Post by Jeffrey on Dec 8, 2023 4:29:58 GMT -8
If an unforeseen disaster causes a widespread failure of internet and cellular communication, handheld radios may become your only lifeline to the outside world. But before investing blindly in a handheld radio, there are some important considerations to make. In this first part of a three-part series, we'll examine the pros and cons of the major radio networks available to you, beginning with the FRS/GMRS radio network.
What is FRS/GMRS? These are the Family Radio Service and the General Mobile Radio Service, respectively. FRS is a network of 22 channels that are intended for general public communication, and do not require a licence of any kind. GMRS utilizes the same 22 channels, but includes 8 additional channels, designated 15R through 22R. Moreover, US and Canadian network regulations vary somewhat, so you might want to consult this chart for clarification:
Keep in mind that most big-box stores only sell 0.5 watt radios because they are legal for use both in the US and Canada. For higher-wattage radios, you may need to seek out specialty radio stores. Also, while Canada doesn't require a licence to use FRS/GMRS radios, it restricts their output to 2 watts and prohibits the use of repeaters, which are strategically-placed antennas that receive your signal and retransmit it, allowing you to operate over longer distances. In addition, the US allows individuals to fit aftermarket antennas for increased range, while in Canada, this is strictly prohibited.
Finally, you should know that radio manufacturers greatly exaggerate the range of their radios. Take a look at this chart for real-world ranges of FRS/GMRS radios:
The reason these distances vary so much is that manufacturers are allowed to advertise the distance a signal can be received from a mountaintop to a valley below--hardly a realistic test. In the real-world, your actual range will be greatly reduced by trees, large rocks, buildings, vehicles, and the like. So if your range requirements exceed the real-world distances indicated in the chart, you may need to consider other radio networks out there.
Hope this helps!
In the next part, we'll look into the pros and cons of CB radio.
Stay safe!
--Jeffrey
What is FRS/GMRS? These are the Family Radio Service and the General Mobile Radio Service, respectively. FRS is a network of 22 channels that are intended for general public communication, and do not require a licence of any kind. GMRS utilizes the same 22 channels, but includes 8 additional channels, designated 15R through 22R. Moreover, US and Canadian network regulations vary somewhat, so you might want to consult this chart for clarification:
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Channels | 22 | 22 |
| FRS Power Limit | 2 watts | 0.5 watts |
| Licence Needed? | No | No |
| GMRS Power Limit | 5 watts | 2 watts |
| License Needed? | 2-5 watts: Yes | No |
| Repeaters Allowed? | Yes | No |
| Aftermarket Antennas? | Yes | No |
Keep in mind that most big-box stores only sell 0.5 watt radios because they are legal for use both in the US and Canada. For higher-wattage radios, you may need to seek out specialty radio stores. Also, while Canada doesn't require a licence to use FRS/GMRS radios, it restricts their output to 2 watts and prohibits the use of repeaters, which are strategically-placed antennas that receive your signal and retransmit it, allowing you to operate over longer distances. In addition, the US allows individuals to fit aftermarket antennas for increased range, while in Canada, this is strictly prohibited.
Finally, you should know that radio manufacturers greatly exaggerate the range of their radios. Take a look at this chart for real-world ranges of FRS/GMRS radios:
| Output Power | Advertised Range | Real-World Range |
| 0.5 watt | 20 km | 250 m |
| 1.0 watt | 30 km | 500 m |
| 1.5 watts | 50 km | 750 m |
| 2.0 watts | 80 km | 1 km |
The reason these distances vary so much is that manufacturers are allowed to advertise the distance a signal can be received from a mountaintop to a valley below--hardly a realistic test. In the real-world, your actual range will be greatly reduced by trees, large rocks, buildings, vehicles, and the like. So if your range requirements exceed the real-world distances indicated in the chart, you may need to consider other radio networks out there.
Hope this helps!
In the next part, we'll look into the pros and cons of CB radio.
Stay safe!
--Jeffrey