T&T: FRS/GMRS - Was CB RADIOS

[Ed Bruette]

Ken,

Your general question re: CB radios didn't include any info as to your
intended use or expectations beyond talking to other boaters.  If you are
looking for a general chit chat capability then Wayne's suggestion of FRS
fits the bill nicely.  It has the advantages of good range, no license
requirement, no installation (no coax run or antenna to mount), good signal
penetration (UHF frequencies pass thru things like fiberglass without a lot
of attenuation) and they fit in a pocket.  The down sides are you can only
talk to folks who have their FRS set to the same configuration (channel and
code) as yours, the signal is attenuated by wet foliage, wet canvas, metal
etc.

If you want a radio that provides more capability then look into becoming an
Amateur Radio (Ham) operator.  Ham Radio requires a license but the test is
basic and the knowledge you will gain in the process can be invaluable.
There is no requirement to learn Morse Code for any level of Ham licensing.


The basic license (Technician) gives you privileges to operate on several
bands in the VHF/UHF range.  The radios used for these bands come in both
permanent installations like your marine VHF and handheld versions.  Some
operate on multiple bands to maximize the radio's versatility.  Higher
licenses give you HF privileges too.

A big advantage that VHF/UHF Ham Radio provides is the ability to access
repeaters to increase your area of coverage.  A repeater is a duplex device
that receives your transmitted signal and retransmits it almost
simultaneously on a different frequency.  Repeaters are typically located on
mountain tops or high hills (flat lands like FL being the exception) and
have the advantage of longer line of sight due to their elevation.  Some
times repeaters are linked into systems that can provide connectivity for
hundreds of miles.  An example of this is a liked system on Vancouver
Island, BC that provides coverage from the northern end of the island all
the way to the northern portions of WA state, including the San Juan Islands
- a distance of more than 300 miles!  Many times you'll be able to find
boater's nets on these systems.  They allow boaters to keep track of each
other, plan rendezvous, pass messages to friends and family, etc.  

Contact me off list is you want info on how to get a license or more in
depth info.

Personally, I carry marine VHF, Ham VHF/UHF and FRS.  And, I wouldn't get
u/w without any of them.

Ed, N7NVP
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA