[Geysers] what kind of scanner

[eclipserd]

Meg,

The use of FRS radios concerning "gazers" in the basin
don't involve GMRS which is the main part of my
message but I want to give a heads up anyway.

One thing to be aware of is that there are some radio
models out there that feature dual service (FRS/GMRS
(General Mobile Radio Service)).  This allows the user
to use both FRS and GMRS services from one radio. 
While this may seem like more capable radios, and
indeed they are, and sales representatives may push
them, be forewarned that GMRS requires a license from
the FCC (federal communications commission) to
transmit.  The cost to obtain a license is $75 and is
good for five years.  Again this doesn't concern GOSA
related activities on FRS but, may be a consideration
when deciding on a particular radio to purchase. 

The reason I bring this up is; as an amateur radio
operator, I've heard numerous stories of Radio Shack
staff pushing/selling hand-held (walkie-talkies)
amateur radios to those who didn't know a amateur
radio license was required to transmit.  I've heard
similar stories concerning FRS/GMRS radios. 

I would expect that the packaging and instruction
manual with any radio that is dual FRS/GMRS to be
marked stating the requirement for a FCC GMRS license
to use the GMRS channels.  It may be in very small
print but should be there.  If in doubt, question the
sales person specifically as to the radio's licensing
requirements.  If they are unable to satisfactorily
answer the question, ask them to produce an
instruction manual for that radio and look through the
entire manual for any licensing requirements.  You
could also contact the FCC and inquire of them about a
radio.  I consider it EXTREMELY unlikely for a radio
not to have a notice somewhere on the packaging
stating licensing requirement for GMRS.  Just to
clarify, FRS does not require a license.

FRS radios may also tout a "privacy code".  This is
stretching it quite a bit.  It's more of a end user
silencing mode in which the "Receiving" radio requires
a non-audible tone to open it's squelch and allow you
to hear what is being received.  There is NO privacy
from others listening on another FRS radio or general
receiver to your conversations.  For what it does for
the geyser group, it works just fine.  Just don't
transmit any sensitive information (SS Numbers,
passwords, etc.,).

There may be other features of from radio to radio but
these are the important issues to consider.

If you have any questions on this, please email me and
I will be happy to answer them.

Take Care,

Daldnd Speirs
WVC, UT

----------------------------------------------------
It's been too long - Yellowstone is calling.....


--- Meg Justus <megj at nwlink.com> wrote:

> Thanks, all, for the information.
> 
> Looks like a trip to Radio Shack is in my future
> <g>.
> 
> Meg> _______________________________________________
> Geysers mailing list
> Geysers at wwc.edu
> https://mailman.wwc.edu/mailman/listinfo/geysers
> 


       
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