Other Radio#

There are several types of Radio categories adjacent to Ham Radio.

Shortwave Listening (SWL)#

SWL is a hobby where a radio is used to listen to far away (DX) radio stations, amateur contacts, or other transmissions.

Family Radio Service (FRS)#

FRS is an unlicensed low power two-way radio communication option, available in the United States. These radios are short range, limited power, and limited functionality, but generally inexpensive and easy to access. These radios are not legal outside of the US, and there is not generally an equivalent in most places.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)#

GMRS is a licensed radio service in the United States, where the license extends to ones’ family and close contacts. GMRS radios operate on and around the same frequencies as FRS radios, but have a bit more power and functionality to use repeaters. GMRS radios can be used in Canada under certain circumstances. Europe has similar systems, PMR446 and LPD443.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)#

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Citizens Band (CB)#

CB Radio, also known as the 11 meter band, is an unlicensed radio service that has almost global support. Because it is unlicensed, the experience of using CB can be very different than Ham Radio. However, since the signals can propagate off the atmosphere and travel great distances, it remains a very popular band.