GMRS/FRS radio

[C_Note]

Ok, went ahead and picked up a set of Motorolla Talkabout T6500's. I've been wanting a set of 2-ways, anyway, for when I'm out in Vincent wandering the land.

The book isn't that explanatory, so I have a question about:

So, our channels and codes will be as follows:

GMRS:
Channel 462.6625MHz . . . My Cobras channel 5
Sub-code 79.9Hz . . . My Cobras sub-code 5

FRS:
Channel 467.6125MHz . . . My Cobras channel 10
Sub-code 79.9Hz . . . My Cobras sub-code 5

According to a table in this book, my channel 5 is 462.6625, but it's GMRS/FRS, both, not just one or the other (channels 1-7 are both, 8-14 FRS, 15-22 GMRS). Can I use this channel to monitor activity, or do I need a license, even though it's both.

Also, you have two channels listed. Is there a specific frequency that is preferred?

[C_Note]

Ok, I found a little note on the back of the book indicating that channels 1-7 do require a license, so should I be using channel 10 (467.6125MHz)?

[xjoewhitex]

the channel that i have noticed we all use is the Channel 5 Sub. 5

channels and codes will be as follows:

GMRS:
Channel 462.6625MHz . . . My Cobras channel 5
Sub-code 79.9Hz . . . My Cobras sub-code 5

FRS:
Channel 467.6125MHz . . . My Cobras channel 10
Sub-code 79.9Hz . . . My Cobras sub-code 5

[Davis Silver Sti]

Yea,
Channel 5...with sub ch.5

Don't need no stinkin' license.
I have the motorola TALKABOUT T5950 NiCD. Works great and is especially handy on our caravans to the races. I always keep one in the car, and the other for backup when the batteries get weak.

Robbie and Tim (RallyEX) really know their radios...hopefully they'll chime in a bit.

[RobbieNelson]

Robbie and Tim (RallyEX) really know their radios...hopefully they'll chime in a bit.

Uh... no... I just know how to recite the jargon. Tim is the "Amature." (Amature is a good term in this case.)

The only difference between FRS and GMRS(on the shared channels) is the power output. My radios allow you to switch between "Hi" and "Low" power on those channels. If yours dosen't allow you to change and is labeled as a FRS/GMRS, then it probably operates in high power mode on those channels.

IMO the FCC really screwed this up! The radios should be FRS or GMRS... not both! Plus the licensing fee is like $100!!! :shock: What's a ham license cost Tim?

[RobbieNelson]

Why 5-5....? In honor of the Classic "Van Halen" song "I can't drive 55."

[xjoewhitex]

im not sure... :? Who did pick that channel that we use?

nevermind i got it now.. :wink:

[RobbieNelson]

im not sure... :? Who did pick that channel that we use?

Joe: Pay attention to punctuation. The second sentance ended in a period, not a question mark.

...Halen" song "I can't drive 55."

[RallyEX]

What's a ham license cost Tim?

I believe it costs around 7 bucks to take the exam and get your license... (exam is VERY easy). The average handheld for ham radio is around 100 bucks and will put out 5 watts... FRS and GMRS put out what, less than half a watt?

Much better range... Up to 20 miles line of sight.. I've done well in town on under 5 watts going from belpre all the way over to the North End.

[RobbieNelson]

... FRS and GMRS put out what, less than half a watt?

FRS up to .500 W
GMRS up to 2.0 W

... and they use FM

[C_Note]

My GMRS channels are only 1W

[Feedman]

I used to be up-to-date on the Frs and Gmrs when I worked @ CC. We sold them all the time.

The biggest difference besides the channels used and the power output is needing a license by the Fcc.

Family Radio Service - Frs DOES NOT. Anyone can use it.

The General Mobile Radio Service Gmrs however DOES. This was correct around 6-12 months ago. Although it may have changed, I haven't heard anything different.

On many of the 5+ mile walkies, it was actually printed on the back of the packaging LICENSE REQUIRED BY FCC.

Hope this helps. 8)

[daveb91]

Why 5-5....? In honor of the Classic "Van Halen" song "I can't drive 55."

Come on Robbie that wasnt Van Halen that was Sammy Hagar before he was in Van Halen.