Getting The Most Range From Your Radio
One question that we are frequently asked is "how can I get more range out of my two way radio?" In the case of consumer (FRS / GMRS) radios the amount of range you can expect is usually not even close to what the manufacturers advertise. There are, however, several things that you can do to be sure you are getting the most range possible from your radio.
If your radio supports GMRS channels, be sure that you are using one. Most consumer radios support 22 channels, some FRS and some GMRS. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not allow transmission on an exclusive FRS channel at more than half a watt of power. This means that if you are on an FRS-only channel, your radio will only transmit using its "low power" mode. The FRS-only channels are 8 through 14. Channels 15 through 22 are exclusively for GMRS, and channels 1 through 7 are shared by both FRS and GMRS.
Most consumer radios support two or more power modes. To get the most range, be sure that you are using high power mode. Lower power modes will not use all of your radio's possible the output power and will reduce range.
Finally, if you still find yourself pushing the range limits of your radio you can try the "monitor channel" feature. Enabling this feature will cause the radio to open the channel, allowing you to hear static and transmissions too weak to be received by the radio in normal mode.
Also keep in mind that to get the maximum output power on your two-way radio, you will need to use a GMRS frequency. An FRS frequency will only get you a maximum of .5 watts of output power which will decrease your range dramatically.
Comments
hello, can u tell me whats the most powerful 2 way radio i can get, is a 5 watt 18 mile the limit thanks so much !!
Posted by: kimmel hull | January 5, 2007 04:28 AM
Hi,
First time visitor to your blog. Useful info.
I tested a 0,5 watt set in my urban environment and only managed to TX and RX up to 100 meters because of densely populated area and buildings.
Regards,
Brian
Posted by: Brian | February 25, 2007 08:43 AM
Will a half watt be enough to get coverage within a concert hall environment?
Posted by: Prithvi Kumar | June 18, 2007 11:37 AM
I need a good 2 way for Skiing in Park City UT. I am looking at the New Motorola T9500XLR it's claims are upto 25 miles in good conditions. What do you think I would really get out of it, skiing?
thanks
Posted by: Bob sala | January 24, 2008 11:27 AM