ICOM Family Service Radios (FRS)

What is FRS?

FRS stands for Family Radio Service. The IC-4008A is ICOM's first FRS radio.

FRS radios are two-way radios meant for fun communications. Use them on the go, anywhere, and at anytime. Keep in touch with family and friends while out at a mall, on the beach, out skiing, driving around, or nearly anyplace you can think of! FRS can bring peace of mind to parents who want to keep track of kids at play, too.

ICOM's IC-4008A is:

Slip one into a pocket, fanny pack, or purse. Clip one to a belt, or attach one to a book bag. Set one by the telephone. Or toss a couple in to the glovebox. The IC-4008A is small enough to store most everywhere, and easy enough for the whole family to use.

Okay, So What's FRS?

In 1997, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) set aside the 462-467 MHz portion of the high quality, UHF spectrum for personal, noncommercial communications. No license is needed to take advantage of these airwaves. However, the type of radio that may be used on FRS is specially built to follow strict regulations. Requiring no operating license or activation fees, FRS is free for any personal communications -- on land, at sea, or in between.

ICOM's IC-4008A was designed and built specifically to meet and exceed FRS requirements. In addition, ICOM has decided to build the IC-4008A water resistant to JIS 5 standards. That means you can use ICOM's FRS in wet environments, like while boating, skiing (water or snow), hiking in the rain, fishing...in all those areas where an FRS radio would come in most handy. After all, why buy a radio intended for active use if the radio can't survive the activity?

FRS is not recognized by Canada authorities. FRS radio use is prohibited in Canada.

Superior Sound, No Interference

FRS radios are almost never bothered by interference from other operating electrical devices, such as jet skis, automobile alternators, or computers.

ICOM's FRS radios take advantage of what is known as CTCSS technology; an internal decoding system filters out communications that are not transmitting using a specific, user selectable code. There are 532 different codes you can choose to receive FRS signals on. It is very easy to select a code, right from the front of the IC-4008A. Once your code is entered, you can lock the radio into that setting with the touch of a button. Only the people who know your code can speak with you. The IC-4008A remains silent as it monitors for activity on your code.

FRS is Not a Toy

The IC-4008A is not a toy. But it is simple enough for the whole family to use. You'll soon find people using these little ICOMs everywhere, from schools to national parks. It's a great way for families or groups of people to keep in touch while out and about. The sound quality is awesome. There's a time-out feature which, when selected, will automatically turn off the radio and save your batteries. And, since it's an ICOM, you know it's built to last.

FRS is Not CB Radio

FRS radio signals ride on the super-clean sounds of the ultra high frequency (UHF) airwaves. Voices come in loud and clear, and there is almost zero static interference. FRS is perfect for short range communications, like keeping in touch within a ski area, or while sitting or walking in different areas within at a stadium.

CB radio, on the other hand, operates on a much lower band than FRS. While CB communications are good for either short or long distance communication, the sound quality is often full of static, with lots of crackle and popping.

FRS requires a very small antenna that's permanently attached to the radio, while CB works best with long antennas, like those big whip antennas found on 18 wheelers. ICOM's IC-4008A uses a tiny (yet rugged) antenna that can be rotated to up and down positions. When you want to use the ICOM, rotate the antenna up. When not in use, the antenna can be rotated down and out of the way, letting you zip up the whole radio inside a ski jacket or fanny pack. Or, just clip it to your belt. Either way, the IC-4008A is small, lightweight, and unobtrusive.

FRS is Not a Cell Phone

A cellular phone is a wireless telephone. You pay a telephone company for the privilege of using public airwaves to tie in with a regular telephone service. Usually, there are monthly service charges and per call charges to pay, along with the cost of the telephone itself. Because cellular service is a telephone service, you can make a call to virtually anyone in the world. But even calls within a short distance, like between neighbor's homes, are charged for.

Once you purchase an FRS radio, it is free to use. Take it out of the box, insert 3 alkaline batteries and start talking. There are no fees or dues to pay. Talk for up to 30 hours on a single set of alkalines. Although you can't talk around the world on an FRS radio, you'll save a bundle on short distance conversations.

FRS on Land, Sea, or In Between

It is illegal to use a marine radio anywhere but on the water. Ship to shore communications, even if the person on shore is within eyesight, can result in hefty government fines.

ICOM's IC-4008A can take the worry out of using a marine radio incorrectly. Use FRS to keep in touch between a boat and someone on shore getting supplies, or when loading a boat onto a car trailer. Don't worry about getting the radio wet by rain or spray. The IC-4008A is built water resistant to JIS-5 standards.

Please note: an FRS radio is meant to compliment your marine radio, not to replace it. The Coast Guard does not monitor FRS frequencies, so a marine radio is still needed for emergency communications. Some vessels are required by law to carry a marine radio. And, while marine handheld radios typically offer between 3 and 6 watts of power, an FRS radio is limited by law to 1/2 of a watt of power. The additional power of a marine radio may transmit your emergency signal further than an FRS radio is capable of.

Try an IC-4008A Today

The only way to experience the clean, 100% free sound of FRS radio is to try one out. Locate your nearest ICOM dealer right on this website. Or, there's a list of ICOM dealers with their own websites also available. Experience the peace of mind and convenience that FRS offers today.

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© 1998-1999 ICOM AMERICA, INC. All specifications and options subject to change without notice or obligation. NOTE: All specifications are for U.S.A. versions. For specifications in other countries, check with your ICOM Dealer.