Family Radio Service: Using Walkie-Talkie Radios

Weather you have a set of FRS radios or are considering buying a set for family use, here are some things you need to know. FRS is Family Radio Service designed for short distance personal communications. It is a license by rule, two-way radio service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. License by rule means you do not have to have a license to operate an FRS radio but you do need to follow FCC rules and regulations.

FRS can be a fun way for children to communicate with their friends on the next block. You can make learning to properly use two-way radio a stepping stone or alternative to getting your child a cell phone. If the radios do not have rechargeable batteries make them pay for new ones with their allowance so they learn that there are consequences for over use.

Parents beware, you are responsible for your children's on air radio behavior. Cursing, playing music, screaming and whistling is not permitted. Teach your children to use the same manners and courtesy in two way radio as you expect with using your home telephone. The use of any radio service, even one licensed by rule, is a privilege not a right. Privileges come with responsibilities.

How to tell if your radio is an FRS radio and does not need a license. First it will have a maximum of 14 channels. The first 7 will be shared with another licensed radio service called General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). I'll explain more about GMRS later.

Second an FRS radio will have a non-detachable antenna. Third it should only put out ½ watt power. If the packaging or users manual says it transmits more then ½ watt, has more then 14 channels, a detachable antenna, or claims to have a range listed in miles, it is most likely a hybrid FRS/GMRS radio for which you need a license from the FCC to operate.

Operating any radio without the proper authorization from the FCC or failing to comply with FCC rules and regulations can result in fines of several thousand dollars per day for each and every occurrence. You can find rules for all personal radio services at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/47cfr95_06.html

Advertisement and package descriptions will often mention sub-channels, privacy or security codes. These don't give you any privacy or secure communications. They are sub-audible tones called Continues Tone Coded Squelch (CTCS). Using such you will only hear other transmissions from radios on the same channel using the same tone. Switching to no tone will allow you to hear all transmissions on the channel regardless of tone.

You can use FRS for personal communications and small business (an individual business not a large chain/ corporate owned business). If you have a family business you can use FRS for your business activities. There are business licenses available for large business, national chain stores etc. and they should obtain the correct licensing and radio equipment.

FRS operates in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) part of the radio spectrum. Signals here travel via line of sight. They are easily blocked by buildings, trees, or hills. With a true FRS radio you can expect to get a range of a few short blocks at best in the city. The higher you are the further your radio signal will travel. If you plan to use your FRS radios to keep in touch at amusement parks or other large areas consider height equals greater range. Have a designated person in you group go to the highest point in the area to increase the effectiveness of your communications. You may not be able to hear each other but the person on high ground will be more likely to hear and transmit to each of you.

How does FRS fit into emergency communications? FRS works best on a neighborhood level. It can be a useful tool for your NEST (Neighborhood Emergency Safety Team) or CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) or similar programs.

I mentioned FRS shares the first 7 channels with GMRS. If you have someone in your immediate area who has a GMRS license they can communicate with you on one of the first 7 channels and also relay emergency or priority messages to other GMRS stations miles away. Let's say you have an earthquake or other widespread disaster. A GMRS operator could aid in disaster relief by getting your need for emergency assistance out beyond the affected area.

Amateur radio operators often use their radio equipment and skills to get messages through during disasters. Unlike the Amateur Radio service you do not need to take a test for a GMRS license but you do have to pay a fee, currently $85, and the license is good for five years. The license covers everyone in your family including cousins & in-laws. Basically if they are a relation of some sort you can authorize them to use your GMRS license.

GMRS also has 8 other channels not shared with FRS in which you also have radio repeater access. Repeaters are usually located on a hill, high building, or mountain top and can greatly increase communications range. You can find more information about FRS GMRS and other two-way radio services and even apply on-line for a GMRS license by visiting FCC.gov.