GMRS Radio

GMRS Radio Units and Accessories

You remember as a kid how you wanted those walkie talkies? What kid didn't? As if the thought of communicating from a distance wasn't cool enough, then they had to make them with your favorite characters. As an adult, a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio goes way beyond where your childhood walkie talkies could ever have taken you.

These two-way radios are not for kids. They are high powered communications devices that can transmit and receive like you only dreamed a walkie talkie could. GMRS radios tend to have digital displays and come equipped with GPS. The man in your house will want a set of these more than your little boy will want his battery powered toys. It comes naturally, from electronic play toys to electronic tools.

A general example of the GMRS radio being used as a tool is if you are on a trip and somehow get separated from the rest of your party. You have a high powered walkie talkie that is virtually static free and that can send signals great distances. If you lag behind on a nature walk and are not sure which way the rest of your group went, you are not left without voice communication. When you catch up with the group, ask the leader why he didn't leave you any red flags tied to tree trunks. If you are on the highway and a car separates you from the person you are following, you can radio and ask what exit you need to take.

GMRS radios are commonly used in commercial settings like on building construction sites and warehouses. They also see a lot of in use in emergency situations by police and firefighters where maintaining contact via mobile voice communication is critical.

The GMRS radio is a very handy tool to have. You do not have to have a contract to use one, but you do need to pay a small fee to acquire an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) operator's license for personal use. With a cell phone, all too often you find yourself in a remote area with no service. With a radio, as long as there is another radio within reach, you can connect and no air time charges will apply. You should be able to reach another radio up to 36 miles away, depending on your location. In stores, you will find two types of two way radios - FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS radios. Of the two versions, the GMRS is a better product with more range and better performance. Fortunately, many of the units are FRS/GMRS hybrids so you don't have to make a decision about which pieces of equipment to buy.

What GMRS Radio You Should Buy?

Some of the more popular brands are Kenwood, Motorola, Uniden, and Midland. There are, of course, several models from each brand to choose from. To help you narrow your choices down a bit, here are a few of the current top rated GMRS radios from each manufacturer:

GMRS Radio Accessories

There are also several accessories available for your GMRS device. You don't absolutely need them since everything required for using your GMRS radio will be included in the box. On the other hand, there are several handy additions that may appeal to you. Some of the more popular accessories are: headsets, extra rechargeable batteries, chargers, cases and clips. If you require a stronger signal, you can also get a better antenna or look into repeaters.