Radio Frequency...CB channel??

[Stevebsy]

I suggest we set up a common FRS (Family radio service -- Motorola talkabout type radios) frequency and CB channel for the meet so that those of us who are driving can keep in touch and find each other, etc....

Any suggestions? Do all the brands of FRS radios use the same frequencies? I think so, but I don't have one so I'm not sure...

[BLKSVX92]

I think that would be a great idea...that way we can stay connected on the drives and such.

No idea if the different brands/models will share the same frequencies though

[Zeppelin]

Some do, some don't.. I ref at the local paintball field, and they bought a few radios once the big bulky ones they once had finally went south.. They didn't communicate with the bigger ones, but they did work with other radios.. The ones that worked together used different channels (8 on one set, 13 on another)..

[richeich]

FRS Radios (family radio service) all use the same channels/frequencies. There is a service band called GMRS (general mobile radio service) which is in the same frequency range, but incorporates larger, more powerful radios that have a longer range. You're supposed to have a license for those. If you buy a handheld radio that says it's an FRS radio, you should be able to communicate with any other brand of FRS radio, on the same channel. However, some of the more expensive radios do use a PL tone (subaudible) that can be programmed, to eliminate unwanted noise or radio traffic. If someone has their PL tone turned on, they won't be able to hear other radios unless they have the same PL tone enabled. It's promoted as a 'privacy manager', or some variation of that.

I've got a CB, and FRS radios, so I'll be hooked up on whatever channels we decide. I don't normally have the CB in the car, but like to have it for road trips.

[Stevebsy]

That's kinda what I thought...So is there a good channel we can choose and possibly a PL tone too? Does anyone here else have these kind of radios? It'd be good to figure out a compatible channel and pl tone that we can all use. I have a ham rig that will work on these bands with the PL tone so I am set.

I know they sell the FRS radios pretty cheap sometimes. Might be a required item for the meet Help keep us together on the tour, etc...

Originally posted by richeich
FRS Radios (family radio service) all use the same channels/frequencies. There is a service band called GMRS (general mobile radio service) which is in the same frequency range, but incorporates larger, more powerful radios that have a longer range. You're supposed to have a license for those. If you buy a handheld radio that says it's an FRS radio, you should be able to communicate with any other brand of FRS radio, on the same channel. However, some of the more expensive radios do use a PL tone (subaudible) that can be programmed, to eliminate unwanted noise or radio traffic. If someone has their PL tone turned on, they won't be able to hear other radios unless they have the same PL tone enabled. It's promoted as a 'privacy manager', or some variation of that.

1998 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Sedan, Glacier White, 5 spd.

Mods- Borla Headers, straight mid-pipe with Magnaflow Muffler, Weapon R Intake System (blue), Amsoil synthetics throughout, SPT short shift kit, OMP F1 style pedals, H&R Springs, STi V5 struts, 17x7.5 SSR Competition Wheels, Sumitomo HTRZ II 215/45-17 tires, Cusco front strut tower bar, SPO Motorsports 3-way adjustable rear sway bar kit (19-20-21mm), Hella Yellow Star 85w lamps in factory fogs, Hella 500 driving lights with 100w lamps. Eclipse CD-3421 Stereo.

(Previous '93 SVX Owner)

Wow... you've been busy, eh?

We've always used the FRS's at cavalier functions. A great thing. Something that we need to do.

-Mike (Cav boy)

[MNYPNNY]

just let all us CB/Ham/etc rookies know what we should get ahead of time.

--Michelle

[Seraph]

I have GMRS on my hands. I have yet to find a way to test them with FRS. In theory, they should work. I am also thinking of getting a CB as well.


keep me posted
Lwin

[Stevebsy]

Lookey here. quite a bit of info on FRS/CB radios. Not organized the best...but take a look. Has some reviews of radios and stuff.

http://members.tripod.com/~jwilkers/frspage.html

[richeich]

Wow... you've been busy, eh?

Yep, I've definitely had fun with this car. I keep telling myself to stop, but it hasn't worked yet.

So is there a good channel we can choose and possibly a PL tone too?

We should just use channel 10, since it's the 10th Anniversary Meet. I'd be willing to buy a radio that has the PL function, but I don't have one now. The cheaper units don't come with that option, which is what I have. I'd be a little worried about excluding someone that didn't have the PL function. They could still hear us, but we couldn't hear them. Although, the prices have come down, and the interference can be a nuisance on those things in populated areas, so I would think that anyone willing to travel to something like this could maybe be willing to spring for a radio. They really do come in handy, especially when shopping with the wife (ugh!).

About the CB's, I normally have it on channel 19 while I'm traveling (lookin' out fer dem Bears!), so if I see an SVX, I'll give a yell on there first. I suppose during the meet weekend, we could all hang out on channel 10 as well. Trying to keep it simple here, so I don't clutter my brain up and get confused!

[Bwana]

Rich, you have any pictures of that thing? If so post them in your locker! I wanna see it, sounds awesome.

[Stevebsy]

We would probably be better to go without the tone I suppose, since a few people here probably have radios already. Lafayette is not a huge town, so I'd guess that the interference problems won't be huge there.

I did a little shopping around and found sets of 2 radios ranging from $50 and up with a few even cheaper than that. Here's a shop that has a few cheapies (factory refurbished):

http://www.stores.ebay.com/hitechwir...pt9/index.html

Though those models had spotty reviews on the other site: http://members.tripod.com/~jwilkers/frspage.html
though some people said the were good too so ??

[richeich]

Okay Scott, I finally put some pictures in my locker. The first one with the SSR Competition wheels is the most current picture, although I've recently taken the SCCA decal off. The autocross pictures are from last fall, with the white Team Dynamics Monza wheels. Take a look!

[Bwana]

That thing is awesome! How did you do in those races? You better have beat that Honda. Know any currents specs on it (i.e HP, torque...etc)?

Rich, all i Have to say is:

WOW!

-Mike