How we test

We publish our protocols before the first result. No radio has been tested yet, and these methods may be refined before testing begins.

Last updated September 24, 2026

Principles

  • We buy our own radios wherever possible. Loaned units will be labelled. [TO FILL: purchasing policy]
  • We operate legally. Testing happens under a valid GMRS license, within Part 95 power limits, and we identify with our call sign. [TO FILL: call sign]
  • Same course, same conditions. Range results always come with terrain, antenna, height and weather.

The five measurements

Range on a fixed course (miles)

Method: Same two points each time: a forest trail, a canyon, and a suburban grid. We check whether a message gets through, then read back five standard phrases at each marker.

Why it matters: “Up to 35 miles” on the box assumes mountaintop to mountaintop. You need a number for your terrain.

Equipment & calibration: [TO FILL]

Real transmit power (W)

Method: Conducted power into a calibrated attenuator and wattmeter on every channel group, with a full battery and a low battery.

Why it matters: Rated power and delivered power differ, and the rules cap some channels at 5 W or 0.5 W ERP.

Equipment & calibration: [TO FILL]

Receiver sensitivity (µV (12 dB SINAD))

Method: Signal generator into the antenna port, stepped down until audio hits 12 dB SINAD.

Why it matters: Hearing weak stations matters as much as transmit power.

Equipment & calibration: [TO FILL]

Antenna SWR across the band (SWR)

Method: Vector network analyzer sweep from 462 to 468 MHz, on the vehicle and on a ground plane.

Why it matters: A mistuned mobile antenna wastes power on exactly the repeater inputs you need.

Equipment & calibration: [TO FILL]

Speaker loudness (dB(A) @ 1 m)

Method: A-weighted level at 1 m from a standard tone at full volume, plus clarity notes taken in a moving vehicle.

Why it matters: In a rig on washboard road, loud and clear beats every other spec.

Equipment & calibration: [TO FILL]

Corrections

If we get something wrong, we fix it and note the change on the page. [TO FILL: corrections policy]