For two-way radios (like from bestbuy) that require an FCC license for certain channels, can you still buy them without?

[StageLeft]

I need to buy a pair and use it in a different country, so US law won't apply. Will full functionality be in the radio or do you need a code to unlock the BIOS or some such?

 

[Sphexi]

The "license" is more just paperwork you submit. No test or anything like that. You can buy them if you want, and use them, as long as you understand that in the absolutely remote and probably unlikely case that the FCC cares enough to track you down, you would be fined for not having the license for the GMRS usage. The radios will still work fine though.

 

[StageLeft]

Thanks!

EDIT: Bought with no problem!

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Thanks!

EDIT: Bought with no problem!

/me calls the FCC! :evil:

 

[mwtgg]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Thanks!

EDIT: Bought with no problem!

/me calls the FCC! :evil:

Write them a letter.

 

[shekondar]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
The "license" is more just paperwork you submit. No test or anything like that. You can buy them if you want, and use them, as long as you understand that in the absolutely remote and probably unlikely case that the FCC cares enough to track you down, you would be fined for not having the license for the GMRS usage. The radios will still work fine though.

Certain channels are for FRS use, and some are for GMRS use - a GMRS radio will also work on the FRS channels. As long as you only use the FRS channels you won't get in any trouble. The instructions that come with the radio should explain which channels you can use without a license.

And yes, the chances of getting in trouble are pretty slim - somebody would have to file a complaint with the FCC, then they would have to track you down.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Thanks!

EDIT: Bought with no problem!

/me calls the FCC! :evil:

Write them a letter.

It'd probably be easier to just report him to parentstv.org, they care SO much about FCC regulations that they'll have thousands of people write letters. Think the Elian Gonzales picture looked bad? Wait until they come for Skoorb's baby.

 

[sharkeeper]

That license is a joke!

Now I've heard of people purchasing handheld marine VHF radios and using them as handie talkies. Very bad idea.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: mwtgg

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Thanks!

EDIT: Bought with no problem!

/me calls the FCC! :evil:

Write them a letter.

Not a bad idea, I'll have to confer w/ Wduaqnug 1st!

 

[StageLeft]

You guys missed where this isn't being used in the US

 

[GoingUp]

Skoorbie, I'll just run a tin can with some string down to GA. Then youll have a can, and I'll have a can and we can talk

 

[cavemanmoron]

you may be able to buy them'
but not leaglly use.

Why not get Nextel phones?

 

[IronWing]

I have a pair of the FRS/GMRS radios. I've used both frequently. One thing the manual warned about when using the GMRS band was that you might broadcast over nearby repeaters, which would be a big no no. First time I switched to GMRS, sure as shinola, I started getting complaints from a nearby quarry to get off their frequency.

 

[So]

LOL

Yeah, don't worry about it, athough you SHOULD get the lisence.