How Far Can I Talk?

In short, it depends. Before we can answer that question, we need to talk about frequency ranges. In most modern radio communications we’re talking about three different frequency ranges:

When people think of talking around the world with a ham radio, the HF range is what they’re thinking of. This is because some of these radio waves can bounce (technically it’s called refraction) off of a layer 50-600 miles above the earth called the ionosphere. Depending on a few factors, this enables radio transmissions to go a few hundred miles to many thousands of miles.

FM radio, aviation navigation and communications can be found in the VHF band along with the MURS (Multiple Use Radio Service). MURS was often used by businesses for communications between store employees. VHF is where the NOAA Weather transmissions (162 MHz) can be found.

For most outdoor enthusiasts, the UHF band is the band most will use. Why? Because this is where FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are found. FRS and GMRS are often called “blister pack radios”. These are the ones you can find at MANY departments stores that claim transmission distances of 20+ miles.

Regarding the question, “how far can I talk?”, it’s important to know that while signals in the HF range can be refracted off of the ionosphere, enabling LONG ranges, VHF and UHF signals blast right through the ionosphere and, therefore, are limited to Line-of-Sight. In other words, mountains, heavy foliage, buildings, etc and dramatically shorten the distance you can talk using FRS or GMRS radios. 

Now, to answer the question… it may be as short as 1/2 mile or as far as 20 miles. It all depends on what is between your radio and the other radio.

Three other things that can impact range and that is the power output of the radio, the height of the antenna and the use of repeaters. These three items are exactly what separates FRS from GMRS radios. FRS and GMRS radios use the same channels and are therefore compatible with each other.

How they differ:

• GMRS radios can have transmit power up to 50 watts, FRS is limited to 2 watts.
• GMRS radios can have removable antennas, FRS cannot.
• GMRS radios can use repeaters, FRS cannot. You can learn more about repeaters at this link.

It may sound like you’re being pointed to GMRS radios. Well, you are, mostly. Ham radios do offer a lot of advantages but the requirement of a license (with a test) pushes people away. Remember though, GMRS does require a license as well. However, there is no exam, it’s also good for 10 years and applies to your entire immediate family.