FRS and GMRS radio
From KayakWiki
Which is for you?
- While the range for sea kayakers is twice for GMRS as for FRS, the latter is likely preferred, as it is cheaper and unlicensed.
- For whitewater kayakers, the range can be greater still if elevation changes are taken into account, so there is a possibility that the greater range of GMRS can be used. For most WW paddlers, though, FRS is likely the better choice.
- Since licensing and power limits for GMRS are different in the US and Canada, paddlers who frequently cross the border may prefer FRS to avoid any problems. The US GMRS radios cannot be used in Canada and the Canadian GMRS radios need a license to be used in the US.
- FRS and GMRS actually use the same frequency ranges and share several frequencies. That's why you'll find many combined FRS/GMRS devices on the market.
Family Radio Service
FRS is a low-power (0.5W) two-way radio system that does not require a license. It provides a number of radio frequencies that transmit on UHF (Ultra High Frequency). Each radio frequency can be operated with one of several privacy codes. These allow the users to share the channels with others without having the broadcasts interfere with one another.
FRS units are very inexpensive and operate over line-of-sight distances of up to about 3 kilometers‡.
General Mobile Radio Service
GMRS is a low-to-medium power radio system. It uses UHF frequencies and can use privacy codes as well. GMRS units operate with greater power than FRS and cover a larger range - up to 6 km‡.
In the United States, GMRS handheld units operate at 1 to 5 watts and requires a license. No examination is required. The license is good for several years and currently costs $80.
In Canada, GMRS is restricted to no more than 2W and does not require a license.
Options
- While they are hard to find, there are also FRS radios with built in NOAA weather radio receivers. This adds the ability to track the weather.
- The Rino series from Garmin combine FRS/GMRS and GPS units in a single device. If both users have a Rino, they are able to send position information to each other on GMRS - this makes "come here" a lot easier!
- Few FRS and GMRS radios are waterproof; most are made for land use. Look for a JIS7 waterproofness rating (1m depth for 30 minutes).
- Voyageur makes a radio dry bag that comes with a connector for an external speaker/mic.
‡See Horizon distance.
