Weather Alerts

• NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts 24/7 with forecasts, current weather conditions, and climate information.
• During severe weather, normal programming is interrupted with emergency broadcasts.
• Many Garmin Rino GPSr are capable of receiving NOAA Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) Weather Alerts.
• For additional detailed information, see the NOAA Weather Alerts page.

GMRS vs FRS

• GMRS
  • The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile FM UHF radio service used for short-distance two-way communication.
  • GMRS is intended for use by adult individuals who possess a valid FCC license (see FCC licensing below).
  • GMRS stations on channels 1 through 22 may communicate with FRS stations on those shared channels.
  • GMRS stations may transmit at higher power levels than FRS stations.
     
• FRS
  • The Family Radio Service (FRS) is an improved walkie-talkie radio system.
  • This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band.
  • FRS is free for public use and does not require a license.
  • FRS stations on channels 1 through 22 may communicate with GMRS stations on those shared channels.
  • FRS stations are restricted to transmitting at lower power levels than GMRS stations.

Channels and Codes

• To communicate with other Rino and GMRS or UHF CBRS/PRS radio users, all radios must be on the same channel.
• Rino devices are compatible with third-party radios as long as the radios use standard frequencies.
• A list of all frequencies used by your Rino GPSr is available in the product specifications (Radio Frequency Charts).
• To transmit on GMRS frequencies in the United States, you must obtain a license from the FCC (FCC Licensing Information).

• United States + Canada

• Australia + New Zealand

• Squelch
• Squelch codes allow you to filter calls from other users on the same channel, so you hear only the radios you want to hear.
• Calls on the channel that are not using the same squelch code in the same squelch tone mode are ignored.
• Squelch codes do not make your conversation private (anyone on the same channel can still hear your conversation).

• DCS or CTCSS Squelch Tone Mode?
• DCS is a newly implemented squelch option available on the Rino 6xx/7xx series.
• Digital-Coded Squelch (DCS) is an extension of Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS).
• DCS provides more squelch codes to improve filtering of your conversation from outside parties using the same channel.
• Rino 6xx/7xx users have the capability to choose either DCS or CTCSS in the Squelch Tone Mode option in Radio Setup.
• DCS devices are not backwards compatible with devices that solely utilize CTCSS squelching.
• When using the Rino 6xx/7xx series with older generation of Rinos, such as the Rino 530HCx or 120, you will only be able to use CTCSS.
• DCS capable devices can provide a wider range of communication efficiency as the system allows for higher bandwidth input/output.
• Using DCS on compatible devices can also allow for faster data communication and transmission (current location, notes, etc.).

Repeater Channels

• Most Rino GPSr can use GMRS repeater channels in the United States, and CBRS/PRS repeater channels in Australia and New Zealand.
• GMRS repeater channels are not available in Canada.
• Repeater channels use repeaters (when available) to enable communication around obstacles or to increase transmission distance.
• Position reporting is not allowed by the FCC on GMRS repeater channels.

FCC Licensing Information

• The Rino two-way radio operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies.
• GMRS frequencies are regulated in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Operation on the GMRS frequencies is subject to rules as specified in 47 C.F.R. > Part 95 > Subpart E.
• In order to transmit on GMRS frequencies, you are required to obtain a license from the FCC.
• For more information about GMRS and how to obtain a license, see our GPSrChive > How To... > GMRS page.
• No license is required to operate on GMRS channels in Canada; however, GMRS repeater channels are not approved for use in Canada.
• For countries outside of the United States and Canada, check with those governments for any restrictions on GMRS use.

Radio Frequency Charts

• FRS Radio Frequencies
• GMRS Radio Frequencies
• FRS vs GMRS Radio Frequencies
• CBRS/PRS Radio Frequencies
• Weather Radio Frequencies
• CTCSS Frequencies
• DCS Codes