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What is FRS?
FRS, or Family Radio Service, is a UHF radio
frequency band licensed by the FCC for general public
use. The operating frequency ranges from 462.5625 to
467.7125 MHz, with a transmitting power of one half
watt. FRS radios are small and lightweight, making them
ideally suited for outdoor activities.
The use of FRS radios does not require a license. FRS
was intended for use by families and small groups as an
inexpensive means of two-way voice communication.
The use of GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
radios do require a FCC license. The operating frequency
fro GMRS ranges from 462.550 to 462.725 MHz
FRS radios broadcast on one of 14 channels, each with
a specifi c frequency within the FRS band.
FRS is intended for use throughout the United States,
its territories and possessions. It may also be used in
Canada. FRS is not approved outside of these areas and
may interfere with local government communication
frequencies (fi re, police, etc.). GMRS use is currently not
allowed in Canada.
More sophisticated FRS radios also include call func-
tions, squelch codes, channel scan, and voice scramble.
Call functions allow you to push a Call button on the
radio, and alert other radios set on the same channel.
This feature generates a call tone and is handy in a noisy
environment where the tone is easier to initially identify
than plain speech.
Squelch codes, are useful when a lot of radio traffi c
occurs on FRS frequencies. This allows you to selectively
block out other FRS users that are not part of your group.
They will still be talking with others in their own group,
but you will not hear them on your radio. They may or
may not hear you and members of your group on their
own radios. Squelch codes act as a fi lter, blocking your
FRS radio from hearing other unwanted FRS users.
Channel scan allows your FRS radio to scan all FRS
frequencies for signals. This is a great way to identify
an unused or less-used channel for your group. After
scanning briefl y to see what channels other users are on,
FRS Explained
Appendix A
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