A radio, which is recommended for a number of reasons, is the TIDRADIO TD-H5. It is an inexpensive handheld. Amazon sells the TIDRADIO TD-H5 in pairs, with several extras.
Operators are required to abide by all FCC rules of operation, obtain the required license(s), and use FCC type-accepted radios.
GMRS License
A GMRS license is required to transmit at more than 2 Watts(W) of power on GMRS channels. N.B.Power output is limited to 0.5 W for Channels 8-15, regardless of radio or license status. The GMRS license fee is $35 (reduced from $70), is good for 10 years, is renewable, and may be used by members of an entire household.
Getting your GMRS license can prove to be a confusing process. For a helpful guide to obtaining a GMRS license, check out this document created by Cliff Watts of the Greenbriar Neighborhood Council. He developed this document based on his first-hand experience applying for and purchasing a GMRS license from the FCC website.
A ham license is required for transmission on ham frequencies. The ham license fee is now $35. For tips on getting a ham license easily online, see the information provided by the Silicon Valley VE Group at this link: http://www.svve.org
A Technician ham license (the entry level license) costs $35, but there will be no fee to upgrade the license to a General or an Amateur Extra license. We need more active hams in West Contra Costa County EmComm neighborhood network. Ham license holders are an important tier in our EmComm communications setup, so, please, do consider getting your license.
Ham radios are not authorized for transmission on GMRS frequencies but they may be used to monitorthem.
The BTECH GMRS-V1 radios (as well as many others) can monitor but cannot transmit on ham frequencies.
All FRS radios can operate only on FRS/GMRS simplex.