FRS/GMRS in Airsoft...
 

Hey folks, hoping for a little insight from the regular players on the use of radios in Airsoft.

We are just finalizing a dealer agreement with Motorola and part of that would be access to their Canadian line of Talkabout FRS/GMRS radios and full line of accessories.

I don't see a whole lot of discussion here on radios in general so I am trying to gauge how essential they are as part of your kit. Sooo...

• Are there any features that are considered critical?
  
• Are there particular models that have proven to be more reliable/better performing?
  
• Regarding headsets, is the preference for the tactical style or the Motorola brand name PTT or Vox?
  
• Is it mandatory for teams?

Campers, ATVers and Snowmobilers feel free to pitch in :) I have some affiliation with these folks as well and are soliciting their feedback.

Thanks in advance. This will help in our planning and focus and perhaps will provide an opportunity to better serve the Airsoft community.

Cheers!

FRS has proven underpowered and of limited use, so most people opt for a 4 or 5W UHF. Programmability (to at least be able to set FRS/GMRS channels) is a must. I think most of the other features are based on user preferences. Maybe good battery life.

Unlicensed FRS/GMRS -only radios are usually crippled in terms of power (since they abide by the 2W limit), so I think most people spring for the UHFs.


Depends on the users and whom you ask: the radio-savvy people tend to go for Kenwood, Motorolla (Sabers) or some of the Chinese stuff (Yaesu, PuXing, etc), and I think people looking for a simple off-the-shelf solution go with the consumer Motorolla stuff. I think those are generally "safe" brands.


VOX is the worst feature ever introduced.

I think a lot of people are going with the tactical headsets now. But again there's a lot of personal preference involved.


I'd say it's almost mandatory for milsim games, even if you aren't part of a team. The ability to communicate on the field has proven pivotal time and time again.

Great info Drake! Thanks. Having used FRS/GMRS while ATVing, I know the range claims are vastly overstated and are based on ideal conditions. That said, for an average outdoor game, would the range not be sufficient for a team to stay in contact?

Don't buy anything under 4 watt, and get something GMRS.... thats about it lol

Gotcha! Unfortunately Motorola doesn't provide that intel on their info sheets so not sure what wattage they are running at.

Would I be correct in assuming the below model would run under 4 watts?

http://aeadng.blu.livefilestore.com/...j/motogmrs.jpg

I do not believe that any of the Motorola FRS/GMRS units transmit above 2 watts. They have 1/2 watt, 1 watt, and 2 watt versions. In the US, the 2 watt versions are said to reach 25 miles, so I believe that would be comparable to the 56 km range stated above.

Thanks Eagle! Based on the feedback here and elsewhere, it seems the Talkabout line has limited application in Airsoft/Paintball but would likely be suitable for smaller games, and for players on a budget. I will stock accordingly and source some of the more hard core models.

Definitely need to track down some TASC style headsets. Cavalvy stuff looks nice :)

Cheers!

a 2 watt radio will not reach 56 km. You will be lucky if you get 1 or 2.

~Thanato

Exactly what Drake said and add...

- permanent, dummy proof disable of "Beep - I'm a dummy! and am going to let everyone know where I am!" at the end of transmissions or low batt warnings.

- big, robust clip on PTT buttons that don't have a retardedly short cable

- batteries that last 24 hrs...so it'll make it through a 8hr milsim

- quick 1 button or 1 click switch between two preset radio channels

- ability to listen to 2 channels and quick choice of transmitting on either

It will - if you are on a high hill with nothing obstructing your transmission. Those are just the Motorola numbers. Real world usage is obviously much lower. Motorola's fine print says that the range can be less than 2km in built up areas.

The Motorola FRS and GMRS radios are fine for general airsoft skrimishes where the field isn't that big or is not an urban/MOUT field. Hills, buildings, and even dense trees can impact the performance of a radio.

For MILSIM intra squad communications, the FRS/GMRS radios should be fine because you won't really be that far away. For large events or platoon/batallion level comms, they might not have the power to reach.

How doth this radio look for acceptable outdoor performance?

Cobra CXR900C

• wireless PTT units
• Multiple radio inputs so we can have one headset using 2 radios

when I get home I'll provided examples of known products that already perform these functions, however I have yet to see one compatible with the FRS/GMRS lines

While on the topic i cant find my motorola.. so may need to buy a new one.. What ones have the greatest range ? (claimed rangers are never actually achieved!)

I was just taking a look at the cobra CXR900C and the motorola EM1020R both at costco for about 80$ for 2/charger

If you go with the motorola:

http://www.technologydirectcanada.co...duct_info.html

Free ship plus $5 off first order. :)

Retail status here not setup yet but it is imminent!

Cheers!

Examples would be appreciated Z :)