Some highlighted words or groups of words in my blog entries are hyperlinks to articles relating to the entry topic. On some web browsers, the highlights may not stand out very well. If you see a highlight that interests you, put your cursor on it and give a click; it will take you elsewhere, use your browser “back arrow” to return here.
====
Most of you have seen the little FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie-talkie style radios that are now sold almost everywhere. These inexpensive half-watt gems are fun for kids and somewhat useful for adults. Some businesses issue them to store maintenance and security employees. Range is limited.
The National SOS Radio Network is an all-volunteer organization encouraging people to make FRS radios part of their emergency kits, and encourages development of neighborhood networks. It recognizes that during some emergencies, both wired and wireless phone systems can fail, leaving people no way to communicate.
The FRS radios don’t require any license, the somewhat more expensive and more powerful GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios and hybrids do. FRS radios and GMRS radios share channels 1 – 7, channels 8 – 14 are for FRS half-watt use, and channels 15 – 22 are for GMRS radio use.
Channel-1 is suggested for use as the FRS emergency channel, but it is has no true legal restriction. Channel-20 is considered the GMRS emergency channel, but here again there is no official rule. Beware, I doubt that anyone within range of you will be monitoring these channels unless there is some sort of regional disaster underway. If you want to use these for emergencies you may encounter while hunting or hiking, make sure you have a friend or family member listening and within range.
====
Most of you have seen the little FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie-talkie style radios that are now sold almost everywhere. These inexpensive half-watt gems are fun for kids and somewhat useful for adults. Some businesses issue them to store maintenance and security employees. Range is limited.
The National SOS Radio Network is an all-volunteer organization encouraging people to make FRS radios part of their emergency kits, and encourages development of neighborhood networks. It recognizes that during some emergencies, both wired and wireless phone systems can fail, leaving people no way to communicate.
The FRS radios don’t require any license, the somewhat more expensive and more powerful GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios and hybrids do. FRS radios and GMRS radios share channels 1 – 7, channels 8 – 14 are for FRS half-watt use, and channels 15 – 22 are for GMRS radio use.
Channel-1 is suggested for use as the FRS emergency channel, but it is has no true legal restriction. Channel-20 is considered the GMRS emergency channel, but here again there is no official rule. Beware, I doubt that anyone within range of you will be monitoring these channels unless there is some sort of regional disaster underway. If you want to use these for emergencies you may encounter while hunting or hiking, make sure you have a friend or family member listening and within range.
I ran across the walkie talkies you mentioned and thought this might help you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteThere is a tool to help select the proper walkie talkie for various needs like hiking, travel, vacation business, boating, etc. Along with the power needed for your type of communication. The two-way radio tool is here:
http://www.techwholesale.com/which-radio-is-right-for-me.html
Hope this helps.
Joe
Hey Joe, thanks for stopping by and for the good advice. I added the link for Tech Wholesale to the list under Radio Communication Websites.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Zack