South Santa Clara County CERT GMRS/FRS Radio Research
Last Updated Jan 10, 2024
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are intended for personal or business use in general communications. It shares most channels with FRS, but offers more power, range and versatility than the lower power FRS radios. GMRS also has 8 frequencies that allow repeater use not available to FRS radios. GMRS radios are available in portable handheld models at up to 5-6 watts and mobile/base station models at up to 50 watts of power. An FCC no-test license is required to operate GMRS radios. When you get this license, you can operate the portable, mobile, fixed and repeater GMRS radios. One GMRS license covers the entire extended family, does not require a test, is easily applied for online and typically granted within 48 hours. Currently a GMRS license costs $35 and lasts for 10 years. https://www.fcc.gov/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs
To apply for a license you must first have an FCC FRN number which you can get here: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn
Once you have your FRN number, you can apply for your GMRS license here: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
With the GMRS and FRS FCC radio service changes implemented in 2017, newer more capable radios for GMRS and FRS are being introduced while the older less capable radios may still be found in the marketplace and should be avoided. Some manufacturers have merely modified previously marketed radios which in most cases has degraded their use or not taken advantage of new capabilities now allowed under the FCC regulations. One tell of whether the radio is a newer design is the number of channels. True GMRS radios will be marketed as 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and FRS will have 22 frequencies 462.550-462.725 MHz. FRS and GMRS share 22 frequencies, and the GMRS radios have an additional 8 repeater input frequencies enabling the use of GMRS repeaters. Full power GMRS HTs will have 5-6 watts with a removable antenna, while full power FRS will have 2 watts with a fixed antenna. Some FRS radio marketing will list a higher number of channels, but these are just memory locations allowing you to store various tone and squelch settings, receive frequencies, etc. If you see GMRS radios with less than 30 frequencies or FRS with less than 22, that is an indication of an older radio that was modified to comply with the new FCC rules and should be avoided since it doesn’t have all the current capabilities.
Radios evaluated below are GMRS 30 frequency radios with full output power of 5 watts. The GMRS radio will be the more capable radio.
If you want to avoid getting a license, the FRS radio is your choice but it has fewer capabilities. From a range perspective you can expect a full 2 watt output FRS radio to work up to 2 miles in an unobstructed level suburban environment, less if in a heavily wooded area or area with obstructions. Not all FRS radios are created equal. Many FRS radios are only transmitting at ¼ to ½ watt and can have severely limited antennas cutting their range drastically to where 100 yards is their maximum range. Use great caution in selecting an FRS radio paying attention to the actual transmit power in watts (look at the FCC ID acceptance report) and the quality of the fixed antenna. FRS radios that have Lithium Ion battery packs are usually better quality radios. Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries do not self discharge quickly like NiMH batteries do, meaning your radio when needed is more likely to have a charge. NiMH batteries will be fully discharged in 30 days. Li-ion batteries slowly discharge and can still have partial charge after a year. You should also select a model that has a display, keyboard lock feature, and can be programmed by a computer. The websites tend to exaggerate the FRS output wattage and quote ridiculous range expectations. Just because the website says the FRS radio is two watts does not mean it is. The FCC type acceptance reports are the best place to find the real output power, or stay with our recommended radios listed below which we have tested. Just enter the FCC ID code found on the radio, generally found under the battery, using the FCC website below to see the actual laboratory measurements.
FCC: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm
A 5 watt GMRS HT will have at least three times the range of the full output FRS, if used with an elevated antenna or mag mount antenna the range will increase significantly, and the GMRS HT can use repeaters which could easily cover 20-50 miles.
Buy the PC programming cable for either the FRS or GMRS radio and download the radio’s programming software. You will want to program these radios to have full radio compatibility with others using either a different brand or model. The manufacturers seem to program the channels with their own selected tones and digital squelch settings which will prevent the radio from interoperating with others without changing those settings. The settings are much easier to change using PC programming software, but can be made from the radio. The software basically displays a spreadsheet of channels and features. You can make changes and additions in the sheet, and update the radio as easily as saving the file. In South County, your local city amateur radio team can also help program your radios for you but it is easy to do yourself and that gives you the flexibility to make changes as needed.
Selecting a radio that has more than 30 memory locations allows you to program tactical channels with unique names and tone configurations improving the ease of use for emergency communications. Although still limited to the number of frequencies allowed, you can program the same frequency with different tone settings into different memory locations simplifying field use.
Radios were selected based upon meeting a key desirable features list.
Lithium type battery (long life, hold a charge, good performance until near dead)
Readable display (easy to confirm channel selection, tactical channel names)
Busy channel lockout (prevents transmitting when channel is in use with different tone)
Keyboard lock (prevents bumps, rubbing, etc from inadvertently changing your channel or other setting but still allows you to transmit and receive while locked)
Computer programmable (makes it easy to set up the radios in a common way, remove vendor specific settings)
Full power output (range)
Wouxun KG-Q10G (pronounced O-Shun or Ocean) ~$220 (Dual Watch radio with fixed antenna)
The Wouxun KG-Q10G is a dual watch GMRS superheterodyne radio, full 6 watts on allowed frequencies, GPS location, wide band receive (including 136-174MHz VHF, 320-480MHz UHF, 714-999 MHz, and CB channels in AM and FM mode. It also receives airband frequencies in AM mode), NOAA weather with optional alerts, full color display, with a 3,000mAh Li-Ion battery with drop-ip or USB charging. It has an IP-67 waterproof rating. It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 999 channel memory locations. Programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood. Surprisingly, the antenna on this radio is fixed and cannot be removed.
Store: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-q10g.html
Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO (pronounced O-Shun or Ocean) ~$180
(not to be confused with the Baofeng UV9G)
The Wouxun KG-UV9G PRO is a dual watch GMRS superheterodyne radio, full 5 watts (5.5 w on allowed frequencies), with a 3200 mAh battery, that includes wide band receive AM/FM): 76-108 FM Broadcast Radio • 108-136 AM AIR Band • 136-180 VHF • 230-250 VHF • 350-400 UHF • 400-512 UHF • 700-960 UHF (excluding cellular). It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 999 channel memory locations. Programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood. RT Systems also offers programming software for this radio. IP55 water resistance rating. Uses SMA male antenna.
Store: https://bettersaferadio.com/wouxun-kg-uv9g-pro-gmrs-two-way-radio-shtf-scanner/
Wouxun KG-935G ~$150
The Wouxun KG-935G is a dual watch GMRS radio, full 5 watt measured (6 w on allowed frequencies), with a 3200 mAh battery, includes commercial FM and VHF/UHF receive: 76.02-108 MHz FM, 136-174.995 MHz VHF, 400-479.995 MHz, NOAA weather channels and alerts. It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 999 channel memory locations. Programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood. IP66 water resistance rating. Uses SMA female antenna.
Store: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-935g.html
Wouxun KG-S88G ~$140 (recommended Single Watch radio)
The Wouxun KG-S88G is a compact superheterodyne radio, full 5 watts measured, with a 2000 Mah battery. It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 400 channel memory locations. It is easy to program from either the radio or PC software. By default the GMRS/FRS frequencies channels are programmed without any tone or squelch codes making this radio out of the box able to listen on all GMRS frequencies without restrictions. The radio can be programmed to receive UHF frequencies 400-479 MHz allowing the monitoring of non-GMRS UHF frequencies. PC programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood. IP67 water resistance rating. Uses SMA female antenna. Comes with a drop in charger cradle and also supports direct USB-C charging.
Store: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-s88g.html
Wouxun KG-905G ~$120 (recommended Single Watch radio)
The Wouxun KG-905G is a superheterodyne radio, full 5 watts measured, with a 2600 Mah battery (3200 mAh spare battery available). It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 99 channel memory locations. It is easy to program from either the radio or PC software. By default the GMRS/FRS frequencies channels are programmed without any tone or squelch codes making this radio out of the box able to listen on all GMRS frequencies without restrictions. The radio can be programmed to receive UHF frequencies 400-479 MHz allowing the monitoring of non-GMRS UHF frequencies. PC programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood. IP66 water resistance rating. Uses SMA female antenna.
Store: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-905g.html
Baofeng UV9G ~$40 (not recommended)
The Baofeng UV-9G is a 5 watt (4 watt measured) GMRS radio that includes NOAA weather channels, VHF receive, and has a 1800 mAh battery. It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 80+ channel memory locations. PC programming software and cable is provided free by Baofeng.
Retevis RB27 ~$25 (Preferred under $50)
The Retevis RB27 is a full 5 watt (4.5 watt measured) GMRS dual watch radio that includes NOAA weather channels, FM radio and has a 1500 mAh battery. It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 99 channel memory locations. It has a large LCD display, keyboard lock, and can be charged with either a drop in charger provided or a USB C direct connection to the battery. PC programming software is provided free by Retevis. You only need the $10 programming cable. The same USB to microphone jack programming cable works for Wouxun, Retevis, Baofeng, Kenwood, and others. The radio does not have a water resistance rating. Uses SMA male antenna. https://smile.amazon.com/Retevis-RB27-Two-Way-Flashlight-Rechargeable/dp/B08VFV7QCB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2VD5BJD2H76M2&keywords=Retevis+RB27&qid=1649961702&s=electronics&sprefix=retevis+rb27%2Celectronics%2C127&sr=1-3
Given that a GMRS radio may be purchased for just $25 and has both higher power and ability to use GMRS repeaters, the only reason to get an FRS radio is if you are unwilling to purchase the no-test GMRS family license. The radios in this category are changing rapidly so no tested listing is provided. Just look for the desired features. Buyer beware, the ads usually overstate range and power. Look for these characteristics:
Lithium type battery (long life, hold a charge, good performance until near dead)
Readable display (easy to confirm channel selection, tactical channel names)
Busy channel lockout (prevents transmitting when channel is in use with different tone)
Keyboard lock (prevents bumps, rubbing, etc from inadvertently changing your channel or other setting but still allows you to transmit and receive while locked)
Full 2 watt power output (range)
Optional: Computer programmable (makes it easy to set up the radios in a common way, remove vendor specific settings)
Wouxun KG-1000G Mobile (can use as base with 12 V external power supply) ~$350
The Wouxun KG-1000G is a dual band GMRS superheterodyne radio, full 50/5 watt output on allowed GMRS frequencies , and includes wide band receive: 50-53.995 MHz (6m), 108-179.995 VHF, 320-349.995 UHF, 400-479.995 UHF, 700-985 MHz UHF excluding cellular, AM 108-136MHz Air Band, Built-in NOAA Weather Channels 76-108, It supports all 30 GMRS Frequencies 462.550-467.725 MHz and has 999 channel memory locations but cannot transmit on the GMRS channels 8-14 which are limited to ½ watt transmit output. The radio can't go below a 5 watt power setting. Programming software is provided free by Wouxun. You only need the $10 programming cable.
Store: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-1000g-plus.html
All of the HTs listed above use the standard Kenwood type speaker microphone jack. Using a speaker mic allows you to clip your radio to your belt and still be able to both hear and transmit without unclipping your radio. The key is being able to hear. If you are in a noisy environment, you can’t hear your belt-clipped radio unless you have a remote earphone or a speaker mic.
Speaker microphone sensitivity and gain can affect how well your transmissions are heard. My best luck has been buying the manufacturer’s recommended speaker mic, and test it with a buddy listening while in your product return period. I have returned a number of different speaker mics over the years due to very low audio. The receiving station could hear me but with a reduced audio level making me hard to hear. That’s not useful.