These units can operate on FRS/GMRS frequencies. They can probably be configured for FM
devition within the allowed limits for these bands.
FRS/GMRS radios are required to be FCC type accepted for FRS/GMRS use; these are not.
FRS radios are prohibited from having detachable antennas (in order to prevent use of a high
gain antenna). GMRS Radios are allowed to have detachable antennas. These radios have
detachable antennas.
Transmission on FRS frequencies is limited to 0.5W and 50W on FRS channels 1-7 and
GMRS channels with a GMRS license ($85). These radios transmit more than 0.5W at FRS
frequencies even on the low setting (unless hardware mods are used to make the low power
mode meaningful). Channel memories may or may not allow enforcing low power mode on
some channels.
If handed to an unskilled user in FRS mode, what is there to prevent them from inadvertently
setting the frequency outside the FRS band?
These radios may be used to receive FRS/GPRS frequencies.
If, in a life threatening emergency, you hear transmissions on FRS/GPRS frequencies from the
SAR teams looking for you and lack other means of communication, it would be reasonable to
respond.
What about search and rescue operations?
The FCC has gone after SAR operations (even ones which are part of government agencies)
for routine use of non-type-accepted equipment even on frequencies which they had a specific
license to operate on. Equipment which operates on commercial/government/police/fire/
rescue bands (anything other than ham bands) must not only meet specifications but be type
accepted by the FCC to meet those specifications. Technical requirements are more lax on
the ham bands and ham equipment may not meet the requirements of other bands even when
properly operated. People who are licensed hams and part of an SAR team licensed to operate
on a specific frequency may carry a separate type accepted SAR transceiver in addition to
their ham transceiver and only use their ham equipment on SAR band (with mods) in extreme
circumstances. Letters of authorization from police or SAR coordinators, rather than the FCC,
are not valid.
http://www.sarinfo.bc.ca/Library/Communications/RADIO.coms
Can I carry one of these HTs for emergency use in the
bush or in my bug out bag?
Given the small size and low cost of these HTs, this is certainly worth considering as one of
your emergency communications devices. In some jurisdictions, mere possession without
a ham license may be illegal. And using them on ham bands without a ham license or on
UV-3R FAQ v. 2012-01-27
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