geocacheing and FRS

[+NM8B]

i read today in the FAQ that channel 2 FRS" family radio service" has been adopted as the the cacher channel.

i was wondering does anyone even use this while cacheing or try and contact other cachers while out hunting? As a ham i generally take my HT with me but its on the local repeater.

 

"Do you have an FRS/PMR channel to find out if other Geocachers are in the area?

Yes. The community has decided on channel 2 as the primary for both FRS and PMR, and 12 as the alternate FRS (Family Radio Service) channel and 8 for the alternate PMR (Europe). FRS and PMR radios are longer distance walkie talkies, like the Motorola Talkabout."

[+zoltig]

i read today in the FAQ that channel 2 FRS" family radio service" has been adopted as the the cacher channel.

i was wondering does anyone even use this while cacheing or try and contact other cachers while out hunting? As a ham i generally take my HT with me but its on the local repeater.

 

"Do you have an FRS/PMR channel to find out if other Geocachers are in the area?

Yes. The community has decided on channel 2 as the primary for both FRS and PMR, and 12 as the alternate FRS (Family Radio Service) channel and 8 for the alternate PMR (Europe). FRS and PMR radios are longer distance walkie talkies, like the Motorola Talkabout."

Typically the radios are a good tool for events and such. The radios have such a short range (depending on environment and landscape) that they serve little purpose for a random geocache encounter.

 

We used to use them, and still carry the FRS, in the Jeeps for communication. We have everybody switched to CB since the range is much greater.

[+TexasGringo]

I've had the GMRS radio (License Required) for a year or so, and in scanner mode I've never heard anyone else. Even though it says 15 miles....it is good for about a mile in the woods.

 

The FRS is Channels 1-14 and GMRS is Channels 15-22.....they make some combined models.

 

Hame radio (2 meter) was 147.555 based on some discussions here:

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...mp;hl=frequency

 

For range and the possibility of reaching someone in an emergency when out in the boonies....I carry a cell phone and CB walkie-talkie.

[AZcachemeister]

We use FMRS/GMRS radios, but only when out in large groups, multiple vehicles, or when meeting friends at a pre-planned location (like a campground).

I also use them to communicate with AZgeckogirl, who usually stays in the JEEP while I climb the hill looking for a benchmark.

[+gpsgeology]

I think I have gotten at least 15 miles line of sight on my Motorola FRS.

 

I was on the top of Lost Mine Trail when I made a radio call to my sister who was in Rio Grande Village shopping. (In Big Bend Natl Park, Tx)

 

She came in loud and clear.

 

Of course, distances for non-Line of Sight communications will be far shorter.

 

Happy Caching,

Steve.

[+NM8B]

I've had the GMRS radio (License Required) for a year or so, and in scanner mode I've never heard anyone else. Even though it says 15 miles....it is good for about a mile in the woods.

 

The FRS is Channels 1-14 and GMRS is Channels 15-22.....they make some combined models.

 

Hame radio (2 meter) was 147.555 based on some discussions here:

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...mp;hl=frequency

 

For range and the possibility of reaching someone in an emergency when out in the boonies....I carry a cell phone and CB walkie-talkie.

 

thanks for the information i cant believe how long that thread lasted over a year! and i still dont think they all agreed lol.. i did like the idea of listing the local repeater freq and simplex most used on the cache listing. i looked at GMRS in till i saw the price! and i guess i dont need it anyway ham license is cheaper last longer and gives you better results..