Quote:
Originally Posted by Vibratinharley
I don't have any experience with these but I do know from being an amateur and gmrs radio operator that I talk on handheld low wattage gmrs radios and the clarity is great but I only use these for less than a mile . Also, GMRS radio's require a radio license from the FCC but FRS radio does not. I hope this helps.
|
You're right. Here's the FCC version of the licensing requirements:
Quote:
|
If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas.
|
The FRS 0.5 watts should be enough to communicate a mile or two in a line-of-sight type environment. But I'm sure the manufacturers market them as "dual-use" which probably shields them from any recourse by claiming the customer is responsible for any licensing requirements if operated in the GMRS range...