depends on what you need them/want to use them for, we use ICOM-U16'sI myself have a set of Motorola TALKABOUT T9500XLR Two Way Radios and have been pleased with their performance.
Preppers’ PING!!
I have a nice pair of Motorola Talkabouts with headsets, and a pair of Cobras. The Cobras were $2 at a garage sale, the Talkabouts were “free” at a garage sale because the people lost the charger (charger and 2 new NiMH battery packs was, I think, $30).
People are ditching the FRS radios because they carry cell phones and think they don’t need them.
In-ear headpieces are nice because nobody else can hear that chirp when you end a transmission.
I also picked up a few in-car CB radios in the same way, but I have not checked them out.
Why not get a armature radio license.
The entry level test is very simple.
I've used handi-talkies since they were called that and used peanut tubes and had B+ voltage.
During the great DX opening in 1999, I used a 5 watt handheld to talk from Texas to California on 6 meters (52.525Mhz)
More recently, I've relied on Icom and Kenwood radio for durability, functionality and reliability.
Batteries, batteries, batteries.
Know how stuff works. Choose your frequency based on your location, and operational conditions.
I agree with a previous poster. Get your ticket (license), and find an Elmer(old guy with years of experience) to guide you.
/johnny
These radios would be very useful in a natural disaster situation, but in a SHTF government collapse, "they" would have a list of potential holdouts (possible preppers).
Points to ponder.
depends on what you need them/want to use them for, we use ICOM-U16'sGet an amateur radio operators license. Then you can transmit with some POWER!! :-)
Best deal in the verse!
DON'T pay more than 50.00 delivered!
Many Asian Ebay sellers...here is just one.
Well, I am here for information and help.
I started in 1958 as K4ZKZ, specializing in working DX.
I made it to the ARRL “Top of the Honor Roll” in DXCC.
In the 90s, I took the call of W4EX, an old friend, totally blind since the 50s, but the very top DXCC operator in the world, and builder of very fine 4-1000 amplifiers, as well as able to repair anything, and climb his antenna towers.
His widow asked if I would like to take his call sign.
I have been inactive since leaving the USSA in 2000.
My last business was two-way radio sales and service.
What does one buy while one still can? I have FRS radios of course, but If I was to take up a notch, what should I buy. I know radio people are knee deep into their radios, but If you have one week to go buy a communication platform what would it be? Regards.
What does one buy while one still can? I have FRS radios of course, but If I was to take up a notch, what should I buy. I know radio people are knee deep into their radios, but If you have one week to go buy a communication platform what would it be? Regards.
All range claims of over 1/4 mile or so with FRS and a mile or two with GMRS radios using rubber duck antennas are bogus. With a decent “real” antenna fed with low-loss coax mounted 30-40 ft high you could reasonably expect to get 10 mile radius coverage on GMRS with the typical radio. Add a yagi (which you can easily make out of hardware store materials) and yes, 35 mile range is probably possible. The problem with the advertising is, they omit about 90% of what I just said and that just pisses people off. This ain’t rocket science, but it is radio science.
VX-150, by Vertex Standard / YAESU
Probably the best, portable hand held radio in it's class for the money. About 160 bucks.
2 meter, with a range of anywhere from 25 miles to around the globe using links/repeaters.
Amateur radio license required.
Also -
Your FRS/GMRS radios are fine for the purpose you have in mind, in an emergency there will likely be a boatload of them on the air and the potential to form neighborhood nets and segregate traffic by channel is a plus.
But if you’re looking for SECURE digital mode voice communications that would provide similar secure comms to military SINGCARS take a look at: http://www.trisquare.us/
These are 900 mhz frequency hopping spread spectrum radios, meaning their are virtually impervious to eavesdropping and jamming. These radios would serve a different - but vital - role in emergency comms, because they would be immune to the congestion and interference that may easily render FRS/GMRS unusable. Plus, you might want a private and secure channel that could not be monitored by anyone else.
The range of these digital radios is no greater than any other radio of similar power. In fact, Trisquared’s “truth about range” is a good no BS explanation. About $70 a pair.
Ping for later
BMFL
I wonder if there is an app for the droid that can take just a video image of a Morse code flash, the dot and dash flashes and then translate it into letters. I think I have an app that allows me to send morse code from my Galaxy phone using its LED light. Its pretty darn bright, if on a boat it could be seen a long ways away.
sfl
Bump for later