FRS radios

[Grizzley]

Even though it's suggested that we have a CB on board for trail runs, I've noticed that a lot of FRS radios are being used, especially with Earl on the runs he puts together in RI and North Adams. Noticed that everyone was scrambling to find batteries the last time in North Adams also. Anyways, found this link over on the NEOW board and called around to find one. Nice little rig that for $9.97 plus tax should work out better. These units have been discontinued at the Radio Shacks but they still have some in stock. Could be easily rolled up and stashed under the rear seat till it's needed for a trail run.

http://www.popularwireless.com/gmrsradioshack211850.html

In case the link doesn't work, the model number is 21-1850.

Grizzley

 

[sidriptide]

looks like a cool set up... i run with both CB and FRS handheld.. pretty much covers everyone... not a required item but everyone should have something..
mike

 

[93xjmark]

After the last chicken run, a number of Jeeps had no way of communicating on the way to Wright's farm. It caused a bunch of us to pull off to the side of the road to relay messages to those without CB's. I'm not familiar with FRS radios, but I believe there should be some standardized form of communication between all vehicles. It just makes the whole trip to, at, and from the trail better if everyone is on the same page.
Just my .02 cents.

 

[Moto]

I thought that CB was the standard? Anyone know the difference in distance that these 2 can reach ?

 

[Grizzley]

I always thought the CB was standard too Moto, but so many are using the FRS, I just figured this deal was too good not to pass on, especially where everyone needs batteries for the handheld style. The one I found still had the $79.99 sticker on the box but rang up at $9.97, that's cheap enough. The range is supposed to be about 3 miles line-of-sight. The originator of the NEOW post stated that he had extended his cable by soldering in a splice and had hardwired the unit under the dash. Guess I should have thrown this in the first time:

http://forum.neow.net/index.php?showtopic=15832

Not sure about hardwiring it. I was thinking that when i put in the full center console I'd add an extra 12v cig lighter to the blank space on the face and just plug it in there, throw the mike onto the console and run the antenna behind the front seat and out the door.

Grizzley

 

[Eagle]

Earle doesn't use an FRS ... he uses a GMRS/FRS with 38 channels. The channels he uses are the GMRS.

FRS without the GMRS is out of date and that's why Radio Shack discontinued them. Save your money. You can get GMRS/FRS units at Wal-Mart for around $25 a pair. Cheap ones advertise a 2 mile range, for a few $$$more they claim 5 miles. Real world -- expect less than a mile. On one of Earle's power line runs he couldn't reach the guys at the back of the train.

IMHO CB is still the choice for use on the trail, and a GMRS is a handy extra for spotters or for chatting when in the camp.

 

[Grizzley]

These are the GMRS with the 38 channels. I used the term FRS because it's a generic name for that style radio. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[w_howey]

Guys, there are a few misconceptions, and a few mistakes I hope I can clear up.

1. FRS and GMRS are NOT the same thing. FRS is a liscense-free,low power, handheld based radio service. GMRS allows higher power, and wider range of radios, and external antennas. However, it requires a liscense to operate on these frequencies.

2. Not all FRS radios available work together. With CB there is a standard channel layout. On ALL US approved CBs, channel 1 is the same. Not so with FRS radios.

3. There are actually 14 FRS channels, and 15 GMRS channels. Now seven of those are shared channels. But the remaining 7 FRS channels, and 8 GMRS channels are completely seperate.

4. The radios that boast 22-channels, are what is called hybrid radios. They have the channels for both services in them. But, without a liscense it is still illegal to transmit on the GMRS only channels.

5. The 38 channels question, is simply a misunderstanding of how these radios work. This is actual 38 subcodes, not channels. With one of the subcodes active, you will only hear the other radios, that not only are turned to the same channel, but have the same subcode set.


Does this clear up the confusion? Feel free to ask more.

 

[SmilnDon]

Another common misconception is that people can use the 22 Channel Hybrid radios if they dont have a license and stay off the primary 8 GMRS frequencies, or channels. If you operate on the 7 shared FRS/GMRS frequencies, or channels, then you must only operate at low power. The shared frequencies have the option of low and high power, and usually default to high power.

If you operate on high power on the shared FRS/GMRS frequencies, then it is actually considered a GMRS frequency rather than FRS frequency, thereby requiring a license.

To be honest, CB may give you better range performace due to the terrain you operate on. The frequency they operate on is low enough that the signals can bounce and skip.

Yet another option is the 2 watt MURS service the FCC created in 2000. This allows you to operate on VHF without a license.

If you want to know more about 2 way communications, one of the best resources is the Popular Wireless Bulletin Board ( http://www.popularwireless.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi? )

 

[Eagle]

I thought we had killed this a long time ago. Even Earle broke down and bought a CB radio.

FRS/GMRS is fine for talking to other campsites after the run, but on the trail we should stick to CB.

 

[Grizzley]

I couldn't believe it when I saw it popped up again, hahahaha. :laugh3:

 

[w_howey]

Actually, Don and I both read it linked through the pop-wireless site, mentioned in the original post. One of the posters there, linked to it.

 

[Grizzley]

It's nice for the extra info, thanks. Just funny how threads keep coming back. Like Eagle said, we're all running the cb's now so I have a radio sitting in a box, taking up space. Ah well, so's my lift kit right now. . .

 

[Eagle]

It's nice for the extra info, thanks. Just funny how threads keep coming back. Like Eagle said, we're all running the cb's now so I have a radio sitting in a box, taking up space. Ah well, so's my lift kit right now. . .

Yeah, all you really need now is an ENGINE!

 

[Grizzley]

I'm working on it, for the AJmobile. . .

You didn't see I got another? Can't see much but this is the last storm you just missed.

 

[burntkat]

at the risk of being beaten savagely....

anyone know where I can get the radio that was originally mentioned in this thread... the integrated FRS/GMRS unit?

 

[w_howey]

at the risk of being beaten savagely....

anyone know where I can get the radio that was originally mentioned in this thread... the integrated FRS/GMRS unit?

Go to any Walmart electronics section and you will find hybrid radios.

 

[burntkat]

that's fine.

now-- does anyone know where I can find the radio that was originally referred to in this thread?

 

[Grizzley]

I really don't think they're available any longer. Never seen any like it by another maker either. Might try ebay and a search for Radio Shack FSR/GMSR. Like you hadn't thought of that already. . . :laugh3: