How to Use FRS Walkie-Talkies

FRS walkie-talkies have a communication range of less than one mile.

Walkie-talkies are classified as Family Radio Service (FRS) radios. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated FRS as a service for use by "family, friends, and associates to communicate within a neighborhood and while on group outings." Unlike General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) or hybrid GMRS/FRS radios, FRS-only radios do not require an FCC license to operate. After purchasing FRS walkie-talkies, all you have to do is set them up and you're free to use them.

Instructions

1. Remove the battery covers from the backs of the walkie-talkies and install batteries in each device.

2. Turn on the walkie-talkies.

3. Adjust the volume on each walkie-talkie to your preferred level.

4. Tune one of the walkie-talkies to a designated FRS channel, and save the channel setting. The FCC has designated 14 radio frequencies for FRS communication. The channel allocations are as follows:

   Channel 1: 462.5625 MHz

   Channel 2: 462.5875 MHz

   Channel 3: 462.6125 MHz

   Channel 4: 462.6375 MHz

   Channel 5: 462.6625 MHz

   Channel 6: 462.6875 MHz

   Channel 7: 462.7125 MHz

   Channel 8: 467.5625 MHz

   Channel 9: 467.5875 MHz

   Channel 10 : 467.6125 MHz

   Channel 11: 467.6375 MHz

   Channel 12 : 467.6625 MHz

   Channel 13 : 467.6875 MHz

   Channel 14 : 467.7125 MHz

   The FCC advises that, "No FRS channel is assigned to any specific individual or organization." These channels are open to public use.

5. Press and hold the Monitor button on the walkie-talkie to check for activity on the channel. It's best not to use a channel if it's currently being used by another group. If you hear static on the channel, it is clear for use.

6. Tune all the other walkie-talkies to the same channel and save the channel setting.

7. Set the interference eliminator code on each walkie-talkie to the same setting. (This code is usually selected through the menu options). Interference eliminator codes help minimize interference from other FRS walkie-talkies broadcasting on the same channel. When the code is set to "0," the walkie-talkie is set to communicate with other FRS walkie-talkies that do not have interference eliminator codes.

8. Press and hold the Talk button, hold the walkie-talkie 2 to 3 inches away from your mouth, and speak. When you finish speaking, release the Talk button to return the device to listening mode.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a hybrid GMRS/FRS walkie-talkie, you must obtain a GMRS license from the FCC to operate it legally, even if you only plan to use the FRS channels.

References

• FCC: Band Plan
• FCC: Family Radio Service
• Google Docs: FRS/GMRS FAQs
• Nationalsos: Using FRS Walkie Talkie in a Hurricane