If you use GMRS or FRS handheld radios or walkie talkies like we do, you probably want them to talk as far as possible. Those who’re new to using handheld two-way radios sometimes fall for manufacturer’s outlandish range claims and end up being disappointed with their walkie talkie’s performance. There are a couple of easy ways to get longer range from your walkie talkies or handheld two-way radios, plus a couple more techniques that require a bit more technical knowledge. Let’s look at some of the easiest ways to boost walkie talkie range first.
Find the Right Spot to Use Your Handheld Two-Way Radio
(Easy)
When using any handheld two-way radio, for GMRS, FRS, MURS or amateur radio, the best possible place to make a call is normally outside, in the open. Stand in a clear area, away from objects such as trees, buildings and power lines, which could absorb some of the RF signal. VHF and UHF radio waves, like those used by GMRS and FRS radios, travel along the line of sight and don’t bend over the horizon. If possible, stand at an elevated location if you’re trying to reach another handheld two-way that’s far away.
If you can’t get outside, try using your radio from an open window, preferably on the second floor, if there is one.
Increase Transmit Power For Longer GMRS-FRS Range
(Easy)
FRS radios are capped at 2 watts of RF power output on channels 1-7 and 15-22, and only 1/2 watt on channels 8-14. Your FRS radio’s settings may include a power level adjustment, which you can toggle for higher transmit power if it was previously set on low. As per FCC rules, FRS radios must not be able to increase the power level more than what’s listed above, however your FRS radio may have been set to use only 1/2 watt on the 2 watt frequencies (1-7 and 15-22).
GMRS Radios – If your radio is a GMRS walkie talkie, you may be able to increase power up to 5 watts on channels 1-7 and 15-22. On GMRS handhelds there’s still a power limit of 1/2 watt on channels 8-14, if your radio features those frequencies. (Handhelds with removable antennas aren’t supposed to include 8-14, yet some imported models do.)
Add an External Antenna to Your Handheld GMRS
(Easy – Works For Some Models)
One of the best ways to increase the distance your GMRS walkie talkie transmits and receives is by using an external antenna. The FCC prohibits these on FRS radios, which is one more reason to get a GMRS radio license. We prefer to use high gain, stacked 5/8 wave antennas like the Midland 6 dB model we use on our Jeep, but even a cheap magnetic mount model that’s made for GMRS frequencies can increase your radio’s range.
Many antennas that are sold for Btech and Baofeng radios aren’t tuned for GMRS, since they’re meant to be dual band ham antennas covering other frequencies. The primary GMRS channels are in the 462 MHz range, not the 144/430 MHz range which these ham radio antennas are tuned for.
You might not see any improvement in range by using these and could even damage your GMRS walkie talkie by using a mismatched antenna. Magnetic mount antennas like the Nagoya UT-72G are tuned for GMRS frequencies and usually ship with adapters for both male and female SMA connectors like those found on Wouxun, Btech, Baofeng and other handhelds.
Use a 5/8 Wave GMRS Handheld Antenna
(Easy – Works For Some Models)
We often use a 5/8 wave high-gain antenna for GMRS handheld radios when we need maximum distance from them. These typically have about 3dB gain vs. a normal handheld GMRS walkie talkie’s factory antenna. These aren’t always practical to use because of their length, (the Nagoya NA-771G is 16″ long), but are worth using when the conditions are marginal and you need maximum distance.
Try Using a Tiger Tail Counterpoise on GMRS Walkie Talkies
(Moderately Easy – Works on Some Models. Requires Some Some Technical Knowledge)
Some amateur radio operators use a device called a counterpoise or tiger tail on their HT’s (handie-talkies or handheld transceivers) for extra range. These are little more than a length of wire added to the base of the handheld’s antenna, or to a point on the radio which is grounded, such as a screw on the radio’s housing. These cost only a few cents to make, and have been known to increase walkie talkie range. See our article How to Make a Counterpoise or Tiger Tail for GMRS Handhelds.
Adjust Your GMRS/FRS Radio Settings For Best Range
Aside from adjusting your walkie talkie’s transmit power, there are other settings that may affect range. Check to see if your squelch is set at the lowest setting possible to quiet the speaker. For most Baofeng and Btech GMRS radios, a setting of 1 or 2 will work just fine. If the squelch is set too high, you won’t receive weak signals and will be purposely limiting your radio’s receiving range.
What About Linear Amplifiers For GMRS?
(Not an Option)
A linear amplifier is a device which amplifies a radio’s RF signal with minimal distortion. The output of a one-watt radio could be boosted to 40 watts or more using one of these, and many amateur radio operators use them. Linear amplifiers are not legal for GMRS.
There are no legal amplifiers (yet) for GMRS handheld radios. Btech and Radtel make 40 watt models that are legal for amateur radio, but not for the General Mobile Radio Service, where the FCC requires all equipment be Part 95 accepted for use with that service. There are some serious issues with using unauthorized linear amplifiers on GMRS, including the 1/2 watt ERP (Effective Radiated Power) limit on channels 8-14 and 5 watt ERP limit on channels 1-7.
Cheap linear amplifiers that may work on GMRS frequencies don’t have the ability to tell which channel they’re amplifying, opening the door to serious rule violations and heavy fines if used.
Using GMRS Repeaters For Long Range
(Moderately Easy With Proper Knowledge)
This last walkie talkie range boosting tip applies only to GMRS radios which are repeater-capable, such as the UV-9G and most mobile two-way units. GMRS repeaters act as powerful relay stations and may be placed atop tall buildings or even on the summit of a high mountain. To use these requires a bit of knowledge, which is why we wrote the article How to Use GMRS Repeaters.
Besides having a radio that supports their use, GMRS repeaters often require special subaudible tones or codes for access and some require permission of the owner (often a club or organization) before using them.
Worldwide Coverage For GMRS Handhelds? When using GMRS repeaters, your handheld radio can have range up to “worldwide”, if those repeaters are linked or are accessible through the internet using walkie talkie apps such as Zello. If you’re interested in using these for even more range from your handheld GMRS, check out myGMRS.com for info and maps of repeaters across the US.
We hope this information on increasing your GMRS or FRS walkie talkie’s range was helpful. Remember to always listen first before talking, be courteous of other users, and most importantly get your GMRS license.
Resources: How to Get a GMRS License
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