Short Range Radio Transmitters That Do Not Require a License

There are many businesses, organizations and families that rely on short-range radio transmitters that do not require a license. Families can easily stay in-touch with each other while at an amusement park, camping, or anywhere where you might be separated. When shopping for a short-range radio, it is important to know the two types of radios that do not require a license.

  1. Citizen Band (CB) Radios

    • Citizen band radios transmit in the 27-MHz amplitude modulation (AM) band. The CB radios are popular among truck drivers as it allows them to talk to each other on long trips. The range is normally a few miles, depending on the terrain. You can choose between 40 channels ,and for emergency communications you have channel 9. CB radios are available as a mobile unit for the car, hand-held units and base units for the home. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic CB radio is an option when choosing a radio. This unit has tactile controls for easy adjustments. It features SWR calibration, which allows you to calibrate the antenna system. The unit dynamically boosts the microphone so you will have improved clarity. You can use the unit as a PA system. It has RF gain which adjusts automatically in both strong and weak signal areas. It features a switchable noise blanker. This provides increased noise reduction. You can adjust the brightness of the panel, signal strength meter and channel meter. It has 4 watts power output which is the legal maximum. The 29 LTD Classic also features an antenna warning light that will light up when the antenna needs checking. There is instant access to channel 9; the emergency channel, and it uses Delta tune to clarify the incoming signals.

    Family Radio Service (FRS) Radios

    • Family Radio Service radios transmit in the 467 MHz ultra high frequency (UHF) band. These radios have little interference. Depending on the terrain, the range of FRS radios can reach several miles. Families, businesses and sportsmen use these radios to communicate short distances. No license is required to operate a FRS radio. It is important to note that most FRS radios also include General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies. While the FRS frequencies do not require a license, the GMRS frequencies do. All FRS/GMRS radios are compatible as long as everyone in the group is on the same channel. The Cobra microTalk radio is an option when choosing a FRS radio. These 2-way radios are compact with a large LCD display. They feature 22 channels with a call alert which will allow you to know when a call is coming through. These radios also have a 'roger' beep tone that will allow others to know when the communication is finished. The radio automatically switches to battery-saver mode if there is more than 10 seconds silence.

    FRS and GMRS Clarification

    • In the United States, dual-service FRS/GMRS radios are the most common and easiest to find. These dual radios are also called hybrid radios. This type of 2-way radio provides both the FRS channels 1 to 14 and the GMRS channels 15 to 22. If only the FRS channels 1 through 14 are used, you do not need a license. However, a FCC license is required if you use any of the GMRS channels 15 through 22. The difference between FRS and GMRS is the transmitting power allowed by the FCC. FRS radios transmit with one-half watt; the maximum allowed by the FCC. GMRS radios typically transmit using 1 to 5 watts; 50 watts is the maximum allowed by the FCC. An advantage to the FRS/GMRS radios is that if you decide to obtain a FCC license to use GMRS, you do not need to purchase new radios.