Hmmm,

My family finds these "useless" FRS radios quite handy.
Additionally, we can use them to the full 2 mile range at times while
snow boarding.
I think FRS and GMRS service has done a fabulous job of filling a
communication needs nitch.

While I enjoyed the information you brought to the subject, I detect
unpleasantness in your attitude. What's up?

---.. ..---
...._._


Blank wrote:
Yes, I've seen those as well. As a licensed ham operator, I tend to be
sensitive to being properly licensed to transmit.

....

Of course, a GMRS license only tests your ability to write a check and
mail it to the correct address.



There is no intent to test the users ability or knowledge, and that is not
the reason for requiring a license for GMRS (or business, public service,
special emergency, etc.).

As a licensed service, GMRS allows use of higher power radios (up to 50 watt
transmitter output), as well as gain antennas, repeaters, etc. Requiring a
license (and identifying when transmitting) allows identifying and tracking
down a station which causes interference, necessary when you start using
higher power, gain antenna, etc. The license also provides any restrictions
or conditions on the use of the radio. For example, two of the GMRS pairs
are not allowed to be used within approximately 75 miles of Canada - and
that is clearly stated on the license when you get it (and in the
regulations if you bother to read them). And NO GMRS frequencies are legal
outside of the U.S. - you can't take a GMRS radio to Canada or any other
country and legally use it, even though Canada does recognize FRS.

Tests done on most of the bubble pack GMRS/FRS radios show they do not
produce any higher effective radiated power on the GMRS frequencies than on
the FRS - what they are giving you is a useless 22 channel radio instead of
a useless 14 channel radio. The other issue directly related to the lack of
performance is the antenna requirement for FRS (integrated non-removable no
gain), which isn't a whole lot better than a dummy load.

Carl
Ham, GMRS, & Commercial