June 16, 2000

REACT News
& Press Releases

REACT SUGGESTS "CALL CHANNEL" FOR F.R.S. RADIOS

With the high popularity of Family Radio Service units throughout the country, personal two-way radio use has increased tremendously. These non-licensed short-range handheld communications devices are being carried everywhere. Although designed as a private convenience for the public, they are capable of contacting other users. Presently, however, contact in this circumstance is difficult if not impossible due to the radios operating on different tones and frequencies.

While FRS radios were designed to have the appeal of privacy by using tone (CTCSS), the very nature of this idea makes it a challenge to talk to other users. At times of need when it would be a benefit to reach others, the tone should be disabled and a single frequency used. With this commonality the radio takes on an element of safety in addition to the designed concept of private convenience.

REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams) is suggesting adoption of channel 1 (462.5625 MHz) as the official "Call Channel", without tone. We are soliciting radio manufacturers to mention this mode of operation in owners manuals included with the radios. REACT is also looking for partners such as radio communications magazines and websites in promoting the concept. We also seek the support of agencies such as the National Park Service and other recreational areas to publicize the "Call Channel" as a common frequency to use for communicating with others when needed.

The idea was recently developed after lost hikers in Southern California were finally able to make contact after 40 minutes of calling on 14 different channels and 38 different tones. Ranger Jeff Lee, using the FRS radio belonging to 11-year old Kristofer Moore of San Clemente who had heard the call, finally talked the lost hikers down the mountain.

REACT was formed in 1962. Headquarters for the international organization of volunteer communicators is in Suitland, Maryland. The website is www.reactintl.org

Many areas of the country still need REACT'ers even though it only takes 3 people to start a team. Information may be found on the website: http://www.reactintl.org