What Are FRS & GMRS Radio Frequencies?
The Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are radio frequencies designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for personal, two-way communication.
Other People Are Reading
-
Definition
-
According to the Popular Wireless Magazine's website, FRS and GMRS are private, two-way voice services which can be used by the general public for personal and small business communication.
Frequencies
-
FRS and GMRS devices can help parents keep track of their kids. The FRS and GMRS frequencies are in the 462 and 467 MHz spectrum. FRS operates on low power over short distances, such as around a mall or amusement park. According to the website UltimateFRS.com, GMRS devices are more powerful, allowing communication up to a mile. You can communicate over greater distances if you add an antenna to some GMRS devices.
-
Devices
-
The FCC designates certain radio frequencies for personal, two-way communication. Citizen's band radios, or CBs, and walkie-talkies are usually FRS devices; most varieties are handheld but some can be mounted in vehicles. GMRS devices can also be handheld, vehicle-mounted or desktop; a ham radio is an example of a GMRS device. There are also combination FRS/GMRS devices.
Licensing
-
You don't need a license to use an FRS device, but one is required to use GMRS devices. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may obtain a license from the FCC and you must follow certain regulations.
Availability
-
Most radio and electronics retailers and some general retail stores sell FRS and GMRS devices. FRS devices are generally less expensive than GMRS and combination devices.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit walkie talkie image by mangia from Fotolia.com lost boy image by jamsi from Fotolia.com radio mast image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
