Using UK 2way radios/walkie talkies?

[lisagirlyUK]

Hi,

I am going to Orlando with a group of family and friends in August. We want to use some 2 way radios when we are out there in the parks. If I purchase a set in the UK, will they work in the US or will they be set to different frequencies?

ANy help much appreciated!!!!

Thanks

 

[Geoff_M]

Unless you can give us the frequencies and that your radios use and they PEP power output, it's impossible to answer your question. The US and the UK are in different ITU regions (the branch of the UN that coordinates frequency allocation) and as such do have differences in the assignments of shorter propagation VHF and UHF spectrum. Your radios may use a frequency range assigned for public use in the UK, but may be right in the middle of a police/fire band here.

Here's the frequencies of our license free public FRS band:
Channel 1: 462.5625mhz
Channel 2: 462.5875mhz
Channel 3: 462.6125mhz
Channel 4: 462.6375mhz
Channel 5: 462.6635mhz
Channel 6: 462.6875mhz
Channel 7: 462.7152mhz
Channel 8: 467.5625mhz
Channel 9: 467.5875mhz
Channel 10: 467.6125mhz
Channel 11: 467.6375mhz
Channel 12: 467.6625mhz
Channel 13: 467.6875mhz
Channel 14: 467.7125mhz

If your radios use any of these frequencies, and emits .5 watts of PEP or less, then it's OK to use them in the US. Otherwise, leave them at home.

 

[Penny12]

Hi Lisa

Welcome to the DIS!

Technically your UK ones will work in the US, <b>however</b> the frequencies used <i>are</i> the same ones used by the US emergency services and are therefore illegal to use.

Ps. We also have a UK specific trip planning forum which might be of interest to you