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The Family Radio Service (FRS) was created
by the FCC to allow families and other groups
to talk among themselves while hiking, shopping,
and camping by using low-cost walkie talkies.
FRS radios are manufactured by a variety
of professional radio manufacturers including
Motorola, Uniden, Midland and Cobra (known
for their CB radios.) These units tend to
cost less than $100 for a pair. Radios which
include NOAA weather broadcasts are closer
to $100 each, but well worth it while hiking
or camping because they allow you to keep
update on changing weather.
Channels, Power, and Privacy Codes
Radios that operate on up to 14 channels
have only FRS frequencies, transmit with
only 1/2 watt of power, and do not require
an FCC license. Those offering 22 channels
include GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
channels and can transmit on those with 1
to 3 watts. Usage of the GMRS channels requires
an FCC license ($80.) You are not required
to get a GMRS license even if your radio
has 22 channels as long as you do not transmit
on the GMRS channels.
All else equal, go for radios with higher
transmitting power. The advantage of transmitting
with 1 watt versus only 1/2 watt is better
range. A 1 watt radio can communicate over
a mile, while a 1/2 watt will get you only
a few blocks. With 3 watts you could talk
for several miles.
Like with CB radios, even with all these
channels available, it is possible to bump
into other families talking on your channel
when you are at a large amusement park. FRS
radios have a feature called "privacy
codes" that allows you to hear only
your own family. Most radios have 30 or more
privacy codes; however, these radios are
notorious for allowing bleed-over and other
interference, so don't expect professional
quieting and audio quality. But for all around
keeping in touch, these radios work fine.
Accessories
When biking together, a hands-free
headset
with boom mike or tie-clip mike
is a great
attachment. Make sure the FRS
radio you buy
has a hands-free transmit VOX
setting, which
means it transmits just by hearing
you speak.
Of course, coughing, a loud siren,
or other
noise would cause unintended
transmissions,
too.
Most FRS radios take AA batteries, and a
set would last all day hiking and transmitting.
If you plan to use them frequently (such
as while working at a food booth at a fair),
you'll want to have NiCad rechargeable batteries
with a drop-in charger. Batteries charge
overnight. |
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