Handheld radio’s for caravanning?

[MM-C5]

... 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.

Actually the licensing isn't that big of a deal. Most people don't even bother. What is a big deal though is that those with FRS & GMS will "talk" to either but one of them ~ and I don't remember which ~ will not communicate with the other. visa-viz FRS to GMS or vice versa.

Mine are Cobra S with both FRS + GMS.

The 5 mile thing isn't really a big deal either because most caravans are not nearly that spread out. Generally if you can see the leader, you can talk to him or her.

Someone mentioned sub frequencies (channels) That is an excellent idea because only your group can participate. We use Channel 5, sub 34. Someone came up with it meaning C5, C3 & C4 -- guess that's what is mostly in our group.

One other thing to make sure you DO NOT do is utilize the "voice activated" feature. Otherwise, you will have someone with a "hot mike" chattering with thier passenger and everyone in the caravan will not only hear it, but be precluded from talking.

Don't forget to take your charger! If you have one that works with the cigarette lighter as well, take it too.

10/4 Good Buddy

 

[G Winter]

I hope to find radios that use AA batteries. We will have a car charger and batteries with us for the camera. Trying to keep everything on the same type of battery.

So very likely if it says you need lic. it may be FRS and GMRS.


Glenn

 

[Pseudomind]

Apparently from what I discovered most of the radios come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, but in lieu of using the battery pack, they will work with four AAA's installed. I have the Motorola, Talkabout SX700, and they will work this way, so I am going to carry me a couple packages of AAA’s along with me, in case my battery pack runs down and I am not in position to recharge it at the moment. I did not see any which used the AA’s.

The only problem with using the GRMS is that everyone will need a radio which has this feature. If they only have the FRS there might be a channel selection issue.

FRS is the family channel spectrum with the very limited range
GMRS gives the increased range and is the frequencies which require the license



I would say I would have to agree with this, who is going to be checking or who has the resources to check

Actually the licensing isn't that big of a deal. Most people don't even bother.

 

[G Winter]

Cobra Micro-Talk FRS/GMRS 6-Mile 2-Way Radio Set

Anyone know about this radio? Experience with them ?

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PR245-2-VP&cpc=SCH&srm=0

It looks like a great price.

Glenn

 

[Rain]

http://shopping.comcast.net/rating_getprodrev.php/product_id=2268058/id_type=M

 

[G Winter]

Thanks Rain , reviews on that type are good.

Glenn

 

[Scott Winebarger]

Does everyone have their radios now ?

Radio Shack has them on sale at $29.00 for FRS /GMRS comes with charger and lithium batteries.

Also I saw an add in Ace Hardware... 7 bucks after rebate.
Its in the current sale paper here.

Also if you are going to be using these at home (to keep up with kids or whatever) Radio Shack also has a Base unit for about $49.00.

A lot of people trash Radio Shack for their junk , but its all according to who has the contract for them that year for each particular product.. These look a lot like the Motorola , Just no name.