Applicable to residents of The United States of America ONLYLAST MODIFIED:
Wednesday, 30-Nov-2005 18:44:07 PST
Applicable to residents of The United States of America ONLYA number of times I've been asked by U.S. residents, what is this "no-licensed required Family Radio Service or FRS"?
I did a lot of research into this topic and this is what I came up with. It is a no-licensed required, two way and very inexpensive walkie-talkie that operates in the frequency range of 462.5625 to 467.7125 Mhz, this is the FRS or Family Radio Service band. These units are apparently ONLY for service in the U.S.A. although I believe it may apply to Canada as well, I haven't had time to confirm whether the Family Radio Service band applies there as well.
One very interesting aspect I've noted is this Family Radio Service band is very useful to the amateur radio fraternity. Why?. Under regulations, amateurs may NOT discuss or pass messages of a family or business nature.
Quoting in part from the FCC page - The Family Radio Service ("FRS") is one of the Citizens Band Radio Services. It is for your family, friends and associates to communicate among yourselves within your neighborhood and while on group outings. You cannot make a telephone call with a FRS unit. You may use your FRS unit for business-related communications. See the technical specifications of one popular unit further on. Note it does not operate as a telephone service, it is NOT a cellular phone.
License documents are neither needed or issued. FRS Rule 1 provides your authority to operate a FRS unit in places where the FCC regulates radio communications, as long as you use only an unmodified FCC certified FRS unit. An FCC certified FRS unit has an identifying label placed on it by the manufacturer. There is no age or citizenship requirement.
You may operate your FRS unit within the territorial limits of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, and the Caribbean and Pacific Insular areas ("U.S."). You may also operate your FRS unit on or over any other area of the world, except within the territorial limits of areas where radio- communications are regulated by another agency of the U.S. or within the territorial limits of any foreign government.
No! Apart from the FCC requirements that you can only operate or use an FCC certified FRS unit, you can identify an FCC certified FRS unit by the label placed on it by the manufacturer, it makes absolutely no sense anyway. I will shortly introduce you to the Motorola TalkAbout 250 FRS series, which at the price of $US 64.94 (SINGLE UNITS), you could not duplicate it at the price even in the best equipped radio shop. Building your own makes no sense at all. Don't even think about trying to modify one - you would only probably wreck it.
Motorola has long been a trusted brand and a recognized leader in the wireless communications industry.
Take Motorola's TalkAbout 250 Two-Way Radios along on all your recreational group activities! These high-tech, full-featured radios maximize your fun and keep track of the other members of your group when they are up to 2 miles away (depending on terrain and conditions). Whether you're out on the slopes, tackling some tough climbing terrain, or taking a spin on the bike path, put one of these little radios in your pocket (or in one of our handy carrying cases), and you'll stay connected.
With fourteen, no-licensed required Family Radio Service (FRS) channels and built-in codes that block out unwanted chatter, your conversations will be as fun-filled as your favorite free-time activities.
The Motorola TalkAbout 250 radios are the only Motorola FRS radio manufactured with channel scan, allowing you to monitor all fourteen channels and keep in touch with more than one group. And, the large, easy to read LCD screen shows your channel and code making it simple for everyone in the group (or groups) to stay connected.
Motorola TalkAbout 250 radios even come equipped with audio accessory connector so you plug in our earbud receiver, earbud with push-to-talk mic, flex ear receiver, or remote speaker mic, and modify your radio to suit your sport. And, with the latest built-in voice activation feature, you can use the earbud with in-line mic or headset totally hands-free!
Motorola TalkAbout 250 Radios run on three AA batteries for up to 30 hours (10% talk/90% standby), so just pop them in and you're ready to go. In three hot colors, Sunstreak Yellow, Cobalt Blue and Shadow Anthracite these two-ways look cool whether you wear them clipped to your belt, in a handy fanny pack, or strapped onto your handlebars. Standing only 4.5 inches tall (about 7" including the antenna) and weighing in at only 7 ounces including batteries, Motorola TalkAbout 250 Two-Way Radios are a great way to have fun and stay in touch!
I believe Motorola processes the audio in their radios and claims that the processed audio improves the limited range of the radios. To enjoy this feature of course you need two Motorola radios.
Motorola has long been a trusted brand and a recognized leader in the wireless communications industry.
Frequency: 462.5625 to 467.7125 MHz FRS (Family Radio Service)
Channels: 14
Privacy codes: 38
Range: Up to 2 miles
FCC license required: No
Color: Blue
Power supply: 3 AA batteries (not supplied)
Battery life: 30 hours
Display type: LCD
Squelch control: Yes
Channel lock: Yes
Channel scan: Yes
Talk confirmation tone: Yes
Volume control: Yes
Water resistant: No
Backlit display: Yes
Voice activated: Yes
Power output: 0.5 watt
Belt clip: Included
Headset/microphone: Optional
Battery charger: N/A
Carrying case: Optional
Width: 2.5 inches
Depth: 1.2 inches
Height: 6.5 inches
Weight: 7 ounces
Warranty, labor: 1 year
Warranty, parts: 1 year
Features:
Up to two-mile range
14 channels/ 38 privacy codes
Channel lock, scan, and call alert
Backlit Liquid Crystal Display
No FCC license required
Amazon.com
Looking for a great way to stay in touch while hiking, skiing, camping, or shopping? With an impressive two-mile range, the TalkAbout 250 is one powerful two-way radio, sporting 14 channels with 38 privacy codes to help block out unwanted messages. The striking design makes the radio's exterior as cool as its features.
In our tests, we encountered no problems with interference or with finding free channels. The reception was clear, without too much static. We especially liked the scan lock, which scans through the channels until it finds an active channel. Scan-lock automatically locks in the channel, letting you listen-in discreetly or talk with other parties.
Most of the buttons are intuitive enough to figure out, although we do suggest a quick read of the manual in order to fully appreciate the power of the TalkAbout 250. The placement of the talk button--inconveniently located in the center of the radio--makes it difficult to speak while holding down the button. You can solve this problem by attaching a microphone to the radio and using the VOX (voice activation) feature, which allows hands-free talking.
Compact and feature-packed, the TalkAbout 250 is an inexpensive walkie-talkie that keeps you connected.
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.A. - batteries NOT supplied.
Figure 1 - Motorola TalkAbout 250 Radio - Cobalt Blue
ORDER - U.S.A. RESIDENTS ONLY - Motorola TalkAbout 250 Radios - A family radio service (FRS) radio I can highly recommended to everyone with absolute confidence because of the trusted Motorola name -
Batteries: 3 AA batteries required.
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.A. - batteries NOT supplied.
Shipping weight: 0.45 pounds.
Other related accessories:
Figure 2 - Motorola 50225 TalkAbout Remote Speaker Microphone
Motorola 50225 TalkAbout Remote Speaker Microphone
Features:
Works only with the Motorola Talkabout 250 series
Remote speaker and microphone
Clips on lapel
Free to talk without holding radio
Perfect for skiing, backpacking and snowboarding!
Figure 3 - Motorola 50226 TalkAbout Headset with Swivel Boom Microphone
Motorola 50226 TalkAbout Headset with Swivel Boom Microphone
Features:
Headset for your Motorola 2-way radio
Compatible with TalkAbout Basic, Plus, 200, and 250; TalkAbout Distance; and
TalkAbout Distance DPS radios
Transmit by pressing 1 button
Use VOX hands-free operation
Figure 4 - Motorola 50229 TalkAbout Earbud with Push to Talk Microphone
Motorola 50229 TalkAbout Earbud with Push to Talk Microphone
Features:
Mike attaches to lapel or collar
Delivers terrific sound even in noisy places
Figure 5 - Motorola 50256 TalkAbout Earbud with Inline Microphone
Motorola 50256 TalkAbout Earbud with Inline Microphone
Features:
Uses VOX (voice activation) to transmit as you speak
Makes radio use completely hands-free
Figure 6 - Motorola 50979 TalkAbout Belt Carrying Case
Motorola 50979 TalkAbout Belt Carrying Case
Features:
Small carrying case for your Motorola 2-way radio
Attaches to your belt
Compatible with TalkAbout Basic, Plus, 200, and 250 radios
Securely holds your radio
Clips easily to your belt
See Page One other fine products from the world famous Motorola organisation. Here's Page Two of more fine Motorola products
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Updated 28th January, 2001
