I just received a pair of GMR5095-2CKHS radios. Very solid feeling radios and I like the functioning. And super fast delivery. I’m scratching my head over the Boost feature. I got the radios because the FCC test data says a bit over 0.4 watts for low power (FRS only) and 1.9 watts for high power (FRS/GMRS mchannels).
The manual just states that by pressing the Boost button instead of the PTT button will give a range of 50 miles. That would seem to imply that the power increases. To keep the radio legal, I’d have to assume that the boost is from some lower power level to the 0.4 and 1.9 levels. This seems to be confirmed elsewhere in the manual where it states that the boost takes the GMRS channels to maximum power.
To add to the confusion, on the product detail listing on buytwowayradios, it says:
This is the opposite of the Noise Filter feature. When the range extender feature is turned on, your radio will receive even very weak transmissions. This may result in unwanted noise, but will extend the range of your two way radio.
This sounds more like the squelch gets turned off. But, Boost is certainly not a receive function.
Those radios with a “boost” button, typically have a second PTT button right next to/above/below, the normal PTT button. This utilizes higher power.
Likely the case with that radio. Of course, you will NOT get 50 miles with this radio Like all bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios, expect 3/4 of a mile average range.
We’re setting up a Neighborhood HamWatch program in our area so we’ve been range testing a number of radios. Mostly this has been from FRS units and GMRS HTs to a GMRS station running 40 watts with a reasonably high antenna. Coverage is reliable over a few miles but not much more when communicating with FRS radios.
I guess the boost feature permits one to raise (or lower) power without having to get into a menu.
Like all bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios, expect 3/4 of a mile average range.