FRS/GMRS, range of FRS?

Question

I live in Canada and recently bought a FRS/GMRS 2 way walkie talkie. I plan on using it on a road trip this weekend to New York. We'll be travelling in a group, about 7 cars. Would using the FRS be fine? (assuming we wouldn't be more than a mile apart) and what channels are FRS? I don't plan on communicating big distances, would i still require the state GMRS licence?

Answer 1

Range is limited by a number of  things that include distance, obstacles, receiver sensitivity and output power. Distance is probably OK at a mile, but you need to have line-of-site between the two stations that are communicating. The signal can be affected by the fact that you're in a big metal car and there are other cars between you and the other guy.

Receiver sensitivity is hard to judge because they probably don't publish it for those little radios. You'll just have to check online reviews.

Power output is probably the same for all of them. Again, look for online reviews.