Dual Band FRS/GMRS Radios

[UPMan]

The FCC has actually enforced in one instance:

http://www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-257949A1.html

 

[kb5udf]

Manufacturers clearly to blame

I agree with previous posters that the manufacturers are to blame for
the overrunning of GMRS. It's a bit like napster, in that it gave the masses what they want. Most folks I know rarely if ever consult manuals for small electronic devices, and theradios themselves typically say nothing about what channels its 'ok' to talk on w/out liscense.

As for the FCC i don't quite understand the decades long resistance to allowing the free use of communication appliances with decent range/power for'junk'/family purposes (within a defined set of channels/freq. range). Ie, what harm does lettingpeople run 1-2 watts do...it's not like those tiny nubs of an antenna will interfere with other radios very far, even running at the maximum feasible power output levels for such a device.

 

[DonS]

Re: Manufacturers clearly to blame

Ie, what harm does lettingpeople run 1-2 watts do...it's not like those tiny nubs of an antenna will interfere with other radios very far, even running at the maximum feasible power output levels for such a device.

The General Mobile Radio Service rules allow far more power than 1-2 watts and much higher antennae than "those tiny nubs".

A GMRS license allows you to operate a transmitter in accordance with the GMRS rules. The fact that most GMRS radios available at retail don't let you do what the rules allow is irrelevant.

If I had to get a license to transmit at 10W via the 20-ft antenna mounted atop my 25-ft roof, you need a license to transmit on the same frequencies, interfering with my communications

 

[DonS]

Re: Reg Sheaduled Disagreement

Couldn't make the trip from Crockidile Dundee's Beach to the Demon Rollercoaster areas (approx 1/8 mi.)!

My little Motorola T5000s did quite well on their supplied NiCd packs (they will also take 3 AA cells) while using them on a camping trip a while back. No problem with 1 mile distance, through redwoods. I charged them once per day and probably used them for 3 or 4 hours on a charge (never ran them "dry", just charged every morning).

(Haven't used them at Great America. My wife has a season pass for herself and the kids, but I hate that place.)

 

[DonS]

Re: I stand corrected!

The little 600MAH "AAA's" (even using 5 in series) run down fast.

Five 600 mAh cells in series gives you 600 mAh at 6.0 V.

"Run time" increases if you connect a bunch of them in parallel.

 

[kb5udf]

Missing my point about tiny nubs

I was referring to kids with frs/gmrs handhelds interfereing w/each other, not with legitimate liscensed GRMS operations.

Clearly this is a moronic debacle, and I regret the destruction of your service.

So my point was give the masses there little 5 watt handhelds (why the .5 watt limit?) but keep them out of liscensed bands.

 

[DonS]

Re: Missing my point about tiny nubs

I was referring to kids with frs/gmrs handhelds interfereing w/each other, not with legitimate liscensed GRMS operations.

Clearly this is a moronic debacle, and I regret the destruction of your service.

So my point was give the masses there little 5 watt handhelds (why the .5 watt limit?) but keep them out of liscensed bands.

But that's precisely what FRS is. Unlicensed, with low power limits. For those that want more power and taller antennae, get a license and use GMRS.

Perhaps what you mean by "keep them out of licensed bands" is "don't let the manufacturers sell devices that work on both unlicensed and unlicensed bands" ? If so, I completely agree. (But, then, the FCC should not have created "channels" that are authorized to both services).

 

[kb5udf]

Exactly almost

I agree almost completelywith the previous post, except, while requiring
fixed antennae, why not allow the handhelds a little more power..I never mentioned anything about mobiles/big antennas, b/c I realize the implications of allowing more power here, ie, range. But from a practical standpoint, more power through a handheld doesn't make a huge range diff, esp at UHF freqs, bit might give a little less spotty coverage w/in a certain range.

So yeah, allowing dual purpose handhelds is the problem.

 

[Dave13]

Just a thought...

Had a thought,
:idea:
Generally Mom and the Kid's have NO clue as to the dangers of RF exposure, perhaps the FCC also limited FRS/GMRS transmit power to protect unlearnedusers?
The radios after all ARE touted for in-venicle, car to car communications, indoor use etc.
My take on the reasoning of the GMRS Frequency option selection?
Since the FCC had already opened the FRS Frequencys up for use, they must've also noted the low intrest in the GMRS range and "Hoped" for increased revenue...
Well that backfired fer sure!
On the point of Run time, I'm SURE the better brands use power more efficentlly than My little Audiovox's do. Besides the Audiovox are run on "AAA" .
My FRS-only GE's run on 3 "AA's" and seem to last longer, but there is more water in the bucket, so to speak!
The topic is not moronic, the FCC decision was stupid on their part tho.
Dave 13 :idea:

 

[N_Jay]

Re: Just a thought...

Had a thought,
:idea:
Generally Mom and the Kid's have NO clue as to the dangers of RF exposure, perhaps the FCC also limited FRS/GMRS transmit power to protect unlearnedusers?

Nope