Just how do I say everything and keep it short..
2 thumbs up.. 2 HT's (Handy Talkie-ham slang) for under $30. OK you can quit reading .....or.....
I can hear the ham-GMRS speak now-- 2 HT's for under $30... KIDDY COMMS... NOPE-
But before I write more, a bit of a history lession. Remember the FCC? Remember they introduced FRS- Family Radio Service? 1/2 watt, fixed non removable antenna (usually about 3 inches) and some GMRS frequencies. No repeaters.. Then the FCC revised the rules because companies were marketing FRS-GMRS radios. 1/2 watt for FRS or 5 watts for GMRS. Well the FCC put a stop to that. they banned GMRS/FRS combo radio's.. About that same time, the FCC changed the rules to let some FRS channels to be able to use 2 watts.. That brings us to today and the Baofeng GM31.
The GM31's are sold in a 2 pack. Under $30. They are 2 watts, except only 1/2 watt channels 8-14 (FCC rules). They have 16 repeater frequencies. You can ONLY speak on repeater frequencies if there is a repeater on the other end and have permission to use it. They can monitor NOAA weather, Plus scan all 38 channels. The antenna is removable, and uses a SMA connector. meaning you can connect a larger antenna to them. The battery can be charged via any USB-C cable. Each radio comes with a earphone-mic jack. It has VOX (Voice operated X(trans)mitting). There is a standard Kenwood speaker-mic connection on the side that also doubles for use with the programming cable (not supplied) Programming allows setting squelch, VOX gain, 50 CTCSS and 210 DCS codes for privacy..
Common functions, can be accessed with on-off, up down buttons The only variable control is volume. The radio speaks, it's channel number, so no display is used. There is a green signal-red transmit light, the Battery has a USB-C connector and a red charging- green fully charged light. Recharging takes 4-6 hours. The manufacturer claims maximum use 18 hours monitoring. So these will get you through a 8 hour shift easy.
Now before you POO-POO the radio only being 2 watts; any other HT rated at 5 watts is heavier and more expensive. Yet 2 watts is a barely detectable by ear.. Sure, it can be measured and compared with lab quality test equipment, but you can;t hear it most times. Here in rural Kansas I can go 8-10 miles.. You can't do that in New Your City.even with the 5 watt hand helds.
A GMRS license is $35 for a 10 year period. and allows your entire family to operate under your callsign. No test is required. That is perfect for family relations named Daryl, Daryl and Larry.. you just need to teach them, "to talk, push the button, To listen you just listen".
As a commercial radio-telephone licensed operator and also an Amateur Radio operator and certified examiner; these radio's are great for daily family business use as long FCC rules and regulations are not violated. Things like shopping sprees, calling the family in for dinner, and so on. Hunting, camping and fishing. Even going into a rest stop on a family trip.. You never know when to call for help. Many of other licensed services are listening to Channel 3.. It's all described at : You MUST have a license to operate GMRS or Amateur Radio. FRS and CB are licensed free. GMRS stations can talk to FRS and versa visa, It behooves everyone especially in this age to have a pair or two ready for an emergency. Cellphone service goes down when a tornado blows through or the government turns of cellphone service like 1/6 at the DC mall. Emergency communications is in place and this is your gateway. These will not break the bank and are excellent starter radio's.
After being licensed for 57 years and have thousands of dollars worth of radio's, towers, and accessories, I find these will be my go to GMRS especially when I need communications with friends and family locally.
This will also be published on Blind Hams@ groups.io and FACEBOOK GMRS room.
Larry W8LM
Larry Macionski