Family Radio Service (FRS) walkie-talkies can provide multiple radios for your group. With their compact size and reasonable price, potentially everyone in the family or group could carry one. They are handy in-vehicle, out hiking or walking, and on any type of motorized vehicle.
FRS RADIOS
Family Radio Service (FRS) has gotten very popular in recent years. These walkie-talkies are small units that you can clip in your rig or carry on your person. The radios operate in the 462- and 467-MHz UHF bands and have 14 channels available. These radios use FM (frequency modulation) which typically yields a cleaner sounding audio than the AM (amplitude modulation) used on CB radios. Within each channel, the user can also select a subaudible tone squelch code to filter out sound from other users on the same frequency.
There are a number of radios available with various options such as channel-scan capability, a battery meter, voice activation, and auto squelch. A very basic pair of FRS radios can be purchased for as little as $20.
Some of the radios use AA batteries, and some offer rechargeable batteries with the unit. Maximum output power is 0.5 watt, and operation does not require a license. Range is typically less than 2 miles and will vary widely due to the presence of large metal structures or hills.
FRS radios are commonly seen in use by families at shopping malls and amusement parks. Some businesses have also adopted FRS radios for short-distance communication.
The Garmin Rino-series combines an FRS handheld radio and integrated GPS unit. You can communicate with like-radios and also monitor the position of others in your group using the on-screen map.
GMRS RADIO
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band of communications is also located in the UHF band and was once the old Class A Citizens Radio Service. As such, it requires a license for use in this band. GMRS radios are available as walkie-talkies, mobile, or base station units.
It is similar to FRS (and shares some frequencies) in that it uses FM signals, but GMRS can transmit higher powers, thus is effective over longer distances as compared to FRS. Recent FRS/GMRS radios have come to market having 22 channels.