Topic: What is an FRS Radio and what should I look into when shopping for one?

[SuperSlideStyle]

Hi guys.  I need to get an FRS radio for our next Xcursion but I'm not familiar with them.  Are they different than CB radios?  What should I look for and where can I find them cheap?

[chad]

just go to radio shack, fry's electronics ect.. you could get two of them with a charger for under $50

[FrankB]

Costco has them as well, but I think they might be in 3-packs and a little more expensive.

Having at least 2 is not a bad idea, in case one breaks, or the battery dies, or Bruce shows up without one  .



(just kidding Bruce)

[Paul]

They're all pretty much the same. That said I would recommend Cobra, Midland, Motorola or another higher quality one. Mine takes a beating wheeling as I go between radio and wheel. NiMH batteries are nice too. Take any maximum range claims as worthless.

[strikedistance]

Yeah diffinately get two. I will always need one

[SuperSlideStyle]

So if I get an FRS radio, I'll be able to hear others on a CB radio?  Or is it a different system?

[FrankB]

So if I get an FRS radio, I'll be able to hear others on a CB radio?  Or is it a different system?

FRS and CB are two separate systems, so one won't receive from or transmit to the other. We generally use FRS, some other clubs use CB more.

The FRS radios are fairly inexpensive, every vehicle on a run should have one. They are the primary mode of communication between vehicles for us.  We mention CB as an alternate, but not everyone has one, and from what I've seen they are not used much on our runs. If you only have CB someone would have to relay the messages to you.

To save Paul the trouble of typing it: those of us who have not yet gotten HAM licenses (myself included) really should do that. Much better range, benefits, etc.

[Paul]

Those of you who have not yet gotten HAM licenses (Frank included) really should do that. Much better range, benefits, etc. 

The nice thing about ham radio is that all the questions are published, the exam is only $14 and it's good for ten years. There is no code required - no dots or dashes anymore. The license to get is the Technicians Class which gives you access to the very useful 2M and 440 MHz bands and a bunch more. We use 2M for truck to truck communications.