What is FRS GMRS radio?

FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are two different types of two-way radios that are commonly used for short-range communication.

FRS radios are designed for personal and recreational use, and operate on 22 specific frequencies within the UHF band. They have a maximum output power of 2 watts and do not require a license to operate in the United States.

GMRS radios, on the other hand, are intended for more professional use and operate on a wider range of frequencies. GMRS radios have a higher output power than FRS radios, with some models capable of up to 50 watts of power. GMRS radios require a license from the FCC to operate in the United States.

Some radios are designed to operate on both FRS and GMRS frequencies, and are referred to as FRS/GMRS radios. These radios can operate on both the FRS and GMRS frequency bands, allowing for greater versatility and longer range communication. When using FRS frequencies, these radios are limited to the same power output as other FRS radios (2 watts), and no license is required. However, when using GMRS frequencies, a license is required, and the radio must adhere to the power and other technical requirements set forth by the FCC.

Can GMRS talk to FRS?

Yes, GMRS radios can talk to FRS radios as long as both radios are operating on the same frequency channel. FRS radios and GMRS radios share some frequency channels within the UHF band, specifically channels 1 through 7 and channels 15 through 22. These shared channels are sometimes referred to as "interstitial" channels.

When using a GMRS radio to communicate with an FRS radio on a shared channel, the GMRS radio must adhere to the power limitations and technical requirements of the FRS service. This means that the GMRS radio must not exceed the maximum power output of 2 watts when operating on FRS channels, and it must not use any features that are not allowed on FRS radios, such as repeaters or digital modulation.

It is also important to note that FRS radios are designed for personal and recreational use, and are not intended for commercial or professional use. GMRS radios are better suited for these types of applications due to their higher power output and greater range.

What are FRS and GMRS frequencies?

FRS (Family Radio Service) radios operate on 22 specific frequencies within the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, ranging from 462.5625 MHz to 467.7125 MHz. These frequencies are set aside by the FCC for use by the general public, and are designated as "license-free" frequencies.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios, on the other hand, operate on a wider range of frequencies within the UHF bands. GMRS radios have a total of 30 frequency channels, including 22 shared channels with FRS radios. The GMRS frequency range is from 462.5500 MHz to 467.7250 MHz for the UHF band.

It is important to note that while some FRS/GMRS radios can operate on both FRS and GMRS frequencies, they must adhere to the technical requirements and power limitations of the respective service when using each frequency range. For example, when using GMRS frequencies, the radio must have a valid FCC license, and the power output must not exceed the maximum allowed for GMRS radios.