You've all seen them in the stores, those cool looking little 2-way radios that look like something from Mission Impossible. Well, I finally decided to buy a pair and try them out. They do look pretty cool and I figured they'd come in handy when I'm camping or out on the trails (I actually bought them to use during my last SAE mini-baja competition, but that's another story).

This new line of 2-way radios operate on the recently created "Family Radio Service" channels: 14 channels set aside by the FCC for public (ie: non-business) use. These channels are seperate from the CB channels, so don't get an FRS radio and think you can talk to your buddy on his CB.

FRS radios use UHF frequency range (~460 MHz) and very low power (0.5 watts), which limits their range to about 2 miles on a good day (see note below on actual usable range). Most major radio and communications manufacturers now make FRS radios, and they range in price from $30 per radio to close to $200. Motorola, Cobra, and Midland FRS radios are commonly available at most stores that sell electronics (I bought mine from a SAM'S Club store).

The FR50 is Motorola's base model in their "Talkabout Radio" line. It's a no-frills radio that runs about $75 for a pair. Unlike their more expensive radios, the FR50 doesn't have privacy codes available, so anyone and everyone on your channel (remember, there's only 14 of them) will hear what you're saying. For most of us though, whether we're on the trail or out with the family at a theme park, that's not a big deal. In crowded competition settings though (where these radios are very common now), the privacy codes are a must. Due to their small size (smaller than most walkie-talkies and weighing about 7 oz.) they fit in just about any pocket and are ideal for hiking, backpacking, or finding your friend who's saving you a spot in line for the roller coaster.

The FR50 runs on 3 AA batteries and has about 3 hours of talk time and around 24 hours of standby time. Not bad for a 3 AA's. One thing you will notice about the FRS radios is while they all claim up to 2 miles in range, that's only on flat ground with a straight line of sight and good weather. I did some very nonscientific testing around town and found an actually usable range of about 3/4 of a mile when you take into account hills, trees, etc. Even so, I think that's more than enough for most places you'd be using an FRS radio.

Overall I've been very happy with my FR50's. They work very well and last quite a long time on one set of batteries. Plus they're small enough to store just about anywhere (glove compartment, center console, etc.). The range has been adequate for what I've used them for so far, and my only real complaint is they aren't water proof. The backlight isn't that great either, I was expecting IndiGlo but it's just a tiny light bulb. It'd also be nice if they had the privacy codes, but at $75 for a pair, compared to $100+ for just one, I can live without the privacy codes and IndiGlo. They're definitely a good buy though, just as long as you know someone else who's got one.

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