I would go along with the idea of using a shared GMRS/FRS channel. put a GMRS 'base' station with an antenna at about 20 feet in the center of yoru area and when nessesary relay form there to portables. If the area is fairly flat you should have no problem The drawback would be in 'manning' the central base.
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How to extend FRS range?
- Thread starter mjz55
- Start date
- Status
If you are insistent on using the FRS radios, I would suggest the following:
1) Get models that use AA batteries. DITCH the oem chargers and proprietary battery packs. Just recycle them from the get-go. Have the users stock AA alkalines or have a cache of them somewhere. Nothing like having an abused proprietary pack go down when you need it most.
2) For the elderly, some models of PTT may be hard to press. For instance, the Midland GXT-1000's run from FOUR AA's, (great), but that PTT switch might be too hard to press for them. I recycled the chargers and proprietary packs immediately. It will also stand on it's own.
3) I doubt they are really interested in radio itself. KISS theory - set it up for them so all they have to do is turn on the power switch on your designated frequency. Turn OFF the kid-stuff, like ringtones etc. Perhaps even lock them, or be familiar in case an inquisitive user gets into the weather channels, and doesn't know how to get out.
4) Have them avoid couch-to-couch communications, and instruct them on the importance of just getting out to the deck, or somehow getting higher, ie 2nd floor. Going from both parties sitting, to standing, to 8 feet high, and onwards improves things a lot - provided they aren't shielded by the structures.
5) Show them the importance of *everyone* keeping the antenna vertical. Show them not to lay it down horizontally, nor talk into it like a cellphone at a 45 degree angle or looking downward on it like using a compass. The Moto 350's don't have a flat surface, so the first thing they'll want to do is lay it down horizontally.
6) If you run a test, it's going to be tough indoors, although with some luck, they may be able to find an unshielded hot spot. This isn't usually the couch.
1) Get models that use AA batteries. DITCH the oem chargers and proprietary battery packs. Just recycle them from the get-go. Have the users stock AA alkalines or have a cache of them somewhere. Nothing like having an abused proprietary pack go down when you need it most.
2) For the elderly, some models of PTT may be hard to press. For instance, the Midland GXT-1000's run from FOUR AA's, (great), but that PTT switch might be too hard to press for them. I recycled the chargers and proprietary packs immediately. It will also stand on it's own.
3) I doubt they are really interested in radio itself. KISS theory - set it up for them so all they have to do is turn on the power switch on your designated frequency. Turn OFF the kid-stuff, like ringtones etc. Perhaps even lock them, or be familiar in case an inquisitive user gets into the weather channels, and doesn't know how to get out.
4) Have them avoid couch-to-couch communications, and instruct them on the importance of just getting out to the deck, or somehow getting higher, ie 2nd floor. Going from both parties sitting, to standing, to 8 feet high, and onwards improves things a lot - provided they aren't shielded by the structures.
5) Show them the importance of *everyone* keeping the antenna vertical. Show them not to lay it down horizontally, nor talk into it like a cellphone at a 45 degree angle or looking downward on it like using a compass. The Moto 350's don't have a flat surface, so the first thing they'll want to do is lay it down horizontally.
6) If you run a test, it's going to be tough indoors, although with some luck, they may be able to find an unshielded hot spot. This isn't usually the couch.
Last edited by a moderator:
To have just one person reley messages, all it would take is one person to get a GMRS license, you can put a GMRS antenna 20' higher than the roof of your home and you then get a higher power GMRS radio. You can run up to 50 watts, It will cover far more than a mile. They will also be able to hear many FRS radios due to the height of their antenna.
The people in their home just tune to channel 21 or whatever the agreed channel is and they will easily be able to hear the one licensed persons transmission.
If there is a true emergency, the people can use a GMRS channel, which if used outside as high as they can get will reach most people and will reach the licensed person with the antenna.
If not a true emergency, people may have to reley messages using FRS. Each block or street should have 2 people responsable for monitoring. A scanner with a good outside antenna up high will pick up FRS for quite a distance.
As was mentioned, people will need to be educated to use their radios in the highest clear spot that they can and keep the antenna perfectly vertical.
It will take some testing to find out what works and what does not. The scanner, set on just the agreed upon FRS channel and GMRS channel will be a huge help in picking up signals so people can reley.
Old style scanners are available for very low prices used and someone with some experience can make ladder line antennas for just a few dollars, put them on a pole, get some 75 OHM coax, which is usually cheap and run it to the scanner.
It will take work to test it all out, but will work very well if people get and stay involved.
All should have a net once a week to make sure their equipment is working and just to get into the habit of using it.
It can be done if a few will take the time to orginize and train those with no knowledge.
Where I live, it's a large rural valley. Many have got their licenses, put up antennas and have legal GMRS radios with a 100 PL tone. They communicate, have a net and also all have FRS radios they monitor using scanners to help those who are not licensed and communicate with those people using FRS radios. It's not perfect, but it covers an area of quite a few square miles. There are more than a few who have got their licenses, this would be mandatory for it all to work.
In a true emergency, they can use their high power radios on FRS channels, any means of communication is legal in a true emergency, just make sure it is a true emergency and that the FCC see's it that way if questioned.
This would all be legal. If people are serious, it will work, especially if your looking at an area of only one mile. Make use of a scanner to hear far greater distances and get at least a few people licensed who will put up a good GMRS system and it will all work out. At the least, FRS stations can reley.
You are going to have to all have a time when you can see what can be done using the FRS and the one to four people who would be willing to get licensed.
Make use of cell phones if working, some could also use Echolink if the Net is still up, there is far more than one way to skin a cat if people are willing to try. Use all available ways you can think of. Having a cheap CB radio as a back up also, having a CB in their vehicle will allow communication using the 12 volt battery in the vehicle if the power is down. Redundency, have more than one way to communicate.
Have a couple people drive around in their vehicles who can monitor if driving is possible. It all depends on how much you really want this all to work. Find someone who is a ham radio operator to help set this all up. Most hams are very good at figuring ways to legally do things.
Do have a net every week, this is one of the most important things you can do. It is a way to find out areas that need work and find a way to get communication to a person who is having trouble.
John
The people in their home just tune to channel 21 or whatever the agreed channel is and they will easily be able to hear the one licensed persons transmission.
If there is a true emergency, the people can use a GMRS channel, which if used outside as high as they can get will reach most people and will reach the licensed person with the antenna.
If not a true emergency, people may have to reley messages using FRS. Each block or street should have 2 people responsable for monitoring. A scanner with a good outside antenna up high will pick up FRS for quite a distance.
As was mentioned, people will need to be educated to use their radios in the highest clear spot that they can and keep the antenna perfectly vertical.
It will take some testing to find out what works and what does not. The scanner, set on just the agreed upon FRS channel and GMRS channel will be a huge help in picking up signals so people can reley.
Old style scanners are available for very low prices used and someone with some experience can make ladder line antennas for just a few dollars, put them on a pole, get some 75 OHM coax, which is usually cheap and run it to the scanner.
It will take work to test it all out, but will work very well if people get and stay involved.
All should have a net once a week to make sure their equipment is working and just to get into the habit of using it.
It can be done if a few will take the time to orginize and train those with no knowledge.
Where I live, it's a large rural valley. Many have got their licenses, put up antennas and have legal GMRS radios with a 100 PL tone. They communicate, have a net and also all have FRS radios they monitor using scanners to help those who are not licensed and communicate with those people using FRS radios. It's not perfect, but it covers an area of quite a few square miles. There are more than a few who have got their licenses, this would be mandatory for it all to work.
In a true emergency, they can use their high power radios on FRS channels, any means of communication is legal in a true emergency, just make sure it is a true emergency and that the FCC see's it that way if questioned.
This would all be legal. If people are serious, it will work, especially if your looking at an area of only one mile. Make use of a scanner to hear far greater distances and get at least a few people licensed who will put up a good GMRS system and it will all work out. At the least, FRS stations can reley.
You are going to have to all have a time when you can see what can be done using the FRS and the one to four people who would be willing to get licensed.
Make use of cell phones if working, some could also use Echolink if the Net is still up, there is far more than one way to skin a cat if people are willing to try. Use all available ways you can think of. Having a cheap CB radio as a back up also, having a CB in their vehicle will allow communication using the 12 volt battery in the vehicle if the power is down. Redundency, have more than one way to communicate.
Have a couple people drive around in their vehicles who can monitor if driving is possible. It all depends on how much you really want this all to work. Find someone who is a ham radio operator to help set this all up. Most hams are very good at figuring ways to legally do things.
Do have a net every week, this is one of the most important things you can do. It is a way to find out areas that need work and find a way to get communication to a person who is having trouble.
John
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rapidcharger
Member
I don't know if any of this has been mentioned yet and I don't know how feasible it would be but there is a rule about not using an external antenna but there is no rule that says you can't use a remote speaker/mic with a 30' cable and put the radio itself up on a mast.
That's the first idea no matter how ridiculous it sounds.
The second idea is to use a non FRS receiver like a scanner or some other radio and connect an external antenna for receive only to that and then just transmit with the FRS. If you've got flat terrain with minimal obstructions, that could be fine. I hear FRS users from all over the place with a high mounted external antenna. I know they're not anywhere near here.
That's the first idea no matter how ridiculous it sounds.
The second idea is to use a non FRS receiver like a scanner or some other radio and connect an external antenna for receive only to that and then just transmit with the FRS. If you've got flat terrain with minimal obstructions, that could be fine. I hear FRS users from all over the place with a high mounted external antenna. I know they're not anywhere near here.
A yaesu ft8800 will give u lots of range on frs and murs !
redneckcellphone
Member
Theoretically speaking it won't unless modded.
Sent from my iPhone yes iPhone using Tapatalk app thingy
Sent from my iPhone yes iPhone using Tapatalk app thingy
Dantian
Member
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2010
- Messages
- 141
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Sure, if you can find a 30' speaker/mic that was authorized along with the radio. The rule is:
- - -
95.194(c) You may not attach any antenna, power amplifier, or other apparatus to an FRS unit that has not been FCC certified as part of that FRS unit. There are no exceptions to this rule and attaching any such apparatus to a FRS unit cancels the FCC certification and voids everyone's authority to operate the unit in the FRS.
- - -
Didn't Radio Slack have some kind of control head type FRS rig?
Anyway, them's the rule. Whether FCC is likely to do anything to Average Joe User to make him comply with that rule, that is a different question. FCC enforcement is interference and budget driven.
Here's a fairly recent CB case, which involved several fruitless FCC visits:
Ira Jones | FCC.gov
The operator may have mistaken "radio inspection" for "house search".
rapidcharger
Member
Oh whoops.
I guess there's no two ways about it. It would seem as though the rules have covered all the bases.
I guess there's no two ways about it. It would seem as though the rules have covered all the bases.
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N4KVE
Member
I guess if one of the FRS radios was on the 30th floor of a building, that would increase the range.
mike_gain
Member
If you try cb don't buy anything new, at least for a trial run. Go to a hamfest. Check the flea market area. Always plenty laying around in boxes under the tables for cheap.
aren't there legal repeaters for FRS?
No.
WB4CS
Member
I know this is an old post, but since the thread has been brought back to life I did want to point out one thing...
Using an FT8800 (or any ham radio) is not the way to go here.
1)Using a modified ham rig on any frequencies other than amateur frequencies is against FCC rules.
2)Even if you did use it, it would put out more than the allowed power output for MURS and FRS.
I'm surprised and disappointed that an "admin" of this site would suggest such a thing. :roll:
And if you want more range on the cb band you get a 1000 watt amplifier. I bet you are really shocked now lol
No not really shocked. Most CB users are illegal users anyhow. I don't see why people can't use some discipline and just get licensed for what ever frequency you want to use. Then when licensed, experiment with the appropriate radios to see what works best. Instead of using illegal means which generally means you will end up interfering with legal licensed users. I'm sure anyone can purchase the correct radio, antenna and license that would meet your requirements. FRS is intended for toys and short range use. There are many more legal ways to satisfy ones needs.
Logan005
Member
Agreed.
Logan005
Member
FRS was designed to prevent range extending, this is what the FCC intended. If you want to extend the range of a service specifically designed to prevent it, you are barking up the wrong tree.
If there were some way to detaching the antenna and put one up high 15 to 20 feet in the air it would very likely work ok. The FCC Police don't like for you do that though.
Doing this with FRS/GMRS is pretty hard unless you set up a repeater for GMRS. Try standing on your roof? 
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