Are FRS & PMR Radios Any Good For Prepping?

[@blankreganon5395]

With the latest FCC Part 95, the GMRS 462 MHz frequencies are now legal to use license free on a FRS radio. They are limited to 2 watts and fixed antenna. Also with that update, the 462 MHz FRS frequencies are now 2 watts however the 467 MHz frequencies are still limited to 0.5 watts.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks for the info!

[@joistein]

I have tested PMR here in Sweden and got contact 14 km and it was clear modulation.

[@RadioPrepper]

Nice!

[@Jakelol1980]

Hi Im also in Sweden and Im looking for a license free radio to use around my bugout location that is located in remote forest with some hills. Whats my best pick here in Sweden? Vad rekommenderar du för skogsmiljöer och bästa räckvidd som är licensfritt? 🇸🇪

[@RadioPrepper]

I would say PMR is that is available in Sweden.. And a CB radio for the base..

[@Jakelol1980]

@@RadioPrepper Is there any PMR that will take a headset/handset so that i can use a Surecom SR-112 simplex repeater? And that will take AA batteries (not necessary) or charge via USB strait in to the unit? I just found the Retevis RT28, looks like it charges via USB strait in to the HT and also got a headset/handset jack?

[@RadioPrepper]

I am sure there are. I will be reviewing some soon..

[@gerwheelz3154]

Pmr is getting very big in the uk lots of users , Im from ireland its not a big thing here yet but me and a few of my friends have them . As for power output on 446 the legal limit is 0.5 watt here too but nobody checks that .

[@karinhart489]

We use FRS radios with our CERT group of neighborhood volunteers trained to help in emergencies like earthquakes, wildfire or other disasters where first responders are likely to be delayed. We do a practice evacuation each June & have found the FRS radios helpful for volunteers to check-in, give status or ask questions. Without radios one would need to send a runner. When someone with a FRS radio needed to make contact outside the neighborhood we relay their call with ham radios.

[@RadioPrepper]

Excellent!

[@JT-py9lv]

Im sure thankful that you did an English version. I've not used my Francais for 40 years. As they say in Spanish, es muy malo. I've made a 90 mile contact on GMRS. But, I was at a 10,000' mountain top in Tucson, AZ speaking to someone with a GMRS license in Mesa, AZ with a high gain base antenna. Line of sight, no obstructions.

[@RadioPrepper]

Excellent!

[@ctuan13]

Just a small correction, in the US, FRS radios can actually transmit up to 2W on channels 1-7 and 15-22. Only 8-14 are restricted to 0.5W.

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Meh. Something like that. You wouldn't want to hobble them.

[@theoldhobbit3640]

PMR definitely has a place with any operator or prepper. I run x4 Motorola XTNiD radios and have done for many years. They are so useful in some many different ways I would not be without mine. We use them when on holiday in the motorhome, or when out in the dingy to keep in contact with family. They reliably operate out to 2 or 3 miles, but with a bit of height, who knows. Thank you for the English version.... :)

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep. I am sure they will come handy on my boat too!

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Using them and testing their capabilities is vital. Thanks.

[@HardcoreFourSix]

FRS does have a use. My church congregation uses FRS, GMRS, and Amateur radios in a "Tiered" system. We have our area divided up into Zones that are theoretically small enough that everyone in the Zone can talk to each other using Bubble-Pack FRS radios.Each Zone has 1-2 "Captains" that Have FRS & GMRS radios (and a license), and those "Captains" can talk to my GMRS base station. I then talk to the next level up in our church EmComms system via Amateur Radio (VHF/HF). The PMR/FRS have limitations, but they can be useful.

[@RadioPrepper]

Good planning!

[@larrybushman1]

Yes they are very useful if you are looking for comms inside 1Km in a rural area. You don't really want your signal to go further than you need it to OPSEC and all that. Reminds me of a conversation I had with a fellow air gun hunter. He wanted to know what was the best power to use when hunting rabbits. I said it deepened how far you wanted your pellet to go once it had gone through the rabbit's head. Many thanks for the video. Larry.

[@RadioPrepper]

17HMR!

[@SubterranBayern]

@@RadioPrepper .17HMR? How big are those rappits you are going for?

[@digitalmediafan]

I presume you mean 446Mhz when you say FRS which is a Europe wide allocation so I guess includes France ? Which model of radio are you using ?

[@RadioPrepper]

Hello, yes, PMR 446 in France, same as the UK I believe. FRS is 462 and 467. I use the Retevis RT-45. I also programmed my Yaesu VX6 but I can't transmit legally with it, which is why I got the RT45s..

[@digitalmediafan]

Radio Prepper oh yes sorry you said / showed on screen what radio...I wonder how good digital 446 MHz radios are in comparison

[@digitalmediafan]

Radio Prepper oh yes sorry you said / showed on screen what radio...I wonder how good digital 446 MHz radios are in comparison

[@RadioPrepper]

Digital is just a bit different at maximum range. You get clear audio right up to the end then it stops working suddenly. FM, goes down slowly until the signal is too weak... Within range it's similar. Some digital radios have encryption, but it is illegal to use. Too bad we didn't manage a QSO while I was in the North. Antibes is a bit far for VHF, LOL.

[@richardschroepfer5357]

I used FRS while working in the national parks, and while I was with the munitemen on the border. In both places the FRS kept up with the big dogs.

[@NexxuSix]

Nice video, Gil! Thank you for the English version =) Lots of good points and advice! This makes me want to take a second look at FRS radios =)

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks

[@hfvhf987]

Great video Gil. I look forward to seeing what it is you do to increase the range on that radio, i have an idea but i'll wait and see.

[@RadioPrepper]

I was told it might be illegal.. Using the radio as the radiating element of a Yagi-Uda.

[@hfvhf987]

From what i read on Ofcoms rules (uk) it's not illegal if the type approved radio is not modified (hence the Midland mobile unit with it's 1/4wl mag-mount antenna which has been certified) inductive coupling is another idea that supposedly works but i have not tried it myself. I do like your ht as the radiating element idea, i don't see any reason why that wouldn't work and look forward to the video.

[@catalinalb1722]

Great analogy of the radio waves and light!!!! 👍👌

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Excellent. I'll steal it 🙂 It has a safety factor, so I won't feel guilty.

[@hzgl]

How do you like handheld CB radio in contrast to PMR? I’m curious whether HF offers an advantage. Thank you!

[@RadioPrepper]

CB is great in a vehicle or portable, but the handheld CB antennas are just too short. It would be interesting to test...

[@VladimirJanushevich]

I used the CB station (Alan 42, about 1 watt per battery) with an external T2LT antenna. About 25-30 kilometers are heard. But the transmission is not more than 10-12 kilometers maximum, in strong noises. On a regular antenna, the result is very weak, no more than 2-3 kilometers. But I have no mountains, there’s simply nowhere to go up. Communication on the base antenna is certainly much better, but are we talking about the mobile version? :)

[@lonestarprepper0156]

How bout a radio preppers flag?

[@RadioPrepper]

That's an idea!...

[@n8nkqrp595]

i'd fly that flag proudly above my home!

[@lonestarprepper0156]

@@RadioPrepper would have a market in US. I think

[@Waynethepainsmurf]

Have you seen the floureon fc200 radios? They are similar too the retevis but they have 16 channels pmr 446. 500mw and 121 sub channels I bought 2 from eBay £16.99 nice radios. Thanks for you videos. Merci.

[@RadioPrepper]

Non, merci, je vais regarder...

[@rogerlafrance6355]

In an emergency whether you shelter in place or evacuate you need an FM and weather receiver along with some kind of short range two way radio to know what is going on, where to go or ask for help. While you don't often hear much on CB or FRS/PMR, even in a small emergency, there is a lot of activity, more so if the cell system goes down. The big problem with FRS, which is now 2 watts in the US, is lack of an external antenna as range inside a car or house is very poor. It will be interesting to see your solution.

[@RadioPrepper]

Watch my other videos. :-)

[@forthy62]

PMR Radios can be very useful. My wife (no HAM licence) and me are using PMR radios (Motorola) on vacation trips. Retevis radios are great. I have two RT29 (VHF and one UHF, analog 16 channels) and the HD-1 (DMR/analog). Both radios are rock solid, IP67. 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep, they are great, TYT also, same thing..

[@SubterranBayern]

As a HAM i often ask for 4x4 Overlanding radios. I recommend PMR mobile radios to build in the car. (i.e. MIDLAND GB1-R) With the "right" antenna and fixed on the car roof, a very good choise going convoy.

[@RadioPrepper]

Je confirme! Ou un CB...

[@alp6475]

Just bought a pair of Motorola T800. You can pair with your smartphone using bluetooth and transmit your location or text messages using an app (not sure if this is legal in Europe though)

[@RadioPrepper]

No idea..

[@PreparednessVeteran]

Most definately an option for preppers, another tool in the box. However, there are many others out there which may not have the same intentions, so an insecure radio plan may be in order. For the price, they're great.

[@RadioPrepper]

Especially useful for practice...

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

PMR is not effective in this area due to interference (Toys, iot, babyphones, ect..). The solution is to switch to FRS, which provides clear communication without even needing CTCSS. Its usable range is twice that of PMR

[@marinmarin7187]

I know that for PMR the power is 0.5w and the antenna is fixed. Is it prohibited on a device with a power greater than 0.5w and with a detachable antenna to "listen" to PMR channels? Example. I buy some Chinese mobile car device and place it in a car or at home, with an external antenna. By law, I am not allowed to speak with such equipment on PMR channels. But should I own such "listening" equipment? A mobile device with an external antenna in the car or in the house, with the antenna of course on the roof of the house or the roof of the car?

[@RadioPrepper]

It should be ok for listening, but better make sure...

[@xszl]

Try to avoid the pmr radio's with the soft rubber patches. Those disintegrate after some time and get very sticky.

[@Waynethepainsmurf]

You can clean the sticky off with wd40.

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

UV5R wins again.

[@mikesey1]

51 miles from Glastonbury, Somerset to mid-Wales, loud and clear, and did that twice. Used PMR.

[@RadioPrepper]

Awesome!

[@rolfejames9116]

Good stuff Gil. My XYL and I use them all the time. The greatest distance we've achieved todate is 7 miles. It was line of sight, but the XYL was working through a window at the QTH and I was (static) inside a vehicle. Other than it being a line of sight QSO other factors made it less than ideal. Regards, Rolfe

[@RadioPrepper]

That's very good still..

[@stevetaylor8446]

Looking forward to the followup to these radios on how to increase the range

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

First, grab a razor knife... Or find a other good spot to attach a counterpoise. Now adjust your expectations. But it may be noticeable.

[@sharonjuniorchess]

Just picked up two at a radio rally for just £1. We will be manning some radio check points for some long distance walkers and it will enable the tail end sweep walkers (non licenced) to communicate with their last or next checkpoint (which will be manned by licenced radio operators who can communicate any messages back to control using amateur frequencies & higher power).

[@RadioPrepper]

Excellent. Can't beat the price!

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Short answer: They give a pleasing false sense of security. Humor those people, or else they get mean. "Practice legally without a license" is an excellent activity to pursue. Well put.

[@jimmyh1188]

I dont have a licens for the FRS wakie takie

[@bg45420]

Great video as always. I use frs to communicate with my 9 year old son when he is across the street with his friends. They are budget baofeng frs radios that I picked up at Dayton Hamvention last year for 12 dollars. For the money they work great. As a side note, the video seems to be reversed. The text on your shirt and radio is backwards. Not a big deal, just letting you know. 73's KE8BFX

[@RadioPrepper]

Yep thanks, new phone...

[@willian.direction6740]

We have a UHF Citizens Band 80ch system in Australia with several solar powered repeaters in remote areas. It works very well and 1 watt handy is very cheap with short range or even up to 5 watt handy which I have on my bush walk hikes. 5 Watt mobile rigs on same freq/ch is good for in the vehicle.

[@RadioPrepper]

You guys are lucky. I watch an Australian 4WD show on KZbin, they always use them..

[@CommanderMouse72]

@@RadioPrepper new Zealand has the same system, no license needed for up to 5w

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Seems that 5 watter would work better.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

if u made the radio part of a beam antenna would that be legal kg6mn a moxon

[@RadioPrepper]

Apparently not for PMR I don't know about FRS.

[@mumi009]

Pmr and frs are required to have non removeable antennas. No external antennas are allowed. You can modify your radio at your own risk. Other radio users may take offense when they find you out and report you. The FCC will be most happy to make a highly public example of you. Fines up to 10.000 dollars.

[@stevetaylor8446]

Still waiting on how you can improve on signal legally with these radios. 73s, 26DR901

[@RadioPrepper]

You could make a 4-el Yagi that slips on the antenna but it still wouldn't be so legal, but does not modify the radio...

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

GMRS requires a Lic in Europe,? Or you were aiming at the US Market?..PMR FRS GMRS, need a chart to be sure I share a set of HTs and charger, with my neighbor, we use them often, to help look after each others families,.. security for my Mrs when Im not home,.. cheers Gil 😀, 73

[@RadioPrepper]

There is no GMRS in Europe.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

AE1TP A92GW Tom FIRE BRIGADES IN THE UK, AMATEUR RADIO IN GERMANY, POLICE IN RUSSIA, EMERGENCY SERVICES IN EUROPE. In Canada, GMRS no require licence.

[@ThjeshtLife]

Hi, how did you manage to make contacts considering that most of those PMR446 walkie talkies have "Privacy codes" where the receiving radio only activates when the privacy code matches with the one of the transmitter?

[@RadioPrepper]

People generally know that channel 8 is used without CTCSS tone.

[@n8nkqrp595]

GREAT vid Gil. I wonder what the current draw, if any, is while powered down? If nothing, man, you could leave a set of alkaline batts in them.. with their 10 yr+ shelf life in case shtf suddenly. And have your rechargeables in your bag, etc. I loved the comment below by lonestarprepper01 regarding a radio prepper flag! 73 OM Gil

[@RadioPrepper]

Not zero... I would leave the batteries outside...

[@n8nkqrp595]

@paul austin oh wow. Well, no prob I guess.. just leave them out if the radios are put away for emergencies, etc. lol. Thanks to Gil I want a pair really bad

[@n8nkqrp595]

@paul austin a PRS320 like Gil has? Oh my God. lol. Well, it would make a mighty fine weapon if not a working radio. Those things are COOL and I'd love to have one. 73

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

UV5R wins one more time.

[@granitebuilt5836]

Could you maybe do a video on the comparison between the features of the RT-45 and the RT-49 models and give your opinion?

[@RadioPrepper]

I would have to buy the RT-49, which is unlikely...

[@granitebuilt5836]

Sorry, I wouldn't expect you to buy one just for review, but just was wondering if you considered the RT-49 before obtaining the RT-45. They are similarly priced so not sure what the main differences were. Thanks.

[@KNIGHTAventureExploration]

Bonjour je possède ces 2 talkies Walkies www.transplanet.fr/boutique/pdf/XTNID_Motorola.pdf et www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07Q8TYTPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Peuvent ils communiquer ensemble ? car je n'arrive pas a les faire correspondre .. ?

[@RadioPrepper]

Normalement oui. Vérifiez qu'il n'y ait pas de "sous canaux" selectionés (qui sont en réalité des tonalités CTCSS)...

[@VladimirJanushevich]

Thanks for the interesting video! May I ask a couple of questions? Why not use the LPD range (430-440Mhz)? More channels and power up to 10 watts for ham radio license holders. You can use the same for PMR / FRS, who cares? :) Obviously, long-distance communications require direct visibility. Height is our friend. Are you sure that this was not a sporadic propagation (380km)? de r2ath 55 73 :)

[@RadioPrepper]

Yes, it was tropospheric ducting or ducting between a temperature inversion and the sea.

[@АндрейДенисюк-ш7п]

Actually you can’t use vx6 for pmr. It doesn’t have 6.25 step. And your vx6 surprised me first. Only after 15 min I realized that video is mirrored LOL 👍🏻

[@RadioPrepper]

Yes but it's close enough that it works, though it probably limits the range a bit.

[@WretchedPlebe]

Gil, when did we turn so gray?

[@RadioPrepper]

Ain't gonna get better ;-)

[@forthy62]

@@RadioPrepper Better gray than no hair :-) I know what I am talking about :-)

[@Femboy941]

bonsoir radio prepper sil te plait es que tu pourrais faire une video en Français merci en tout cas

[@RadioPrepper]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/parcaYikqtWmfcU

[@FRSDominique]

thank you Gilles pour tes superbes videos ! pour ma part j'aime mieux en français (je parle pas englais 😪), et tu parle vraiment tres bien notre langue encore felicitation a toi et continue comme cela ! 🙂 Passe de Bonne Fete de fin D'Année , toi et ton qra famillial 73/51 Bye🤠

[@RadioPrepper]

Merci, il y en aura d'autres! Et je suis Français, mais j'ai vécu très longtemps aux USA...

[@rohnkd4hct260]

for "SHTF situations" FRS,PMR,MURS will be useless. They frequencies are close together and easy to block. You want coms, use Ham Radio. They cant block all the bands.

[@RadioPrepper]

Sure, but for those who absolutely refuse to get a license it is an option.

[@NC-Mark]

Very informative Gill, thank you for this. I am laughing at the "Furry" microphone shield you are using. I thought it was a wild furry animal for a bit. LoL...

[@RadioPrepper]

This mic should have it's own channel ;-)

[@Waynethepainsmurf]

I thought it was part of his beard lol I had to look twice.

[@danajohnson3799]

These radios only speak French. I'm sure French is a fine language and all, but I don't know French.

[@RadioPrepper]

I tried to call someone in England but it is a bit far ;-)

[@danajohnson3799]

@@RadioPrepper - Isn't there a menu option for English?

[@sharonjuniorchess]

@@danajohnson3799 there is an operator upgrade that enables these radios to be used in any language of your choice. But a word of caution it helps if both operators have the same language option enabled when using these radios. Bon chance. Lol.

[@copperspartan1643]

Is it legal to use the Yaesu on FRS if you can turn down the power level to 500 mW?

[@RadioPrepper]

No.

[@agentk3984]

I'm willing to bet that you could talk on frs frequencies all the time with an illegal walkie talkie and you will NEVER hear anyone on the other side except the person you are talking to. Or some kid who is amazed that he can hear you and is wondering who and where you are.

[@RadioPrepper]

I wouldn't be so sure...

[@tonytyler6390]

dude cool video.. i appreciate your time .... tony t . n0amy..

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

To be honest I do not think you need a GMRS license in real life, never seen a FCC cop, did you?

[@RadioPrepper]

No but better to have one to practice..

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

@@RadioPrepper Good point!

[@n8nkqrp595]

I'm commenting this on an older video so as not to be a complete sleaze. lol. Gil, I've failed. I hang my callsign in the QRPer Hall of Shame. Funny how almost... cocky we QRP types get when we fail. I've been posing vids mostly for my elderly brother Art and I realized that I actually get indignant when a ham doesn't hear me! Gil, even when running a two foot high antenna! And that's close to being clinically insane. lol. Like to see me come unglued, cuss a few times and ultimately join the ranks of the maniacs with mics? Check out: FAILS! QRPer vs Savages & Maniacs with Mics - 2020 CQ WW WPX SSB

[@FRSDominique]

+ 1 Abonné avec la cloche en plus LOL 😇

[@jimmyh1188]

I have in sweden 🇸🇪 this radio FRS FAMILY radio service wide my family so this channels its not legal in sweden 🇸🇪 but in Europa i dont No but wee have a 0,5 watt on this radio so go on the radio bay this radio its Good radio i have micro wakie takie are this radio name on this radio. Ok 👍🏻

[@RadioPrepper]

Probably not legal but given the low power I do not think you risk much. Better check to be sure...

[@ivanmendoza2704]

Get two Baofeng UV-5R who gives a sht about a ;license

[@RadioPrepper]

You might once you get a $20K fine... Unlikely of course but it does happen...

[@ivanmendoza2704]

@@RadioPrepper Bull sht, go on KZbin channel Notarubicon (FCC Law Enforcement) and he will break it down to you. Also here in the USA there are many kids that play Paintball and Airsoft that use Baofeng UV-5R without a license. One of the biggest fines was 208 million against robocallers and how much was collected, $6790 wow, I'm really scared. For prepping your not going to beat a UV-5R it's 30 bucks.

[@ivanmendoza2704]

@@RadioPrepper really please point me to the FCC case, as Notarubicon would say show me.

[@RadioPrepper]

I did not refer to any case in particular. Hefty fines are given by the FCC. Use Google, I have better things to do. The risk is surely low, but a license is ridiculously easy to get...