the ranges provided are for perfect ideal conditions... wide open spaces, no electronic interference, no wind, no cloud cover. Realistly, you can probably get 1-5 miles in a city area. There is just way to much interference to make it work the stated range.
These are perfect for Raod trips with more than one car, or family trips to an amusement park, or just fun for the kids.
Keep in mind there's an $85 fee to be paid to the FCC if you want to use the longer ranges (GMRS mode).
foxfire1978
Enthusiastic Member
posted: Sep. 11, 2007 @ 10:58a
Yes, the FCC requires the user to obtain a license, but it is rarely enforced. However, if the user is found to be abusing the frequencies, you can be fined if you do not have a license.
taz112576
Senior Member
posted: Sep. 11, 2007 @ 1:52p
does anyone know the actual power rating on these? they never supply the wattage rating on these items?
foxfire1978 said: the ranges provided are for perfect ideal conditions... wide open spaces, no electronic interference, no wind, no cloud cover. Realistly, you can probably get 1-5 miles in a city area. There is just way to much interference to make it work the stated range.
These are perfect for Raod trips with more than one car, or family trips to an amusement park, or just fun for the kids.
In my experience you'll be lucky to get 1 mile range, never mind 5. In the woods the effective range is closer to about 1/2 mile max.
I wish I could remember where I saw it but there was an online article I read several months ago that had run some performance tests using consumer grade GMRS radios. In short the tests concluded that the quoted ranges were wildly optimistic when compared to the real world and that boosting input power past 2 watts had a minimal effect at extending the operating range.
As for licenses, they're only required in the US if you're using a GMRS-only frequency or if you're using a shared GMRS/FRS frequency at greater than 1/2 watt power. In addition, the requirements are such that if communication is ongoing between members of the 'immediate' family only 1 member of the 'immediate' family must posess the license...and the definition of what constitutes 'immediate' family is pretty vague.
I don't think the FCC is going to put much effort into enforcing strict compliance, and as long as you're not deliberately interfering with other people's usage or otherwise interfering with other radio equipment the odds of being harassed or proscecuted are very small. Certainly a LOT less than someone using marine VHF radios on land.
foxfire1978
Enthusiastic Member
posted: Sep. 12, 2007 @ 7:54a
I don't know the wattage of all 6 radios, I do know the GXT600, GXT635 and GXT650 are all 5 watt radios
gemniii
Thrifty Member
posted: Sep. 14, 2007 @ 7:01a
And now at 1 sale a day (I tried putting in the URL but it is verbotten) the 420 refurb is going for $15+$5 shipping - doesn't say if it includes batteries etc.
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