FRS Radio Information

[Casper]

My wife and I are new members of the THMMC and are considering joining the Mt. Mitchell run but we don't have a radio yet? Any recommendations on brands or models? Any brands or models to stay away from? Any comments would be appreciated.

[TWISTER]

Cobra and Motorola are awesome! Just make sure it has sub-channels or privacy codes. Most in the $30 range and above do. Circuit City Link (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Cobra-16-Mile-GMRS-FRS-Two-Way-Radio-PR41002WXVP/sem/rpsm/oid/176207/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)

[MidnightDave]

I have the Cobras, less than $75. As Mark said, the only requisite (sp) is SUB CHANNELS.

Also, (Drew and) I learned the hard way at the MS Walk, throw away the batteries that come with them and put in new ones. ;-)

I also went to rechargeable batteries, b/c these, the camera and other things all use AAs and you save in the long run--however, any battery other than original will be fine.

Can't wait to meet you both!

[Casper]

Thanks for the reponse. Is GMRS a necessity, a recommendation or a waste of money if a FRS only radio will do? I understand that GMRS requires a FCC license.

[TWISTER]

GRMS is a nice feature to have and we use those channels on occasion w/o a lic. <-- I did not say that

[BlimeyCabrio]

... and GMRS is the only way to get REAL range outta these things - for places with bad line of sight - like the mountains... not that I would EVER use one without a license. :rolleyes:

Hint - 15-18 mile range on the package might mean 1 mile range in the mountains - if that...

[Casper]

Help! We bought a set of Cobra MicroTalk radios that seem to have all the better features. Anyway, I have two questions - after scanning through the owner's manual.
1. According to the manual, Channel 20 broadcasts on Freq. 462.6750 and is solely a GMRS channel - meaning that an FCC license is required on that channel/frequency. I was under the impression that you communicated primarily on FRS frequencies. Am I reading the manual correctly and are you using primarily GRMS?
2. The radios have two privacy code systems - CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System, 38 pricacy codes) and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch, 83 privacy codes). Both systems have a "20" privacy code. Which system are you using?

[TWISTER]

1. yes to all
2. Hmmmm?

[BlimeyCabrio]

1. GMRS - yes
2. CTCSS I think (all radios have this, but not all have DCS)

[Casper]

Thanks, for the responses. I guess I will need to apply for an FCC license. If anyone has any further comments, please feel free to join in.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Vote your conscience on that, as they say....

But I would wager that 96.7% of the folks who buy GMRS radios don't pay Uncle Sam extortion dollars to use the airwaves that we as Americans own.

Of course, EVERYONE here does cause we're good little campers.

:)

[Nascar Mini]

Casper,

Where did you get the radios and how much,need to get a set too?

[BlimeyCabrio]

You didn't ask ME ;) - but I bought these (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8277447&st=frs&lp=3&type=product&cp=1&id=1171058471203).

Not as inexpensive as some - but I liked the size and style of these. They worked well for me at the Dragon as well as a trip to Florida with theme parks, beach resort, etc. Comes with charger, batteries, all you need to start. Lots of features, some I'll never use. But ability to set several channel/code combos in memory and scan is a great thing (I think most do this now, my old ones didn't). That way you can set THMMC channel, the main Dragon channel, and any others you're interested in, and have it scan them until it hears something...

[wscruiser]

Thanks, for the responses. I guess I will need to apply for an FCC license. If anyone has any further comments, please feel free to join in.


I guess this is one of those cases where you need to read between the lines.

Yes there are certain channels on your radio where a FCC license is required.
Don't waste your time or money
I'm sure most all of us have applied for the proper license, I just haven't received mine yet.

[Nascar Mini]

Thanks Blimey,they sound like pretty good units,i had a set of 5 mile units i paid $49.00 for,that wouldn't communicate accross the parking lot in sight of each other,even with new rechargable batteries in them.Returned them and havent got any yet.I didn't mean to overlook you,Casper said he just bought some and i wondered which ones he got.Thanks Again,
Bill

[Casper]

I bought Cobra, Model LI6050-2 WX EVP units at Wal-Mart for $49.93, plus tax. They have the new lithium, rechargeable batteries and the units are really mini-sized, which I like. They seem to have every feature that I have read about. Wal-Mart's webside shows them but I don't know where they got their dimensions. My units are approx. 1-7/8 wide, 3-1/2 high(5-5/8, incl antenna) and 1-5/8 deep, incl belt clip.
Now, I just need a chance to use them to see how well they perform in the real world. They claim to have a 17 mile range - under ideal conditions. If you don't purchase before the Mt. Mitchell run, or even if you do, you can see ours and we will learn more about how they work in the mountains.

[Nascar Mini]

Thanks Casper,looks like several people are getting the Cobra radios, i'll check them out this weekend,as we have a new Best Buy that just opened up here in town.
Bill

[MidnightDave]

While we're on radios...if interested, everybody could bring both, and share one, I try to remember to do that, and once in a while, it's a while before it comes back, but it always does. ;-)

I'm guessing my spare will be used by somebody out of Charlotte, so nobody call dibs, please? ;-)

While we're on the whole idea of fantastic drives...hey Mark, this one looks like it could give Mabry a run for the money! That's my personal best to date--for non-track runs!

[TWISTER]

While we're on the whole idea of fantastic drives...hey Mark, this one looks like it could give Mabry a run for the money! That's my personal best to date--for non-track runs!

Thanks Bud! I hope both will be as great as each other!