Getting FRS radios for my 2 nieces

RIVERSMVP09 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 11:11 PM

Shoud I get the $20 ones or spend more for longer range? I figure they wil use them to play with and would be great to contact me on mine when we're out places like maslls etc.

KB7MIB · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 11:45 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

For kids to play with, get the cheapest pair of 14 channel FRS-only radios you can find. Don't believe any of the "long range" marketing hype. And they don't need access to the licensed GMRS channels, so don't get the 22 or more channel FRS-GMRS hybrids.

RIVERSMVP09 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 11:56 PM

inteesting.

gewecke · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 9:13 AM

Just a suggestion, but put both radios on Digital tone so they are not as likely to hear salty language from adult users or other kids. They would only hear each other that way.

73,
n9zas

quarterwave · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 9:22 AM

Yeah, I would add to that....at least don't use FRS 1 or 14, don't use tone/code 1 or xxx(the last one) and don't use a tone/code number that matches the channel....example: Channel 3 code 3.

Why? That's what everyone seems to do.

When I use actual FRS, which is rare, I use something between 4-6 and 9-13 and some code about a 1/4 or 3/4 of the way through the range. Far less likely to hear anyone else, or them hear you.

Honestly, for kids, these days, I would almost want some form of encryption just good enough to ensure some idiot would have to work really hard and still not have enough equipment to listen/talk to them...in all probability. Can't be too careful.

RadioDaze · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 9:40 AM

And please tell the kids not to say anything that they wouldn't want a stranger to hear.... such as personally identifiable information.

n8zcc · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 10:00 AM

I don't know how old they are but if they are using the radios I would keep an eye on them. It wasn't but a few years ago they busted a pedophile using FRS radios to shop for kids in one of Detroit's residential neighborhoods.

rapidcharger · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 11:31 AM

FRS radios are not toys.

If you want a kids toy, go to toysRus and buy a set of 49 mhz or 900mhz toy walkie talkies.

RIVERSMVP09 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 2:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n8zcc

I don't know how old they are but if they are using the radios I would keep an eye on them. It wasn't but a few years ago they busted a pedophile using FRS radios to shop for kids in one of Detroit's residential neighborhoods.

8 and 6, and I will.

wtp · #10 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 3:53 PM

and no matter what you get them get one for yourself or use a good scanner to keep tabs on them

RIVERSMVP09 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 5:20 PM

got the scanner.

RIVERSMVP09 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-15-2013, 4:34 PM

should i go to radio shack kmart or elsewhere

dmaria · #13 (**permalink**) 02-15-2013, 9:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rapidcharger

FRS radios are not toys.

If you want a kids toy, go to toysRus and buy a set of 49 mhz or 900mhz toy walkie talkies.

FRS = Family Radio Service. An uncle and two nieces. I believe that qualifies as family in any part of the world. Radio cops - you just can't get away from them.

RIVERSMVP09 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 1:59 AM

lol dmaria. I'm gonna check Radio Shack Tuesday to see their prices.

gewecke · #15 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 2:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIVERSMVP09

lol dmaria. I'm gonna check Radio Shack Tuesday to see their prices.

Check walmart or kmart before radio shack first, so you don't get ripped off!

73,
n9zas

RodStrong · #16 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 4:49 AM

Walmart's (and presumably Kmart's) in store selection of FRS/GMRS rigs are dwindling these days. I think my local Walmart only has one or maybe two different models at best. I just did a quick check on Walmart's website however, and they had over 20 different models to choose from, many you can buy and pick up at the store. So, if you are gonna go the Walmart route, I would take a look at their website first. Whatever you do, don't get hung up on the claims of how far the radios will work. That is all hogwash.

Good luck.

Rt169Radio · #17 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 7:38 AM

There are not many, if any at all, FRS only radios. You would have to get a FRS/GMRS shared radio.

This place has a good selection of two way radios.

Buy Two Way Radios - Lowest 2 Way Radio Prices Anywhere!

W2NJS · #18 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 7:51 AM

[QUOTE=RIVERSMVP09;1914817]Shoud I get the $20 ones or spend more for longer range? [QUOTE]

Save your money; these radios are all the same in terms of "range" and the only possible difference would
be the quality of the construction.

rapidcharger · #19 (**permalink**) 02-16-2013, 9:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmaria

FRS = Family Radio Service. An uncle and two nieces. I believe that qualifies as family in any part of the world. Radio cops - you just can't get away from them.

Some people go to the shooting range with their entire family too but that doesn't make guns toys either.

FRS radios were not meant to be toy walkie talkies. Using it as a toy makes it unusable for other people and that's inconsiderate. Also as was already pointed out there are potentially other people listening in, some perhaps without good intentions. Modern day toy walkie talkies, especially the 900 mhz ones are more secure and don't have as great of range.

If that makes me a "radio cop" then I'll proudly wear that badge.

I can't believe others in a "FRS/GMRS" forum are encouraging this but then again nothing really surprises me about this forum anymore.