Quote:
Originally Posted by tekshogun
As N_Jay stated, any radio that was not specifically built to FCC's specs for use on the FRS is illegal to use for FRS. I believe that applies to FRS and there are limitations for the shared FRS/GMRS. You have a lot more flexibility with the GMRS only channels so you should stick to GMRS.
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Those limitations on the shared FRS/GMRS channels are essentially:
-Limited to 5 watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power) -- 5 watts into a 1/4 wave antenna is roughly your power limit
-Antenna height must be under 20 ft (6.1 m)above the ground or structure (whichever is higher)
These restrictions are for a "small base station." The same 5 watt ERP power limit applies to handheld/mobile radios, but the antenna height does not matter unless your radio is being used in a "base" configuration (externally mounted antenna).
A big benefit of using the FRS/GMRS shared channels is that you can communication with high power to an unlicensed FRS station and vice versa. There's nothing prohibiting you from talking to an FRS unit as long as both sides are operating legally.