FRS

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Midland GXT series (GXT1000, GXT1000VP, GXT1000VP4, GXT1030, GXT1050, GXT2050 and numerous other model numbers) 50 channel walkie talkies.  These are FRS radios sold with extra channels or additional channels.  Instead of 22 channels, they come with 50 channels.  Channels 1-22 are FRS channels 1-22.  Like most FRS radios, the CTCSS/DCS subchannel or “subcode” is user-selectable on channels 1-22.  Users maybe select carrier squelch (CSQ, no code or “code 0”) CTCSS tones or DCS codes as a subchannel, “privacy code” or subcode.  For example, FRS channel 7 with CTCSS tone 156.7 Hz would be channel 7, code 25.  This would appear on the radio display as channel 7-25.   
Midland GXT series (GXT1000, GXT1000VP, GXT1000VP4, GXT1030, GXT1050, GXT2050 and numerous other model numbers) 50 channel walkie talkies.  These are FRS radios sold with extra channels or additional channels.  Instead of 22 channels, they come with 50 channels.  Channels 1-22 are FRS channels 1-22.  Like most FRS radios, the CTCSS/DCS subchannel or “subcode” is user-selectable on channels 1-22.  Users maybe select carrier squelch (CSQ, no code or “code 0”) CTCSS tones or DCS codes as a subchannel, “privacy code” or subcode.  For example, FRS channel 7 with CTCSS tone 156.7 Hz would be channel 7, code 25.  This would appear on the radio display as channel 7-25.   
-
Nearly all FRS radios default to either carrier squelch on channels 1-22 or code 1, CTCSS or PL code 67.0 Hz.   
+
Nearly all FRS radios default to either carrier squelch on channels 1-22 or code 1, CTCSS or PL code 67.0 Hz.    Midland numbers the 38 CTCSS codes as 0-38 (0 being carrier squelch, then standard PL codes 1-38).  For DCS codes, Midland radios start back over at 1 and go up to 104.   
Channel 23 to Channel 50 are FRS channels with CTCSS / PL or DCS / DPL tones or codes hard-programmed with each channel.   
Channel 23 to Channel 50 are FRS channels with CTCSS / PL or DCS / DPL tones or codes hard-programmed with each channel.   

Revision as of 13:15, 7 May 2020

Family Radio Service

UHF replacement (or rather supplement) to the CB service. Created in the late 1990s by the FCC after intense lobbying by RadioShack. No license required. 2 watt power limit on the 15 462MHz channels, 0.5 watt (500mw) power limit on the 8 467MHz channels.

Legal for use by individuals, families and businesses with the deregulation of Part 95 of the FCC rules in 2018. All 22 channels (2 watts on the 462 MHz channels and 0.5 watt on the 467 MHz channels) available for use without a license. Can business use FRS radios? Yes they can (and do!).

Contents

FRS Frequencies FRS Channels 22 Channels

Ch Freq MHz - Notes -
1 462.5625 Shared with GMRS - FRS Calling Channel 2 watts maximum TX power
2 462.5875 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
3 462.6125 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
4 462.6375 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
5 462.6625 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
6 462.6875 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
7 462.7125 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
8 467.5625 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
9 467.5875 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
10 467.6125 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
11 467.6375 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
12 467.6625 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
13 467.6875 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
14 467.7125 FRS only 0.5 watt 500mw maximum TX power
15 462.5500 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
16 462.5750 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
17 462.6000 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
18 462.6250 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
19 462.6500 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
20 462.6750 Shared with GMRS - GMRS Calling Channel (141.3 Hz CTCSS) 2 watts maximum TX power
21 462.7000 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power
22 462.7250 Shared with GMRS 2 watts maximum TX power


FRS calling frequencies and Preppers Emergency Preparedness Crossband Repeaters and the like

  • FRS channel 1 - 462.5625 MHz CSQ (no tone) is the recommended "calling" frequency, along it is often the busiest calling - National SOS Radio Network
  • FRS channel 2 - 462.5875 MHz CSQ (no tone) (2-0) is the prepper/militia secondary channel
  • FRS channel 3 - 462.6125 MHz CSQ (no tone) (3-0) is the recommend prepper/militia channel with MURS channel 3 and CB channel 3 as part of the AmRRON CH3 Project
  • FRS channel 4 - 462.6125 MHz CSQ (no tone) (4-0) is the prepper/militia secondary channel
  • FRS channel 7 - 462.7125 MHz subcode 15 (7-15) Airshow/milcom hobbyist recommended channel (backup) PL 110.0 Hz
  • FRS channel 14 - 467.7125 MHz subcode 38 (14-38) Airshow/milcom hobbyist recommended channel (primary) PL 250.3 Hz
  • FRS channel 18 - 462.6250 MHz subcode 19 (18-19) is default channel 6 on the Baofeng BF-888S series UHF walkie talkies PL 127.3 Hz
  • FRS channel 20 - 462.6750 MHz subcode 22 (20-22) is the recommended GMRS calling/travel channel, with CTCSS or PL tone 141.3 Hz
  • FRS channel 22 - 462.7250 MHz subcode 21 (22-21) is default channel 7 on the Baofeng BF-888S series UHF walkie talkies PL 136.5 Hz
  • Crossband repeaters, patching FRS/GMRS with CB or MURS, is becoming more and more popular. Use of PL tones 156.7 Hz and 167.9 Hz is recommended. Use of 67.0 Hz (the default tone for many radios) is not recommended for repeaters or other linking purposes. The GMRS "default" tone is 141.3 Hz.


FRS Information and Discussion

FRS is a license free two-way radio service regulated under Part 95 of the FCC rules - Personal Radio Services. FRS is widely used nationwide - 22 channels available, 15 of which are shared with the GMRS service. See also MURS. FRS is heavily used by private individuals, traveling groups for car-to-car communications, businesses, at construction sites and for various other purposes, including illegal activities and criminal enterprises. Since it is one of the most popular unlicensed personal radio services, FRS radios are found worldwide (even though they are only legal in the USA and are allowed in Canada, Mexico and other Latin American countries with some restrictions. Canada allows simplex-only use of all 22 FRS frequencies without a license requirement.

The easy accessibility to low cost FRS equipment, simple-to-use radios and short range mean that drug dealers have been confirmed to use FRS to communicate with lookouts, etc. in several cities in the USA. In urban areas it is often possible to hear several different groups using several of the FRS frequencies at once with a respectable listening setup or even with a handheld VHF/UHF scanner located in a good spot high up for improved line of sight coverage. In urban areas, street-level handheld FRS range is often only around 1 mile or even less in heavily built-up areas. In rural areas or in high-up locations the range can increase significantly to dozens of miles.

At legal power levels (2 watts for channels 1-7 and 15-22, 0.5 watts/500mw for channels 8-14) FRS radio range is highly dependent open location of transmitting and receiving radios as well as obstructions. From mountaintop to mountaintop very long range communications can be realized.

FRS is similar to the UHF CB service in Australia and New Zealand the PMR446 service (and to a lesser extent, the LPD433 service) in Europe and the UK as well as various other VHF/UHF personal radio services throughout the world. It is often what laymen think of when they think about walkie talkies.

In late 2017, the FCC changed the rules to accommodate the vast majority of "bubble pack pirates" operating higher power and/or operating on the 8 GMRS only frequencies. FRS now consists of 22 channels, 15 of which are shared with GMRS. Power limit is 2 watts on the 462 MHz channels, and 0.5 watts on the 467 MHz channels. The FRS rules were also modified to prohibit the sale of FRS/GMRS "combination" radios - effectively classifying all existing FRS/GMRS radios on the market as FRS radios only and removing the license requirement.

Transmission of data signals on the FRS channels is also now permitted under the updated Part 95 rules. 14 channel radios operating under the previous rules remain legal and the prohibition against removable antennas remains in effect. All transmissions must be made in narrowband FM - NBFM or NFM - 11K2F3E, 11K0F3E, 9K20F3E, 8K50F3E, 8K00F3E, 6K00F3E and other narrowband (11 kHz or less bandwidth) FM emissions voice are often found. Data transmissions must be in FSK mode and follow the narrowband requirement. Note that GMRS users are not required to use narrowband FM and many continue to use regular "wide" FM - 20K0F3E emission or 16K0F3E emission. However, older-style "combination" FRS/GMRS handheld radios operate narrowband FM only on the 462 MHz and 467 MHz frequencies.

Late 2010s/early 2020s Chinese manufactured and sold FRS units with FCC Part 95 FRS radio authorization indicate emission types including 10K0F3E for all 22 channels (462 MHz - 467 MHz), 12K0F3E emission, 9K64F3E emission, 11K3F3E emission, 11K0F3E emission, 8K00F3E emission and other bandwidths, including super-narrow FM emission 5K81F3E, 6K00F3E, 5K75F3E and others.

Some of these radios are clearly marketed as children's walkie-talkies and offer only 50mw-100mw transmit power (compared to higher-end radios, even Chinese radios, which offer 500mw to 1 watt to 2 watt power output on the 462 MHz frequencies). Cheap children's walkie talkies designed for short range purposes transmit 250mw on 462.55 MHz - 467.7125 MHz, with emission type 9K64F3E on 462.55 MHz - 462.725 MHz and emission 9K69F3E on 467.5625 MHz - 467.7125 MHz. Almost all of these lower-grade transceivers offer all 22 channels, and simply transmit below the 500mw power limit for FRS on all 22 FRS channels.

Midland FRS GMRS 50 Channel Radios

Midland GXT series (GXT1000, GXT1000VP, GXT1000VP4, GXT1030, GXT1050, GXT2050 and numerous other model numbers) 50 channel walkie talkies. These are FRS radios sold with extra channels or additional channels. Instead of 22 channels, they come with 50 channels. Channels 1-22 are FRS channels 1-22. Like most FRS radios, the CTCSS/DCS subchannel or “subcode” is user-selectable on channels 1-22. Users maybe select carrier squelch (CSQ, no code or “code 0”) CTCSS tones or DCS codes as a subchannel, “privacy code” or subcode. For example, FRS channel 7 with CTCSS tone 156.7 Hz would be channel 7, code 25. This would appear on the radio display as channel 7-25.

Nearly all FRS radios default to either carrier squelch on channels 1-22 or code 1, CTCSS or PL code 67.0 Hz. Midland numbers the 38 CTCSS codes as 0-38 (0 being carrier squelch, then standard PL codes 1-38). For DCS codes, Midland radios start back over at 1 and go up to 104.

Channel 23 to Channel 50 are FRS channels with CTCSS / PL or DCS / DPL tones or codes hard-programmed with each channel.


On channels 23-50, only the channel may be selected, no sub-code or sub-channels may be changed on the extra channels 23 through 50.

This feature allows users to quickly change to a different channel and PL or DPL code to escape interference without having to change channel and then change code. Instead, all users would simply “go to channel 46” instead of “go to channel 15, subchannel 2” on their walkie talkies.


  • Channel 1 - 462.5625 MHz
  • Channel 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • Channel 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • Channel 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • Channel 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • Channel 6 - 462.6875 MHz
  • Channel 7 - 462.7125 MHz
  • Channel 8 - 467.5625 MHz
  • Channel 9 - 467.5875 MHz
  • Channel 10 - 467.6125 MHz
  • Channel 11 - 467.6375 MHz
  • Channel 12 - 467.6625 MHz
  • Channel 13 - 467.6875 MHz
  • Channel 14 - 467.7125 MHz
  • Channel 15 - 462.5500 MHz
  • Channel 16 - 462.5750 MHz
  • Channel 17 - 462.6000 MHz
  • Channel 18 - 462.6250 MHz
  • Channel 19 - 462.6500 MHz
  • Channel 20 - 462.6750 MHz
  • Channel 21 - 462.7000 MHz
  • Channel 22 - 462.7250 MHz
  • Channel 23 - 462.5625 MHz 250.3 Hz PL [FRS 1
  • Channel 24 - 462.6125 MHz 225.7 Hz PL [FRS 3
  • Channel 25 - 462.6625 MHz 203.5 Hz PL [FRS 5
  • Channel 26 - 462.7125 MHz 179.9 Hz PL [FRS 7
  • Channel 27 - 462.5500 MHz 162.2 Hz PL [FRS 15
  • Channel 28 - 462.6000 MHz 146.2 Hz PL [FRS 17
  • Channel 29 - 462.6500 MHz 131.8 Hz PL [FRS 19
  • Channel 30 - 462.7000 MHz 118.8 Hz PL [FRS 21
  • Channel 31 - 462.5875 MHz 023 DCS [FRS 2
  • Channel 32 - 462.6375 MHz 032 DCS [FRS 4
  • Channel 33 - 462.6875 MHz 047 DCS [FRS 6
  • Channel 34 - 467.5625 MHz 065 DCS [FRS 8
  • Channel 35 - 467.6125 MHz 073 DCS [FRS 10
  • Channel 36 - 467.6625 MHz 115 DCS [FRS 12
  • Channel 37 - 467.7125 MHz 131 DCS [FRS 14
  • Channel 38 - 462.5750 MHz 143 DCS [FRS 16
  • Channel 39 - 462.6250 MHz 156 DCS [FRS 18
  • Channel 40 - 462.6750 MHz 172 DCS [FRS 20
  • Channel 41 - 462.7250 MHz 223 DCS [FRS 22
  • Channel 42 - 462.5625 MHz 107.2 Hz PL [FRS 1
  • Channel 43 - 462.6125 MHz 97.4 Hz PL [FRS 3
  • Channel 44 - 462.6625 MHz 88.5 Hz PL [FRS 5
  • Channel 45 - 462.7125 MHz 79.7 Hz PL [FRS 7
  • Channel 46 - 462.5500 MHz 71.9 Hz PL [FRS 15
  • Channel 47 - 462.6000 MHz 241.8 Hz PL [FRS 17
  • Channel 48 - 462.6500 MHz 218.1 Hz PL [FRS 19
  • Channel 49 - 462.7000 MHz 192.8 Hz PL [FRS 21
  • Channel 50 - 462.5875 MHz 025 DCS [FRS 2

Wireless Intercom Systems FM Intercoms

Numerous intercom systems, including doorbell intercom systems, use the FRS frequencies, often with DCS (DPL) and CTCSS (PL) codes and tones to make different "groups" in combination with frequencies/channels. Several of these devices offer a "monitor" or open-mic option, with time out timers that turn the transmitter off after a certain amount of time (usually 8 hours or 10 hours).

These wireless intercom systems generally include a GROUP CALL or HOME channel feature, that switches all intercoms to a dedicated channel/code combination.


  • HOSMART Model HY767 wireless door bell intercom

486.4mw (500mw) power output, 9K90F3E emission

  • GROUP CALL - 467.6125 MHz 627 DCS / 627 DPL
  • CHANNEL 0 - 462.6125 MHz 118.8 Hz PL
  • CHANNEL 1 - 467.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 462.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 8 - 462.5500 MHz
  • CHANNEL 9 - 462.5750 MHz
  • Code 1 - 162.2 Hz PL
  • Code 2 - 69.3 Hz PL
  • Code 3 - 67.0 Hz PL
  • All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.


  • HOSMART Model HY777 7 channel wireless intercom

484.2mw (500mw) power output, 9K80F3E emission, the HY787 wireless FM intercom uses the same channel and code plan

  • GROUP CALL - 462.6125 MHz 165.5 Hz PL
  • CHANNEL 1 - 462.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 462.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.7125 MHz 118.8 Hz PL
  • Code 1 - 162.2 Hz PL
  • Code 2 - 69.3 Hz PL
  • Code 3 - 67.0 PL
  • Channels 1-6 will use code 1, code 2 or code 3. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.
  • Group call channel is hard programmed to 165.5 Hz CTCSS
  • Channel 7 is hard programmed to 118.8 Hz CTCSS
  • HOSMART Model HY806 6 channel wireless intercom

310mw - 330mw power output, 11K0F3E emission, same channel plan as the HY810

  • GROUP CALL - 467.6125 MHz 627 DCS / 627 DPL
  • CHANNEL 0 - 462.6125 MHz 118.8 Hz PL
  • CHANNEL 1 - 467.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • Code 1 - 743 DCS / 743 DPL
  • Code 2 - 732 DCS / 732 DPL
  • Code 3 - 731 DCS / 731 DPL
  • Channels 1-5 will use code 1, code 2 or code 3. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.
  • Group call channel is hard programmed to 627 DPL / 627 DCS
  • Channel 0 is hard programmed to 118.8 Hz CTCSS


  • HOSMART Model HY810 10 channel wireless intercom

170mw to 180mw power output, 11K0F3E emission

  • GROUP CALL - 467.6125 MHz 627 DCS / 627 DPL
  • CHANNEL 0 - 462.6125 MHz 118.8 Hz PL
  • CHANNEL 1 - 467.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 462.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 8 - 462.5500 MHz
  • CHANNEL 9 - 462.5750 MHz
  • Code 1 - 743 DCS / 743 DPL
  • Code 2 - 732 DCS / 732 DPL
  • Code 3 - 731 DCS / 731 DPL
  • Channels 1-9 will use code 1, code 2 or code 3. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.
  • Group call channel is hard programmed to 627 DPL / 627 DCS
  • Channel 0 is hard programmed to 118.8 Hz CTCSS


  • Calford Technology Ltd. AF333 wireless intercom

234mw power output, 11K0F3E emission

  • CHANNEL 1 - 462.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz


  • Calford Technology Ltd. AF411 wireless intercom

234mw power output, 11K0F3E emission

  • CHANNEL A - 462.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL B - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL C - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL D - 462.6375 MHz


  • SAMCOM / SANCON FTAN10AA 10 channel wireless intercom

205mw - 213 mw power output, 11K0F3E emission

  • CHANNEL 0 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 1 - 467.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 467.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 467.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 467.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 467.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 467.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 8 - 462.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 9 - 462.6875 MHz
  • Code A - 110.9 Hz PL
  • Code B - 136.5 Hz PL
  • Code C - 186.2 Hz PL
  • Channels 0-9 will use code A, code B or code C. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.


  • SAMCOM / SANCON FTAN20AA 20 channel wireless intercom

225mw - 235 mw power output, 11K0F3E emission

  • CHANNEL 0 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 1 - 467.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 467.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 467.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 467.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 467.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 467.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 8 - 462.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 9 - 462.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 10 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 11 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 12 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 13 - 462.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 14 - 462.7250 MHz
  • CHANNEL 15 - 462.7000 MHz
  • CHANNEL 16 - 462.6750 MHz
  • CHANNEL 17 - 462.6500 MHz
  • CHANNEL 18 - 462.6250 MHz
  • CHANNEL 19 - 462.6000 MHz
  • Code A - 110.9 Hz PL
  • Code B - 136.5 Hz PL
  • Code C - 186.2 Hz PL
  • Channels 0-19 will use code A, code B or code C. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.


  • Shenzhen Macros Industrial Co. Ltd. WL666 or LD666 wireless intercom

208mw - 226mw power output, 9K55F3E emission

  • GROUP CALL - 462.7000 MHz 743 DCS / 743 DPL
  • CHANNEL 0 - 467.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 1 - 462.7250 MHz
  • CHANNEL 2 - 462.5875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 3 - 462.6125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 4 - 462.6375 MHz
  • CHANNEL 5 - 462.6625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 6 - 462.6875 MHz
  • CHANNEL 7 - 467.7125 MHz
  • CHANNEL 8 - 467.5625 MHz
  • CHANNEL 9 - 467.5875 MHz
  • Code A - 754 DCS / 754 DPL
  • Code B - 743 DCS / 743 DPL
  • Code C - 734 DCS / 734 DPL
  • Channels 0-9 will use code A, code B or code C. All intercoms in a given system must be set to the same code.
  • Group call channel is hard programmed to 743 DPL / 743 DCS


Various handheld walkie talkie FRS radios


See Also - Similar Personal Radio Services

  • GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service, the "big brother" of FRS, much higher power and repeaters allowed, license required
  • PMR446 and DPMR446 - Europe and numerous other countries, UHF analog and digital license free service, 446 MHz
  • LPD433 - Europe and numerous other countries, very low power short-range voice and data service 433 MHz
  • UHF CB 477 MHz band UHF FM CB service, Australia, New Zealand 40 channel/77 channel/80 channel service
  • Freenet - 149 MHz band VHF license free service in Germany
  • Public Radio Service - 409 MHz Chinese license free walkie-talkie service - basically China's FRS service
  • 245 MHz VHF CB Service - Thailand only, 80 channel license free FM CB service
  • Short Range Radio 350 MHz UHF CB band 13 channel license free service allocated in India only
  • Short Range Radio Service 325 MHz UHF CB band 40 channel license free Philippines only
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