Questions and answers
Short answers first, then the reasoning and the radios that fit.
- GMRS vs FRS: what is the difference?FRS radios need no license in the US and are limited to 2 watts ERP at most. GMRS needs an FCC license that requires no exam and covers family members. GMRS adds 8 repeater input channels on 467 MHz.
- Do you need a GMRS license, and how do you get one?Yes, you need an FCC license to transmit on GMRS. It requires no exam, lasts ten years and covers family members. You apply online through the FCC's license system and pay a fee.
- GMRS vs ham radio: which one do you need?GMRS needs an FCC license that requires no exam and covers family members. Amateur (ham) radio needs an FCC amateur license and you get one by passing an exam. For family or group use without study GMRS is the simpler path.
- GMRS vs CB radio for emergenciesCB radio in the US needs no individual license and has 40 channels between 26.965 and 27.405 MHz. Power is up to 4 watts carrier power on AM and 12 watts peak envelope power on SSB. GMRS needs an FCC license without an exam and GMRS repeaters can extend range but are optional.
- What is a SAME weather radio?A SAME weather radio sounds an alert only for the counties or areas you program into it. SAME stands for Specific Area Message Encoding. It filters NOAA Weather Radio warnings to the area you choose.
- What are the NOAA weather radio frequencies?NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts on seven VHF frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz. Each NOAA Weather Radio transmitter broadcasts on one of the seven frequencies. A radio has to be set to the frequency of a nearby transmitter.
- How far can a GMRS radio reach?The real range of GMRS and FRS radios depends on terrain, obstructions and the type of station. Range figures printed by makers are maximums under ideal conditions. Midland lists 10 to 15 miles as ideal for its 15-watt Midland MXT275 against a 50-mile maximum claim.