Who all uses two way radios?

[bluejasmine]

I just bought some today from Walmart got a good deal and they have a 6 mile rage so hopefully they will work great, there are a few rides DS will not do that DD will and I want to be able to keep in touch with him. We have been playing with them all afternoon. I always saw people in the parks with them so I am very happy to finally get them. I would love to hear everyones ecperience with them good or bad.. Tips too if there is any..

 

[Miller1412]

We used them and they did come in handy, but be prepared to have lots of people on your channel. Many other people use them too and you'll hear their conversations as well.

 

[luv2nascar]

we used our disney set and they were very useful.

 

[jw50]

I just bought some today from Walmart got a good deal and they have a 6 mile rage

This is something that you need to be aware of if you aren't already:

"If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas."

You need to check and see if the one you bought is FRS or FRS/GMRS. If it really does have a 6 mile range it is probably FRS/GMRS and you need an FCC license for it. FRS generally only has a range of 1-2 miles. The license is $80 and good for 5 years.

You can apply for the license here:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/

 

[Jillpie]

This is something that you need to be aware of if you aren't already:

"If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas."

You need to check and see if the one you bought is FRS or FRS/GMRS. If it really does have a 6 mile range it is probably FRS/GMRS and you need an FCC license for it. FRS generally only has a range of 1-2 miles. The license is $80 and good for 5 years.

You can apply for the license here:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/

I don't get this license thing. Who checks to see if you have one and why is it necessary anyway?
I have the Motorola radios and love them. They are fantastic if you have kids that are old enough to be free to roam. You will love having these!

 

[mainelyj]

One piece of advice is to have code names for each other. When you say "bill", there also might be others on the channel too with the same name. One time I thought I was talking with my family - but not soooo.

 

[bluejasmine]

I like the code name idea... My radios are frs/gmrs... I think the license thing is a little much.... Of course I know you were just helping jw50

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

We have used them on our last two DisneyLand vacations and they did come in handy, however we had many people on our channels. I think the cell phones actually worked better.

 

[jw50]

I like the code name idea... My radios are frs/gmrs... I think the license thing is a little much.... Of course I know you were just helping jw50

As long as you don't transmit at greater than .5 watts you do not need a license but your range is not going to be anywhere close to 6 miles at that power. You are also limited to the 7 frequencies approved for FRS (also shared with GMRS) which is why they are so crowded and can't use the additional 16 frequencies available only to GMRS.

And while you may think the license thing is a little much the potential fines for exceeding the .5 watts without a license are pretty steep, but it is your choice.

"Section 510 of the Telecommunications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, give power to the Federal Communications Commission to enforce and fine illegal operators and businesses, as well as seize illegal radio equipment and property. The act allows for fines up to $10,000 per day, per occurence, as well as up to one year in jail (Section 501, 47 USC 501 and Section 510, 47 USC 510). Each fine is adjusted on a per violation basis."

 

[Bobbysdog]

As long as you don't transmit at greater than .5 watts you do not need a license but your range is not going to be anywhere close to 6 miles at that power. You are also limited to the 7 frequencies approved for FRS (also shared with GMRS) which is why they are so crowded and can't use the additional 16 frequencies available only to GMRS.

And while you may think the license thing is a little much the potential fines for exceeding the .5 watts without a license are pretty steep, but it is your choice.

"Section 510 of the Telecommunications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, give power to the Federal Communications Commission to enforce and fine illegal operators and businesses, as well as seize illegal radio equipment and property. The act allows for fines up to $10,000 per day, per occurence, as well as up to one year in jail (Section 501, 47 USC 501 and Section 510, 47 USC 510). Each fine is adjusted on a per violation basis."

Sheesh......That's nothing! I wonder what the FCC will do to you if they catch you in a resort with a refillable mug from a previous visit?

 

[daisylove]

Anyone have the motorola dianey ones (Buzz or princess or classic)? Do you need a license for them?

 

[jw50]

Anyone have the motorola dianey ones (Buzz or princess or classic)? Do you need a license for them?

Those are FRS radios and you do not need a license for them.

 

[stevenpensacola]

You'll be much better off using your cell phone. We tried using these things not thinking that EVERYONE else at the parks would be using the same radios. So much radio traffic, you can't really tell when you're being called. If you do manage to contact your party, you'll have a dozen other folks answering for them, making snide comments, etc.

 

[Piglet4Ever]

We used two way radios at WDW a few years ago with friends, they worked great. Never had a problem once.

 

[PixieDust32]

Sheesh......That's nothing! I wonder what the FCC will do to you if they catch you in a resort with a refillable mug from a previous visit?

LOL!!! Gee now the FCC is part of the mug patrol and pool hopping patrol too???

We got those radios and we had used them several times down there, and at universal, sea world, we didn't even know about the License deal! oops! OR maybe DH knew about it! Oh well!

 

[mking624]

We have Motorola ones...and ours are actually FRS/GMRS. My BIL got them for us and he paid a pretty penny for the two of them. We actually did get a license for ours...just so we were playing safe. We brought them to WDW with us...primarily because we had other friends who were also there and they have the same radios. Turns out, they never brought theirs in spite of the fact we told them many times we'd be using that to contact them. But they were really handy to have just in case Wes & I got separated.