[pct-l] walkie-talkies

[AsABat at 4Jeffrey.Net (AsABat)]

I don't recall the power limits on GMRS. However, any portable radio is
pretty much line-of-sight - if the antennas can't "see" each other they
can't talk to each other.

Ham radio solves this problem by putting repeaters on mountain tops. If you
can "see" the repeater you can talk to someone on the other side. A license
is required, and it doesn't work everywhere, but better than FRS/GMRS and a
backup to, but probably not a replacement for, cell phones.

See my www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct for more info. 

AsABat


> -----Original Message-----
> Environmental conditions and topography greatly affect performance of
> these radio services.
> Also- battery charge levels will affect these as well.
> 
> Both FRS and GMRS won't "bend" over or around ridgelines to
> transmit/receive signal.
> A straight, line of sight, clear condition is necessary for extended
> range communication.
> 
> Assume a 1 mile range, say, on a ski slope. If heavy trees or earth
> formation is between you and the other radio, you'll have trouble with
> transmission/reception.
<snip>
> 
> AsABat is more of an authority on this stuff, but I know that FRS is
> legally limited to something like a 1/2 watt of output and GMRS is
> limited to 5 watts (though hand helds vary from 1-5 watts). More wattage
> = greater transmission strength.