When searching for reliable communications solutions for your business, many products and services may come up. One of those services is the Family Radio Service or FRS. This is a radio service established by the Federal Communications Commission to allow certain users a license free method of using two-way radio technology… BUT BEWARE, there are many disadvantages to FRS, especially when compared to Professional Two-Way radio, or LMR (Land Mobile Radio) services.
The alluring notion of license-free, easily available and low-cost equipment will soon prove the old adage, “If it looks too good to be true, it is…”
LMR EQUIPMENT IS HIGHER POWERED WITH MORE EFFICIENT DESIGNS
Take a typical portable radio, commonly referred to as a “walkie-talkie.” LMR, or professional two-way radios, have output powers of 4 to 5 Watts. FRS radios are limited to 1/2Watt – LMR equipment is literally at least 10-times more powerful. By way of comparison, FRS is like the soft background music in an office, where LMR is like standing next to a running vacuum cleaner. Which do you think will be easier to hear?
Additionally, LMR radios use more efficient antennas, designed specifically for the radio they’re connected to. FRS radio antennas are legally required to be less efficient than LMR antennas. FRS radio antennas are also permanently fixed to the radio. No changing for another antenna for repair or otherwise.
All this adds up to more range with LMR professional two-way radios.
LMR Professional two-way radios limit the users on any channel – frs doesn’t
LMR radios use licensed frequencies. That means that frequencies are strategically selected and protected by the federal government, ensuring the best possible scenario for clear and reliable communications.
FRS radios have a total of 22 channels to choose from, period. All of the small retail shops, families, kids playing outside, drive-through restaurants, etc. have to choose from the same 22 channels. You would have no priority or protection from tens, if not hundreds, of users on the same channel as you. Is that what you want your communications to be subject to?
lmr radios are designed to be repaired and have multi-year warranties – not so with frs equipment
LMR radios and equipment are an investment. That investment is protected by the repairability of the LMR equipment. LMR subscriber radio equipment is designed to last a minimum of 5 to 7 years and to be repaired during that useful life. Most, if not all, of the professional LMR equipment Viking Communications, Inc. sells comes with a three (3) year standard manufacturer warranty. FRS radios are throw away commodities.
rich feature sets are available with lmr professional two-way radios
Professional LMR two-way radios are designed to be integrated with your existing operations and systems. You are able to automatically annunciate alarms, interface with access control systems (open gates, close doors, etc.) and more with LMR equipment. FRS radios offer no such interfaces with customer equipment.
CONTACT VIKING COMMUNICATIONS!
Provide attention and the best treatment to your guests, while keeping your staff connected and working synergistically. Contact Viking Communications, we have been in the business since 1964, always maintaining the consistent goal of helping our clients to communicate more effectively and efficiently. We are locally owned and operated, this allows us to provide professional service in two-way communications systems, with a personal approach for each client.