PanJurekMrJerry
Member
I have noticed a bunch of FRS/GMRS hybrid radios. Does anybody sell any plain FRS radios and MURS radios? A license is not required for FRS and MURS. Is this correct?
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Who sells FRS ONLY radios?
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nd5y
Member
As of 2017 there is no such thing as FRS/GMRS dual service hybrid radios.
All of the FRS/GMRS combo radios that have 22 channels (no repeater inputs) max 2 watt output on the 462 MHz frequencies (0.5 W on 467 MHz) and a built in non-detachable antenna were reclassified as FRS radios and no longer require a GMRS license.
For more information on this refer to the links to the FCC rule changes at the top of this wiki article.
wiki.radioreference.com
MURS and FRS don't require an FCC operator or station license but you are only allowed to use FCC Part 95 certified equipment.
There are no FCC certified FRS/MURS dual band dual service radios.
All of the FRS/GMRS combo radios that have 22 channels (no repeater inputs) max 2 watt output on the 462 MHz frequencies (0.5 W on 467 MHz) and a built in non-detachable antenna were reclassified as FRS radios and no longer require a GMRS license.
For more information on this refer to the links to the FCC rule changes at the top of this wiki article.
FRS/GMRS combined channel chart - The RadioReference Wiki
MURS and FRS don't require an FCC operator or station license but you are only allowed to use FCC Part 95 certified equipment.
There are no FCC certified FRS/MURS dual band dual service radios.
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PanJurekMrJerry
Member
Okay. Thanks. What about just MURS radios without FRS. Does anybody sell these?
So I can get a GMRS radio and I will not need a license?
How would I prevent a radio from accessing a repeater if I do not need a license?
Is it true what they say about the mileage range for GMRS in the web advertisements? Can these miles be achieved without a repeater?
So I can get a GMRS radio and I will not need a license?
How would I prevent a radio from accessing a repeater if I do not need a license?
Is it true what they say about the mileage range for GMRS in the web advertisements? Can these miles be achieved without a repeater?
kny2xb
Member
These are sold in Canada, but they say that they will ship to the U.S.
$25.34 US dollars per pair plus shipping, duty, customs, etc
The final cost may not be worth it to you
But these have the FRS channels only as opposed to the 22 channel ones
Canadian FRS is 0.5 watt output on all 14 channels evidently
baofengradio.ca
$25.34 US dollars per pair plus shipping, duty, customs, etc
The final cost may not be worth it to you
But these have the FRS channels only as opposed to the 22 channel ones
Canadian FRS is 0.5 watt output on all 14 channels evidently
A Pair (2 PCs) Baofeng CT9-FRS Family Frequency Service (FRS) Radio, IC Certified
Baofeng CT9-FRS Family Frequency Service (FRS) Radio, IC Certified This is a License-Free Radio! The Baofeng CT9-FRS is the first IC certified FRS radio designed for Canadian market. IC Certification ID: 25058-BFT9 This mini size, modern looking radio provides 14 FRS channels (Listed below)...
baofengradio.ca
PanJurekMrJerry
Member
Is Canadian FRS on the same frequencies as American FRS?
nd5y
Member
Yes. Motorola, Ritron, Dakota Alert, BTECH and some others make MURS radios.
No. All GMRS radios require a GMRS license.
The radios that don't require a license are not capable of repeater operation. They are simplex only and don't include the repeater input frequencies.
No. Don't believe ads. Anything that says 30 mile range or similar is BS. Your actual range depends on many factors.
nd5y
Member
Before 2017 the US and Canada had the same 14 FRS channels with 0.5 W power limit.
Now the US FRS has 22 channels with 2 W on most channels.
I think those radios are classified as GMRS in Canada but I'm not sure about that.
The wiki link in post #2 has links to the Canadian regulations.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Canada uses the same 14 FRS channels as the USA, as well as the 8 primary GMRS channels. A legal FRS radio in Canada will have 22 channels, run 2 watts or less, and have a non-removable antenna.
Do not do this.
Any radio used in the USA on FRS and/or GMRS frequencies is -required- to have FCC type certification. Buying radios from outside the country can result in getting a radio that does not have that. Unless you know for 100% sure the radio has a valid FCC Part 95 certification, you shouldn't be using it. No exceptions.
Also, that radio only has the 14 "FRS" channels. It's only 0.5 watts. And Baofeng is generally considered bottom of the barrel for radios. There's a reason why they are selling two of them for such a low price (remember to figure in the exchange rate on US$ to CDN$)
Get yourself a couple of the Motorola consumer grade GMRS radios.
An entrepreneur tried to bring a great idea to market, a MURS/GMRS radio that could switch firmware on startup to be compliant, but a group of ham Fudds went far out of their way to shut him down. They doxxed him online, they made much nashing of teeth online, they complained and complained to the FCC, and finally won out in the end. It was a disgusting display of arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity.
The concept was nothing new and even I had suggested it before... Upon power-up, the radio could be put in MURS mode or GMRS mode. This would theoretically comply with FCC compliance requirements because the radio could only operate in one mode or the other at any given time. With the thousands upon thousands of radios certified by the FCC under grey or even false pretenses, before and after the debacle, a radio cliche chose this particular model to go after with great fervor. Of course, the FCC cared because of the complaints. Otherwise, it would be on the market today instead of people just programming up MURS, GMRS, FRS, land mobile, and amateur frequencies on on radio in opposition to FCC regulations.
The same company that tried to bring the combination radio to market still sells the BTECH GMRS-V1 and MURS-V1. The former is an FCC approved GMRS radio and the latter, of course, is the same for MURS. These use a CCR base model with a specific firmware to lock them down.
BTECH GMRS-V1 GMRS Radio ‣ BaoFeng Tech & BTECH Radios
BTECH GMRS-V1 GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99mhz (VHF) 400-520.99mhz (UHF)) ‣ #woocommerce_price ‣ Purchase, Software, and Support for BaoFeng and BTECH Radios
baofengtech.com
BTECH MURS-V1 MURS Radio ‣ BaoFeng Tech & BTECH Radios
BTECH MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio, License Free Two-Way Radio for Manufacturing, Retail, Personal, and Business ‣ #woocommerce_price ‣ Purchase, Software, and Support for BaoFeng and BTECH Radios
baofengtech.com
There are a batch of CCR radios that have come to market which have the FCC blessings for FRS. Of course, their paperwork is far more dodgey than that of the GMRS/MURS radio that was going to be available.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Probably the best legal MURS radio on the market is the Ritron PT-150M. My brother in law is using those for his tower crews. He's been running them for a couple of years without issue.
Commercial Grade Two Way Radios | Handheld 2 Way | Ritron Walkie Talkie
The PT Series handheld 2-Way Radio is an analog, narrowband radio. Lightweight, tough and reliable - well suited for commercial and industrial applications.
www.ritron.com
These are probably out of the budget range for most hobby level users, but they've found a market in construction.
Technically they are not lying.
Usually the advertisements will say something like "Up to 30 mile range". And it's true. If you and a buddy were each on top of a high hill or mountain 30 miles apart with an uninterrupted line of sight between both of you, it's very likely you'd get 30 miles range. Remember, amateur radio operators can talk to satellites with 1/2 a watt.
But in any sort of real world application, you are not going to see 30 miles. What you'll get is the "Up to" part. 500 feet falls inside the "Up to 30 mile range" claim. A few watts on UHF with inefficient antennas and poor receivers is probably going to get you 1/4 to 1/2 a mile at best. In some cases you can do better, but you'd really not want to rely on that as a common occurrence.
buytwowayradios.com sells FRS only radios.
bill4long
Member
You need a license for GMRS radios. (But not FRS radios that use the shared FRS/GMRS frequencies)
Here's a decent low cost MURS radio. I have them and they work well.
Amazon.com: BTECH MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio, License Free Two-Way Radio for Manufacturing, Retail, Personal, and Business: Car Electronics
Amazon.com: BTECH MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio, License Free Two-Way Radio for Manufacturing, Retail, Personal, and Business: Car Electronics
www.amazon.com
This is a GMRS variant of the same radio (requires license)
Amazon.com: BTECH GMRS-V1 GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99mhz (VHF) 400-520.99mhz (UHF)): Car Electronics
Buy BTECH GMRS-V1 GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99mhz (VHF) 400-520.99mhz (UHF)): Two-Way Radios - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
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