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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | O.K. everyone...I need a bit of education here...
Father bought a couple of handheld radios (midland GTX400) that supposedly have a 10 mile range capability to them. Stated he would need FCC licensing to use them, which was pretty hefty as compared to the price of the hand helds, but now I am confused.
After searching the archives of Walleye central and others, I have found there are channels for FRS ( no license requirement?) GRMS (license requirement), etc. Now the big question. If he is using the FRS channels only, does he need to get FCC license, and If on the FRS channels, can he reach the 10 miles (I know straight line of sight type deal), or will he be limited in distance due to the FRS channels?
Thanks much everyone...
Please keep responses simple...these are brand new to both myself and my father and we know very little about them.
Steve |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | NO....if you're using the FRS (Family Radio Service) you do not need to license.
I have a Garmin Rino that has both GMRS(Gerneral Mobile Radio Service) and FRS and and you have to manually put the radio into the GMRS. When your bradcasting in FRS there's no way you can broadcast in GMRS and vise versa.
FRS is generally about a 2 mile range, but that can be really pushing it, depends on terrain. GMRS is usually 5-10, but I always seem to get the low end of that.
Edited by Gander Mt Guide 10/28/2004 8:45 AM
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| A FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radio requires an FCC license. For
reference go to the FCC website:
http://wirelss.fcc.gov/services/personal/family/
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the section
entitled "FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios". The last
paragraph spells it out:
"If you operate a radio that has been approved
exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS,
you are not required to have a license. FRS radios
have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt)
effective radiated power and integral (non-
detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under
the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS
license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher
power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and
may have detachable antennas."
Note the first sentence: The radio MUST be approved
EXCLUSIVELY for FRS. |
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| Oops! The link to the FCC is:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/family/ |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Rules must have changed since I bought my Rino, because the manual states.........
" The Rino 120 may operate on GMRS frequencies that are regulated by the FCC. In order to transmitt on these frequencies, you are required to obtain a license from the FCC. An 18 year old, who is not a representative of a foreign government, is eligible to apply for a GMRS license.."
Then it goes into how and where you get the forms.
Nowhere in the manual dose it say that you must get a license if broadcasting on the FSR frequencies or that there's rules for Dual Purpose. My manual is from August 2002.
I used my Rino as an example because I have to turn FSR or GMRS on, they cant be working at the same time. Certain channels will only broad cast in FSR and others in GMRS....maybe the new radios will borad cast by simply tuning into a channel.....thus the rules
Either way....Check you manual or contact the FCC......How the FCC is going to know you're broadcasting on GMRS? I have no clue.
Edited by Gander Mt Guide 10/28/2004 12:51 PM
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Posts: 476
Location: WI | I haven't been involved in this for awhile, but I used to distribute the Kenwood Free Talk FRS. You'd be honestly lucky to get a mile in most FRS radios, most say "up to 2 miles", but that is really pushing it.
As far as the FCC licensing goes, unless they've changed things since 9/11, I wouldn't bother getting a license (if it was me) because there is not anyone out there enforcing the license from the FCC anyway (this was a few years ago, however). The manufacturers are required to put this in their manuals. Not sure what the charge is for the license, but my 2 cents.....
GotOne |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | No need for the license with FRS, no 10 mile capability with FRS..simple and straight forward..lol.. How much is the FCC license for grms? |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | Found the license cost..$80... I think I will continue to use mine without... http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/ |
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FRS, GRMS, FCC, UGH!!! Need help guys/gals!!