Handheld radio’s for caravanning?

[Pseudomind]

Don't know where to specifically put this,

I was in Wal-Mart this weekend and saw a package with two handheld radios’ (black and orange design) for about $25.00. They stated something to the effect that they had a range of about 6 miles maximum, and 22 channels. Does this work like CB’s so if a group had their own radio’s anyone within range could tune in and communicates? E.g. all tuned to say channel 19?

What is a good small handheld radio to use for caravanning communications? Ease of use, battery life, Range etc. I do not wish to install a CB.

Thanks

 

[Bill75]

I have a couple of those, they work OK as long as you're not too far away from someone. Mine said something like having a 6 mile range too and it's BS, they'll go maybe 1 1/2 miles if conditiions are line of sight.
The frequencies are in the 400 Mhz area in a spectrum alocated by the FCC as "family service" frequencies.

Bill

 

[Pseudomind]

How about this,

Does this work like CB’s so if a group had their own radio’s anyone within range could tune in and communicates? E.g. all tuned to say channel 19?

It would be nice if all in the caravan could hear and communicate.

 

[Bill75]

Sorry for not answering your question. Yes absolutely you can, they will work perfectly as long as everyone is withen range everyone can hear each other on the same frequency.

 

[Pseudomind]

Thanks

I am considering a set of these, they are advertised for optimal conditions for 14 miles, I am sure I will not get that, but I think the may work better then the Wal-Mart ones might

Two way

 

[G Winter]

rate diff models

This intrests me as I am planning on getting a pair myself. Could we get some opinions on diff brands and models and price ranges. Does price range reflect quality ?

Glenn

 

[Bill75]

Midland makes good equipment, those should be a good choice over the Wallmart stuff. Mine are Uniden and work good except for the advertised range. Get one that you can plug into your lighter when the batteries get low to either charge them or operate the radio.

Mine don't have allot of the Midland features, they're just basic radios with a call tone. I think I paid about $50 for two with a charging station.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/soundsdirtcheap/ungmgm.html

 

[G Winter]

I am not to worried about the batteries as long as they are AA or AAA . We will have a charger in the car with us. Want to make sure we keep batteries charged for the camera and my wifes MP3 player.
My main concern is the range.

Glenn

 

[Rain]

I have a smal set of Motorolas that only pick up single digit bands.

Alas, my Vette Club uses channel 1.5 (although Ive now been told that the nationwide channel for Corvettes is 5.3 - for 1953).

So I went to Sams and bought some better ones.(Talkabout T5900) A bit larger but have better signal range and louder volumes.

Club collection includes the Talkabout 250 and Talkabout T5720.

As stated above, the advertised range must only work in the salt flats. Expect a mile or two at best.

Real shame that GM does not offer a Family Band radio integrated into the audio system of the Corvette. Sure would come in handy for those who cruise in groups.

 

[Daryllawman]

We use the Motorola Talk Abouts....Had good luck with them..Click here: Motorola TalkAbouts Review

 

[Pseudomind]

This is not a real long read, but it provides some good information about two-way's

Two-Ways

Look about midway down,

The differences between FRS and GMRS radios:

 

[Guy]

Remo and I use a pair of 2 year old Talkabouts similar to Rain's which seem to be the most popular. When the wives are not with us we use the optional ear bud, so we don't have to keep picking up the radio. Also, make sure your group tunes to what I think is called a "privacy" channel or code like 13.30 instead of just 13, that way you have a better chance of using a channel no other group is using. BTW - the advertized range on most radios I've tried IS bs.

My .02

Guy

 

[MsSchroder]

We have a pair of Motorola FRS talkabouts- don't remember which model. They work fine within a mile or two range; we use them any time we're caravanning.

Tammy

 

[G Winter]

Thank you for the info. Links and comments helped a lot.
Glenn

 

[Pseudomind]

I purchased a set of the Motorola Talkabout, SX700, will have to charge them and try them out.

 

[Tom Bryant]

I have Unidens that my wife bought me. I haven't had the chance to field test them yet though so I can't comment on performance. Last year most of us on the caravan to CruiseFest from Indiana/ Michigan ect. had these and they worked fairly well for our group.

You get what you pay for with these and they don't get the range that they claim unless conditions are perfect. Spend a little more money and you will be happier in the end.

Tom

 

[81kix]

I have a set called, "S Cobra" they say good for 5 mile range, 3 miles are the best I have found with them.

 

[geekinavette]

We used these driving out from CO last year...and we all arrived together so they must've worked! We use them alot when the local clubs go on cruises...they come in QUITE handy!

As others have said...you will never get the "advertised" range.

Bill

 

[Pseudomind]

Actually I think about 2 miles is the most even under optimum conditions one will get as most people are just going to use the FRS or 0.5 watt mode.

Most will not register and also many in the caravan will probably only purchase two-way radios with only the FRS 0.5 watt capability.

What would be nice if a club encouraged members to purchase the two-ways which have both FRS and GMRS capabilities (2.0 watts)?

The main drawback here is that to use GRMS one has to pay I believe the figure quoted earlier was $80.00 for a five year FCC license.

The use of GRMS would probably extend the range a bit better, but I doubt to the 12 mile range unless one had a clear line of site. I would guess one would probably get around five miles on average using GRMS

I have no trouble paying for the FCC license, but I am sure there are those who will not want to pay.

So if I am on a GRMS channel and you are on a FRS channel, we are not going to communicate

Note the wattage differences between FRS 0.5 watts and GRMS 2.0 watts, in radio this sometimes can mean quite a bit, distance wise.

 

[G Winter]

Another question on the radios. I saw a good price on a pair of radios but on the back it said something about needing a lic. Does that mean it will not have the frequencies to be usefull in the caravan? Could someone post the frequencies that will be used?

Glenn