What *is* needed and what is fluff?

They really don't come with much fluff. If you're operating in remote
areas, I suppose you don't need to have all 14 channels and all 32 ctcss
tones, but most come with the whole thing anyway. Just look for cheap.
I saw a pair of FRS radios at Fry's Electronics in California yesterday
for under $10.00.


How congested are these freqs these days?

Might be congested if you were on a cruise ship or some large sport
event or similar crowd; otherwise finding a clear channel shouldn't be a
problem.

What models have the best range?

The units that are ALSO GMRS capable probably do. However,
technically, you must have an FCC GMRS license to operate these. Bet you
a dollar to a donut that 99% of the buyers of these units don't. While
I don't condone unlicensed operation, I must say I haven't ever heard of
the FCC issuing citations to FRS/GMRS HT owners for this infraction, yet.



Ed WB6SAT

On Mon, 03 May 2004 18:58:55 -0400, Alan Browne wrote:


Not sure if the subject is pertinent to this NG...
================================================= =

I want to buy a couple "Talkabout" radios for various purposes to keep
in touch with my son or girlfriend, notably while hiking, skiing and
while at large events (airshows).

If you are in Canada it's a different ball game as to what is
allowed and what is not compared to the US radio regs.

--
73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

Alan Browne wrote:

Not sure if the subject is pertinent to this NG...
==================================================

I want to buy a couple "Talkabout" radios for various purposes to keep
in touch with my son or girlfriend, notably while hiking, skiing and
while at large events (airshows).

What *is* needed and what is fluff?

How congested are these freqs these days?

What models have the best range?

Any general comments welcome.

Cheers,
Alan



Thanks all for replies.
Cheers,
Alan

--
--e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.--