Taking the family to a playground, amusement park or campground and want to stay in contact? Look at Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) two-way radios. Boasting clearer sound, better range and more channels, these tough little units are a far cry from old walkie-talkies.
Instructions
1. Look at your budget. If you want to save money and expect to use the radios over short range (less than two miles), choose FRS radios.
2. Choose GMRS radios--a newer type--if you need range up to five miles.
3. Apply for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license, which you'll need to use a GMRS radio. You'll need to complete FCC Forms 605 and 159 (Form 605 can be filed electronically at wireless.fcc.gov/uls/applications/).
4. Purchase multiple radios from the same manufacturer. Although all FRS and GMRS radios use the same frequencies, their other features (such as so-called privacy codes) don't always work between brands. GMRS radios share some channels with FRS radios. If you're replacing an FRS radio, buy a GMRS unit.
5. Take the range claims of two-way radios with a grain of salt. FRS purports to reach two miles and GMRS up to seven miles, but walls, hills, trees, people and almost anything else will reduce that range.
6. Look for a scanning function if you like to listen in on other people's conversations. A scanning radio will search across its channels for activity.
7. Pick units with a vibrating call feature if you need to remain quiet while you use them (during your clan's paintball war, for instance).
Tags: GMRS radios, Radio Service, two-way radios