Power output and FCC radio TYPE regulations are why you do not see FRS base station. FRS is limited to 1.5 watts and most HAM radio base station radios are not TYPED for use on the FRS frequencies which is against FCC rules.

So theoretically a UHF ham radio can be modified to transmit and receive within both FRS and GRMS frequencies but because the radio is TYPED by the FCC for HAM frequencies only you are note allowed to use it on the FRS/GRMS frequencies.

 

I see.....So then it's pretty much the same rule that says even though an HF HAM radio that has the MARS mod "can" talk on 11m, but you, as a licensed HAM radio operator (or anybody else for that matter) is not allowed to talk on one on those frequencies.

 

Correct. Even though most HAM mod their radio (MARS/CAP) by the book you need to have a MARS or CAP call-sign to transmit on the expanded frequencies.

 

Ham radios are now type-certified? What about home-brew rigs? Type certification makes sense for CB radios and FRS and other radios for non-skilled operators, but for hams? Or, are you saying that because ham radios are not type-certified, they can't legally be used for FRS (which makes perfect sense).

 

Correct, but even homebrew rigs are suppose to be used within the proper band.