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130 Owner’s Manual 99
APPENDIX > WHAT IS FRS?
What is FRS?
FRS, or Family Radio Service, is a UHF radio frequency
band allocated by the FCC for general public use. The
operating frequency ranges from 462.5625 to 467.7125
MHz, with a maximum transmitting power of one half
watt. FRS radios are small and lightweight, making them
ideally suited for outdoor activities. FRS radios typically
feature a half watt of transmit power. You can expect
your FRS radio to offer reliable operation at a one-mile
range. If the area between you and another FRS operator
is free of obstructions, operation up to two miles can be
achieved. FRS radios broadcast on one of 14 channels,
each with a specific frequency within the FRS band.
The use of FRS radios does not require a license. FRS
was intended for use by families and small groups as an
inexpensive means of two-way voice communication.
FRS is intended for use throughout the United States, its
territories and possessions. It may also be used in Canada.
FRS is not approved outside of these areas and
may interfere with local government communication
frequencies (fire, police, etc.).
FRS Features
More sophisticated FRS radios also include call
functions, squelch codes, channel scan features, and voice
scramble capabilities. Call functions allow you to push
a Call button on the radio to alert other radios set on the
same channel. This feature generates a call tone and is
handy in a noisy environment where the tone is easier to
initially identify than plain speech.
Squelch codes allow you to selectively block out other
FRS users that are not part of your group. They will still
be talking with others in their own group, but you will not
hear them on your radio. They may or may not hear you
and members of your group on their own radios. Squelch
codes act as a filter, blocking your FRS radio from
hearing other unwanted FRS users. Remember though,
these are public-use frequencies and everyone has a right
to talk or listen in.