FRS Transmit power

[baybum]

I've done some reading around, and I see the statements that FRS can only do XXX watts, and GMRS is "allowed" XXX watts, but I can't find any specifics on what the general output of these radios are.

In the low-budget bubble packs, do these radios transmit 1/2 watt on all 22 channels?
If not, can someone break down what channels transmit what wattage?

Thanks, I know this question may not be able to be answered as simply as asked...but just throwing it out there.

 

[nd5y]

See FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki
FRS/GMRS dual service radios are limited to 1/2 watt on the 467 MHz FRS channels (normally labeled 8-14).
GMRS radios are limited to 5 watts on the 462 MHz 12.5 kHz interstitial channels (normally labeled 1-7).
Otherwise GMRS radios are allowed up to 50 watts.

 

[baybum]

I saw all of that. I'm not asking what the law is, or what is allowable. I'm asking what the actual output is, on various channels, in the typical "bubble-pack" radio.

 

[jaspence]

FRS output

With the variance in component values and the general quality of build, it is very unlikely that you will find two radios of the same brand with exactly the same output or specs. If you read ay of the ARRL radio tests, you will see that even more expensive radios rarely hit the advertised specs exactly. On a quality radio, the test will often reveal better specs, but in cheap radios you can never be sure what to expect. Many cheap radios put out power below the advertised rating.

 

[mikepdx]

I'm asking what the actual output is, on various channels, in the typical "bubble-pack" radio.

Pick your favorite "bubble-pack" radio.
Search for it's user manual online.
That info is inside.

 

[budevans]

I saw all of that. I'm not asking what the law is, or what is allowable. I'm asking what the actual output is, on various channels, in the typical "bubble-pack" radio.

Here's what typical Motorola FRS & GMRS bubble packs are setup for.

FRS
Channels: 1-14 1/2 watt FRS


GMRS
Channels: 1-7 1 watt GRS Interstitial

Channels: 8-14 1/2 watt FRS

Channels: 15-22 1 watt GMRS

FRS only radio's have 14 channels and only operate at 1/2 watt

GMRS radio's the power varies based on the channel. Also some GMRS radio's (typically not bubble packs) are rated for 5 watts, for channels 1-7 and 15-22. Channels 8-14 are FRS only, so only 1/2 watts power.

 

[baybum]

Perfect answer to my question...thanks Bud. That's all I needed.

mikepdx & jaspence...I exhausted that option after looking through about 4 different user guides and did not find the info, thus prompting my question here.
Do you have a link to a manual that shows the info I was looking for?

 

[jaspence]

Just go to the manufacturer's web page and look at the manual if you just want the advertised info. Don't be surprised if an actual test doesn't confirm what they want you to believe. They also want you to believe that you can talk up to 25 or more miles with some models, and yet they are all 1/2 watt output on FRS. Just because it is in print or on the internet does not mean it is true. Even a quality commercial handy talky with 4 watts on UHF can rarely make 25 miles unless conditions are just right.

 

[nd5y]

Also if you want information on a particular radio you can look up the FCC ID on the FCC OET web site and see if any of the doucuments submitted for certification contain power measurements.

 

[KD8DVR]

I saw all of that. I'm not asking what the law is, or what is allowable. I'm asking what the actual output is, on various channels, in the typical "bubble-pack" radio.

You need to look at the FCC ID on the back of the radio and look its FCC grant on the FCC website. On the FCC grant, the measured power output is listed..... most are abysmal.

OET -- FCC ID Search

 

[Project25_MASTR]

See FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki
FRS/GMRS dual service radios are limited to 1/2 watt on the 467 MHz FRS channels (normally labeled 8-14).
GMRS radios are limited to 5 watts on the 462 MHz 12.5 kHz interstitial channels (normally labeled 1-7).
Otherwise GMRS radios are allowed up to 50 watts.

GMRS is a wideband service...period. Bubble packs generally are narrow band only. The shared channels are technically wide though.