I’ve done some reading here but have not found a FAQ or specific answers so I’ll post my question here in the general area to start. If anyone can point out info that I’ve missed, I’ll go and read it.
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My understanding so far is that FRS/GMRS and business radios that have the same power (say 2 watts ERP*) will transmit and receive over about the same distance (normally max ~5 km (~3 mi.)) in hilly bush country.
If so, is it worth paying 5x more for business radios if the main use is communication in that environment? Or would I expect business radios to normally have more than the 2 watts that GMRS is restricted to which would that make all the difference?
I know business radios allow repeaters (I’m in Canada so repeaters for GMRS is not an option), but I don’t want to use repeaters if at all possible and don’t know if they would help get a signal behind a hill anyway. Is the difference in quality and dependability going to make a difference for signal distance?
Thanks,
Rob
Eastern Ontario
(* I’ve read the great discussion on the industry FRS/GMRS wattage misinformation in this forum! I wonder if anyone here can comment yet on whether business radios suffer from the same misinformation?)
On this same topic, is it simplistic to say business radios are VHF and FRS/GMRS are UHF (or have I got that backwards?)? I know they are different frequency ranges, but does that have something to do with the range of Tx/Rx?
For your business, you may want to contact a radio shop and work with them to set up a system. Typically, business repeaters will charge a fee for acess. A good Business shop will arrange everything, including licensing. Bear in mind, this can get costly.
Thanks. This is not for a business. I just want to be able to communicate with family who are out and about in the countryside. It’s very hilly and forested and I don’t expect any 2 watt, or 5 watt radio for that matter, to be Rx over more than a few kilometres. Which is why I’m asking, all things being equal in terms of wattage, would a business radio be worth the extra dough?
You’d have to have a business license. Since it isn’t a business, you wouldn’t qualify for a business license. That then rules out that option.
The only route to go would be amateur radio. This service requires a test and licensing. Each person would have to take their own test and get their own license. This is a hobby service more than a “utility” service though. I’m not sure of the Canadian amateur rules or contact info.
The only other route is something like Nextel. (If available in Canada)
One other option is to purchase a fully programmable business radio, and have it programmed for the GMRS frequencies. The Motorola AXU4100, Kenwood TK3202, and BlackBox UHF radios are all 4 watt, business quality radios that can be programmed to any frequencies in the UHF range.
These radios would provide more range than a standard “bubble pack” FRS/GMRS radio, but they still meet the requirements for GMRS.
Please be aware that we cannot program these models for the 7 frequencies that have been designated as “FRS only”, as the transmit power and removable antenna disqualify them for use on FRS.
Thanks for the replies. This might be an option but I’d have to consider that Canada does not allow more than 2 watts output on GMRS channels.
I think I’d better look into using a 2 metre (Canadian spelling ) hand-held. I just found out that I can use 2 metre radios, which can be 7 w for handheld, as long as I have a “basic” amateur license. I like that idea but the problem is that my wife will need a license too!
The bottom line seems to be that a GMRS pair is certainly the simplest and is very usable as long as I don’t mind the distance limitations.
Danny, Business radios may or may not be allowed in Canada. They may require separate type-acceptance. In the USA, commercial equipment is allowed if it has a part 95 certification (many do). The regs in Canada do differ from the USA. I’m really not sure how to tell how Canadian GMRS certification is gone about. There may not even be an equipment database like we have here.
I do not see a type-acceptance requirement, so perhaps any equipment may be used as long as it fits the criteria listed in their regs. Again, I have no clue.
You’d have to ask the FCC. The FACT remains that you need a license to use GMRS radios.
There are other alternatives to GMRS though, but with much less selection.
You now have the option to use the new TriSquare eXRS radios (or equivalent radios in the ISM band) Their performance is similar to FRS/GMRS consumer-grade radios. You have no chance of interference and there is no license required.
) hand-held. I just found out that I can use 2 metre radios, which can be 7 w for handheld, as long as I have a “basic” amateur license. I like that idea but the problem is that my wife will need a license too! 