In article ,
Jeff wrote:

I will be buying a Midland Two way radio (18 mile version)

My question is this:

.... and is probably most accurately answered by reading the owner's
manual.

http://www.midlandradio.com/owners_manuals.asp seems to be the URL to
use.

The first 7 channels (1-7) which are combined GMRS/FRS...Do those transmit
at Full power or are capped at half a watt because It's FRS too?

If so, does than mean that channels 15-22are true GMRS at full power?

The manual for the GXT600/635/650/656 series indicates that the power
output on channels 1-7 and 15-22 can be set to any of three levels.
Channels 8-14 are locked at the "low" level.

The manual also states that a GMRS license from the FCC is necessary
when using the radio to transmit on channels 1-7 or 15-22.

I read this all as meaning that the radio is capable of full
GMRS-level power output on all of the GMRS-authorized channels (the
shared GMRS/FRS channels 1-7 and the GMRS-only channels 15-22).

It's possible that the radio could be used legally on channels 1-7
without a GMRS license, if the power level were first manually set to
the "low" position, but I'm not certain of that.

--
Dave Platt AE6EO
Hosting the Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior
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Dave Platt wrote:

I read this all as meaning that the radio is capable of full
GMRS-level power output on all of the GMRS-authorized channels (the
shared GMRS/FRS channels 1-7 and the GMRS-only channels 15-22).

It's possible that the radio could be used legally on channels 1-7
without a GMRS license, if the power level were first manually set to
the "low" position, but I'm not certain of that.


Yes, you may use channels 1-7 without a license IF you only use low
power. Since that radio has type acceptance for FRS on channels 1-7,
it is permitted for license free use provided all provisions of the
part 95B regulations are followed.

The license free FRS frequencies are only authorized 500 mW ERP.
Exceeding that, you would be operating under Part 95A rules, requiring
a GMRS license.

I always recommend getting a GMRS license though. That way, you can
use all 22 channels.