GMRS 2-Way Radios

[calltrex]

out with old FRS radios

Anyone got these new style GMRS 2-Way Radios ?

just wondering how good they work??

says 40km range

[yyc_tbird_sc]

GMRS: 16 UHF frequencies, eight for simplex and repeater outputs, eight for repeater inputs. Inputs and outputs are usually paired 5 MHz. apart, but any pairing of an input and output frequency is legal. CTCS (Control Tone Coded Squelch) is usual on repeaters. FCC license required, may be obtained by any individual for personal communications. Equipment must be type-certified for use in the 450-470 MHz band, 50 watts max, any antenna.

Frequencies:
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 1 ) 462.550    
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 2 ) 462.575    
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 3 ) 462.600
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 4 ) 462.625
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 5 ) 462.650
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 6 ) 462.675
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 7 ) 462.700
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex ( 8 ) 462.725
GMRS Repeater Input ( 1 ) 467.550
GMRS Repeater Input ( 2 ) 467.575
GMRS Repeater Input ( 3 ) 467.600
GMRS Repeater Input ( 4 ) 467.625
GMRS Repeater Input ( 5 ) 467.650
GMRS Repeater Input ( 6 ) 467.675
GMRS Repeater Input ( 7 ) 467.700
GMRS Repeater Input ( 8 ) 467.725

FRS: 14 UHF frequencies for simplex operation. The frequencies are interstitial between the GMRS frequencies. CTCS may be used. Two kinds of use operation allowed. 1) Unlicensed operation on any channel using FRS type-certified radios. These are hand-held, ½ watt max, 2.5 KHz. deviation, with permanently attached rubber antenna. 2) Licensed operation on channels 1-7 by any GMRS license holder, 5 watts max, 5 KHz. deviation allowed, any antenna, using any equipment type-certified for GMRS. GMRS users may talk with unlicensed FRS users. GMRS users must transmit their GMRS call signs when using non-FRS type-certified equipment.

Frequencies:
462.5625 FRS Ch 1 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.5875 FRS Ch 2 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.6125 FRS Ch 3 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.6375 FRS Ch 4 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.6625 FRS Ch 5 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.6875 FRS Ch 6 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
462.7125 FRS Ch 7 (GMRS 5w. allowed)
467.5625 FRS Ch 8 (GMRS not allowed)
467.5875 FRS Ch 9 (GMRS not allowed)
467.6125 FRS Ch 10 (GMRS not allowed)
467.6375 FRS Ch 11 (GMRS not allowed)
467.6625 FRS Ch 12 (GMRS not allowed)
467.6875 FRS Ch 13 (GMRS not allowed)
467.7125 FRS Ch 14 (GMRS not allowed)

[TJ54]

GMRS
More power than FRS. Limited to less than 5 watts in canada. no gmrs repeaters in canada yet. The info above looks like it refers to the US as it mentions the FCC. Industry Canada has different reg's,
The big advantage is alot of models have the abilty to unscrew the antenna and attach an external magnetic antenna.
48 kms is the US spec if using a repeater on the flat prairies, or mountain top to mountain top.

The Gmrs radios you can buy here in canada will probably give you several KM's under ideal conditions. Better than frs, better than CB. But still not that great.

The other issue is the frequency. 450-470 (uhf) works well in the cities were there are buildings around but not so good in the bush. FRS are UHF as well.

save your money. keep using the FRS untill you get a ham licence, then step up to 2 meter radios.

[JohnB]

Sorry...  but limited to 2 Watts in Canada.  No license required.

5 Watts in the USA, license required.

Not better than CB, unless you have a crap setup.