Two-Way Radios

[altermoor]

I am interested in procuring a few two-way radios (probably a total of four). This could be for outdoor fun-'n-games in "normal times," or possibly for something more dire such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a bug out situation or something along those lines.

I am hoping for something which would be hearty, possess good range, utilize standard batteries and which hopefully wouldn't be too expensive. I've read some about FRS and GMRS capability as well and would like a radio with both ranges available (supposing I'd get the license for GMRS frequencies).

What do you folks have to say about these, and what are your recommendations for which to buy?

[EX121]

One crucial thing to remember or understand is that no matter what the manufacturer may say about range is that they are line-of-sight radios. Meaning that if you are at the bottom of a steep canyon trying to talk to someone on the other side of the mountain you probably wont be able to. The radio waves go in a straight line fashion, off the side of the antenna. So look at how many watts of power output there is. And what type of antenna comes with the radio.
Being inside buildings, big trees, etc all affect range.
Have you considered Ham radios, a bit more expensive, but depending on where you are ther may be repeaters you can use. Some even have limited emergency power if they lose commercial power. A technician license is fairly easy to get. Check out www.qrz.com for more info.

[altermoor]

One crucial thing to remember or understand is that no matter what the manufacturer may say about range is that they are line-of-sight radios. Meaning that if you are at the bottom of a steep canyon trying to talk to someone on the other side of the mountain you probably wont be able to. The radio waves go in a straight line fashion, off the side of the antenna. So look at how many watts of power output there is. And what type of antenna comes with the radio.
Being inside buildings, big trees, etc all affect range.
Have you considered Ham radios, a bit more expensive, but depending on where you are ther may be repeaters you can use. Some even have limited emergency power if they lose commercial power. A technician license is fairly easy to get. Check out www.qrz.com for more info.

Thanks for the info. What wattage would be best?

I have thought about Ham. Thing is, I am, by no means, a technological genius. I always had the impression that people into Ham were much more tech-savvy than I am - and that there was a fairly long learning curve with it. Also, they are for in-place use aren't they (not for walking about)?

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

I just took the HAM Tech earlier this year and passed on first try. I'm not a wiz kid/techno junkie with the radio stuff, but there are many online tests that let you practice that are free. Just keep taking the tests and learn from the answers. You can take multiple versions of the actual test. There are sites that will explain some of the answers. Let Google be your friend and search.

No, they are not just for "in-place" use. There are handitalkies, mobile (for in vehicle use) and base stations. Power levels vary on each type. Many things you can do with HAM.

Look into it, and see the possibilities.

Also, it is inexpensive for the testing and license.

[eeyore]

Here are a couple of the sites that Patriotic Sheepdog is referring to, there are more

http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=23559 (on the left side under "Main Menu) and

http://www.qsl.net/semcomm/products.htm

You can download the questions on line, but the better way is to buy the book from ARRL (and go their site is another abundant resource of information.

http://www.arrl.org/home

The best book is found here http://www.arrl.org/shop/Licensing-E...-and-Training/

[EX121]

Look for something with 5 watts output for the FRS.
Most Ham handhelds are 13.5 watts.
Mobiles usually 35watts lowpower & 50 watts highpower.

The handheld I own I still use the origional battery pack. I have never fully discharged the battery & keep it warm in winter etc.
You don't need to be techie to do the test. There are some techie type questions, but easily memorised then dumed when the test is passed. All My wife and I did was take the practice test on qrz.com over & over until we could pass and then took the test. We later got the books when we could.

[Nypto]

Getting a lisence to use the "government's" airwaves. My my my. How far we have come.

[rkramseb]

A lot depends on where you live and how far you want to be heard.
always remember 1 thing COMSEC...I you can hear someone...they can or might hear you. FRS...I have a bunch of them...they are exptremely handy to have and I bought a bunch of the cheaper ones, range is about 1/4 mile in the urban area I live. I have 2 Motorla FRS and 1 Rinho W/ GPS for serious use. range is somewhat better...still depends on line of sight. Next up would be the ole standard...CB/SSB...and finally amateur. Like you see here...get your amateur ticket...If I can you can. TRUST ME...;>} There is a system called MURS...check it out. I'm not familiar with the preformance or its use...I don't have one. Sunk most of my $$ into ham and SSB rigs for the home 5th wheel and truck.

Hope this helps...BE SAFE

[96thTallarn]

Does anyone have any practical experience with the MURS radios and other devices, like the motion detectors and alarms? I have watched a couple of videos on them. Others advocate them as being good radios. I am wondering what sort of range one can really get out of them? How will they hold up? I would appreciate any input.