SQRLPWR Posted March 14, 2021 Report Share Posted March 14, 2021 The club exec have been testing FRS/GMRS radios, and going forward we will be replacing CB with FRS/GMRS on all club runs. The 'club' frequency will be; Channel 16 462.5750 MHz GMRS 'Zero' or 'NO' privacy tone Here is a cheat-sheet for anyone who wants to buy a radio Why the change? FRS/GMRS radios have far superior voice clarity than CB, and far less susceptible to interference All FRS/GMRS radios are hand held (because a removable antenna is not allowed without a license) How good are they in the woods? Pretty good for keeping in touch with all members of a club run in dense wooded areas. Line of sight and conditions make a difference. What frequency / band do they use? Frequency Band for both FRS & GMRS is the same 462 – 467 MHz in the 70cm Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Band What is the difference between FRS and GMRS? The only difference is transmit power! FRS - lower power, so no license required in Canada or USA GMRS - higher power, so a license is required in the USA (not in Canada) Which radio should I buy? I can provide Motorola T100 GMRS radios for $30 (at cost, and subject to availability) at the trail head or on request Any FRS/GMRS or compatible radio should work as long as it can work on the 'club' frequency above Named brands like Motorola (T series) are generally more robust, but more expensive than a Chinese off brand The more money you spend, the more features you pay for too, like VOX and NOAA weather service etc Will my existing walkie talkie / bubble pack / 2-way radio work? Most radios sold in the stores or online that are FRS/GMRS compatible should work. Just check the frequency against the chart. Can I use my Ham radio? Yes. A 70cm Ham radio operates on the same frequency range, but you will need a license to transmit because the radio will not conform to the FRS/GMRS standard requirements (usually because they have much higher output power and a removable antenna, which is not allowed under the license free FRS/GMRS rules) I have an Anytone AT-778UV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powerram Posted March 14, 2021 Report Share Posted March 14, 2021 Good to know, looking into getting some Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autumnwalker Posted March 14, 2021 Report Share Posted March 14, 2021 Gah! Should have picked some up on sale last week when @sar4x4 mentioned it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted March 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2021 They're cheap. I've got 6x Motorola T100's @$30 each that I'll be taking to Renfrew on Sun (2 spoken for already) I recommend any of the Motorola 'T' series - they range in price and features, but all are FRS/GMRS with channel 16 @ 462.5750 MHz https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=motorola+t100&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Robbie, Dave and Bill have the T200's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted May 17, 2021 Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 I have a few handheld units, but I wouldn't mind getting something like the Midland MXT115 or MXT275 to keep mounted in the Jeep. I can't seem to find a Canadian place to buy them though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted May 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 30 minutes ago, derekmac said: I have a few handheld units, but I wouldn't mind getting something like the Midland MXT115 or MXT275 to keep mounted in the Jeep. I can't seem to find a Canadian place to buy them though... The reason you can't purchase one in Canada is; In Canada GMRS and FRS radios are not permitted to have detachable antennas to qualify for the FRS/GMRS designation. In the USA GMRS units can have detachable antennas, but there is a license fee associated with it. That's the difference. The retailers are probably not permitted to export here for that reason. FRS/GMRS is the 70cm band. You can use a 70cm band radio and legally transmit if you have a HAM license. You can use a 70cm band radio and legally receive without a HAM license. You'll just have to bootleg one in. I have an AnyTone AT-778UV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted May 17, 2021 Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 This stuff is all way over my head!! LOL I guess I'll stick with my handhelds for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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