The Motorola I mentioned in a previous post lists FRS as 1/2 watt and the GMRS as 1 watt keith
"Michael B. Blake" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Harris" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "bobmcb" wrote:
> >
> > > There are two different types of radios one has a range of two miles
> and
> > > lots of channels. The other has a range of about five miles. It has
a
> > > subset of channels, and is larger & heavier.
> >
> > The FRS radios put out less that a 1 watt IIRC, while the GMRS handheld radios may put out up to
> > 5 watts. But range is determined by MANY
factors
> > besides power. For example, if a handheld unit is used to communicate
with
> a
> > base station (with a large roof mounted antenna), range will be much
> greater
> > than if two handheld units are used.
> >
> > My experience with 5-watt VHF/UHF transceivers is that two handheld
units
> > will have difficulty communicating reliably beyond 1-2 miles in many
> cases.
> > YMMV.
> >
> > Art Harris N2AH
> >
> A small group (12) of Ham Radio Operators, here in Indianapolis, IN, regularly use 440mHz.
> (adjacent to FRS & GMRS frequencies) 5 watt radios
to
> stay in touch on long bike trail rides. 1 mile is good and 2 miles is out of the question in most
> terrains. An FRS radio will seldom make 1 mile
with
> both stations standing on the ground.
>
> GMRS does allow you to use repeaters. If a GMRS repeater is available you may be able to
> communicate over many, many miles. Our repeater's antenna elevation is at 800 feet above ground
> and we can reliable communicate over
a
> radius of 30 miles with the same 5 watt handheld radios.
>
> FRS is a great service but do not believe any of their advertised ranges. Test yourself so that
> you will know what works reliably in your situation.
>
> Mike - K9JRI