GMRS/FRS Emergency Communication Channel

[Datsun Man]

Something I just came across for GMRS and FRS Radio use in Colorado is the Emergency Channel. To specify it is the channel to use when Colorado Search and Rescue is already on the way after a 911 dispatch in the Colorado Backcountry. This is specifically Channel 3 with no privacy tones being used. Now of course this may be different for other states, so please double check as needed for travel. It can be helpful in an unwanted event of sorts.

FRS Radio Use for Backcountry SAR Position Paper : 04/10/23 - Colorado Search and Rescue Association

By Bruce Beckmann, Colorado Search and Rescue Association state coordinator and Alpine Rescue Team member EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIf someone becomes lost or injured in the Colorado backcountry and is using family radio services or general mobile radio service radios (both types referred to herein as...

coloradosar.org

 

[Bill Ruttan]

While Channel 3 is common to both new and older FRS Radios, there is a significant transmitter power limitation (2 watts for FRS, 5 watts for GMRS). Had a channel in the 15-22 range been designated, a mobile GMRS radio (typically in a vehicle) would have a stronger signal, as they are allowed up to 50 watts of transmitter power.

Such a stronger signal (on Channel 15-22) could benefit both the victim and the SAR Responder if either, or both, had access to GMRS Mobile Radios.

 

[Datsun Man]

While Channel 3 is common to both new and older FRS Radios, there is a significant transmitter power limitation (2 watts for FRS, 5 watts for GMRS). Had a channel in the 15-22 range been designated, a mobile GMRS radio (typically in a vehicle) would have a stronger signal, as they are allowed up to 50 watts of transmitter power.

Such a stronger signal (on Channel 15-22) could benefit both the victim and the SAR Responder if either, or both, had access to GMRS Mobile Radios.

Keep in mind that not everyone is going to have a mobile radio in a vehicle in an emergency situation like such. It's probably why they state Channel 3. Even with a good GMRS radio you can still have fair range with 5 Watts.

 

[MuckSavage]

Even back to the CB radios, now FRS/GMRS, we always used channel 16 (4x4)

 

[Bill Ruttan]

Keep in mind that not everyone is going to have a mobile radio in a vehicle in an emergency situation like such. It's probably why they state Channel 3. Even with a good GMRS radio you can still have fair range with 5 Watts.

A useful thing about FRS and GMRS Radios (both hand-held and mobile) is that they are “interoperable“ on Channels 01-07 (max 5 watts) and Channels 15-22 (high power).

 

[highwest]

Even back to the CB radios, now FRS/GMRS, we always used channel 16 (4x4)

Marine VHF also uses 16 for hailing and distress. Would be nice to standardize around this, but it sounds like FRS doesn’t go that high..?

 

[Bill Ruttan]

Marine VHF also uses 16 for hailing and distress. Would be nice to standardize around this, but it sounds like FRS doesn’t go that high..?

Older FRS transmitters were restricted to 0.5 watts of output power and could not tune Channels 15-22 (where 50 watts is permitted with GMRS transceivers). The good news is that the current generation of FRS transceivers can transmit at 2 watts over Channels 01-07 AND Channels 15-22, as well as being compatible with GMRS Radios.

Your suggestion to standardize Marine and Terrestrial emergency/distress calls on Channel 16 makes sense to me!

 

[kb1ejh]

GMRS traveler's aid frequency has been 462.675MHz with CTCSS of 141.3, FRS in some places was channel 1. CB was channel 9 back in the day. Marine as stated above is 16 for distress and 9 for calling. Good old standardization at it's best.