Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with radios

The FCC on GMRS: SOL or ROFL?

itstheclamsname — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:16:43 -0800

Is the FCC enforcing licensing requirements for GMRS two-way radios? Many inexpensive two-way radios now have the capacity to broadcast and receive on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies, greatly extending their range. What is rather poorly advertised on these devices is that these frequencies require an FCC license to use, which appears to cost $85.

So: 1) Does the FCC actively enforce these rules, and if so, how can it do so? 2) Are these devices being sold with a wink and a nod, with the expectation that no one is acquiring the necessary licenses?

I've thought about getting a pair of these radios but I've always been curious about this limitation.

Come in Tokyo

Dag Maggot — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 05:47:02 -0800

Where does the practice of saying "come in Tokyo" while pretending to adjust a woman's breasts like an old radio set come from? I don't do this- but I know someone who claims it's a reference from some TV show or movie.

Best clock radio?

o2b — Thu, 09 Sep 2004 13:30:12 -0800

Clock radios: What's your favorite? Is Bose's the best?

Advice on selecting digital radio reciever in Ireland that will pick up English Medium Wave Broadcasts

kenaman — Tue, 20 Jul 2004 12:56:15 -0800

I want to but an aeriel or radio that will pick up digital radio. Advice, experiences and pointers would be greatly appreciated. I am in Ireland if that makes any difference. What I really want is to pick up on English medium wave broadcasts. Thanks.

Recommendations for a car FM transmitter for a Archos Jukebox Studio 20 MP3 player.

graventy — Sun, 13 Jun 2004 06:18:50 -0800

Does anyone have experience with FM transmitters? I've just upgraded cars, from one with a tape deck to one with a CD player. Of course, this means no more books-on-mp3 for me on the way to work. I hear that FM transmitters work pretty well, but I was wondering if anyone has had good/bad experiences with them.

I'm Trying to hook up my radio on my stereo, but I have 4 wire holes for only 2 wires. What gives?

jmd82 — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 14:15:35 -0800

I'm Trying to hook up my radio on my stereo, but I have 4 wire holes for only 2 wires. What gives? (pretty illustration inside)
The little boxes are where the wires can go in. I am mainly interested in FM, specifically frequencies below 90MHz. I get a signal if I put the antenna's two wires in any combination of the bottom three slots. Is one combination better than the other and what what do the different combinations do for reception?

Car radio that displays extended information

quibx — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 13:05:16 -0800

I was visiting a friend in NYC recently, and his car stereo displayed what was playing on the radio. It wasn't XM or anything like that. This was broadcast, showing the title, artist and call letters. How is this done, and where can I get a receiver that does this? Do all stations do this?

Earmuff-style headphones with a built-in radio?

DevilsAdvocate — Mon, 05 Apr 2004 11:41:02 -0800

I'm looking for a pair of earmuff-style headphones with a built-in radio. Any recommendations? [More Inside] Something like these, although I don't necessarily need professional-strength hearing protection, and I'm put off of this particular item because of some of the poor reviews of radio quality it's received. I do want the earmuff style (fully covering the ears), and AM reception is a must. I've browsed/searched a few sites (Amazon, Best Buy, Froogle) without success.