do you need a license to use these?

In 2017 the FCC updated the rules for FRS to allow the license-free use of radios with no more than 2 watts effective radiated power on channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22. The 1/2 watt limit remains in effect for channels 8 through 14. The FCC also added FRS channels 8 through 14 to the licensed General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) with power outputs of up to 5 watts on channels 1 through 7 and 50 watts on channels 15 through 22. So, if these radios meet the 2 watt/0.5 watt FRS power limits they should be legal to use as license-free FRS units.

Why does it say 30 mile range if it only reaches 3 to 4 blocks in city & open space is a couple miles? Seems like dishonest advertising.

It's hard to answer this question without adding some basics of radio. These gadgets (FRS Band) operate @ 462+ MHz and indeed is close to "line of sight" (with no obstructions) use, as is everything in this frequency range - this is one of those "Mother Nature is a Bi&$%" things. Couple that with their 500 Mw (1/2 watt) output and it's easy to become disappointed with the range offered. Remember, manufacturers love to tout the best case scenario for their products.Bottom line, these are kiddie toys unless paired with a more powerful (and licensed, as I am) GMRS (Ground Mobile Radio Service) base station using a decent antenna. GMRS licenses are $75 for 5 years and allow operating with up to 50 watts on Ch. 15-22 in this band.de kd5zes

What is the minimum (not maximum) range? Used with headsets, could use by 2 diners in noisy restaurant to make talking easier?

This has got to be one of the funniest questions i've ever seen- Picturing an 80 year old couple sitting in a diner big trucker headsets on,... .. (crackly old voice) "Breaker Breaker 1-9, this is 'worn and wrinkled' are you out there 'cold and crusty'? over" ..... "He worn and wrinkled, cold and crusty here, what you got? over" .. "Thanks for the break cold and crusty, i'm getting the early bird salad bar and i think i'll swipe some napkins and butter packets for our pantry at home, can you swipe some Splenda and take a couple salt packets too? over". .... "good thinking, i'm getting the early bird soup and sandwich special, hold the sandwich since I can't chew with only 3 teeth left, over"..... "Ok, roger that, i'm heading to the restroom, over and out". ...

If you have more then 2 will they all be able to communicate with each other or is a pair locked to each other. ??

These devices have the ability to communicate with any Walkie Talkie tuned to the same channel. they have 36 channels and 121 privacy codes. They are not locked to each other. I have used mine with a buddy's set of Motorola Walkie talkies and they work fine together. I believe I have had around 8 different devices on the same channel and everyone was able to communicate with each other.

Item Weight	1 pounds
Product Dimensions	2.19 x 6.09 x 1.27 inches
Item model number	LXT600PAX3VP3
Batteries	3 AAA batteries required.
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Display Type	LCD
Warranty	1 Year Limited
Height (inches)	11 inches
Width (inches)	3 inches
Weight	2.4 Pounds

Midland LXT600VP3 FRS Walkie Talkies - Long Range 36-Channel Two-Way Radios, NOAA Weather Alerts(2-Pack, Black)

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