Recommended FRS and GMRS Radios

The recommendations below will allow you to charge your radio when grid power is off. These radios can be powered with USB-C cables and the cigarette lighter adapter added in order to plug it into your car. (You may already have this to power your phone.)

·       FRS: (2 pack) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqvhGXLAgTM
·       Handy-talkies (handheld) GMRS:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOO6jL0duCk

o      Cigarette lighter adapter - https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Ainope-Aluminum-Charging-Compatible/dp/B0795DJXNH/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=car%2Blighter%2Badapter&qid=1653361437&sr=8-7&th=1

OR- Handy-talkie GMRS Family Pack: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/btwr-essentials-pk-gmrs.html
·       Mobile GMRS (to use in a car) https://www.buytwowayradios.com/midland-mxt115.html .

·       For an upgraded antenna: click the "accessories" tab and select the Midland MXTA26A 6db gain antenna and also select the MXTA12 Mag Mount. 
·       This radio and antenna will allow you greater transmitting power.  In an urban environment the upgraded antenna is helpful to overcome line-of-sight obstructions and power line interference.

 

Hand-held GMRS radios will allow for communication, but have a limited range

Radio reviews from Eric:

These are only recommendations.  Feel free to shop around and get what suits you.

I would advise that the GMRS radio be repeater capable too.  I suggest that you have a way to charge your radio when grid power is off.  That is why these recommendations include radios that can be powered with USB-C cables and the cigarette lighter adapter added in order to plug it into your car. (You may already have this to power your phone.)

I have personal experience with the Beofeng G11s - nice audio, sturdy feel, but I had to spend some time programming it out of the box in order to communicate with non-Beofeng radios.  Be advised.  

I also tried the Radioddity GM-30 - nice radio, ready out of the box, minimal fine-tuning, the manual is easy to understand and follow. 

I really like the transmit and receive audio of the Wouxan KG905g.  Good manual too.  Of course, it's the most money of the three that I have tried, but the adage "you get what you pay for '' really applies to handheld radios. I would think the KG805g is a strong performer for $20 less.  I only got the 905g for the larger battery capacity.

There are many other FRS radios available online and off-the-shelf from many retailers. In most cases they would be sufficient for immediate neighborhood communication.

·    If items are out of stock, go ahead and order. Orders are filled as inventory comes in.

Remember:  FRS and GMRS handy-talkies (HT's) share (overlap) channels 1-15. Channels 15-22 allow for 50 watt power usage.  Channels 23-30 are reserved for repeater use and 50 watts output power. Please take the time to watch this video, it explains it well.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVdAgAZgFLM&t=32s