FRS radios are small, inexpensive radios used to maintain contact with family members or groups within its range limitation.  They are easy to use and very popular.  These radios are similar to some HAM and police radios in that they are FM (Frequency Modulation) and in the UHF band of the radio spectrum.  This combination gives these small wonders great sound quality and good range.

When FRS radio first began, there was only one type of radio.  The hand-held radio.  This still remains the most popular type of FRS radio due to its versatility, ease of use and value.  An example of a typical hand-held FRS radio is the first picture to the left.  This is the Kenwood FreeTalk WX.  This type of FRS radio can be used most anywhere.  You can use it in your car, at home or out at parks or campgrounds.

Not long ago, Radio Shack "stretched" the FRS rules about as far as they can go when they made the first legal mobile FRS radio.  The second picture at the left is the Radio Shack 21-1850.  This radio is quite popular among the FRS enthusiasts.  The range is increased because you have the antenna outside of the passenger compartment and on the roof of the car.  This is a very specialized FRS radio and thus not as flexible as the hand-held style.

Recently FRS manufacturers have discovered that FRS base stations may be of benefit to the FRS community.  An example is the Audiovox FRS-1000 base station which is seen in the last picture to the left.  Audiovox, Radio Shack, Memorex and Unwired all make an FRS base station.  The FRS base station seems to be more suited to an intercom system than regular FRS use.  They are fantastic if you want to keep contact between two buildings that are around one mile or less apart.  They are good in campers, too.  Anywhere you need an FRS radio to be stationary is a good place for a base station.