Types of Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios are available in the market in many different makes and models. It will be very confusing for beginners to make a choice. In order to choose the best two way radio for you, we need to understand the different types of two way radios.

This article will tell you about the different types of radios and help you understand the basic categorization of radios.

What is radio service?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for regulating all radio waves in the U.S. The FCC determines who, what, where, when, and how the entire U.S. radio spectrum is used.The FCC allocates certain radio frequency bands, or portions thereof, for commercial, private, and public sector use by assigning them to specific radio services. These services are governed by FCC rules and regulations under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Different Types

Amateur Radio Service (Amateur Radio) - Amateur or amateur radio for hobby and personal use. Amateur radio operates on UHF, VHF, and some HF frequencies and uses international Morse code, voice communications, data, pictures, and even video. A license is required to operate amateur radio, and there are three levels of licenses that determine which bands and frequencies an amateur operator can access. There is no minimum age requirement to become an amateur or amateur radio operator.

Aviation Service (Airline Band) - Airline band radios are used for navigation and two-way communications in airplanes.VHF Airline band radios work best when used outdoors at high altitudes. Handheld air band radios typically have 5 watts of power. Panel NAV/COM radios are typically about 8 watts. Transmissions occur primarily in the air or air-to-ground, so the range is usually much greater than for land-based radios. Aerial radios used within U.S. airspace are usually licensed by rule, which means you don't need to purchase a license from the FCC to operate the radio unless you are operating internationally or outside the U.S. The FCC does not require you to purchase a license from the FCC to operate the radio.

Citizens Band Radio Service (CB) - CB provides two-way radio communications for personal or commercial use. No individual license is required to operate CB radio and there is no minimum age requirement. CB service operates on 40 shared channels in AM mode or Single Side Band (SSB) mode.

Family Radio Service (FRS) - FRS is available for personal or business use.Transmit power on FRS channels is limited to a maximum of 2 watts. There are 22 FRS channels available. Channels 8-14 are low power FRS channels limited to one-half watt. All 22 channels are shared with GMRS. FRS does not require a license and there are no age restrictions on its use, so anyone can use it.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) - GMRS is available for personal use and is a popular choice for consumers and many radio enthusiasts to use in many operations and activities.GMRS requires a license, however, one license covers the entire household and there are no age restrictions. There are 30 GMRS channels available. Eight are GMRS repeater channels and seven are low-power channels with a maximum power of half a watt.22 simplex channels are shared with FRS.

Marine Radio Service (Marine Band) - Marine VHF radios are typically used on both large and small marine vessels for ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications, ranging from routine contact with ports and harbors to emergency distress calls. A license is not required to operate a marine radio on a domestically operated recreational vessel that is not required by law to carry a radio or is not traveling to a foreign port. However, if your vessel travels to ports in other countries, you will need a license.

These radios operate on the VHF frequency of 156 to 174 MHz. They are allowed to operate between 1 and 25 watts. Transmissions occur primarily in open water, so the range is usually much greater than for land-based radios.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) - MURS was created in 2000 and can be used by businesses or individuals.MURS is allocated five VHF frequencies (151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570, 154.600) and has a maximum power limit of 2 watts.MURS does not require a license and does not have an age limit. MURS frequencies are not crowded, which means that MURS operators may have more privacy.

Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) - Also known as the Commercial Radio Service, PLMRS is used primarily by large and small businesses. Commercial radios are typically manufactured with higher quality construction and components for maximum range, audio quality, and durability. Commercial radios are available in either analog or digital modes, and some manufacturers even offer hybrid modes for compatibility between the two. Commercial radios can be used in either UHF or VHF frequencies, and the type usually depends on where and how the radio is used. Handheld devices typically have between 1 and 5 watts of power, while mobile devices and base stations will provide more power. Commercial radios typically have repeater capabilities and many of these are user programmable.

Additionally, specific frequencies are assigned to businesses and require a license to use them. Licensed frequencies can be expensive, but they provide a level of exclusivity and greater privacy for local communications that is well worth it for many companies, organizations and even individuals who may need it.