I hope I can get some guidance from experienced members.

The old Boafengs were popular radios among recreational users of the FSRs. The government protocols have changed and I need some help from the more knowledgeable members on these questions:
  1. What is your recommendation for a radio for monitoring the communications on FSR roads now? For me, this radio will be used for a limited time per year, and so, I like it to work reasonably well while being low cost and low maintenance.
  2. My understanding is that you need a license to use these radios. Any ideas how this can be done in COVID times? Better yet, correct me and tell me that a license is not required.
  3. Is it illegal to use the Bofengs for monitoring the communications on FSRs, if they can still work with the new protocols (not sure if they can)?


Thanks all in advance,
B