Hey guys, let me ask you a question.

My sister bought my son some walkie-talkies for Christmas. And, while somethings are better than they were when we were kids, walkie talkies certainly are not. If we got more than 3 feet from each other, we could barely hear each other.

So, I went out and bought the cheapest 2-way Motorola radio's from Target ($17.99), with a 4-mile range. Now, normally, I'd haev just torn into the package, slapped the batteries in, handed one to my son, and started playing with them.

But, I did something I normally don't do... I read the directions.

To my dismay, I found out I have to get a freaking license to use these things, and I have to go through the FCC filing form 605 & 159 in order to use/play with these radios with my kiddo.

I printed off form 605, and that joker is almost as thick as the Sunday paper. Seems like a lot of BS to go through over a glorified walkie talkie.

So, with that said- has anyone purchased these radio's before, if so, did you go get the license, and if you didn't- has the FCC ever come knocking on your door about them?

Motorola FV100 Talkabout:

 

I think you'd be the only one in America to have a license for a cheap set of radios. The gov't would have to arrest half the country for that infraction.

 

I am assuming those are FRS band radios. I have used talkabouts like those for years on hunting trips and never even knew about a license.

 

WHAT!?

That's just crazy. I remember as a kid me and my friends would screw around on those things all day. Perfect cure for bordem before cell phones were easily available. We would screw with city workers, hotel staff, truckers (with a CB), and other people. Got a couple talks when people actually caught us but no real trouble. Man, I miss those days.

 

No kidding, I've never even heard about that.

 

Yeah, they're the GMRS radios, 1 watt, 22-channels.

The one time I actually read the blooming instructions...

If you need a license, they need to put these freekers in a glass case, that way people will know before they buy them that this is required- or, at the very least, requested.

 

Just throw away the instructions. That way you can plead ignorance.

 

What you got there is a pair of FRS/GMRS radios. FRS/GMRS 2-way radios are simply dual-service, radios that provide access to both the FRS and GMRS bands, utilizing FRS channels (1-14) and GMRS channels (15-22). Use of a dual-service radio’s GMRS bands (15-22) requires an FCC operator’s license. Dual-service radios may be used without an operator’s license, if only the FRS channels (1-14) are used.

FRS has a shorter range and is not used by local municipalities or aviation control facilities. GMRS has much greater range.

 

Well, I don't know exactly how much it would be for that certain license, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

ALTHOUGH... This is the FEDS. They shut down a Fire Station in CA for not having their FCC license renewed for their wide band radios they were using for communication. Absurd I know.

My company charges about $900 - $1000 or so to renew a FCC license for a radio frequency. IF AND ONLY IF you get CAUGHT... The FCC will shut you down, and can charge you $8,000 a day for using a frequency that is out of subscription. Again, Absurd.

Here's the problem... The FCC sold more wide-band frequencies than were available. Now everything has to be narrow band unless its government used I think.

The FCC and their infinite wisdom at work...

 

I got a GMRS License... my call sign is WQGD374.

Here is proof:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...licKey=2867428

I also have a Amateur Radio License... my call sign is KC2QQR.

Here is proof:
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsS...licKey=2874575

 

You live in the middle of a highway?