Radio communication: Short Wave, CB’s, FRS, GMRS, HAM, for car or walkie-talkies

Guns & Gear
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There was a good post from March 2023, where there were many replies helping to differentiate between these varied radio communications; Link copied below.

These devices are very new to me.

I recently picked up some lower-cost versions of devices, a short-wave radio, a GMRS for the car, spare set of hand-held FRS, and a CB.

Some older used models can be found at lower cost.

Uses: For some it’s for communicating with family/friends outdoors, a hobbie, others find it helpful for road and weather conditions, or in case of an emergency.

At first glance, I found a general outline differentiating them, but I am not sure if it is correct:

CB’s do not require license, is not as prevalent as GMRS. CB is not heard on the same frequency as GMRS or FRS.

GMRS require FCC license, at $35 fee for a 10-year period. Got my license, but it was not easy navigating the FCC websites, I think I got lucky figuring it out. Many GMRS are those boxed shaped devices, used in cars (base stations/micromobiles). I installed one myself. GMRS are growing in popularity.

FRS are hand-helds, no license required, and might be compatible with GMRS devices. I am not sure if all FRS are compatible, but if the manufacturer is the same, that may help. The system I have is Midland, who said that all their GMRS and FRS are compatible with one another. FRS are sometime called bubble packs, similar to those you commonly see at big box stores like Walmart.

HAM: Require passing an exam, and licensure.

Short wave radio: No license needed. Receives broadcast (in bound only).

Antennas: When it comes to tuning them, it got too complicated for me, when I wanted simple as a newbie. Some makers say their brand GMRS’s and antennas are compatible and their antennas already come pre-tuned. I would not know, but found that helpful.

Power: In car boxed devices normally wire to your car’s battery. Too complex for my knowledge, so I made sure mine already came with the cigarette lighter plug and play option. Hand helds of course, use batteries.

Suggestions: I preferred the devices which included a weather channel, weather alert feature, and self automatic scanning for the most clear and or stations which have activity on them.

Repeaters: Is a device which helps increase the distance one can cover. I saw some for sale, but they were too expensive for me. I found it complicated to obtain access to someone’s receiver, looking for tips.

I know many of you are experts in this field, and other have helpful experience. So, please share any knowledge or questions to “the group”.

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Link to:

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Here are my thoughts for basic radio setup. For simple communication within your family or friend group, get a good set of GMRS handhelds, with some longer antennas. Baofeng is the best deal going. You can get a pair of 5 watt handheld for less than 50 on Amazon. B-tech, Baofeng and Nagoya are all the same. Find the longer antennas (about 14" long) and they’ll extend the range to several miles. Be sure to get the antenna specifically for GMRS and not for 70CM HAM, as they’re slightly different.

For the car, CB is still the best. I have both GMRS and CB in my truck, and no one is ever on GMRS on the highways, but many truckers still use CB.

CB antennas (car mount) absolutely do need tuning. You can buy a CB standing wave meter (SWR meter) with a 3’ jumper cable for dirt cheap on Amazon. Get a magnet mount t antenna like a Wilson “lil-will” with a basic Midland radio and you’re good to go for under $100. The SWR meter will come with instructions. Basically, all you’re doing is slightly changing the length of the antenna to get standing waves to the minimum possible. This will give you several miles of communication in your vehicle to lots of truckers on the road. If you want to convoy with family, or 4x4 off roading that’s where GMRS comes in.

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Yes Baofeng’s are very good radios for the price

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Antennas are tricky. The are very specific to the band and frequency you will sending/receiving on. To make matters worse they tend to be highly directional.

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I have 3 YAESU ft 250 hand helds
1 is set up on the weather broadcast 24/7 [WXK73]
it came in real handy during the Fathers day flood
here in the Keweenaw other than the storm was so bad
that it blocked the transmission of info
the other 2 are in a faraday bag with a am/fm radio
I think WJR in Detroit still run vacuum tubes in their transmitter
so it will still work after an EMP

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Be aware of those Chinese Radios, allegedly they have chip sets that are suspicious for the capability of being remotely monitored/accessed.

I would highly recommend Portable Faraday Bags. This is just a random ad pulled up not what I personally would recommend.

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Thanks everyone.

I think they are kinda fun to use. Some in my family do not like to use them, but they also tend to prefer listening to music on their ear buds or glued to their mobile phones, instead.

I can see them useful in case of emergencies. There have been times I lose cel phone and regular car radio reception, especially “out in the boonies”. Whereas these can at least communicate with each other if in a group.

Nice as a back up. I was surprised that my start out in cost, was less than I thought they would be.

Others more expensive with more “bells and whistles”. I have a basic set, but, boy have I got lots to learn.

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