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FRS/GMRS Features

Each radio has a different set of features. I’ve listed below some of the more common ones. If you have other features you’d like to see in the table, or have additional comments about a feature, please send them to me.

     Necessary Feature
     Somewhat necessary Feature/nice to have
     Not needed/avoid

Backlight	This is a nice feature when using the radio in a low-light environment. Make sure there is a dedicated button on the radio for this.
Adjustable Squelch	Most radios do not allow you to adjust the su
Rotary Volume Control	Most radios have digital volume control, that is, “up” and “down” buttons that control the volume. Radios that have a rotary volume control are much easier to adjust while the radio is on your belt, but rotary volume controls have a bad habit of being jostled when you least expect it, turning down the volume when you don’t expect it.
Number of Channels	Make sure an FRS radio has all 14 channels. Avoid radios with only one or two channels (do they still make these?) If you have a GMRS license, go for a radio with 15 or 22 channels (both FRS and GMRS channels).
CTCSS (Privacy Codes)	Also known as “privacy codes”. Don’t buy a radio without these, unless you like to listen to every 5 year old at the mall.
DCS (Digital Privacy Codes)	Alternate to using CTCSS codes to quiet your radio. Not very popular in radios now, but may in the future. Uses a digital code that is sent with your transmission.
Automatic Power Off	Prevents dead batteries when radio left on for extended period of time. If you plan to use a radio for monitoring for a long time, make sure the APO function can be turned off.
VOX	Voice Operated. Makes the radio go into transmit mode when the radio detects noise. Unless you need this feature, avoid it.
Speaker Volume	Most radios suffer from poor volume, due to the extremely small size of the speaker. When buying a new radio, get it into a semi-noise place, and put it where you expect to wear it (on your belt or purse), then have someonce call you to see if it loud enough.
Out of Range Alert	Interesting feature for the FRD gadget person who wants to know when someone in their party may have gone out of range.
Call Button	If you plan on calling your party, your radio should have a call button on it.
Key Pad Lock	Great feature to have when loaning your radio to someone who is not familiar with it; it avoids them accidentally changing the channel on the radio. Also useful to prevent experienced users from changing something when the radio bumps up against an object.
Battery Type	Go for radios that take AA batteries. AA batteries will last longer than AAA batteries. If your radio does not have a rechargeable battery pack as part of the radio, buy NiHM batteries and save $$$.
Battery Charger	Some radios come with wall warts and/or desk stand battery chargers. Desk stand is more convienent.
Size of Radio	Radios come in three general sizes. Small (fits in the palm of your hand), regular (slightly larger than small, more substantial), and large (almost looks and feels like a professional radio). Smaller radios tend to take AAA batteries, and have a smaller speaker packing less ‘punch’. Large radios can have bigger speakers and more batteries.
Monitor / Range Boost	Usually a button that will unmute the speaker and let you hear either the static of the channel you are on, or listen to the conversation that the radio was blocking because you have a CTCSS or DCS code enabled. Called “Range Boost” on some Cobra radios, since it may let you hear faint radio calls that the squelch in the radio will not open for.
Selectable Transmit Power	Dubious feature since most radios do not put out the watts stated on their packaging. If you are using your radios in close proximity, low power setting will probably extend the battery life. High power may use up the batteries a bit more, but the life of your battery really depends on how much you transmit.
Weather Channels	Nice feature to have.
Foldable Antenna	Helps to make the radio more portable. Folding the antenna will cut the range of the radio, so you won’t be able to communicate as far.
Channel Scan	When you’re bored in the car with your significant other shopping, you can set the radio to scan mode and catch other conversations.
CTCSS Scan	Useful if you’ve found a conversation and want to break in, but they can’t hear you because they are using CTCSS that you don’t know. These radios can scan a transmission and attempt to determine the code.
DCS Scan	See CTCSS Scan
Ring Tones	The annoying feature of many radios that 5 year olds first discover. Having different ring tones can be helpful if you have a number of people in your group, and want to set each one up with a different ring tone so you know who is calling you. Not very useful in real life.
FM Radio	Personal preference. Receivers in these units tend to be very poor due to the length of the antenna.
GPS Receiver	Some radios, like the Rino line from Garmin, now include a GPS receiver and display. Useful in reducing the number of gadgets you need to carry.
GPS Position Transmission	Ability of GPS/FRS devices to transmit digitally their location to so it appears on another GPS/FRS device.
Battery Clip	Tremendous variations on a simple concept. Some are fixed, cheap, thin plastic that will break after a couple of uses, while other are substantial, swiveling, heavy duty clips that will take a beating.
Keypad Beep	Annoying “feature” on some radios that cannot be turned off.
Accessory Jacks	Low-end radios offer no jacks for headphone or microphone. If you want to use an external microphone, make sure it has both.
Detachable Antenna	GMRS radios usually offer this option; FRS radios are not allowed to have an detachable antenna.
Channel Memory	Ability for the radio to remember the settings (CTCSS or DCS, volume, etc), for each channel.
	Suggest other features...