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Appendix, What is frs, Frs features – Garmin 130 User Manual

Page 105

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Rino

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130 Owner’s Manual

99

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W

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FRS?

What is FRS?

FRS, or Family Radio Service, is a UHF radio frequency

band allocated by the FCC for general public use. The

operating frequency ranges from 462.5625 to 467.7125

MHz, with a maximum transmitting power of one half

watt. FRS radios are small and lightweight, making them

ideally suited for outdoor activities. FRS radios typically

feature a half watt of transmit power. You can expect

your FRS radio to offer reliable operation at a one-mile

range. If the area between you and another FRS operator

is free of obstructions, operation up to two miles can be

achieved. FRS radios broadcast on one of 14 channels,

each with a specific frequency within the FRS band.
The use of FRS radios does not require a license. FRS

was intended for use by families and small groups as an

inexpensive means of two-way voice communication.

FRS is intended for use throughout the United States, its

territories and possessions. It may also be used in Canada.

FRS is not approved outside of these areas and

may interfere with local government communication

frequencies (fire, police, etc.).

FRS Features

More sophisticated FRS radios also include call

functions, squelch codes, channel scan features, and voice

scramble capabilities. Call functions allow you to push

a Call button on the radio to alert other radios set on the

same channel. This feature generates a call tone and is

handy in a noisy environment where the tone is easier to

initially identify than plain speech.
Squelch codes allow you to selectively block out other

FRS users that are not part of your group. They will still

be talking with others in their own group, but you will not

hear them on your radio. They may or may not hear you

and members of your group on their own radios. Squelch

codes act as a filter, blocking your FRS radio from

hearing other unwanted FRS users. Remember though,

these are public-use frequencies and everyone has a right

to talk or listen in.