises a good point of etiquette in that it is generally better to start a single thread instead of multiple ones when discussing the same subject/instance so that you (and others) can keep track of what is being said. That way you don't miss out on others replies and others don't get frustrated by repeating themselves. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Regardless, for your convenience, here's the link you need to look at in order to pursue a GMRS license. (same as my post on the other thread)
Getting a GMRS license
If you follow the instructions step-by-step, you can get your GMRS license.
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I covered all this in depth on the other thread you started entitled "Cobra frs two way radios." I outlined the cost ($75) and even had web links to information, including detailed instructions on how to get a GMRS license.
I'll assume you simply didn't read my reply in the other post - which actually raises a good point of etiquette in that it is generally better to start a single thread instead of multiple ones when discussing the same subject/instance so that you (and others) can keep track of what is being said. That way you don't miss out on others replies and others don't get frustrated by repeating themselves. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Regardless, for your convenience, here's the link you need to look at in order to pursue a GMRS license. (same as my post on the other thread)
Getting a GMRS license
If you follow the instructions step-by-step, you can get your GMRS license.
MikePA
Super Moderator
<font color="blue">...a good point of etiquette in that it is generally better to start a single thread instead of multiple ones when discussing the same subject/instance so that you (and others) can keep track of what is being said. That way you don't miss out on others replies and others don't get frustrated by repeating themselves. </font>
RanchMan is correct. Let's keep this all in one thread. I will close this one.
RanchMan is correct. Let's keep this all in one thread. I will close this one.
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