Most manufacturers of consumer walkie talkies boast a maximum range between 16 and 50 miles. But are the numbers for real or are these range claims over the top? In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony from Buy Two Way Radios will tell you the truth about two way radio range and what you can reasonably expect from the typical FRS and GMRS radio under normal operating conditions.
For an in-depth discussion about two way radio range, listen to The Two Way Radio Show episodes TWRS-05 - Radios in Range and TWRS-45 - The Truth About GMRS Radio Range.
Related Resources
GMRS Radio Range Chart
30 Miles? The Truth About Range
Getting The Most Range From Your Radio
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-05 - Radios in Range
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-45 - The Truth About GMRS Radio Range
How To Optimize Range for Motorola Talkabout Two Way Radios
Yes
Hello ,
I live in San Francisco and want to get a pair of two wqy Walkie/Talkies.
With all the tech. people up here and such a crowed city what do you recomed? I like power and distance.Is that an option?
Thanks !!
I'm sure you have been asked this question. How do I find the groups who provide courses, help obtaining a license for a two way radio,(None Base Station Type) ham license or what ever is required to legally operate a radio which can broadcast some distance. example hunting, traveling, boating, camping and one of my favorites hiking?
My area for most of the above is central and mostly northern New Mexico and southern colorado.
Thank you,
Ned M. Martinez
LA Labs Instructor
Hi Lorreinne, I'm not from Utah, so I am not familiar with the distance and terrain between those two cities. However, here are some resources that may help.
30 Miles? The Truth About Range
TWRS-45 - The Truth About GMRS Radio Range
How To Optimize Range for Motorola Talkabout Two Way Radios
TWRS-05 - Radios in Range
Is there a two-radio that would work from ogden utah to logan utah?
Excellent comments on downside of limited range. However, given the designed purpose of FRS , limited range has an excellent upside. If range limit is e.g. 1 mile then only those citizen'-band-killing-big-mouthed-small-brained-idiots within 1 mile will interfere with your communication with your family. Idiots-within-range grows with the square of the range. A small hammer is best if you have a small nail.