The Genuine Original FRS Circus

[Dantian]

I enjoyed reading the latest discussions here about FRS ... how things got to be the way they are today. You guys are pretty smart.

So for your historical entertainment, here's the link to the original FCC flame wars over FRS, and disputes over what kind of radios should and should not be allowed.

Radio Snack quashed the opposition -- the FCC cited "overwhelming" support to create FRS, not mentioning any contrary opinions.

See the "rest of the story" in the FCC database before it disappears into the federal archives someday.

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment_search_solr/doSearch?proceeding=95-102&size=100

 

[toastycookies]

20 year old reposts.

brilliant.

 

[jurrd87]

[emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BaofengScanner]

And now we have all sorts of baofeng and wouxun handhelds and mobiles you can use on anything cheaply.

 

[KD8DVR]

And now we have all sorts of baofeng and wouxun handhelds and mobiles you can use on anything cheaply.

And, for the most part, illegally.

 

[CaptDan]

It never ceases to amaze me how people get their panties in a bunch about the possibility of someone using a radio in the 100% proper manner - correct frequencies - properly licensed etc but the radio is not type accepted by the FCC for that particular band - crying out IT's ILLEGAL !

many of these same people have no issue with speeding down the road 10 - 15 - 20 MPH over the legal speed limit - having a drink and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle - perhaps even smoking a joint on occasion - but God forbid a person talk on a radio frequency with the wrong radio device - IT's ILLEGAL - some people NEED to be able to communicate via radio and cannot afford equipment from the big M.

 

[MrGClips]

Too funny!

It never ceases to amaze me how people get their panties in a bunch about the possibility of someone using a radio in the 100% proper manner - correct frequencies - properly licensed etc but the radio is not type accepted by the FCC for that particular band - crying out IT's ILLEGAL !

many of these same people have no issue with speeding down the road 10 - 15 - 20 MPH over the legal speed limit - having a drink and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle - perhaps even smoking a joint on occasion - but God forbid a person talk on a radio frequency with the wrong radio device - IT's ILLEGAL - some people NEED to be able to communicate via radio and cannot afford equipment from the big M.

LOL

Maybe the FCC will allow all HAM radios to use FRS/GMRS frequencies eventually that are fully capable of operating on those bands. There are way too many walkie-talkies out there using/abusing the shared bands and the FRS/GMRS anyhow, and it seems the whole thing is just a headache for the FCC as well. Hopefully they will simplify it and merge the FRS/GMRS into one 'free-for-all' and then no more FRS/GMRS arguments.

 

[Catalinaflyer]

It never ceases to amaze me how people get their panties in a bunch about the possibility of someone using a radio in the 100% proper manner - correct frequencies - properly licensed etc but the radio is not type accepted by the FCC for that particular band - crying out IT's ILLEGAL !

many of these same people have no issue with speeding down the road 10 - 15 - 20 MPH over the legal speed limit - having a drink and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle - perhaps even smoking a joint on occasion - but God forbid a person talk on a radio frequency with the wrong radio device - IT's ILLEGAL - some people NEED to be able to communicate via radio and cannot afford equipment from the big M.

So very well said!!

I purchased some of these Chinese radios a couple months ago based on advice I got from others. I came on here with some questions and got dog-piled on telling me how I was breaking the law but not once being offered any real advice.

There's a reason I let my AMA membership expire a few years ago, quit flying in AMA sanctioned competitions and quit flying at AMA chartered flying fields. Too many people sitting around making sure the few flying follow the rule book but never actually fly themselves. Instead of offering a suggestion or advice as to how not to break the rule they'd rather point out the rule you broke and leave it at that.

That's the wall of elitism I ran into with my first and last foray into Amateur Radio. So many were so quick to tell me it was illegal to even say the name Baofeng and God Forbid I turn the power on, there would be an army of FCC enforcers busting down my door. Yet no advice or help in getting headed the right direction.

I gave away the offending radios to some kids and spent close to $3k US to get commercial radios and licensing so as to not offend the self appointed keepers of the airways keys.

 

[KD8DVR]

I enjoyed reading the latest discussions here about FRS ... how things got to be the way they are today. You guys are pretty smart.

So for your historical entertainment, here's the link to the original FCC flame wars over FRS, and disputes over what kind of radios should and should not be allowed.

Radio Snack quashed the opposition -- the FCC cited "overwhelming" support to create FRS, not mentioning any contrary opinions.

See the "rest of the story" in the FCC database before it disappears into the federal archives someday.

Search for Filing Results (SOLR)

I actually supported the idea of creating FRS. A license-free UHF very low power service. Very effective.

However, the choice of frequencies was a bad idea.

The first radios ran close to $150, for one with all 14 channels AND CTCSS.

How times have changed.

BTW: I dig history, too

 

[03msc]

I purchased some of these Chinese radios a couple months ago based on advice I got from others. I came on here with some questions and got dog-piled on telling me how I was breaking the law but not once being offered any real advice.

While I understand what you are getting at, I remember your thread and I don't think it is fair to say you were dog piled on (anyone here can go read it). Folks were quick to step up and give you some good, friendly advice so that you didn't get in trouble for breaking the law. Sure, you might get away with using an improper radio on certain frequencies but the fines from the FCC are hefty if you did get caught (yes, I realize some of your questions pertained to Canada).

I really think they were looking out for you. Maybe that isn't what you wanted them to do (or wanted to hear) but that's what this community is full of -- knowledgeable people who will give you the advice you need, even if it's not necessarily the advice you want. I've had the same happen to me, in a similar way, and just had to take it as helpful advice and go on.

We should appreciate those who take the time to give that help.

 

[KevinC]

Just a word to the wise...please don't derail this thread with arguments about "illegal radios".

Thanks in advance!

 

[Catalinaflyer]

While I understand what you are getting at, I remember your thread and I don't think it is fair to say you were dog piled on (anyone here can go read it). Folks were quick to step up and give you some good, friendly advice so that you didn't get in trouble for breaking the law. Sure, you might get away with using an improper radio on certain frequencies but the fines from the FCC are hefty if you did get caught (yes, I realize some of your questions pertained to Canada).

I really think they were looking out for you. Maybe that isn't what you wanted them to do (or wanted to hear) but that's what this community is full of -- knowledgeable people who will give you the advice you need, even if it's not necessarily the advice you want. I've had the same happen to me, in a similar way, and just had to take it as helpful advice and go on.

The FCC is not a "self appointed keeper". They are in place to govern the airwaves and were put in place by the government to do just that (like it or not). Just because people on here let you know what the rules and laws state doesn't make them "self appointed gate keepers." We should appreciate those who take the time to give that help.

Not going to derail the thread but what you didn't see were the private messages.

I did take the advice, got rid of the radios and went an entirely different direction with actual licensed commercial radio gear that is pathetic at best. But I own space on a business band now and the FCC has my money.

With that being said some of our drivers tried dedicated FRS and even GMRS radios with even more pathetic results. Giant aluminum airplane wings and semi truck cabs are horrible to try and talk around with such limited equipment. Most have gone with UV-5R Plus's or some other form of Baofeng radios with better than average results. In fact both of my regular pilots now run them and even have the ability to talk to my State Police escorts on their radios while I have very over-priced (IMHO) Motorola radios with only 5 channels that I had to pay a lot of money to get programmed that do not work any better than the $30 Baofeng radios albeit operating illegally on GMRS, LADD and MURS frequencies.

 

[S1deband1t]

LOL

Maybe the FCC will allow all HAM radios to use FRS/GMRS frequencies eventually that are fully capable of operating on those bands. There are way too many walkie-talkies out there using/abusing the shared bands and the FRS/GMRS anyhow, and it seems the whole thing is just a headache for the FCC as well. Hopefully they will simplify it and merge the FRS/GMRS into one 'free-for-all' and then no more FRS/GMRS arguments.

That would be awesome!!! I would LOVE for that to happen. Everyone uses their own privacy code, interefernce eliminators ect.....

I personally am working on tying in a TRAM 4.5 dB high gain antenna to my GMRS handheld thereby making the signal 3 times stronger. I WILL eventually get to that 5 mile range that Motorola speaks about. Just need alittle more time.