I know that FRS does not require a license, and that GMRS does require a license. Do these have any chance of interfering with GMRS frequencies?
780561
Hi...., I think I know what you are asking, so I'll try to answer as best I can. Simplest answer is yes, the 22 channels are the same across the board. So if you bought a unit in California, it would still be able to communicate with the same channel in Connecticut for example (where I am). Not to say that they get that range of course...lol, we wish yea? So, Channel 1 is 462.5625 (FRS).....Channel 15 is 462.5500 (GMRS) no matter where you be. The fix to this for users who are close to each other, and have ANY radio that transmits these freqs, are the security codes that you see/read about in the discription. There are many, hundreds to choose from, depending on the maker of radio...etc. So....a unit on channel 15 set with the security code of say 22. (15/22) would be able to chat with any other unit set to same...The rub is this, and I think the solution to your quandary, is that the radio set to 15/22 can NOT, chat with a user close by that has their radio set to 15/41. How did I do...?
780562
.......just my opinion, but if you plan to use radios a Little more often than not, I would suggest the FCC LIC. Easy to get....and good for five years. Last time I looked, it was in the $80.00 range. Not bad for five years, and the off chance that you would be caught using it without a LIC, makes the $80.00 attractive still, compared to the possible $5,000.00 Fine.The chance of being cited is very low, unless you operate say, often, on the same channel and code as a licensed user who may take offense. Can't blame someone. Also, it is known that some Law Enforcement agencies use these type radios in undercover work and such. .......just my opinion, but if you plan to use radios a Little more often than not, I would suggest the FCC LIC. Easy to get....and good for five years. Last time I looked, it was in the $80.00 range. Not bad for five years, and the off chance that you would be caught using it without a LIC, makes the $80.00 attractive still, compared to the possible $5,000.00 Fine.The chance of being cited is very low, unless you operate say, often, on the same channel and code as a licensed user who may take offense. Can't blame someone. Also, it is known that some Law Enforcement agencies use these... » Read More .......just my opinion, but if you plan to use radios a Little more often than not, I would suggest the FCC LIC. Easy to get....and good for five years. Last time I looked, it was in the $80.00 range. Not bad for five years, and the off chance that you would be caught using it without a LIC, makes the $80.00 attractive still, compared to the possible $5,000.00 Fine.The chance of being cited is very low, unless you operate say, often, on the same channel and code as a licensed user who may take offense. Can't blame someone. Also, it is known that some Law Enforcement agencies use these type radios in undercover work and such. « Show Less
1450009
These radios are primarily meant to be used on the 440 mhz amateur band, whick requires a ham radio license. Using it without a license and knowledge of repeater frequencies could illegally trigger amatuer repeaters. They will tune somewhat above and below the 440mhz band. but you must inquire the FCC for that legality. the main reason they may not be used without license is they put out either 2 or 5 watts which is above the part 19 no license limil. Lee Miller
808758
Yes, that's what I use it for. You need to program in the FRS/GMRS frequencies but it works great.
983651
My unit has both GMRS and FRS. There are 22 channels, the booklet states that channels 1 - 7 are GMRS/FRS. Channels 8 - 14 are FRS only. Channels 15 - 24 are GMRS only
1091835
I am not an expert on FCC regulations. However, since these radios are sold to the public and their range is limited, it is my opinion that you can pick any of the available channels and use them. I would imagine that the low transmission power on these radios would preclude them from requiring a license on any frequency.
123589
The phraise "walkie talkie" is a lose phrase. There are walkie talkies out there, you see them by Motorola most common. Those radios have both FRS am gmrs frequencies on them. The FRS frequencies transmit at .5 watts of power and don't need a license to use. However, to use the gmrs frequencies, you do need a licence of you can get fined if you are caught by the FCC. Just keep in mind, the beofeng radio above lowest power is 1 watt. And requires a license use it no matter what frequency you select. I think the last person meant to say you don't need a license to use it as a receiver, you need one to transmit. The phraise "walkie talkie" is a lose phrase. There are walkie talkies out there, you see them by Motorola most common. Those radios have both FRS am gmrs frequencies on them. The FRS frequencies transmit at .5 watts of power and don't need a license to use. However, to use the gmrs frequencies, you do need a licence of you can get fined if you are caught by the FCC. Just keep in mind, the beofeng radio above lowest power is 1 watt. And requires a license use it no matter what frequency you select. I think the last person meant to say you don't need a license to use it as a... » Read More The phraise "walkie talkie" is a lose phrase. There are walkie talkies out there, you see them by Motorola most common. Those radios have both FRS am gmrs frequencies on them. The FRS frequencies transmit at .5 watts of power and don't need a license to use. However, to use the gmrs frequencies, you do need a licence of you can get fined if you are caught by the FCC. Just keep in mind, the beofeng radio above lowest power is 1 watt. And requires a license use it no matter what frequency you select. I think the last person meant to say you don't need a license to use it as a receiver, you need one to transmit. « Show Less
409951
You would need to get a programming cable and then also only run your radio on GMR S or the FMR channel . It will be better to use a preprogram radio using bought at a sporting goods company this when I use for ham radio
251877
Yes they can be, if you only operate on FRS or MURS frequencies. Those frequencies are open to everyone, no license required.
732388
You can actually transmit on GMRS frequencies legally without a license, but you're limited to 0.5 W (the normal max FRS power) instead of the usual 5W (the max GMRS power). How this relates specifically to the GXT1050 I'm not certain (I'm here just to look at comments in anticipation of buying a pair), but I did want to make that clarification. It may be that the Midland units can't transmit with low power on the GMRS frequencies, but it is legal under the circumstance I've described above.
1526056
Yes, Any individual in the United States who is at least 18 years of age and not a representative of a foreign government may apply for a GMRS license by completing the application form (either on paper or through the FCC's Universal Licensing System) and paying the license fee (currently $85.00). No exam is required. A license for a GMRS system is usually issued for a 5-year term.
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
209447
A lot of wrong information here. First of all, on the MT350R radio, channels 1-7 are allocated to shared FRS/GMRS use. Channels 8-14 are exclusively for FRS and 15-22 are exclusively for GMRS use. GMRS requires a license, though you wouldn't know that reading the Motorola documentation. This means, technically, channels 15-22 require a GMRS license to use legally. Channels 8-14 can be used by anyone. There is also confusion over the "power boost" feature. Again Motorola does not explain this well, and I'd guess is deliberately obscuring the facts. As near as I can tell the low power PTT is 0.5 watts and the high power is 2 watts. I couldn't find any direct documentation about this from motorola, but the numbers sound right. The point is, it is illegal to transmit on FRS above 0.5 watts. If you transmit using the "power boost" PTT on the shared FRS/GMRS or the GMRS channels you need a license. Summary: it is illegal for a non-licensed user to transmit on channels 15-22 under any circumstances (barring dire emergency). It is also illegal to use the "power boost" function without a license. Frankly these rules are a bit silly to say the least. And the FCC seems not to be too interested in enforcing them. With any luck the FCC will revise the rules at some point to better reflect the reality of the situation. In the mean time, if you want to break the law, fine. But at least you should *know* that you're doing so. As a practical matter, the best thing you can do to increase your range is not to mindlessly press the "power boost" button, but instead find a high place, like the top of the hill, and preferably some place with not too much in the way of obstructions. Your mileage will vary.
345126
No, if you use the FRS or GMRS band channels. Check google for the corresponding channels to frequencies, just google frs or gmrs channel frequency list.
1489465
The Federal GMRS license is obtained from the FCC for a cost of $85 and is valid for 5 years. It is required in order to use the GMRS frequencies within the United States. If you have the license then you can use the any of the GMRS frequencies. Equipment must be type-certified for use in the 450-470 MHz band, 50 watts max, any antenna. There are frequencies within the GMRS band that are free to use without any license. These frequencies are referred to as FMRS but are limited to only 1/2 watt and only the attached rubber duck antenna is allowed. This really limits the usable range of communication but it does have its applications. I hope this helps some.
251871
To use FRS you can only broadcast using 500mw or less. These are 1w on low power, therefore no. Technically.
2182093
Actually yes you do. The reason is that it comes from the factory with all of the channels set on High. If you leave them set on high, you will need a HAM Radio License because you will be using the GMRS channels. However if set the power to low and make sure the channels are set for the FRS (Family Radio Service) then you wont need a license. If you get a programming cable and download the software for the 888S then you can easily program them all in just a few minutes. I hope this helps. If you have any more questions you can email me direct at bob@cooleysoftware.com
1143790
It is 22 real radio channels and the extra channels are "virtual" channels. They use sub audible tones to prevent you from hearing other users except ones using the same tone or as simplified here another channel number. However these are FM radios and are subject to the capture effect and you will not be able to transmit or listen if someone is using the same real channel. So in short they have 22 real radio channels and are limited to the same functionality as any other 22 channel FRS/GMRS hybrid radio.