How to buy a 2 way radio for pleasure or service work
first of all when buying a 2 way radio, you need to determine what your needs are. will you use for long distance use? will you be out in inclement weather? or do you just need it for family outings like camping? 2 way radios are probably used the most in police and fire-rescue fields for communicating with each other and their dispatchers. Now on to the first question….
Will you be using the radio for long distance use? Most VHF and UHF radios have a distance of only 5 miles. FRS and GMRS usually have a distance of up to 15 miles. In order to use a VHF,UHF or a GMRS radio, you have to have a license from the FCC and they will assign you a frequency for the VHF or UHF, but for FRS use, you do not have to have a license. The FRS and GMRS radios come with frequency’s preprogrammed while the VHF and UHF radios have to be programmed by a shop.
Will you be out in inclement weather with your radio? Most radios are not totally water proof, but they do resist water usually. The UHF and VHF have a better water resistence than the FRS or GMRS, but they cost alot more.
If you will be using this radio just for family outings like camping or hiking, I would recommend getting a FRS radio. The prices are alot cheaper and you dont have to apply for a license to use it. If your going to use your radio for fire, rescue, or police dept. then you need to find out if your agency uses VHF or UHF frequency’s. Normally you can use their license as long as your apart of their organization.