Hey there, I’m the communications person for my troop and we have a box of radios (Baofeng uv-5r types) that we are trying to get working for our troop to use at summer camps, high adventures, ext, and i was wondering what frequencies we might be able to use without having to spend 500 dollars or so on a license, Thanks in advance!
I’m a Brit, but my understanding is those radios are now only usable radio hams. Technically they can (and are by many) be programmed to the frs and gmrs frequencies but are not approved for use there. I’m assuming you are in the USA. If you are a comms guy I guess the organisation might not want you operating illegally? It’s a quandary lots of people have.
Welcome to the forum!
I was a scout myself once, so I can appreciate the importance and value that radios bring to any troop activity.
As Paul said, the “UV-5R” type radios aren’t really the best option for several reasons. There are frequencies that do not require a license, however those come with certain restrictions, and require radios that are FCC approved to transmit on them. Specifically, they are the Family Radio Service (FRS), the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) and CB. The other services on the UHF and VHF bands typically covered by the UV-5R type radios will require a license, and some of those radios may only be legal for use on Amateur (ham) radio.
The good news is that this may be an opportunity for the scouts in the troop to earn a badge with those radios. The Radio Merit Badge is one that, as a former scout, I think is a great one to pursue, as it can be both educational and a lot of fun. Perhaps those radios can be used in a way to help the scouts in your troop attain it. The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) also has a program for Amateur Radio and Scouting.
Communications are becoming more vital these days, and when the usual lines go down or are not accessible, having the skills to properly and safely use radios may be invaluable to a scout troop.
I was a scout in the early 70s. We didn’t have access to radios back then. I would consider using FRS radios as a good start. Using a radio that is type accepted for whatever service you use is a good teaching point for your troop. If you are an amateur radio operator you can teach your troop about that hobby. 20 years ago I happen to have my 2m handheld on and answered a call from a troop leader high up in the Sierras. He and his troop were above 9,000 feet elevation and had a direct line of site to where I was over 90 miles away. We talked for a few minutes on a couple of 5W handhelds. They were pretty excited to make such an unusually distant contact, as was I. Good luck for with whatever you choose to use and thanks for carrying on the Scouting tradition.