License needed for GMRS walkie-talkies

Dear PropellerHeads: I noticed those little GMRS walkie-talkies have gotten much cheaper and was thinking about buying a set. But I saw this notice about getting a license. What's up with that?

A: You are right about the price drop. Decent GMRS sets can be had for $30-$40 bucks now from Amazon, Best Buy, Radio Shack and Walmart... basically everywhere. Like any true propeller-twirler, if it's cheap and techy, buy it whether you need it or not.

Let me provide some background. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) provides for public access two-way, short distance, radio transmission under regulation by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Transmission takes place in the 462-467 MHz FM UHF range. While the service has been available for many years, albeit under different names and frequencies, it gained popularity a couple of years back with the introduction of small, portable, walkie-talkie style radios. Most of these radios are also Family Radio Service (FRS) enabled ... more on that in a minute.

So, what's the appeal? Well, for me its lack of satisfaction with the walkie-talkies of my youth. After watching Sgt. Chip Saunders on the "Combat!" TV series, I just had to have a set of walkie-talkies. When they arrived on Christmas morning (thanks Santa!), I was thrilled. After installing the batteries, my brother and I were pleased to see that they worked great indoors. After mom kicked us out outdoors, we noticed the effective range of these things was about 200 feet - assuming you were in the line of sight. Basically, shouting distance. Thanks a lot, Santa! But, these new walkie-talkies are the real deal. Depending on the frequency and terrain, they can be effective for miles.

Wait a minute! I know what you are going to say... what's wrong with my cell phone? Nothing, but it's not a walkie-talkie. These units don't use talk minutes, they tend to be shock and water resistant, and they don't require dialing. Admittedly, cell phones that support push-to-talk are pretty similar.

My set will be perfect for calling the beach house to let them know when the pitcher of margaritas has run dry. They can also be good on camping trips, recreational park visits, shopping mall excursions, and multiple car and boating trips. They could also be useful during widespread power outages. Think hand-held CB-radios.

Most of the units out today are small, light and rugged. They typically have recharging stations, support multiple transmission frequencies, can pick up weather alerts, provide for secure (sub) channel transmission, support VOX (voice activation), vibrate mode and much more. Visit www.walkietalkies.com to get more information on the marketplace.

The GMRS frequencies permit transmission up to 50 watts. Portable devices usually transmit less, but can cover up to around 20 miles. So what's the catch? You have to register for a frequency license with the FCC (www.fcc.org). It gets worse. You have to pay $85 to do so. I know - now I tell you. You could've stopped reading a while back. But, there is some good news.

Most of these radios from Cobra (www.cobra.com), Motorola (www.motorola.com/walkie-talkie), Midland (www.midlandradio.com) and others also transmit on the FRS band. This band does not require a license but uses less transmission power. That probably means a range of about a mile or so.

Now, in practice it's obvious that most of the folks who buy these things don't register and use the GMRS band anyway. I am clearly not suggesting you should break the law, just letting you know why these things are flying off the shelf.

So, I am off this weekend with my brother to play war games. It's my turn to be the good guy. 10-4, over and out.

When the PropellerHeads at Data Directions aren't busy with their IT projects, they love to answer questions on business or consumer technology. E-mail them to questions@askthepropellerheads.com or contact us at Data Directions Inc., 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Visit our Web site at www.askthepropellerheads.com.