There aren't too many free things in this life. Luckily, airwaves are available for use all over the world at no cost at all. People can communicate via these airwaves for free by using 2-way radios.

2-way radios are small handheld 2-way communications devices. They are a more advanced type of "Walkie-Talkie". You need at least two of these devices to communicate with another human being. Whether in a mall, on a hiking trip, camping, in a concert, on vacation or basically anywhere, you can use a 2-way radio to communicate via the airwaves on certain frequencies with other individuals. These handheld radios have a dedicated amount of switchable channels and can work within a certain distance radius (prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission). You do not need a license to operate most of the radios we carry at JR.com, and there is no service fee. One of the most appealing things about 2-way radios is that they can work virtually anywhere on the face of this earth. They make great companions while traveling to a different country with a friend.

The basic makeup of any 2-way radio is compact and handheld. It comes with an antenna to transmit and receive signals. You normally have to push a button to transmit your voice (unless you have a voice-activated feature). A built-in microphone and speaker are what do the magic. Helpful large displays and backlit LCD screens accompany most radios. The average family 2-way radio weighs anywhere from 5-7 ounces. There are many features that assist you in communicating using 2-way radios including channel scanning and call tones. Learn all about them right here.

All 2-way radios work within a given distance range and on a certain number of channels. Most of the 2-way radios we carry here at JR.com operate on the Family Radio Service Band (FRS) dictated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Family Radio Service (FRS)
This dedicated band is made for use within a given neighborhood. You can use it for personal or business use. It will work in up to a 2 mile area. There are 14 FRS channels available that you can switch between. No FRS channel is assigned to any specific individual or organization. You can use FRS radios anywhere in the US. Once outside the US you're radios will also work, but within the territorial limits of the foreign government. No licenses are needed to operate a 2-way radio in this band. There are no age or citizenship requirements for using FRS radios. All of the 2-way radios we sell at JR.com are certified FRS units as noted by a certified label placed on all shipped 2-way radios.

Other Bands
The FCC has assigned several bands for various uses. The FRS band is just one of them. Others included the Citizens Band Radio Service, also known as CB. This Band has a wider range than FRS. There is also the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band, which has an even wider range and requires a special license to use. There are yet other bands strictly for other used like aviation, police use and more.

Squelch Settings
Most FMS radios come with a couple of squelch settings. These settings block other people's conversations from other radios out of the channel you are using. By choosing the same channel and squelch setting, two or more people can have a conversation and block transmissions from other users who are within range but not on the same setting.

Special Channels
Some 2-way radio models give you access to special channels that provide local weather information and emergency alerts. This is especially helpful for people who use 2-way radios for sporting, like skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Channel Lock
This is a standard radio feature. It keeps you tuned in or locks you to one channel. Locking your channel may help you avoid missing any calls.

Scans
At any given time, there may be a given amount of people on any of the 14 channels allocated under the FMS frequencies. A “scan” button on most 2-ways radios helps you scan for an available frequency, or a frequency you're partner may be transmitting on.

Alerts
Many 2-way radios have what are known as call alert tones. These come in their forms of little beeps, rings, vibrations, and even tunes that alert a user that a message is arriving. Some radios have "roger beeps" that go off when the Send button is released, letting the other party know you've finished your message and they can now talk.

Some radios have optional jacks for additional speakers and microphones.

Most 2-way radios operate on AA batteries, some use rechargeable batteries.

There are many helpful extras that make your 2-way traveling life easier like belt clips, protective cases, and accessories for hands free operation. 2-way radios are made for rugged use, which is why some of them are water resistant and have great ergonomic designs. Some 2-way units also have a built-in digital AM/FM radio tuners.