FRS and GMRS Frequencies

Awesome Blog! I need a little help ... I'm looking to buy a Midland Two-Way Radio ... I'm between the 16 Mile range LXT420 and the 18 Mile Range GXT600. I have a few questions I was hoping you could help me with ...

1. What is the difference between LXT and GXT?

2. Are both of these about the same dimmension/weight?

3. Why does the GXT600 have a knob on the top (next to the antenna) and the LXT420 does not?

Thanks for your help,

Rob

Rob,

The biggest difference between these models is the power output. The GXT600 is a 5 watt radio, the LXT420 is a 4 watt.

The GXT600 radios use AA batteries, and the LXT420's use smaller AAA's, so expect better battery life out of the GXT's.

Both radios are the same size, but the GXT600 is slightly heavier (due to heavier batteries).

As far as the knob, on the GXT600 is is used to turn the radio on/off and set the volume. You control these functions on the LXT420 through the buttons on the front of the unit.

Hope this helped!
Danny

Can you still transmit on GMRS channels without a license?

The radios will still work on GMRS channels without a licence, but it is not legal.

I have a quick question... I am trying to find the frequency for FRS channel 2 with the subcode 20 activated... is that possible? Also, if said frequency is able to be found, can it be programmed into any two-way radio? Thanks.

is a Ham Radio License ok for GMRS Radios

"I am trying to find the frequency for FRS channel 2 with the subcode 20 activated."

The frequency is the same regardless of the subcode used. It will be 462.5875Mhz.
Code the subcode into your other receivers if you wish them to remain silent until they here the subcode. Without the coding, they will still here your transmission, but will also here any others occuring on the same frequency.
Craig
KB8FGC
(licensed Ham operator since 1988 or thereabouts :-)

Are family FRS/GMRS radio's UHF or VHF?

I recently bought a Midland FRS/GMRS system, and understand that the power is limited on the GMRS channels. If I apply for a GMRS license,can I get the unit to operate at the higher power? Any help appreciated. Marc

i got a brain stumbler for some one. i got a personal FM transceiver. its a radio shack brand. its on FRS frequencies. and im trying to make it work so i can talk from it to my cb/fm transceiver i have in my truck. i have a frequency counter on the one in my truck but when i turn it from AM to FM and turn on the 10 MHz thing and put it on channel 1 and the other transceiver on one it doesn't work...... i tryed turning the nob that says a b c d e f but i don't know what im doing lol.... please any one help.... thank you.

There is no way to use a CB to work with a FRS radio. The two work on completely different bands (CB is roughly 27Mhz, and FRS is roughly 462Mhz).

Are family FRS/GMRS radio's UHF or VHF?

They are UHF.

Can I get the unit to operate at the higher power?

Unlikely. I'm not familiar with this particular radio, but most have antennas that limit their capabilities, and antenna modification is illegal.

I have an older Uniden GMRS480 wth a removable antenna (SMA female connector.) Is it legal to add a longer antenna to the radio since it is part of the design fom the factory?

Steve