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. (This is the radio Dee G. and Colleen C. used for radio testing with Eric.)

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.

Brother Dodge and I could talk to each other from the Alta View Clubhouse to the Stake Center on the FRS radio listed above.  In most cases, the GMRS radios were more effective, though. 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

Note:  As we start up a "net" (a preset frequency and time for a roll-call and exchange of info), I think that it would be a benefit to do it over Zoom while people become familiar with it and their equipment. We could trouble-shoot if you can't be heard.