Shared channels
22channels shared by FRS and GMRS
2 WFRS max on channels 1–7 and 15–22
0.5 Weveryone's max on channels 8–14
0licenses needed for FRS
Your UV-5G Plus on channel 3 can talk to a $30 blister-pack walkie-talkie on channel 3.
Source: Wikipedia: General Mobile Radio Service
Why that matters
Neighborhood help
Check on elderly neighbors during an ice storm
Kids and grandkids
Hand them a simple FRS radio; no license or setup
Visitors at the ranch
Guests can join with whatever radio they bring
Listening in
Hear what's happening nearby during an outage
Make it work
- Match the channel numberFRS channel 3 = GMRS channel 3
- Turn privacy codes offOr match them exactly on both radios
- Stay on 1–22FRS radios can't reach repeater channels
- Expect shorter rangeFRS radios are lower power with fixed antennas
Remember
Keep two or three cheap FRS radios in the go bag to hand out.
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Answer key
- How many channels do FRS and GMRS share?22Channels 1–22 are shared.
- To talk to a neighbor's FRS walkie-talkie, you should:Match the channel number and turn privacy codes offSame channel, and codes off or matched exactly.
- What is the power limit on channels 8–14 for everyone?0.5 WChannels 8–14 are low-power only.
- Can FRS radios use repeater channels?NoRepeater inputs are for licensed GMRS users only.
- Who needs a license to use an FRS radio?No oneFRS is license-free.