Confused about the differences 
              in 2-way radios?

What's the difference between FRS, GMRS, MURS, and Business Band?  What is the range difference between a half watt, one watt, two watt and five watt  UHF radio?  Which frequency band is best?  What about different brands and different prices of models from the same manufacturer?  What about service?  Should I throw away radios when I have a problem?  Take them to a local dealer?  Put them on a service contract or ????  Which brand is best and how do I get the best value for my communications investment?

The truth is there are many answers and none of them are the same for every user, but there some standards for comparison that you can use for church, institutional, and school use.  Depending on your level of interest, we will provide information to help you make the best possible decision for your individual needs.  Before directly answering the questions above, you may want to click here for general information.  Now, for some specific answers to the questions above, read on!

What's the difference between FRS, GMRS, MURS, and Business Band? 

Answer - FRS and GMRS radios operate in the UHF 460 MHz. frequency band. GMRS radios are limited by FCC rules to personal use only!  FRS radios operate at a maximum power of 1/2 watt and cannot be connected to an external antenna.  No FCC license is required.   GMRS radios also operate in the UHF band with handheld radio power outputs of up to 5 watts.  An FCC operating license IS required. Fines, forfeitures, and possible imprisonment can result from illegal use of FRS and GMRS frequencies.  Additional information on applicable FCC rules is available at www.falcondirect.com/FRSandGMRS. 

MURS radios operate on five specific frequencies in the VHF 150 MHz. band with power limited to two watts.  Use of MURS frequencies does not require an FCC license.  Business, Personal, and Public Safety use is authorized.

The Business Band, sometimes referred to as the Part 90 band, is exclusively for business use. When power is limited to 2 watts or less, commercial users can apply to the FCC for itinerant or portable only use of the so called Color Dot (Red dot, blue dot etc.) frequencies in either the UHF or VHF frequency ranges.  Although suitable for many applications, it is generally better to apply for assigned frequencies within a fixed operating area.  This allows the use of higher powered equipment and greatly reduces interference potential from co-channel users.  If you need assistance with FCC licensing, give us a call at 1-800-489-2611.

What is the range difference between a half watt, one watt, two watt and four watt UHF radio? 

As a general rule, squaring the power doubles the effective range (i.e. a two watt radio will talk about twice as far as a half watt radio.  A four watt radio would talk about four times further than a half watt radio).  Unfortunately, the range estimated touted by some suppliers is far from factual.  One supplier claims a six mile range with a 2 watt radio.  That may be true if the two of you are standing outside on mountaintops within sight of each other!

Our experience indicates that two1/2 watt FRS radios will communicate about 300 feet within a building, such as a church or hospital, and about a tenth of a mile between two people in vehicles, and a quarter mile outside in a rural area.  The range of a 1 watt  radio will be about 500 feet, a two-tenths of a mile, and a quarter mile respectively.   A 2 watt radio increases indoor range to 1000 feet, vehicle to vehicle range to a quarter of a mile and a outdoor use to one-half mile.  A 4 watt UHF radio increases indoor range to 2500 feet, vehicle to vehicle range to a half of a mile and a outdoor use to one  mile.  VHF radios generally do not work as well within buildings but will typically provide a 50% range increase when used outside.

Which frequency band is best?

For indoor use, UHF is always best.  VHF is preferred by contractors, rural public safety agencies, and others who need maximum range at minimal cost, particularly those who use both mobile and handheld radios in association with a fixed base station.  For church, educational, or institutional use, we prefer UHF with a power rating of 2 watts.  We have found that 2 watts is the optimum power level for UHF when used indoors.  There is both a cost and operational benefit to using 2 watts versus a higher power 4 or 5 watt model.  In general, the 4/5 watt model will cost more than a 2 watt model.  More importantly, the operating life of the battery is significantly longer when using the 2 watt model.  

If more range is required, we offer a low cost repeater station that extends the range between handheld radios at reasonable cost. Even if you do not initially contemplate the need for a repeater, we always suggest that the radios be capable of duplex operation, a necessary requirement for compatibility with repeater operation.  Radios with fixed internal programming such as the Motorola CLS, VL50, and XTN series are not compatible with repeater operation.  As a rule of thumb, if you buy the radio at a store such as Home Depot, Radio Shack, or Wal-Mart, it is NOT duplex mode compatible.  Duplex mode compatible are normally sold only by professional communications dealers who have the ability to program frequencies to meet the users individual needs.

What is a base station and why do I need one?

A base station is a fixed radio unit, generally located in an office.  The difference between a base station and a mobile is that the base station is designed to operate on 110 volts AC rather than 12 volts DC.  Many people use a handheld radio in a charger as an office station.  This can actually be more expensive than a base station designed for fixed use.  Not only is the initial cost of a handheld radio and charger often more than some of our base station models, the operating cost for using a handheld is much higher.  The reason is that leaving a radio continually in the charger shortens the useful life of the battery.  If you would like to know more about base stations, click here.

What's the big deal about a repeater?

A repeater can actually fulfill two functions.  It can extend range between handheld radios to provide improved coverage and it can be used as a base station (with optional microphone) to allow office personnel to communicate with handheld radios.  To learn more about our most popular repeater station, click here.  By the way, if you don't need a repeater but still would like to have a desktop radio for use in your office, we've got more good news.  Until now, most people used a handheld radio as an office station.  They left it in the charger 24/7 which burns up the battery in a relatively short time.  Sometimes they add an optional speaker-microphone to make it easier to use.  Now there is a better option - The Ritron Patriot base station priced at just $349 plus $20 for programming and shipping.  Additional information is available by clicking here, or you can order on line by clicking here.  Check it out - you'll never use a handheld radio as a desk unit again!

What about different brands and different prices of models from the same manufacturer?

Since we know that FRS and GMRS radios are for personal use only, we will restrict our answer as it applies to commercial use.  The acknowledged leader in wireless communications is Motorola.  Since all others are typically variations of Motorola models, we will answer based primarily on this standard.

Motorola produces radios for both personal, business, and governmental use with prices ranging from under $20 for an FRS radio to over $3,500 for top of the line public safety handheld radios.  You can normally expect to pay a little more for Motorola, regardless of the model selected.  The reason for this is quality and customer service - nobody does it better!  Motorola's major commercial grade competitors include ICOM, Kenwood, Midland, Relm, Ritron, TEKK, and Vertex.  There are situations where an alternate choice may be suitable due to budget constraints or the advantage of a particular feature.  That is why we offer commercial models by Motorola as well as Midland, Relm, Ritron, and TEKK.  If you would like a summary review of our three most popular models for use by church, educational, and institutional users, check out the chart below:

Been looking…….

for the best deal in UHF on-site 2-way communications?  Would you like to combine the functionality of a pager and a radio into a single unit?  Would you like a repeater compatible radio? We’ve got your solution!  Pick the one that’s best for YOU!

Which brand is best?

The chart above clearly shows that Motorola is the most expensive and lacks some of the features of the lower priced alternatives.  A quick review indicates that the Midland radio is a great value, but is it as good as the Motorola?  That depends on how you evaluate value.  If you want the lowest price, the lightest weight, and longest battery life, your choice is Midland!  If you want the most features, your choice would be Relm.  So why consider the Motorola?

It's all about reliability and customer support.  On average you can expect a Motorola radio to have a useful life that will be double that of other radios and if you have a problem, no one takes care of you like Motorola.  The initial cost difference between the three units is relatively insignificant.  There are lower priced Motorola models such as the VL50 that could have been considered.  However, the lower power rating (1 watt) and the lack of duplex programming capability to allow use with a repeater ruled out this choice.  However, if your needs do not require more than 1 watt and you never anticipate the use of a repeater, the VL50 would be a good choice.  For additional information on the VL50 (Similar to the CLS series found in discount stores), click here.  You will note that we have also provided information on the more powerful 2 watt CT100 (Similar to the XTN series radio found in discount stores).  The CT100 has more power but still cannot operate operate in the duplex or repeater mode.  For the small price difference, we would choose the Motorola CP150 over either of these choices, but your needs may favor the VL50 or CT100.  It's all about choices!

In the comparison chart above, you will see a reference to MIL-SPEC 810 and IP54.  You will further note that the Relm RPV416 is MIL-SPEC 810 tested, as is the Midland 70-440BP, but to a different standard.  The Motorola is subjected to a five foot drop test.  A lesser standard only requires a thirty inch drop test.  Is that important?  We'll let you decide.  IP54 means the radio has been tested continue working after having water jets aimed at it from every direction as well as blown dust.  Is that important?  Again - YOU be the judge!  Lastly, there is a reference to Accelerated Life Testing (ALT).  This is a test whereby a radio is subjected to five years of use in FIVE DAYS!  If a Motorola radio doesn't pass this test, it doesn't come to the market.  No other manufacturer subjects their radios to ALT.  Is that a big deal?  We think so!

What about service?

Quality and reliability is a big deal, but cost of operation is a bigger deal!  Each of the three manufacturers above has a warranty. The warranty term is 2 years on Motorola and Relm.  Midland has a one year warranty.  So what's the difference between them?

All three products must be returned to the factory for service.  Motorola pays for return shipping to the factory.  Relm and Midland do not.  If you have a problem during the warranty period, you simply call Motorola on a toll free number for return authorization.  A prepaid shipping label will be faxed or emailed (your choice) to cover shipping costs for return to the factory.

Motorola makes all necessary repairs within 72 hours.  Relm and Midland, as well as other manufacturers agree to repair and return a defective product as soon as possible.

Motorola returns repaired units by overnight service. Relm and Midland, as well as other manufacturers generally use ground shipping.

Who offers the best value?

Motorola offers an extended warranty for two additional years at a cost of just $47. Relm, Midland, and other manufacturers do not.  The bottom line is that even though Motorola may cost more initially, it will likely cost less over a five year period.  Still, the Relm and Midland are great choices.  You can order the Relm RPU416 on line by clicking here or order the Midland 70-440BP by clicking here.

Not every user wants or needs the features we have defined in our three top choice radios.  There are two radios that have proven very popular with a variety of users that we have not listed.  The Motorola VL50 (comparable to the discount store Motorola CLS model) and the Motorola CT100 (comparable to the discount store XTN model) are available from Falcon Direct at better than discount store prices.  For additional information on these models, click here.  Additional models are available at our web store.  Click here to go to our store.

Want more information?

We are as near as your phone (Locally at 205.854.2611 in the Birmingham, AL area, Nationwide at 1.800.489.2611), by email at sales@falcondirect.com, or visit our web home page at www.falcondirect.com.  Thanks for visiting with us.  We look forward to being of service.

User information.  Products sold by Falcon Direct are warranted to be technically compliant with the manufacturers specifications.  No other warranty relative to use of the equipment or related service, when applicable, is expressed or implied.  Falcon Direct makes no claim for suitability or fitness of users purpose or application.  Falcon Direct is not responsible for claims arising from the use of equipment or services provided by or through Falcon Direct in which there are losses attributed to the use or application of equipment and/or related services.  User agrees to these terms as a condition of purchase. 

Copyright 2007 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page last update 01/22/2007

 
                      36 - 20th Avenue NW- Birmingham, AL 35215