2-Way Radio Communications WITHOUT a HAM Radio License

We get many questions from those that are just starting to plan their emergency communications. 

Most are simply looking for a way to keep in touch with each other when one or more are out of sight but still nearby. Many that want or need to use 2-way radios don’t have the desire to get an Amateur Radio License. And, fortunately, communicating nearby or across town doesn’t require a ham license!

Whatever your specific needs may be, you need to know your options and what you can realistically expect.

“Range” is the probably the most asked question. And the simple answer is that a radios “range” is dependent on terrain. A radio can “talk” further on flat deserted land than it can in a valley or in a city.

Keep in mind that these are strictly for close-range communications and there is really no reliable alternative for long range communications without obtaining an Amateur Radio license.

Additionally, since these are considered “Citizen’s Bands” the odds are good that you and your group will not be the only ones using them.

Below is a summary of the most common alternatives to HAM radios along with realistic distances.

1. Citizens Band Radios (CB):

CB radios are most likely to be the least expensive option for a group to set-up and use. CB radios and accessories are very common and can be found at truck stops and garage sales.

FCC regulations:

• No license required.
• 40 specific frequencies between 26.900 and 27.400 MHz.
• 4 watts maximum output.
• Base, mobile and handheld stations allowed.
• Amplifiers not allowed.
• Repeaters not allowed
• Side Band OK
• Realistic range up to 10 miles with an elevated antenna

2. FRS (Family Radio Service)

This service is limited to 1/2 watt output. It uses frequencies in the UHF band near 462 MHz. There used to be several brands of radios that were FRS only.

Nowadays, it’s hard to find an FRS-only radio. They are GMRS radios that share some of their frequencies with FRS and automatically reduce power when using an FRS frequency (or channel). All FRS radios are handheld.

FCC regulations:

• No license required.
• 1/2 watt maximum
• External antennas not allowed
• Amplifiers not allowed
• Repeaters not allowed
• Realistic range up to 1/2 mile.

3) GMRS General Mobile Radio Service

This service picks up where FRS leaves off. GMRS uses UHF frequencies near 462 MHz and 467 MHz

There are 2 classes of GMRS radio:

a) Consumer grade handhelds like Midland, Uniden and Cobra. Most of these radios exaggerate their range and power. Typically, the best consumer radio is actually pushing about 3 watts and has a realistic range of about 2 miles in most environments.

b) Commercial grade equipment from Vertex or Icom etc. This equipment is built using the same quality chassis as ham and public service equipment. Very good range, depending on the equipment and terrain.

FCC regs:

• A “No Test” license is required. ($80 for 5 years)
• Up to 50 watts allowed
• External antenna OK
• Base, mobile or handheld OK
• Repeater OK on specific frequencies

4) MURS Multi-Use Radio Service

This is a low-power service that uses 5 specific frequencies in the VHF band near 150 MHz. It is extremely popular due to the no-license feature, and inexpensive radios.

FCC regs:

• No license required.
• 2 watts maximum
• External antenna OK
• Handheld, mobile or base station OK
• No repeaters
• Realistic range: 1 mile with handhelds, 5-8 miles with an elevated antenna.

The FCC regulations shown above are to be used as a general guideline so it’s best to research before you buy. There have been several changes made concerning radio equipment performance in the last decade, so stay away from older radios and radios that have been modified.

Don’t just buy a radio and put it on the shelf, there’s more to it than that. It’s best to check and use your “system” as often as possible to be sure it will function when it’s really needed.

Monthly practice drills are ideal, especially with base radios. You’ll be able to find any weather related problems. It may be tempting to purchase a radio system that is illegally modified or intended to be used by a licensed user or business. But realistically, there’s no way to practice with that type of equipment since:

• You’re not licensed to use it.
• You may be seriously interrupting lawful communications every time you key the microphone.
• You WILL get a fine when they find out where the interference is coming from.

Remember, no matter what types of 2-way communications you choose, there’s always room for a basic survival radio to get the weather, scanners, and news updates.