FAQ

What is a community channel?

The FRS channel and privacy code assigned to a zone. Every group in the zone listens to it, so separate groups can trade hazard reports and call for help. Find yours on the channel lookup or on the trailhead sign.

What is a group channel?

Your party's own channel, for talk inside the party. Any channel but the community channel. Two groups that need a longer conversation can move to one too. The privacy code does not matter on a group channel. A Rocky Talkie remembers the last code you used on each channel.

What is a privacy code?

A code paired with a channel so your radio only opens for others using the same code. The program uses code 30 in every zone.

I am outside the zones. What channel do I use?

Channel 5, privacy code 30.

Is anyone monitoring the community channel?

No. Community channels are not monitored by authorities. Radios connect groups to each other, not to rescue services. Call 911 when you have service. Without service, ask another group on the community channel to call for you.

Why FRS radios and not VHF?

FRS radios cost less, need no license and are what most backcountry users already carry. Search and rescue, ski patrols and mountain operations use VHF.

Why not one channel for all of Tahoe?

Too much chatter. Backcountry community radio started in Telluride, where zones were made smaller after five years for this reason. A zone is sized so one channel covers a typical tour. See the zone guidelines.

Do I need repeaters?

No. FRS radios do not use repeaters. A GMRS radio can use them, but GMRS needs a license, and neither FRS nor GMRS reaches emergency services.

Which radio should I buy?

Any FRS radio works. A dual-channel radio lets you hear your group channel and the community channel at once. See radios.

Can I put the zones in my map app?

Yes. Download GeoJSON or GPX from the zone map page.

A trailhead sign is missing or damaged.

Report it on the check-in page.