New to FRS radio

[PearlSnow6724]

Good morning My brother gifted me with a Midland FRS radio. It has Privacy Codes. 1) What are they for?
2) Also, are there base stations for FRS? 3) Does my radio need a repeater? 4) Last question, can I talk without any special lingo involved? I am new to the radio world, so please be kind. Thanks.

 

[PearlSnow6724]

That is not necassary to talk 400 to 500 feet. I have A Cobra handheld CB radio that can easily cover way over 500 feet with the small antenna that it came with.

HI. What is the difference between CB radio and FRS radio? I'm new to the radio world.

 

[nd5y]

Good morning My brother gifted me with a Midland FRS radio. It has Privacy Codes. 1) What are they for?
2) Also, are there base stations for FRS? 3) Does my radio need a repeater? 4) Last question, can I talk without any special lingo involved? I am new to the radio world, so please be kind. Thanks.

1) Privacy codes are CTCSS or DCS. It doesn't provide privacy. They filter what the receiver can hear so that you only hear other stations with the same code or tone.
2) External antennas are not allowed for FRS radios so base stations are not practical. There used to be some desktop/wall mount models that resembled intercoms. I'm not sure if anybody still makes those.
3) Repeaters are not allowed on FRS and FRS radios are not capable of repeater operation.
4) Yes.

HI. What is the difference between CB radio and FRS radio? I'm new to the radio world.

Personal Radio Services

Personal radio services are short-range, low-power radio communications using devices that operate much like walkie-talkies. Personal radio services include one- and two-way voice services, data services and remote-control transmissions that operate equipment.

www.fcc.gov

Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS)

The Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service for personal or business activities of the general public. It also may be used for voice paging. It is authorized 40 channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz. Similar service includes the...

www.fcc.gov

Family Radio Service (FRS)

The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a private, two-way, very short-distance voice and data communications service for facilitating family and group activities. The most common use for FRS channels is short-distance, two-way voice communications using small hand-held radios that are similar to...

www.fcc.gov

CB operates at 27 MHz (HF) and requires large antennas due to the lower frequency range.
FRS (and GMRS) operate at 462-467 MHz (UHF). Antennas at that frequency range are small.

 

[WB9YBM]

Good morning My brother gifted me with a Midland FRS radio. It has Privacy Codes. 1) What are they for?
2) Also, are there base stations for FRS? 3) Does my radio need a repeater? 4) Last question, can I talk without any special lingo involved? I am new to the radio world, so please be kind. Thanks.

1.) Privacy codes let you listen to only those who are transmitting the same (and sub-audible) code that your receiver is set to. It cuts out the chatter from everyone else. It really doesn't have anything to do with privacy since everyone can still hear what you're saying (as long as they don't have their privacy codes enabled).

2.) Last time I checked the Internet, I saw a few advertised. Check with your favorite search engine.

3.) repeaters are not allowed in the FRS service.

4.) plain english is fine.

 

[WB9YBM]

HI. What is the difference between CB radio and FRS radio? I'm new to the radio world.

check out Citizens band radio - Wikipedia, and also Family Radio Service - Wikipedia

 

[kirk5056]

If you really want an FRS base station radio you can get licensed on GMRS ($70/10 years, no test) and use GMRS base radios. GMRS and FRS share many frequencies.

 

[jaspence]

Radio Shack sold a FRS that actually worked as intended. The electronics and antenna were built into a magnetic mount and the mike was on a cable long enough to be used inside the car. The mag mount gave it useful range, and power was from a accessory plug into the car.

 

[PearlSnow6724]

Good morning. I own 19 acres and have nearby neighbors.
1) Can I set up a GMRS or HAM Repeater on my property?
My neighbors and I live on a mountain. We all pretty much get along, yet keep to ourselves most of the time.
2) Is there a difference between the two?
3) Can I allow anyone to use the repeater?
4) How can I 'monitor' the repeater?
Thank you so much for helping me.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Good morning. I own 19 acres and have nearby neighbors.
1) Can I set up a GMRS or HAM Repeater on my property?

You need to have a FCC license for both services. Everyone using the repeater needs to have their own valid FCC license.

 

[PearlSnow6724]

You need to have a FCC license for both services. Everyone using the repeater needs to have their own valid FCC license.

Ok. Can these repeaters be set up near each other?
If not, what would you suggest?

 

[RaleighGuy]

You need to read the links provided above they will answer most of your questions, but here are short answers.

1) Can I set up a GMRS or HAM Repeater on my property?

Yes, but all persons using the repeater must be licensed through the FCC. Ham license requires passing a test.

2) Is there a difference between the two?

Frequencies and usage rules, see links above

3) Can I allow anyone to use the repeater?

Yes if they hold the proper licenses

4) How can I 'monitor' the repeater?

Through a radio or scanner on the frequency of the repeater

 

[PearlSnow6724]

Great! Good to know this information. You are an immense help to me.

 

[jhooten]

4.) plain english is fine.

I would substitute the word preferred for fine.

 

[vagrant]

MURS capable radios may be the better solution for you and your neighbors.
- Licensed by rule (No fees, testing or paperwork)
- External antenna is okay to use with MURS radios. You could use an antenna on the roof of your home and or on the roof of a vehicle.
- Five frequencies (channels) available with MURS. You could use one of those as a community channel, then divvy up the rest between you, or use the FRS radios for your own property as they use entirely different frequencies. FRS should not have a problem on 19 acres unless buildings and or terrain are in the way. As you have those radios, test and find out.

FCC approved MURS radios only offer two watts, but they use a longer wavelength which is a frequency range lower (different) than FRS. Adding an external antenna on your roof, a magnet mount antenna on a vehicle, or an aftermarket antenna on the handhelds directly will surely help with the distance.

First test the useable distance using the two FRS radios you have. If they work your entire property great, but then test beyond that. If you option to use MURS, do the same using just two radios and the supplied antennas. Then try aftermarket antennas on the handhelds. Then try an antenna on the roof with one handheld, etc. etc. If your testing using two radios will encompass everyone in your group, your group is set to purchase more.

Check back if you need direction with an aftermarket or external antennas for MURS.

 

[WB9YBM]

I would substitute the word preferred for fine.

yeah--although there are plenty of multi-lingual people out there to help, plus translation sites on the web, so there's options in a pinch...

 

[jhooten]

yeah--although there are plenty of multi-lingual people out there to help, plus translation sites on the web, so there's options in a pinch...

Okay, in the interest of political correctness and inclusion, substitute language for english.

 

[WB9YBM]

Okay, in the interest of political correctness and inclusion, substitute language for english.

if we're going for political correctness, it should be "all languages inclusively" so that no one can say "boo-hoo, I'm left out".

 

[O-B-1]

Just monitor your grandkids if you let them use the radios.... Kids make a mess of the whole thing - making odd noises, keying the Mike and not saying anything, continuous "roger" beeping, broadcasting music, horror show death threats... You name it, they'll do it... Keep in mind others can hear and talk to them, nothing private about it, it's not a cell phone.

 

[WB9YBM]

Just monitor your grandkids if you let them use the radios.... Kids make a mess of the whole thing - making odd noises, keying the Mike and not saying anything, continuous "roger" beeping, broadcasting music, horror show death threats... You name it, they'll do it...

including slobbering candy drool all over the radios (depending on how old / well-behaved the kids are)--radios aren't designed to take that!

 

[evilbrad]

The intercoms are handy.. they can be found on ebay