FRS and GMRS are terms that seem to be interchangeable, but aren't. Ham radio gets mentioned in many conversations about radio communication on Rising Sun runs. This thread is meant to define what each of these are and what are the differences.
FRS stands for Family Radio Service, and anyone can use it. It is license-free, limited to 2 watts of transmit power, and uses fixed antennas. It's best for short-range communication (up to 2 miles).
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GMRS stands for General Mobile Radio Service. It requires an FCC license, but no test is required. A GMRS license costs $35 from the FCC and is valid for 10 years. GMRS operates on the same frequencies or "channels" as FRS, but it allows up to 50 watts of transmit power on most channels and supports detachable antennas. It can transmit up to 5 miles.
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Ham Radio is slang term for "Amateur Radio." Ham radios are the superheroes of two-way communication. They can reach 50 miles or more and connect people worldwide using a ton of frequencies that are dedicated to the hobby.
FRS stands for Family Radio Service, and anyone can use it. It is license-free, limited to 2 watts of transmit power, and uses fixed antennas. It's best for short-range communication (up to 2 miles).
- You will see these radios being sold as "walkie talkies."
- FRS radios work well on trail runs. This is what we use on Rising Sun trail runs and at Cruise Moab.
- If you show up for a Rising Sun run and don't have an FRS radio, someone will loan you one to use on the trail for the day. Many of us have several extra radios in our trucks just for this situation.
- There are many options for FRS radios. Here is an example.
- You will often buy more than one, just like walkie talkies.
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GMRS stands for General Mobile Radio Service. It requires an FCC license, but no test is required. A GMRS license costs $35 from the FCC and is valid for 10 years. GMRS operates on the same frequencies or "channels" as FRS, but it allows up to 50 watts of transmit power on most channels and supports detachable antennas. It can transmit up to 5 miles.
- Because FRS and GMRS radios operate on the same frequencies, they communicate with each other perfectly.
- Generally, when someone says "Don't forget to bring your GMRS radio to the trail run," they mean FRS since FRS requires no license.
- You only need one license for your family. The GMRS license covers you and your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and siblings, regardless of whether they live in the same household.
- You get more power (for better transmissions) and can use better antennas (for better reception).
- Getting a GMRS radio may be cheaper than an FRS radio because there are so many options. Here is an example.
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Ham Radio is slang term for "Amateur Radio." Ham radios are the superheroes of two-way communication. They can reach 50 miles or more and connect people worldwide using a ton of frequencies that are dedicated to the hobby.
- To use a Ham radio, you must pass a test and get a license from the FCC.
- Ham radio does not work on FRS/GMRS frequencies. It's not a replacement for these essential radios.
- There are more than a handful of Rising Sun members who run ham radio in their vehicles. These are usually the people who venture to very remote places and want to stay in touch with others.
- Official RS club runs never require ham.
- You don't need to go down this road unless you'd like to. Let's be honest: there are a lot of us geeks in the club.