FRS path
Your first week on FRS
No license required — but FRS has strict power and antenna rules. This week gets your family talking on short-range channels before you decide whether GMRS or ham is the next step. Terms like CTCSS? See the radio glossary.
- Day 1: Read FRS vs GMRS on start here — FRS is license-free, lower power, no repeaters.
- Day 2: Assign family channel numbers — many FRS radios use Ch 1 for home, Ch 3 for yard/outbuildings. Note fixed antennas only (no removable whip upgrades on FRS-only gear).
- Day 3: Buy or unpack radios — confirm the box says FRS/GMRS if you might upgrade later; pure FRS units cannot legally use GMRS power.
- Day 4: Property test — walk the fence line and note where voice drops out. FRS range is often 0.5–1 mile in terrain; expect less in hollows.
- Day 5: Agree on plain-language call names (not FCC callsigns) and a check-in time during outings or storms.
- Week 2: If you need repeaters or more range, compare first week on GMRS ($35 FCC license) or ham exam prep for emcomm nets.