PMR446 is a relatively new radio service located in the 446 MHz band. It is very similar to the American FRS (Family Radio Service) but uses different frequencies. No licence is required and anybody can go out and buy a radio and start using them immediately. There is no restriction on who can use them and what they are used for.

What is their range?

All PMR446 radios must meet a certain specification regarding their output power, antenna, and frequencies used. As a result most radios offer very similar range, up to about one mile in a built up area. Out in the open, or across water, useable range increases to about 3-5 miles. However there are many recorded instances of contact being made at distances of 20 miles or even more. This often happens when both parties are located on high ground with no obstacles in-between them. Certain weather conditions can also increase range.

Only half a watt compared to CB's 4 watts?

The PMR446 specifications state that radios must have a maximum power output of 0.5 watt. Although this doesn't sound much when compared to the 4 watts allowed for CB, you must remember that at 446 MHz aerials are much smaller and can be more efficient than at the 27 MHz CB frequency.

I have used both CB handhelds and PMR446 handhelds and I can tell you that a PMR446 radio will outperform a CB handheld every time. This is because a CB handheld always uses a relatively inefficient aerial. Lets consider the length of a quarter wave aerial.

At 27 MHz a quarter wave aerial would be about 2.8 metres / 9 foot long. So as you can see, a rubber duck or even a telescopic aerial on a CB handheld which will be considerably shorter than this is never going to be very efficient.

On the other hand, a quarter wave aerial at 446 MHz will be about 17cm / 6.5 inches long. This is much more compact and some of the radios available come with a proper quarter wave aerial. So a PMR446 radio with a 6 inch aerial is the same as walking around using a CB handheld with a whopping 9 foot aerial!

The frequencies that CB and PMR446 use have considerably different characteristics. Signals at the CB frequency of 27 MHz tend to be absorbed by buildings, hills, and large obstacles. At 446 MHz signals have better penetration of large obstacles. This makes them ideal for use in buildings or heavily built up areas. The CB frequencies also suffer much more from interference than do PMR446.

Who Uses PMR446?

All kinds of people are making use of it to keep in touch - Hikers, cyclists, fishermen and loads of other sports. Its ideal for use in schools, offices, warehouses, shops and anywhere where people need to stay in touch.

In fact, a lot of people are now using it as an alternative to CB. The radios are much smaller and more convenient than CB - not much bigger than some mobile phones.

More Information......

Take a trip over to Delboys web site.He has put together an excellent site all about PMR446. It features radio reviews, long distance records, radio mods and much much more!