Range - Radio Coms

Range - Radio Coms - The Basics

I have been a firearms instructor since 2019 and trained classes here on the Big Island of Hawaii. On the Big Island, the general public needs to pass a Firearms Safety Class to purchase a handgun. Needless to say, we have been busy instructing.  Some classes, we would have up to 8 instructors and our outdoor ranges cover some distances between the classroom and shooting areas.

Early on we’ve been using radio coms to communicate between areas at the range and between instructors during classes.

We will first cover the basics of radios, then do a deeper dive in how it can work specifically for range use with multiple range staff. 

Radios

A radio company called Baofeng, introduced a low cost, handheld radio around 2012 called the UV-5R.  Out of the box it could transmit on many frequencies, is programmable and cost around $20.  In comparison, handheld HAM radios would be around $200.  Because of Baofeng, there are now many cost effective, programmable radio options for purchase.  These newer radios can cover many radio services.

There has also been cheap consumer “blister pack” radios available at big box retailers.  These are typically on the FRS and have limited range, connection options and not programable. They are great for their time, but technology wise the Baofengs offer more options. 

Radio Services

FRS (Family Radio Service) – This a handheld only, low power and no license needed to operate. These radios service is available on most consumer level handheld radios.  It has access to 22 frequencies. But is not programable. low power and limited to handlheld radios. The cheap 2 packs of walkie talkies at big box retailers will run FRS. 

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) – This radio service can be run on handhelds, mobile and base stations.  GMRS can use higher power and have more range than FRS. A GMRS license is required to operate on GMRS frequencies. You don’t need to take classes or test for a GMRS license. It’s a $35 fee for 10year and covers your immediate family (spouse, children, parents, etc.)  It has access to 22 frequencies.

How to Get Your GMRS License

  1. Get an FRN: Register with the FCC for a FCC Registration Number (FRN).
  2. Apply Online: Use the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) to file FCC Form 605.
  3. Pay Fee: Pay the $35 fee. 

HAM (Amateur Radio) – You may have heard the reference to HAM.  HAM – Amateur radio and you need to take a test to receive a HAM license to operate on Amateur frequencies.  A HAM license is not needed if you do not transmit on Amateur Radio frequencies. (ie FRS, GMRS)

YOU DO NOT NEED A HAM LICENSE TO OPERATE A RADIO

Business Radio License - This license is more involved to setup but it will setup a block of radio frequencies for your organization can use. These frequencies allow for Digital Encryption.

Digital Radio

Splitting this into a different section as there’s many definitions and seem to be a lot of confusion. 

For many years digital over analog radio has been available via devices called TNCs (Terminal Node Controllers).  This works just like a Modem over Phone Lines.This is sometimes refered to as Digital Radio.

DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) dedicated radios and definition of Tiers were in 2005.   These were to support business use of digital radio communications. DMR is an Open Standard and not limited to any Amateur Radio frequency usage.  These are now available at much more afforbdable prices.

A few large radio manufacturers also offer Digital Radio Services.  Yaesu has System Fusion, Icom has D-Star which can be confused with DMR as the word Digital is involved.  These are all proprietary to each manufacturer.

Like Baofengs UV5r Handheld analog radio release in 2011, Baofeng released a handheld DMR in 2025 at around $100.  When programmed correctly, DMR radios can transmit and receive encrypted coms to each other. Encrypted is the important terminology here. Transmissions over radio can be herd by anyone ion the same frequency, but if encrypted and you do not have the decryption key, they will only hear beep and static.   Amateur Radio frequencies can be used by licensed HAM operators for DMR and encryption. TLDR: Baofeng DM32, DMR radios can send encrypted, digital coms over radio frequencies and are easy to program.

Baofeng DM32, DMR handheld radios cannot auto decrypt military, law enforcement or first responder encrypted digital channels.  You will need the key to decrypt modern encryption like AES-256.

Hearing Protection and Headsets

For anyone on a live shooting range, you will need hearing protection.  Using a handheld radio while wearing hearing protection is challenging. There are ways to setup hearing protection to connect to a handheld radio. 

Headsets with Hearing Protection – There are a handful of hearing protection headsets that are military headsets. You’ll want to get the single downlead type.  These Headset will connect to a PTT (Push To Talk) device and allow you to hear radio coms and protect you hearing

  • 3m/Peltor – Comtac
  • Opscore – AMP
  • MSA Sordin – Supreme

The Peltors are the most widely distributed and accessorized.  There are Peltors available in the surplus market too since they were the US military’s widely distributed headset.  There are many 3rd party upgrade parts for Peltors.  I have a few 12+ year old headsets that feel and function like new.  These are specifically design for hearing protection from gunfire.  Real Peltors, OpsCores and Sordins are considered Military headsets

There are civilian headsets as well, but I have no experience with them. They are all clones and airsoft replicas of the above headsets.  Buyer beware. If the price looks cheap, it’s hearing protection will match. There are also Hearing Protection earbuds with Bluetooth connectivity.  I don’t recommend hearing protection earbuds, but if it’s your preference, there are radios with Bluetooth capabilities.  We consider these civilian or commercial headsets

PTT (Push to Talk)

This is the device that connects your headset to the radio.  This also adds a transmit button which you can place in a convenient area. Giving you the flexibility of where to mount the radio.

Radio end – This needs to match the audio connecter(s) on your specific radio. Example – Baofeng radios typically use the Kenwood 2 pin connector.

Headset End – If using a Military type headset, you will want to get a U94 compatible, amplified PTT.  Double check with the seller if a PTT will work with a specific headset. These typically run around $150,  Anything cheaper is made for civilian or airsoft replica headsets.

Putting It All Together.

You will need the following for a basic range setup.

  • Radio – Programmable and at least GMRS capable. The Baofeng DM32 can do GMRS.
  • Headset – Recommend a military headset with a single downlead connector. As mentioned above, these are made for hearing protection on the range.   
  • PTT (Push to Talk) – Match to your radio and headset.
  • Optional – Radio Pouch. The PTT will allow you mount the radio on a belt, plate carrier, etc. Radios and antenna are awkward when also carrying other gear.

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