Types of Popular Walkie Talkies
Have you seen walkie talkies in your favorite department store? It’s probably in the electronics aisle, maybe even the toy aisle. These are classified as personal walkie talkies or radios. Most likely, the walkie talkies you see on these very shelves are one type of radio for personal use. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between the three most popular short-range radio services, FRS, GMRS, and MURS.
Family Radio Service (FRS)
FRS radios, as mentioned in the intro, they are most likely the ones you see on most department store shelves. They are typically inexpensive radios meant for basic operations. FRS radios operate on either 2W or 0.5W of output power depending on the frequency. A max of 2W most likely means it will have a max-range of 2 miles.
Some radios you see on those packages will claim 30 miles in range, which in theory is possible if you are in a flat, clear open space without any obstructions. When communicating across long ranges in the city, it might be a little difficult.
Obstacles such as large buildings, moving cars, or even the weather might wane on the connection. FRS radios can have either VHF or UHF bands, even with UHF bands as better penetrators, it still won’t change its overall range with the number of obstacles. Read our Differences Between VHF and UHF blog if you are unfamiliar with these terms.
One of the reasons they are easily available on store shelves is its legality. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has regulated the operation and frequencies of FRS radios to be license-free. Which means, you don’t need to get certified to operate these radios from the FCC.
FRS Radios are only available as handhelds, mobile units to install in vehicles are not available. FRS radios are okay to use for business purposes.
FCC List of FRS channels and frequencies
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
GMRS radios share some of the same channels and frequencies as FRS radios, but what makes them different is their features. GMRS radios do require a license from the FCC to operate, however one individual license can cover an entire family. Dogs and cats are not included. With licensing, businesses cannot operate GMRS radios, if caught the FCC will charge a hefty fine.
In 2017, the FCC changed some rules regarding GMRS operation. A user’s license is now valid up to ten years. Additionally, transmission of data such as GPS location or short data text messaging is available. You would normally find these features on some of Icom’s professional/business or amateur radios.
GMRS radios do have the mobile radios to install in vehicles, with mobile radios they typically have a stronger output power up to 50W. This means their range is significantly better than their handheld counterparts.
FCC list of GMRS channels and bandwidths
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)
MURS radios operate a lot like FRS radios. They do not require a license and max out around 2W of output power for a 2-mile range. There are a couple of items that set these apart from FRS and GMRS radios.
They are programmable to have private channels, great for preventing other MURS radios from listening in. Additionally, MURS radios operate on 5 specific frequencies:
- 151.820 MHz
- 151.880 MHz
- 151.940 MHz
- 154.570 MHz
- 154.600 MHz
These frequencies are all VHF and meant for MURS conversations only. So even if you did have an FRS or GMRS radio, you cannot break into an MURS conversation due to the difference in frequencies. This is especially great for those who plan on using MURS radios for business purposes. With MURS radios, stay secure and avoid the possibility of someone breaking into your conversations with FRS radios.
Best Choice
So, what is the best radio service to choose from? That is up to your needs. However, the MURS radio is a great middle ground choice for businesses and personal uses. With Icom’s MURS radios, they are professional grade radios that are built tough. Drops on rocks, splashes on water is no problem.
Both models of Icom’s MURS radios, the V3MR and V10MR have a powerful 1500 mW speaker with a range of:
- Up to 250,000 sq ft in a building, suited for warehouses, restaurants, and education.
- Up to 20 floors in a building, great for hospitality, retail, or hospitals.
- Up to 2 miles in a work site, perfect for construction, campsites, and hiking.
V10MR
V3MR
