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GMRS WEB FRS Radio
Comparisons
by Paul & Tina Shinn
Since there are so many FRS radios
available, GMRS Web Magazine decided to compare some of the available models
and present the information to you. Our review of each radio is based on what
the author experienced when testing each radio under different conditions.
(Editor's note: Please consider our chart a starting point from which to
make your own conclusions. Think carefully about your intended use of the
product, review the chart, and then see the radios first hand.)
Although each radio was tested using
the same techniques, some radios performed differently under unusual
circumstances that are not taken into consideration here. At the end of this
list of terms, are some comments about each of the radios of interest that
describe how each radio is neat or unique in some way.
Here's what the terms on the chart mean
in this test. Each category is rated one through 5 with 1 being the lowest
rating in the category and five being the highest rating of the
category.
Toughness.
When determining how strong, or
"user proof" a radio is, I take into account the thickness and
durability of the radio case. In some cases, radios have a rubber like coating
which helps. Radios made of cheap, thin plastic obviously will not score well.
Durability of attached antennas, displays, battery covers, and protrusions are
all included in the rating.
Ease of use.
This is difficult to qualify as a
number since the rating is very subjective. My wife Tina made the ease of use
determination as the sole member of our focus group! Tina is not a radio
hobbyist, but she has used radios a lot, and knows the most basic of radio
features. What I did was hand her the radio without instructions, and then
asked her to use it. Radios she could figure out easily rank higher. Some
features that are labeled as such tend to help increase this rating number.
Having to scroll though a menu just to turn the volume up or down brought the
rating down.
Water Resistance.
Since I don't know of any truly water
proof FRS radios to compare to, this rating is a determination of how
susceptible to water intrusion damage a radio would be if I were outside in the
rain with it. I did not completely submerse any of the radios! I looked at the
way it is built. Gaskets are a help, but only if the battery pack and buttons
or knobs are sealed too.
(Editor's Note: Cherokee now makes a
water resistant radio.)
GMRS Radio Compatibility.
Since the Family Radio Service shares
its first seven channels with the general Mobile radio Service 'odd' simplex
frequencies, it is natural to expect that a GMRS radio can communicate with an
FRS radio. Since GMRS radios deviate (or modulate) 5 kc wide, and FRS radios
only 2.5 kc, the FRS radio must be able to accept the additional bandwidth of
the GMRS radio's transmitted audio at 100% modulation. FRS radios that have too
narrow an IF bandwidth cut out when listening to a louder GMRS transmission.
Also, FRS radios that use 'companding' do not work well with GMRS radios.
Companding is when the transmitter on one radio compresses the microphone
audio, so everything is sent at maximum modulation level (including background
noise). Then the receiver expands the audio to try and restore the sonic depth
and openness to the compressed audio. Major downgrade.
Transmitter Clarity.
Getting a good rating in this category
requires a transmitted audio that is not too 'tinny' or 'muffled' and free from
over compression of the microphone audio. Radios using a lot of 'companding'
tend to over-compress the transmitter audio, and pick up all kinds of
background noise. Also, a good audio frequency response makes transmitted audio
easier to listen to and understand.
Receiver Clarity.
This rating takes a few things into
account: Good, loud, un-distorted audio capability and the lack of expanding
which makes the audio difficult to understand. Most of all, a good audio
frequency response is a must.
Receiver Sensitivity.
FRS radios are limited to ½ watt
of transmitter power so getting good range under a variety of conditions,
requires the radios to have a very sensitive receiver. This test was performed
by transmitting a fixed level signal to the radio a fixed distance away with
the radio's own antenna. By doing so, it takes into account the efficiency of
the whole radio, the way you use it, including its antenna, not just the
radio's electronics.
Receiver Selectivity.
When a radio has high selectivity, this
means that it is less susceptible to interference from other radio transmitters
on adjacent frequencies that are physically close to your radio. This is known
as 'intermodulation' and 'front end overload'. Paging and high power commercial
two-way communications can completely cover up another FRS signal you are
trying to hear on radios with poor frequency selectivity. Downtown areas are
the worst places for intermodulation and overload.
Battery Life.
When you are outdoors hiking, biking,
or having fun while using your FRS radios, the last thing you want to do is
change batteries. Some manufacturers design their radios to use 'AAA' type
batteries which have less capacity than the more popular 'AA' types. This means
shorter battery life. It also means higher battery costs. Battery life for this
test was determined by measuring the current drain when receiving,
transmitting, and on standby. Then, using the '5-5-30' (talking, receiving,
then idle time in minutes) method, figuring how long the battery compliment
would run the radio. Just adding more 'AAA' batteries doesn't cut it.
Accessories Available.
Higher ratings come from having lots of
readily available inexpensive goodies that will work with this radio. The
overall quality and durability of the manufacturer recommended accessories
affect the rating as well. Everything from speaker microphones and carrying
cases to rechargeable battery packs and power cords fall under this
category.
Some features that stand
out:
The Motorola radios are incredibly
strong! Too bad they put the push-to-talk button right smack dab in the middle
of the face of the radio instead of on the side where every other radio does.
This hurt the ease of use rating since my wife couldn't find it at
first.
The Icom FRS radio tested seemed to be
the most watertight radio model yet seen. I actually did splash it pretty good
since I was curious, and no damage! The Icom's 'transponder' feature lets you
know if other radios in your group are within range, nice feature! A very
strong radio, and a personal favorite.
The Cobra radio was small and very
light. The receiver audio was a little 'tinny'.
Kenwood's receiver audio was the best
of all the radios tested so far! Loud, clear, just like a real land-mobile
radio! When I brought the first Kenwood home to show my wife, she took it from
me and refused to give it back! I had to go buy another radio just so I could
test it! Another personal favorite.
The Yaesu was the simplest looking
radio of all. Only a volume knob and channel knob on top. The only real big
drawback to this radio was that in order to change privacy CTCSS codes, you
need to take the battery cover off and fiddle with tiny switches. Not fun.
One neat feature of the Midland is that
it comes with rechargeable batteries installed and a charger. Also, the antenna
can be removed and an external magnet mount antenna used. This radio got a lot
of heat for this, as the FCC rules appear to not allow this type of feature.
Radio Shack is the most visible FRS
radio outlet to the general public, and has begun to offer many different
models. This model used a horrible compander scheme, which made it almost
impossible to use with a GMRS radio. Also, the volume was horribly low and
'tinny'.
Cherokee makes good-looking small
radios. One thing the Cherokee has, which is a nice touch, is a signal strength
meter. Since FRS radios are simplex, meaning they don't use repeaters, knowing
how strong you are receiving somebody has a place. Also, the ability to use one
CTCSS code for transmitting and a different one for receiving was cool. The
Cherokee 'looks' like a real radio, and the least like a toy.
The ADI Talk King looks like a tiny
jukebox with an antenna. I get the name- Talk King, 'talking' when you say it
fast. This radio is really small, and somehow still has good audio. The ear
clip type microphone/headset really works neat. No band going over your head!
The plastic case is very thin and brittle.
Closing note:
As more new FRS radios are released,
GMRS Web Magazine invites manufacturers and retailers to submit radios for
testing and inclusion in this comparison. We don't guarantee that Tina will
want to give the radios back!
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