It looks that I need HAM license to use these radios for twoway communication? can somebody recommend me one that doesn't? I need for fishing trip,thx
499546
You have a few other options that don't require a license. Marine vhf can be used as long as you're in the boat, but be sure to become familiar with and follow the rules. Five watts of VHF over the water is good for several miles. Pay particular attention to the safety and commercial channels. CB is still around, but is subject to interference from long distances away. FRS is good for short distances. The 5 MURS channels are VHF and the 2 watt limit will still give you several miles on the water. Unfortunately, MURS radios are expensive and hard to find at present. You could get a GMRS license or better yet you could get an amateur license. No morse code required now! To you folks having trouble with the UV-82, the programming cable, and free software are the way to go. It requires two separate downloads and a good bit of patience. Once you get it working, it's fairly easy to use. Hope this helps.
499547
Just buy FRS radios and you're good to go. Look for better quality radios and get spare batteries. Choose a radio where it's easy to change batteries and has an easy charging scheme. BTW you only need a Ham license when operating on Ham frequencies. This radio will operate on more than Ham frequencies. It is not illegal to possess this radio without any type license.
499548
an FRS approved walkie talkie, or an MURS approved walkie talkie are your only legal alternatives to use without a license. This is not one of those.
499549
You might consider the Cobra CXR925's if you can find them. The best reasonably priced two way radios I've ever used. There have been some unfavorable reviews however, mine have worked well for years (if you treat them right), and if purchased through Amazon, they always stand behind what they sell. They once were available through WalMart, but not for years now.
499550
Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7 as 8-14 can cause interference to GMRS licensed repeaters. Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7... » Read More Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7 as 8-14 can cause interference to GMRS licensed repeaters. « Show Less
499551
Like much of the internet you get many wrong answers.I am an FCC license examiner and I am telling you there is NO part of the frequency spectrum this radio uses that does not require FCC approval to operate on.As one man stated you will receive hefty fines and your equipment will be confiscated when you are caught.And I do not mean hundreds of dollars it is thousands of dollars.
499552
You don't need a ham license for CB radios. Go with that. They carry pretty far & good for emergency help if you need it. -KD0ZYG
499553
You can use a CB ,murs or Frs radio without a license CB radio are monitored on channel 9 in case of emergency this is a plus this radio is not legal to use without a license it exceeded the wattage requirement 2 watts max Murs and frs 500 milliwatts serious fines and confiscated equipment is what will happen if this radio is used without a license
1913944
If you intend to transmit with this radios...a license is required. But you can listen all you want without a license.
2241803
you can set it up so it's FCC legal but the learning curve is high, and you would need to train your staff in how to use and how not to use this unit. If you can get past that there is no cheaper way to go with the options this unit has. I would recommend you look at the Motorola VL-50 this radio is designed for your needs. it is just as secure, easy to use, but its cost is around 200.00 per unit. any unit over 1/2 a watt will work well for you. remember that any more than 1\2 a watt and you could be interfering with other places around you.
287801
NO, it's not a short wave radio. It's marine and no license is required. We purchased ours as an upgrade. With a new GPS that hooks up to the radio, you can set up the emergency response giving your boat name, location and time. This information is activated by a flip of a switch on the radio and is broadcast to the Coast Guard. You do have to register your set-up with the Coast Guard but there is no charge. Hope this helps.
1631694
Technically yes....but these radios are not FCC certified for use on the Maritime service. The only legal way to use them is to have a Ham radio license and to use them on Ham frequencies.
345127
I'm licensed by nys, I use it for work as a medic for a private company. But you will need a ham ticket if you are going to use it for personal use. This radio does transmit over public safety freqs.
1099274
These are marine band radios, not the same type. This pair is used on my boat to monitor hailing and emergency channels. I transmit about 2-5 miles on a good day. They are great for talking to a boat you have line of sight on, but not too much further.
1450007
I encountered one organization that was using these radios out of the box. When I did some investigating, I discovered that they were using the radios on a frequency that was licensed to a local hospital for MEDCOM! Any use of these radios (in the United States at least) REQUIRES a license!
437559
If you were a legally licensed Ham, you wouldn't be asking this question. This radio is not for you. Get a Ham license first or get a CB or FRS radio instead.
251874
Loving the technical debates here, they are proper for folks with such great technical interests. That being said, we are considering buying these to use on a cruise in the Caribbean. Obviously, FCC regulations don't apply outside the U.S. and local island regulations apply based on territorial waters, I suppose. Any comments on maritime regulations? What about practical usage ship-board, both from a signal quality standpoint and an unintentional interference with ship operations standpoint? Thanks!
699324
Yes you need a license. You'd be least likely to get in trouble if you program them for the FRS frequencies. If you use them on the amateur radio or public safety frequencies, you're almost guaranteed to get in trouble.
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
176851
I actually have this radio, and I love it! You only need a technicians license. This is a great entry radio for ham radio.My call sign is ws6gto.73's.
123588
Yes you need a license to transmit. You do not need a license to use as a Walkie talkie
1073896
Will I live in Missouri I know bye chatting to other hams here, they have the same unit. I would go on a local repeater and see if u can get a ham to help u.
1940538
Not sure what you mean by license for these radios... There is no license required to own and operate these radio in the United States. Just buy them and use them.
2123281
The answer is generally yes. You do not need a license if all you are going to do is listen. You do not need a license to use it on VHF Marine Channels from you pleasure craft. It might help if you would add to your question what you were wanting to do with it. If you are thinking the 2 meter Amateur Radio Band and try operating without a License that would be very dangerous. Hams are self enforcing and have the skills to locate you. Other than just a few minor exceptions you need a license to transmit. Clint Stockton, AG0K