FRS and GMRS

Joined: 19 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

I recently scanned the FRS and GRMS frequencies, and could not believe the activity on both channels. I then switched on my PMR 446 rig,alas no activity. What is the penalty for using FRS and GMRS rigs in the U.K?? There are so many on sale in my local market-Cobra and Midland for about £20. I would be interested to read peoples views on the above topic.

Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 2465 Location: London

This is bound to become a heated thread!

There's a lot of hams who would be up in arms about the use of GMRS and FRS in the UK if they really knew what was going on.

As a licensed ham I think it just highlights the stupidity of the regulatory bodies not getting together and agreeing worldwide standards. So in a sense, I think it's a good thing - it highlights a problem.

A shame that you're not getting as much activity on 446 though, and a little surprising.

If you want to go the illegal route, then I'm sure you're aware of the pitfalls so I won't bother patronising you with them. If you're looking for opinion, you'll get lots of it. For and against.

Dean

Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 163

I've heard life on FRS here in Somerset as well, about the same amount as on PMR446 I'd say! I'm not sure about GMRS though, can't say as I know the frequenceis for that (unless its another name for something else).

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2003 11:23 pm

If the acitivity levels are as high as you make out on frs and gmrs then this could be a re run of the legislation of cb. I for one im happy with my pmrs and have had more fun with them than i would have had if that same money been spent on beer. If there is high use of these radios then surley the aurthorities responsible for monitoring these frequencies know whats going on and will have started to crack down on there use, i havent heard of anybody been busted for the use of frs and or gmrs but i for one wouldnt chance it and will stick with my 446 radios which dont get used that much.....sa01

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2003 11:07 am

not sure the hams would care too much, FRS/GMRS isn't in their band

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2003 2:17 pm

What authority will spend vast amounts of money,monitoring and tracing individuals who use FRS/GMRS rigs, when there use is so widespread.

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2003 4:25 pm

exactly - so why not make the 462/467MHz channels legal CB?

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 12:38 pm

Is the 467MHz range PMR radio?

I was scanning the bands this afternoon and came across radio contact between what sounded like a parent and child in the town centre.

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2004 9:02 pm

mid 467 and 462 are FRS/GMRS

PMR446 is on .... 446!

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2004 9:35 pm

As far as the use of FRS radios are concerned i cannot understand why people use them unless they dont know what there buying or theres a lot of use of the 446 band. For the GMRS radios the temptation must be too much for some to resist, i have a friend in Montana usa who has GMRS radios (one in his car and one in the house) with the FRS channels as well. I asked him to give me a comparison on both bands and his reply was that the fact that an external antenna could be used for GMRS this is what made the big difference between the two radios....sa01

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:57 pm

High activity on FRS/GMRS in Kent also. WHAT IS THE FINE FOR USING THESE RADIOS. Mainly children I have heard and the odd lorry driver.

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:48 pm

Upto £1000 or 6 months in jail.

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 2:13 pm

What authority will monitor and fine FRS/GMRS users,when there use is so widespread.

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 2:17 pm

that makes it easier for them - less chance of wasting their time!

Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 2465 Location: London

Quote:

What authority will monitor and fine FRS/GMRS users

Formerly the RA, now Ofcom or something.....

Quote:

when there use is so widespread.

Well I suspect they currently have their vans setup in Kent from what you've been saying

Dean