General and Specific Radio Questions

[jthorson]

I was idea shopping at Menards when I saw some Cobra Radios on the rack that claimed a range of 20 miles. The questions are:

1. Should I believe the range claimed on the package?
2. Would they be compatible with the network used at WGA events?
3. Does one need a license to use these?
4. Are they better radios than my 4 year old FRS or just better marketed?

The specific devices I saw were these but there appear to be several similar models from different companies all making the same performance claim.

[Buy_The_Tie]

Did they say that they would include a bridge in Brooklyn too?

[Mathman]

@jthorson wrote:

I was idea shopping at Menards when I saw some Cobra Radios on the rack that claimed a range of 20 miles. The questions are:

1. Should I believe the range claimed on the package?
2. Would they be compatible with the network used at WGA events?
3. Does one need a license to use these?
4. Are they better radios than my 4 year old FRS or just better marketed?

The specific devices I saw were these but there appear to be several similar models from different companies all making the same performance claim.

The range is what “can” be achieved under ideal situations. No tree cover and flat terrain w/o buildings.

[Team Black-Cat]

Pulled from a site comparing FRS and GMRS:

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) has 23 frequencies. An FCC license is required to use all frequencies. A consumer grade GMRS radio has 22 channels. An FCC license is required to operate on all channels, except channels 1-14, which are FRS-only frequencies. You must only operate in low power mode on channels 1-7. A GMRS license is required to use high power. Failure to have a license can result in financial penalties of $10,000 per offense

Most retailers downplay or ignore the fact that a license is required.
GMRS license is $85.

Since FRS can have a maximum of 1/2 watt power output, it should only have a maximum of about 1 mile with good terrain. GMRS should only have about a 4 mile range with the same terrain, but more powerful units are available. (up to 50 watts)

The unit you mentioned has a propriatary battery. You’ll have to get replacements from the manufacturer.

[The Pirate Monkies]

We have several of these units where I work, and I also own a pair myself… I use the “low power, no license required mode” for my personal units, which seems to suit my needs… However; the high power channels do require an FCC license, which is AT NO COST TO THE USER, (how’d that happen)??? The biggest problem when applying for a license is trying to decipher all of the FCC muckity muck language on the application… Yeah, “Big Brother” wins again…

Cache On!!!!!!!!!!

[Team Black-Cat]

[PCFrog]

Unless you plan on standing in one spot for several hours talking how are they going to find you. Second, They don’t have the funding to run all over the country looking for people carrying the radios. Unless you plan on making a daily broadcast around same time from the same area for a duration of several months while drawing major attention to yourself I doubt that you have a thing to worry about.

[Team Black-Cat]

You’re right, PCFrog. You will probably never get caught. But you would probably not get caught dumping your old refrigerator out in the woods, either.

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

I have two sets of Cobra “20 Mile” Radios that I use at work. At best they are good for a mile in a residential neighborhood. In a completely open area, about 3 miles is the range.

In space, they would probably get the stated 20 mile range.

[hogrod]

I’ve used many different radios, and have had the best luck with the Motorola radios. currently I am using Motorola EM1000R model and get better range than any other radio I have used. They claim 20mile range, but looking on the back of the package that says mountain to valley so thats not really real world conditions.
With my girlfriend sitting in our house, I can walk about a mile before we loose contact. that’s through all the buildings in town and a 100+ foot hill. we have also used them at over two miles in the woods, though one of us was on a large hill.

some of the features I like on these radios:
USB charging or charging cradle
AA batteries or battery packs
small(crappy) LED flashlight
Weather Alerts
31hr talk time on Alkaline batteries

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9729680

[Scrappy Scout]

I have a pair of these similar to the ones shown made by Cobra and everything and nowhere does it say that I need a license for it. The one thing I know you need a license for is Ham radios and something along those lines but not for something this small the power in the them is not that strong. I think it depends more on the amount of power you are broadcasting at. Example more power greater distance less power shorter distance mine clam to go 20 miles I think on the best day new battery’s it went 4-5 miles in the city. But on an average day it goes about 1-2 miles.

[Team Black-Cat]

Power is not the issue. Transmission frequency is.
The following is directly from the FCC:

If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license.

I see no ambiguity.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile

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