2 way radio questions???

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

We brought cheap 2 way radios to Disney World last time we were there and got to listen in on everyones conversation. We thought we would buy better radios and are looking into getting ones that have a range up to 5 miles. Good for camping and talking between two drivers on the road.

On the back of all the ones we looked at it said that a FCC GMRS license is required. My questions are:

1) How much for the license?
2) Is that per radio or for the pair?
3) Is this a one time fee or do you have to renew it annually?

Any/all help would be great.

Thank you

 

[ducklite]

Rather than the radios, why not use cell phones. We use our cell phones, have a plan with Verizon that gives tons of cell to cell minutes, good service almost everywhere, and the best part, VOICE MAIL, so when you are in an attraction that you don't want to disturb those around you, you can just let the VM pick up and then call ther person back a few minutes later.

Anne

 

[goofymom23]

I am not sure about the cost of the license, and I believe it would be a yearly renewal fee. I agree with ducklite about the cell phones they are a good idea. With the radios even if you get the 5 milers people can still pick up your conversations. Sometimes they are fun to listen too. Enjoy!

 

[Mskanga]

you don't necessarily need the 5 mile range ones, just get regular 2 way radios with the subchannels, they worked great for us.

 

[Nik's Mom]

If your still interested, it's a one time fee of $75. No annual fee required. We bought ours on sale for about $50 I think. We already had the 2 mile range ones, but are going with 13 and wanted 2 extra. Since the 5 mile motorolla's were cheaper than the 2 mile on sale, we opted for the 5 mile. Has anyone used these? I'm just about to send out my paperwork for the license and wonder how long it will take to receive it?

 

[KHuntress]

We use the motorola 2-milers, and have never had any problem -- as long as we stay on an obscure sub=channel. We also have a predetermined second channel in case of interference.

 

[LostBoyinVA]

The 2 mile radios are FRS radios and require no license. The 5 mile radios are GMRS and require a license. I have no idea of the cost, but I do know the license is for immediate family/same house hold only. So if you are going with a group of 13 technically only those living in the household of the person who got the license can use the 5 mile radios. However, the 5 mile and the 2 mile radios do share some common frequencies and can be used together. The license still holds for those using the GMRS radios on FRS frequencies however.

As for the sub channels, both systems use these, but you do relized that basically it only keeps you from hearing other peoples conversations? Anyone with sub channels turned off can hear every conversation on that channel? It is a carrier system so that your 'squelch' will only 'break' if a radio using the carrier you are set to use is detected. If you don't have a 'carrier'/sub channel set your 'squelch' will break for a traffic on that channel. I'm a gadget person, I have had my FRS radios for almost 5 years and the ones I have can scan all channels. You would be suprised at the conversations you get to hear sometimes. 2 miles is plenty far enough to use them from car to car usually as well.

Oh and for those of you who are truly Disney addicted, Motorla has a set of the FRS type that look kind of like Mickey in classic Red Orange and Black and a set that I think was Minnie in Pink and Pastels.

Compared to when I bought mine, they are cheap now and while a cell phone would work great you would probably be a lot less upset if someone lost a $30-$50 radio then having to replace your cell phone. Also be warned they will eat a set of batteries in a day or 2. If you are going to have them on every day either invest in rechargable batteries and charge them every night or bring lots of batteries.