Blog/2016/12/FRS GMRS Radio Primer - Revision history

BruceSchafer: /* The Ideal Radio */ Added caption to table

2025-09-12T00:37:47Z

The Ideal Radio: Added caption to table

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 11 September 2025
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	{\| class="wikitable" style="height: 603px;" width="809"		{\| class="wikitable" style="height: 603px;" width="809"
			\|+Radios Available in 2016 or so. Current model numbers are probably different.
	\|-		\|-
	\|		\|
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	=== GMRS Repeater Notes ===		=== GMRS Repeater Notes ===

	The FCC allows repeaters to be used with GMRS radios. A GMRS repeater can dramatically increase the coverage area. There may be GMRS repeaters available in the Portland area and others may be turned on buy NET teams during deployments. If anyone is interested in the topic, a good resource is [https://www.mygmrs.com/ myGMRS]. Both the BTech and Wouxun GMRS radios mentioned above can be used with repeaters that support support GMRS channels 15 through 22. To access one of these repeaters using a BTech or Wouxun add 8 to the channel number. In some cases you may also have to program a "tone".		The FCC allows repeaters to be used with GMRS radios. A GMRS repeater can dramatically increase the coverage area. There may be GMRS repeaters available in the Portland area and others may be turned on buy NET teams during deployments. If anyone is interested in the topic, a good resource is [https://www.mygmrs.com/ myGMRS]. Both the BTech and Wouxun GMRS radios mentioned above can be used with repeaters that support support GMRS channels 15 through 22. To access one of these repeaters using a BTech or Wouxun add 8 to the channel number. In some cases you may also have to program a "tone".

BruceSchafer: /* Being Legal */ Fixed typo

2025-09-12T00:34:09Z

Being Legal: Fixed typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 11 September 2025
Line 23:		Line 23:
	Each NET team is assigned a channel from 2-22. Channel 1 is informally recognized as a national calling channel for emergencies. Using the shared FRS/GMRS channels allows for teams to have both unlicensed and licensed team members. The non-licensed members are restricted to low power while the licensed members may use higher power.		Each NET team is assigned a channel from 2-22. Channel 1 is informally recognized as a national calling channel for emergencies. Using the shared FRS/GMRS channels allows for teams to have both unlicensed and licensed team members. The non-licensed members are restricted to low power while the licensed members may use higher power.

	Most consumer handheld radios are FRS radios covering the 22 channels at relatively low power. More expensive radios are GMRS radios and offer more power and therefore greater range but require an FCC license (but ~~now~~ test).		Most consumer handheld radios are FRS radios covering the 22 channels at relatively low power. More expensive radios are GMRS radios and offer more power and therefore greater range but require an FCC license (but no test).

	Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.		Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.

BruceSchafer: /* Being Legal */ Updated discussion of FRS vs GMRS radios

2025-09-12T00:32:41Z

Being Legal: Updated discussion of FRS vs GMRS radios

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 11 September 2025
Line 21:		Line 21:
	=== Being Legal ===		=== Being Legal ===

	It is ~~your responsibility~~ to ~~operate your radio in a legal manner~~.		Each NET team is assigned a channel from 2-22. Channel 1 is informally recognized as a national calling channel for emergencies. Using the shared FRS/GMRS channels allows for teams to have both unlicensed and licensed team members. The non-licensed members are restricted to low power while the licensed members may use higher power.

	* If you do not have a GMRS license, you may only operate on channels 1-14 and only with low power.		Most consumer handheld radios are FRS radios covering the 22 channels at relatively low power. More expensive radios are GMRS radios and offer more power and therefore greater range but require an FCC license (but now test).
	* If you have a GMRS license, you may operate on any of the 22 channels with the maximum power shown on the chart.

	Each NET team is assigned a channel from 2-7. Channel 1 is informally recognized as a national calling channel for emergencies. Using the shared FRS/GMRS channels allows for teams to have both unlicensed and licensed team members. The non-licensed members are restricted to low power while the licensed members may use higher power.

	~~Ninety-nine percent of today’s~~ consumer handheld radios ~~cover both services. The exceptions~~ are ~~GMRS-only~~ radios ~~which we’ll cover below. All of~~ the ~~dual-service radios automatically reduce power on the FRS-only~~ channels ~~8-14. On the shared FRS/GMRS channels 1-7 however it is the user’s responsibility to use~~ low power ~~if they~~ are ~~not licensed. While it is simple to do, each manufacture has a different way to do this. Some~~ radios ~~(newer Motorola models) have two PTT (Push-To-Talk) buttons – one for low power~~ and ~~one for high~~ power~~. Nice~~ and ~~simple. Other radios~~ (~~Midland, et al~~) have a menu option to set power level on a channel-by-channel basis. It seems that these radios come from the factory with the default power level set to high. If you are not licensed, you will need to consult your radio manual on how to reduce power on the shared channels.

	One caveat: A few older dual-service radios do not have the ability to reduce power on the shared FRS/GMRS channels. Unfortunately, this renders the radio useable to GMRS-licensed members only. If you think you may have one of these radios, your team ARO may be able to help you check if you are concerned.

	Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.		Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.
Line 103:		Line 96:
	=== The GMRS-Only Option ===		=== The GMRS-Only Option ===

	~~As of late 2016, there are two~~ GMRS~~-only~~ radios~~. Basically, a~~ GMRS-~~only radio gives up the ability to transmit on the FRS-only channels (7-14) but retains the shared FRS/GMRS channels and gains the options of higher power~~ and ~~use of an external antenna. Both can significantly increase~~ the ~~available range and could be useful for teams needing more geographic coverage.~~		Two good GMRS radios are the BTech GMRS-V2 and the Wouxun KG-805G. The Wouxun is more expensive than the BTech but has a better receiver.<span id="gmrs-repeater-notes"></span>

	~~The [https://midlandusa.com/micromobile~~-2-way-radio/ Midland MXT100] is a mobile GMRS-only radio with five watts and a magnetic-mount external antenna. It does not contain batteries but uses a cig-lighter plug for powering off a vehicle 12v system. The ~~radio~~ is ~~quite small and includes a quick release bracket for easy vehicle changes. Here’s a link to an earlier, [https://portlandprepares.org/2016/12/gear-review-midland-mxt100-gmrs-radio/~~ more ~~detailed NET review.]~~

	~~The~~ BTech/Baofeng [https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1 GMRS-V1] is a handheld GMRS-only radio. It has the ability to transmit on any GMRS channel including GMRS repeaters. It can also be programmed to receive VHF/UHF ham, public service, NOAA, and FM broadcasts. It has a ~~replaceable antenna. It is also a 5-watt radio. Many battery, antenna, and earbud/mic options are available.~~

	~~<span id="what-about-the-baofeng-uv-5r-and-their-ilk"></span>~~
	~~=== What About the Baofeng UV-5R and Their Ilk? ===~~

	As they say, “It’s complicated.” Basically, the UV-5R is not FCC accepted for either FRS or GMRS. While it is possible to program the UV-5R to transmit on FRS/GMRS frequencies, it is illegal to transmit on those channels except during an emergency. That little caveat is why many NET AROs have a UV-5R in the radio stash. NET AROs can use the UV-5R as their ham handheld and monitor FRS/GMRS channels at the same time. They typically have a regular dual-service FRS/GMRS handheld for transmitting on the channels. If push came to shove in an emergency, they could use the UV-5R for FRS/GMRS as well as ham.

	<span id="gmrs-repeater-notes"></span>
	=== GMRS Repeater Notes ===		=== GMRS Repeater Notes ===

	The FCC allows ~~for~~ repeaters ~~in the~~ GMRS ~~service~~. A GMRS repeater can dramatically increase the coverage area. There ~~are currently no~~ GMRS repeaters in the Portland area ~~although several~~ NET teams ~~in geographically challenging areas are considering them~~. If anyone is interested in the topic, a good resource is [https://www.mygmrs.com/ myGMRS].		The FCC allows repeaters to be used with GMRS radios. A GMRS repeater can dramatically increase the coverage area. There may be GMRS repeaters available in the Portland area and others may be turned on buy NET teams during deployments. If anyone is interested in the topic, a good resource is [https://www.mygmrs.com/ myGMRS]. Both the BTech and Wouxun GMRS radios mentioned above can be used with repeaters that support support GMRS channels 15 through 22. To access one of these repeaters using a BTech or Wouxun add 8 to the channel number. In some cases you may also have to program a "tone".

BruceSchafer: /* The Services */ Replaced obsolete channel table with link to Wikipedia

2025-09-12T00:21:33Z

The Services: Replaced obsolete channel table with link to Wikipedia

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 11 September 2025
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	GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) covers a much farther range through higher power and the options of external antennas and repeater operation. However, it requires a license. The license is $35 for 10 years with a simple, [https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/applying-new-license online application]. There is no exam. The license covers your entire “family.”		GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) covers a much farther range through higher power and the options of external antennas and repeater operation. However, it requires a license. The license is $35 for 10 years with a simple, [https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/applying-new-license online application]. There is no exam. The license covers your entire “family.”

	The services have 22 channels ~~– some~~ are ~~shared~~ and ~~some are exclusive for~~ the ~~particular service~~.		The services have 22 shared channels - with differences in maximum wattage according to whether you are using an unlicensed FRS radio or a licensed GMRS radio. See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mobile_Radio_Service#Frequency_table Channel and Frequency Table] Users of FRS and GMRS radios do not need know the frequencies their radios use because the radios come pre-programmed with the frequencies stored as channels.

	~~[https://portlandprepares.org/wp~~-~~content/uploads/2016/12~~/~~FRS-GMRS-chart.jpg [[File:FRS-GMRS-chart.jpg\|513x548px\|class=wp-image-26822]]]~~		<span id="being-legal"></span>

	~~<span id="being-legal"></span>~~
	=== Being Legal ===		=== Being Legal ===

BruceSchafer: Updated license fee and added link

2025-09-12T00:13:54Z

Updated license fee and added link

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 11 September 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	[[Category:Radio Communication]]		[[Category:Radio Communication]]

	First published: Dec 29, 2016		First published: Dec 29, 2016 Updated Sept 11, 2025

	FRS/GMRS radios are the go-to radios for most intra-team NET communication. Every NET member should have one in their go-kit. Here’s what you need to know about the world of FRS/GMRS to be an effective (and legal) FRS/GMRS operator. There is also some buying advice for those who still need to get their radio.		FRS/GMRS radios are the go-to radios for most intra-team NET communication. Every NET member should have one in their go-kit. Here’s what you need to know about the world of FRS/GMRS to be an effective (and legal) FRS/GMRS operator. There is also some buying advice for those who still need to get their radio.<span id="the-services"></span>

	<span id="the-services"></span>
	=== The Services ===		=== The Services ===

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	FRS (Family Radio Service) is free, and no license is required. It offers a short range of operation due to low power and antenna restrictions.		FRS (Family Radio Service) is free, and no license is required. It offers a short range of operation due to low power and antenna restrictions.

	GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) covers a much farther range through higher power and the options of external antennas and repeater operation. However, it requires a license. The license is $65 for 5 years with a simple, online application. There is no exam. The license covers your entire “family.”		GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) covers a much farther range through higher power and the options of external antennas and repeater operation. However, it requires a license. The license is $35 for 10 years with a simple, [https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/applying-new-license online application]. There is no exam. The license covers your entire “family.”

	The services have 22 channels – some are shared and some are exclusive for the particular service.		The services have 22 channels – some are shared and some are exclusive for the particular service.

HollisBlanchard: use larger right-aligned images instead of a gallery

2025-05-29T17:08:08Z

use larger right-aligned images instead of a gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:08, 29 May 2025
Line 36:		Line 36:

	Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.		Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.

	~~<gallery>~~
	~~Motorola-Talkabout.jpg\|Motorola Talkabout~~
	~~Midland-GTX.jpg\|Midland GTX~~
	~~</gallery>~~

	<span id="the-ideal-radio"></span>		<span id="the-ideal-radio"></span>
	=== The Ideal Radio ===		=== The Ideal Radio ===

			[[File:Motorola-Talkabout.jpg\|thumb\|300px\|right\|Motorola Talkabout]]
			[[File:Midland-GTX.jpg\|thumb\|300px\|right\|Midland GTX]]

	Manufacturers offer a huge range of FRS/GMRS radios. The choice is staggering and the selection seems to change monthly as models come and go. Prices range from $25 to $150. How to choose? While Portland NET cannot officially recommend any particular radio, the RTL (Radio Training Liaisons) have pooled our collective wisdom and come up with the following suggested feature set and a list of radios that come close to meeting them.		Manufacturers offer a huge range of FRS/GMRS radios. The choice is staggering and the selection seems to change monthly as models come and go. Prices range from $25 to $150. How to choose? While Portland NET cannot officially recommend any particular radio, the RTL (Radio Training Liaisons) have pooled our collective wisdom and come up with the following suggested feature set and a list of radios that come close to meeting them.

HollisBlanchard: HollisBlanchard moved page Blog/2016/12/FRS/GMRS Radio Primer to Blog/2016/12/FRS GMRS Radio Primer

2025-05-28T23:44:12Z

HollisBlanchard moved page Blog/2016/12/FRS/GMRS Radio Primer to Blog/2016/12/FRS GMRS Radio Primer

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:44, 28 May 2025
(No difference)

HollisBlanchard: adjust images

2025-05-28T23:43:42Z

adjust images

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 28 May 2025
Line 37:		Line 37:
	Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.		Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.

	~~[https://portlandprepares.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/~~Motorola-Talkabout.jpg ~~[[File:~~Motorola-Talkabout~~.jpg\|1188x1500px\|class=wp-image-26844]]] [https://portlandprepares.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/~~Midland-GTX.jpg ~~[[File:~~Midland-GTX~~.jpg\|1000x1000px\|class=wp-image-26843]]]~~		<gallery>
			Motorola-Talkabout.jpg\|Motorola Talkabout
			Midland-GTX.jpg\|Midland GTX
			</gallery>

	<span id="the-ideal-radio"></span>		<span id="the-ideal-radio"></span>

HollisBlanchard: Created page with "{{:BlogAuthors/JohnBeaston}} Category:Equipment Tips & Tricks Category:Kit Preparation & Planning Category:Radio Communication First published: Dec 29, 2016 FRS/GMRS radios are the go-to radios for most intra-team NET communication. Every NET member should have one in their go-kit. Here’s what you need to know about the world of FRS/GMRS to be an effective (and legal) FRS/GMRS operator. There is also some buying advice for those who still need to get thei..."

2025-05-28T23:41:03Z

Created page with "{{:BlogAuthors/JohnBeaston}} Category:Equipment Tips & Tricks Category:Kit Preparation & Planning Category:Radio Communication First published: Dec 29, 2016 FRS/GMRS radios are the go-to radios for most intra-team NET communication. Every NET member should have one in their go-kit. Here’s what you need to know about the world of FRS/GMRS to be an effective (and legal) FRS/GMRS operator. There is also some buying advice for those who still need to get thei..."

New page

{{:BlogAuthors/JohnBeaston}}
[[Category:Equipment Tips & Tricks]]
[[Category:Kit Preparation & Planning]]
[[Category:Radio Communication]]

First published: Dec 29, 2016

FRS/GMRS radios are the go-to radios for most intra-team NET communication. Every NET member should have one in their go-kit. Here’s what you need to know about the world of FRS/GMRS to be an effective (and legal) FRS/GMRS operator. There is also some buying advice for those who still need to get their radio.


=== The Services ===

FRS and GMRS are two overlapping radio services defined by the FCC.

FRS (Family Radio Service) is free, and no license is required. It offers a short range of operation due to low power and antenna restrictions.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) covers a much farther range through higher power and the options of external antennas and repeater operation. However, it requires a license. The license is $65 for 5 years with a simple, online application. There is no exam. The license covers your entire “family.”

The services have 22 channels – some are shared and some are exclusive for the particular service.

[https://portlandprepares.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/FRS-GMRS-chart.jpg [[File:FRS-GMRS-chart.jpg|513x548px|class=wp-image-26822]]]


=== Being Legal ===

It is your responsibility to operate your radio in a legal manner.

* If you do not have a GMRS license, you may only operate on channels 1-14 and only with low power.
* If you have a GMRS license, you may operate on any of the 22 channels with the maximum power shown on the chart.

Each NET team is assigned a channel from 2-7. Channel 1 is informally recognized as a national calling channel for emergencies. Using the shared FRS/GMRS channels allows for teams to have both unlicensed and licensed team members. The non-licensed members are restricted to low power while the licensed members may use higher power.

Ninety-nine percent of today’s consumer handheld radios cover both services. The exceptions are GMRS-only radios which we’ll cover below. All of the dual-service radios automatically reduce power on the FRS-only channels 8-14. On the shared FRS/GMRS channels 1-7 however it is the user’s responsibility to use low power if they are not licensed. While it is simple to do, each manufacture has a different way to do this. Some radios (newer Motorola models) have two PTT (Push-To-Talk) buttons – one for low power and one for high power. Nice and simple. Other radios (Midland, et al) have a menu option to set power level on a channel-by-channel basis. It seems that these radios come from the factory with the default power level set to high. If you are not licensed, you will need to consult your radio manual on how to reduce power on the shared channels.

One caveat: A few older dual-service radios do not have the ability to reduce power on the shared FRS/GMRS channels. Unfortunately, this renders the radio useable to GMRS-licensed members only. If you think you may have one of these radios, your team ARO may be able to help you check if you are concerned.

Of course, in an emergency involving the threat of life safety or imminent property damage, you may operate on any channel with any power level.

[https://portlandprepares.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Motorola-Talkabout.jpg [[File:Motorola-Talkabout.jpg|1188x1500px|class=wp-image-26844]]] [https://portlandprepares.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Midland-GTX.jpg [[File:Midland-GTX.jpg|1000x1000px|class=wp-image-26843]]]


=== The Ideal Radio ===

Manufacturers offer a huge range of FRS/GMRS radios. The choice is staggering and the selection seems to change monthly as models come and go. Prices range from $25 to $150. How to choose? While Portland NET cannot officially recommend any particular radio, the RTL (Radio Training Liaisons) have pooled our collective wisdom and come up with the following suggested feature set and a list of radios that come close to meeting them.

Suggested features:

* Supports both low and high power
* Weather resistant or waterproof
* Supports multiple battery options, particularly AAs
* Includes earbud/mic
* Desktop charger
* FM and NOAA reception
* Repeater capable

{| class="wikitable" style="height: 603px;" width="809"
|-
|
| Motorola [https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/t400-series.html T4xx]/[https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/talkabout-t600-series.html#tabproductinfo T6xx] series
| Motorola [https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/m-series/talkabout-ms350r.html#tabproductinfo MS350R]/[https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/m-series/ms355r-talkabout-two-way-radio.html#tabproductinfo MS355R]
| Midland [http://midlandusa.com/product-category/two-way-radios/lxtgxt-2-way-radios/ GXT series]
|-
| Supports low/high power
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
| Weather-resistant or waterproof
| T4xx weather-resistant 
T6xx waterproof
| Waterproof
| Weather-resistant
|-
| Supports AA batteries
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
| Includes earbud/mic
| T465 only
| MS355R
| yes
|-
| Desktop charger
| T480 
Others use wallwart
| yes
| yes
|-
| FM and NOAA reception
| T480 FM+NOAA 
Others NOAA
| NOAA
| NOAA
|-
| Repeater capable
| no
| yes
| no
|}


=== The GMRS-Only Option ===

As of late 2016, there are two GMRS-only radios. Basically, a GMRS-only radio gives up the ability to transmit on the FRS-only channels (7-14) but retains the shared FRS/GMRS channels and gains the options of higher power and use of an external antenna. Both can significantly increase the available range and could be useful for teams needing more geographic coverage.

The [https://midlandusa.com/micromobile-2-way-radio/ Midland MXT100] is a mobile GMRS-only radio with five watts and a magnetic-mount external antenna. It does not contain batteries but uses a cig-lighter plug for powering off a vehicle 12v system. The radio is quite small and includes a quick release bracket for easy vehicle changes. Here’s a link to an earlier, [https://portlandprepares.org/2016/12/gear-review-midland-mxt100-gmrs-radio/ more detailed NET review.]

The BTech/Baofeng [https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1 GMRS-V1] is a handheld GMRS-only radio. It has the ability to transmit on any GMRS channel including GMRS repeaters. It can also be programmed to receive VHF/UHF ham, public service, NOAA, and FM broadcasts. It has a replaceable antenna. It is also a 5-watt radio. Many battery, antenna, and earbud/mic options are available.


=== What About the Baofeng UV-5R and Their Ilk? ===

As they say, “It’s complicated.” Basically, the UV-5R is not FCC accepted for either FRS or GMRS. While it is possible to program the UV-5R to transmit on FRS/GMRS frequencies, it is illegal to transmit on those channels except during an emergency. That little caveat is why many NET AROs have a UV-5R in the radio stash. NET AROs can use the UV-5R as their ham handheld and monitor FRS/GMRS channels at the same time. They typically have a regular dual-service FRS/GMRS handheld for transmitting on the channels. If push came to shove in an emergency, they could use the UV-5R for FRS/GMRS as well as ham.


=== GMRS Repeater Notes ===

The FCC allows for repeaters in the GMRS service. A GMRS repeater can dramatically increase the coverage area. There are currently no GMRS repeaters in the Portland area although several NET teams in geographically challenging areas are considering them. If anyone is interested in the topic, a good resource is [https://www.mygmrs.com/ myGMRS].