Two-way radio communication has been open to the public for what appears like forever. Who hasn't heard of CB radios, but who knew there are many other two-way radio options? How many individuals have learned about Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), or the Extreme Radio Service (eXRS )? Perhaps you have considered using the marine VHF bands for land to water communications? Most of these are readily available and only 1 radio requires a straightforward to acquire FCC license.

Does your loved ones need a two-way radio? You can find few families that will not benefit from, or find an essential use for a two-way radio. Perhaps you have been hiking or camping along with your family and you and the kids become separated from each other? This is not enough time to discover that your cell phone does not need a signal. How do you call and check on the kids to be sure they are safe? How do they call you when they need UHF CB you? Having a few lightweight, compact two-way radios isn't this kind of bad idea. Actually, occasionally such as this, it's absolutely essential to insure the safety of one's family.

Before we explore the various radio and service options available, let's first consider some basics that apply to two-way radios and radio services. First, more power means greater distances. Therefore, a 1/2 watt radio won't transmit as far or as well as a 5 watt radio. Second, the flatter the terrain or more direct the line of sight communication you've, the better the number and performance of the radio. Some radios can transmit 30 to 35 miles or more if the terrain is flat.

With one of these basics in mind, let's think about the capabilities of the next services and radios to see what fits your preferences:

(1) The CB (citizens band) radio is a choice with both mobile and handheld styles that provide 40-channels and have a production of 4 watts. They're generally sold being an individual radio and you would need to buy one for each person. The CB radio is often only a little larger and bulkier than the other radio options.

(2) It is common to get that a two-way radio since the Family Radio Service (FRS) channels will cover the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels as well. FRS radios have a maximum power of 1/2 watt, so you don't want to roam too much from each other and aspire to communicate. If you purchase a radio with both FRS and GMRS capability, you are able to operate on the FRS channels with out a license, however, to operate on the GMRS channels you will have to obtain an FCC license, but not everybody in the family needs one. The FCC license is issued to facilitate the activities of a grown-up individual AND his / her immediate family members. Members of the family add a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. One license can cover all the family, but the licensee is responsible for everyone operating under their license and will have to insure all users follow the rules. GMRS radios operate in the UHF band therefore the radios are compact and light weight. The ability of these radios is generally from 1 to 5 watts, and they are most often sold in pairs for approximately the price tag on one handheld CB radio.

(3) Among the latest and little known new services could be the extreme radio service (eXRS) that uses new technology known as "Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum" technology and operates in the 900 MHz band. The eXRS two-way radio boasts of to be able to provide superior communications over a larger range when compared, beneath the same conditions, to the FRS and GMRS radios, plus they might require no license like the GMRS does. When sold in pairs they are comparable price range as the FRS/GMRS two-way radios.

(4) Finally, the marine VHF band radios are another option. The FCC eliminated the average person licensing requirement for voluntary ships operating domestically which are not required by law to transport a radio. So your own personal, non-commercial, watercraft is exempt from the licensing requirement. Portable, handheld versions are generally within the ability selection of 1 to 5 watts. They're sold as individual radios like the CB handhelds. The Cost of these radios is higher than the others, but if you should be a fisherman, there's a cost you're willing to pay for your safety through communication. Not just are these radios capable of land to water communications, but land to land as well. This really is often an overlooked capability of "marine" radios.

When making your final decision, one option that's well worth insisting upon that is available on all these kinds of radios is just a Weather Information or even a Weather Alert channel. Whether you are at the soccer fields on the weekend, camping, hiking, or on the lake, it doesn't cost any longer to really have a radio that may warn you of a weather emergency. Regardless that radio you could be interested in, there are many options that all these radios offer. You are sure to get one that'll meet all of your family's needs.