Family Radio Service (FRS) vs General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

[Annihilator]

From what I’ve read you don’t need one to get the other.

Correct

 

[Talyn]

Ham Radios.

You can use a Baofeng UV-5R/G (improved R) walkie-talkie to listen to any GMRS, FRS, or MURS radio but you will need to convert the channel number of the GMRS/FRS/MURS radio into a frequency that you can enter into your UV-5R.

Your first couple posts indicated you're open to getting a GMRS radio, which is capable of receiving Ham & FRS frequencies through simple programing. That info has been provided.

With a GMRS/FRS radio you can just use the FRS frequencies until you decide you want greater performance and get the simple license has has been discussed.

If you want to "grow" into more capability get the UV-5R/G for roughly the same $$ as the FRS Midland.

If you want just a FRS radio then look at these.

Amazon.com

But depending on your AOPs FRS has limitations.

Comments from this GMRS radio.

Amazon.com

In a forest on mountainous terrain you'll get something closer to 1 mile but you may not be able to receive a transmission at all if the two units are separated by terrain.

In suburban conditions, GMRS (if you are licensed on this frequency) could give you 1.5 miles (as the crow flies), but it's really stretching it. FRS will give you 500 yards, plus or minus. Out on rolling open range, you can better, but when you are out of the line of sight, it's not good no matter the conditions. Both Motorola and Midland has superior propagation, but these types of radios are by their nature a half step above a toy.

If you want to talk to someone following you in a car or you neighbor across the street then go with a straight FRS.

But with a standard FRS/GMRS radio, you can use it to communicate with any other conventional FRS/GMRS radio around.

Your decision, based on your needs.

My .02

 

[Keystone19250]

Thanks I wasn’t trying to be snarky just frustrated and confused.

I’ve settled on the Baofeng UV-9G

 

[Talyn]

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