Back in the day, the original FRS radios used 0.5w for ALL channels. I would expect that most of today's GMRS handheld radios are firmware-limited to only 0.5w on the 467 interstitials and either low or high power (if user selectable) on all the other GMRS channels.
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Power outputs on GMRS radios
- Thread starter mac66
- Start date
Are you looking at any FRS/GMRS bubble pack radios in particular?
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
OK, so can you link to the section of Part 95E that says Part 90 LMR radios are approved for use on GMRS?
I'm happy to be wrong here, but I'm not seeing the exception that you claim is in the rules. 95.1735 doesn't exist in the current rules.
95.1761, which is actually published, says the opposite of what you are saying.
Not really, but I did just buy a Walker's Razor ear muff radio. It is an FRS radio that attaches to Walkers Razor ear muffs for shooting. No where in the manual, instructions, or specs online or anywhere else does it say what the power is or even that it's an FRS radio but I know it is since it works on FRS channels. I'm assuming it's a 1/2 watt/2 watt radio. Most every other FRS of recent years say they are 1/2 watt/2 watt radios but I haven't seen one that has the ability to manually switch from 1/2 watt to 2 watt so I'm assuming it does it automatically.
I'm just curious
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
These are consumer products, and they know that most users aren't going to ever switch to low power. So, rarely an option.
As for the specifics on that radio, it should have an FCC ID somewhere on it. You can run that through the FCC database and it should tell you want the power output is, and if it's a legal FRS or GMRS radio:
FCC ID Search
Actual COMBINATION FRS/GMRS radios should be a thing of the past, if I understand the FCC’s current position. Not to say that (very) old stock may still be offered for sale.
Heck, I know that I'm not totally wrong in my post. I did misread the Wikipedia page and got confused. However, I wasn't entirely wrong, because those three channels are shared with the Business Band Pool, but they are not a part of Part 90.
At least, according to what I read in the Wikipedia page.
I hate being wrong, even if I wasn't wrong. I know that I wasn't entire wrong, just got the facts out of order.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
No, they are not shared with the business band pool.
Back up until about the 1990's, businesses could apply for, and be granted, a GMRS license. Often, on older radios, these "dot" channels were included to satisfy those licensed users.
The FCC eventually changed the rules so GMRS was for individuals only, and businesses could not receive NEW GMRS licenses. Existing businesses that were legally licensed on GMRS were grandfathered in and allowed to keep their existing GMRS licenses.
I haven't read the wiki, but it's possible it's not very clear on this matter.
rf_patriot200
Member
YES, they do.
nd5y
Member
These don't. They put out less than 0.5 W on all 22 channels so the transmit power doesn't change.
You have to do your research before you buy.
If the seller or manufacturer doesn't provide the FCC ID and full specifications and a user manual then don't be upset if what you bought turns out to be a chinese toy.
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rf_patriot200
Member
Ok, maybe those models do, but the models I've played with all revert to the half watt output from ch. 8-14 as they should. Power out was only able to be changed on 1-7 and 15-22.
This question doesn't really have simple answer. Channels 01 through 07 Skip to 15 to 22 on simplex should not 5
I sincerely apologize for my off the wall Bone Head Answer. But you're correct, the First 7 channels are limited to 5 watts operating under Part 95 E GMRS and Channels 08 through 14 shall not exceed .500 mw or 1/2 watt.
Channel 15 through 30 shall not exceed 50 watts.
OTOH, Under FCC Part 95 B operating as an FRS rules and regulations, I'm not really too sure, but know the FCC requires Channels 01 through 07 to peek out at 2 watts while channels 08 through 14 remain at 1/2 watt. I assume 15 through 22 are required to be mandated like the first 7, 2watts.
I don't believe I'm entirely correct on this, but at least it's not a Bone Head Answer as my previous post.
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
You are correct. In addition to those FRS power limitations, FRS also requires a non-removable antenna on the radio.
I'm not trying to put myself down, but it certainly feels good to get something right once in a while. Now, I may not have worded the way as the FCC has written Part 95 B and 95 E, but I just did my best to give a more intelligible answer.
Thank You!
Yes, channels 15-22 max output power is 2 watts ERP by Subpart B rule for FRS type-accepted radios in order to not require a license.
And that the radio is FCC part 95 accepted.
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