GMRS Radio Emergency Channel?

[redhawk]

I was looking at a pair of gmrs that are 5 watts and claimed range of 26 miles. Would something like that have a better chance of working in the HPWA or is the line of sight limitation going to restrict their use regardless of power?

yEP

I was looking at a pair of gmrs that are 5 watts and claimed range of 26 miles. Would something like that have a better chance of working in the HPWA or is the line of sight limitation going to restrict their use regardless of power?

[Adkleaddog]

Okay, sorry for the interruption.. GMRS stands for...........?

General Mobile Radio Service.....

Following is a quick guide for GMRS FRS radios....we use them all the time, and as with Hawk, I carry one when hiking. Line of site distances can be great, we consistantly talk with another party we know that's over 11 miles away, keep in mind this is line of sight.

The differences between FRS and GMRS radios:

FRS:
FRS or Family Radios Service radios are compact, handheld, wireless 2-way radios that provide very good clarity over a relatively short range. FRS radios operate on any of 14 dedicated channels (1-14) designated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) expressly for FRS radio usage. In order to comply with FCC standards, FRS radios have a maximum allowable power of 0.5 milliwatts (or 1/2 watt). FRS radio tranceivers and their antennas may not be modified to extend their range.

FRS radio distinctions:
1) Unlike with CB (citizens band) radios and most other 2-way radios, there is no license required to use an FRS radio.
2) There are no fees for usage, airtime or per-call charges. (Aside from the cost of batteries, they are virtually free to use.)

GMRS:
GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service radios operate on any of up to 8 dedicated channels (15-22) designated by the FCC. GMRS radios typically have power ratings of 1.0 to 5.0 watts and have a maximum allowable power of 50 watts.

GMRS radios are very similar to FRS radios, except for a few important distinctions:
1) GMRS radio use requires you to purchase an FCC operator’s license.
2) GMRS radios generally achieve greater ranges than FRS radios.
3) While FRS radios may not legally be altered, GMRS radios may legally be outfitted or retrofitted with optional antennas, car antennas or home antennas to extend their range. For more information, please visit the FCC online at FCC.gov. Note: Some GMRS radios (those with non-detachable antennas) will not accommodate antenna alterations. If you intend to alter your GMRS radio, please take care to choose a radio with a detachable-style antenna that accommodates your needs.

FRS/GMRS dual-service or "hybrid" radios:
FRS/GMRS 2-way radios are simply dual-service, or "hybrid," radios that provide access to both the FRS and GMRS bands, utilizing FRS channels (1-14) and GMRS channels (15-22). Use of a dual-service radio’s GMRS bands requires an FCC operator’s license. Dual-service radios may be used without an operator’s license, if only the FRS channels are used.

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Operating range of FRS and GMRS radios:

FRS radio range:
Generally stated as "up to 2 miles," you should note that this manufacturer’s stated range should be construed as the absolute max, to be achieved only under optimal conditions (such as flat terrain, no obstructions and full batteries). Somewhere in the 1/4 to 1 mile range, depending upon conditions, is much more realistic.

GMRS radio range:
GMRS radios typically achieve greater ranges than FRS radios. GMRS range is generally specified by manufacturers as "up to 5 miles" and occasionally slightly more. Again, this is a maximum range, likely achieved only under optimal conditions. Realistic range for GMRS radios under most conditions is more likely 1-2 miles, depending upon the particular conditions.

FRS/GMRS dual-service radio range:
Ranges of FRS/GMRS dual-sand radios are essentially the same as those stated above, for each of their respective bands.

[ADKBasementDweller]

Okay, sorry for the interruption.. GMRS stands for...........?

[calvins]

Oh I agree. I didn't say without benifit I just said limited. I carry a GMRS and my friends do as well. I was just pointing out that I wouldn't wanna depend on it as a survival tool in case if injury.

[redhawk]

Hawk's right. There isn't one. With their limited range, especially in the woods it really wouldn't be much of a benefit. If you're really concerned you may want to look into a personal locator beacon. Not cheap but it would certainly be worth the money if you ever really needed it.

I'm not sure that i would sat they are completely without benefit. I can always find chatter on some channel or another if I set to scan when I'm out there.

I also have a couple of people, including another ex seal that always know where I am hiking if I do go alone and what channel to look for me on if I'm missing.

I always thought that if it became universal that people with FRS or GMRS Radio make a note of what channel they are on at the trail register so that if they do come up missing, rangers or others can monitor the channel.

As far as I'm concerned, every little edge someone has can't be bad. plus I have FRS/GMRS built into my RINO GPS.

[calvins]

Hawk's right. There isn't one. With their limited range, especially in the woods it really wouldn't be much of a benefit. If you're really concerned you may want to look into a personal locator beacon. Not cheap but it would certainly be worth the money if you ever really needed it.

[redhawk]

To my knowledge there is not.

[Adk Keith]

Does anyone know if there is a designated (officially or otherwise) emergency channel for GMRS Radios? Like Channel 9 on CB radios.

TIA

Keith