On Mon, 9 Jan 2006 08:03:37 -0500, "Glenn Ashmore"
wrote:

Over what terrain do they test these things to come up with the range
claims? If a set advertised as "5 mile range" will only work within 2 or 3
miles line of sight with no obstructions over water the only place I can
think of that would have better conditions would be the Bonneville Salt
Flats.

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FRS is pretty much line of sight or close to it. Any significant
obstruction will greatly reduce the range in my experience. To get
reliable range of any distance at these frequencies you need a
repeater type infrastructure with an antenna at higher elevation.

If you have an FRS with connections for external audio in/audio out,
you might be able to extend your range somewhat by hoisting the radio
to the top of the mast on a flag stick, and running audio cable back
to deck level.