How to Buy Two-Way Radios

By eHow Electronics Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Taking the family to a playground, amusement park or campground and want to stay in contact? Look at Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) two-way radios. Boasting clearer sound, better range and more channels, these tough little units are a far cry from old walkie-talkies.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

FCC forms

Step1

Look at your budget. If you want to save money and expect to use the radios over short range (less than two miles), choose FRS radios.

Step2

Choose GMRS radios--a newer type--if you need range up to five miles.

Step3

Apply for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, which you'll need to use a GMRS radio. You'll need to complete FCC Forms 605 and 159 (Form 605 can be filed electronically at wireless.fcc.gov/uls/applications/).

Step4

Purchase multiple radios from the same manufacturer. Although all FRS and GMRS radios use the same frequencies, their other features (such as so-called privacy codes) don't always work between brands. GMRS radios share some channels with FRS radios. If you're replacing an FRS radio, buy a GMRS unit.

Step5

Take the range claims of two-way radios with a grain of salt. FRS purports to reach two miles and GMRS up to seven miles, but walls, hills, trees, people and almost anything else will reduce that range.

Step6

Look for a scanning function if you like to listen in on other people's conversations. A scanning radio will search across its channels for activity.

Step7

Pick units with a vibrating call feature if you need to remain quiet while you use them (during your clan's paintball war, for instance).

Tips & Warnings

You can add an external antenna to a GMRS radio, but not to an FRS radio.
You can use FRS and GMRS radios in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but they're illegal in Europe.
Never say anything on a two-way radio that you wouldn't say in public. They're not secure lines.