2-Way Radios (FRS/GMRS)

[TomoHawk]

Are any of you people using those family radios for communication? Either in the car or on foot?

I just got a Motorola 6200 and it seems to work best between 50ft - 1/2 mile (in the neighborhood). Haven't had a chance to try it on the road. Had it on hand at the airshow last Sunday, but only to listen.

I would like to get the new Motorola 7100 radio.

Do you people have any favorites? Models to avoid?

thx

[MikeW]

I bought a really cheap pair of Cobra radios to use on a cruise. They're much smaller than other radios I've used. Since most of these types of radios eat through batteries the models that come with rechargeable are the best to have. Even though mine came with the rechargeable battery packs and a charger you can replace the battery pack with 3AAA batteries in a pinch. I would say don't pay for more unless you really need the extra features of a high-end radio. What I got is similar to this:

http://www.sureneeds.com/sureneeds/pr1452vp.html

[TomoHawk]

What are you doing for a VOX mic?

[MikeW]

Mine don't have a microphone jack or voice activation feature if that's what you're referring to.

[TomoHawk]

That's right. I need my hands dree to drive, so I won't be able to key the mic button to talk. All My stuff has a mic jack. It's too bad you can't use a telephone headset.

thx.

[hls30.com]

I have been using Motorolla T6310 s for several years. I bought them for camping, but have used them in caravans, under and around the house work, at the pick-n-pull, in malls, and they stay in our bad weather kit.

Mike is 100% on the money about the batteries, I have been buying 2300mah AAs for the led flaslights, GPS, the digital cameras, the Journada, and the cell phones. I have two solar and two conventional chargers in the bad weather kit as well.

The T6310s work about 2 miles camping, a little better than line of sight in the malls, and about 3/4 of a mile Z to Z on the road- better with the windows down and the heads out! I chose these because they had weather, am/fm, keyless mikes avalable, and used AAs.

Will

[TomoHawk]

I get more confused the more I read about FRS radios.

The FRS radio is supposed to be used for very short distances. TWO MILES is a VERY SHORT distance?? So why do they make FRS radios with a 10- mile range, unless the 10 miles is for the GMRS channels.

O - L... At least I'd have the potential for long-distance transmission, like for emergancies.

[hls30.com]

TomoHawk

Read this! It may help easy your frustration and clear some of the smoke and break some of the mirrors!!

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/family/

Will

[TomoHawk]

Will-

That's one of the documents that I read that was confusing. But I generally decided that the radios that transmit at more than 1/2 Watt, belong to the GMRS family, and that you can ONLY use the FRS channels on that radio- unless you have a GMRS license. The radio's electronics know what channel you are on, and regulate transmitting power according to the band the channel belongs to.

thx

[hls30.com]

Sorry,

When I went looking, I used the then current version of that document to clear up the manufacturers claims.

Will

[texasz]

FWIW I have the Motorola T6250 (about three years old now) and they work nicely. We took them to New Orleans and from the hotel to the river (about 1 mile) there didn't do too well (LOTS of interference with other radio waves, buildings, etc; this was all in the French Quarter mind you) but on shorter distances around the area they worked nicely.

Here's a webpage that describes their features decently: http://www.csonline.net/crawford/T6250.htm

You can also check out people's opinions here: http://www.epinions.com/pr-Motorola_Talkabout_T6250_2-way_Radio

Personally I like it but for longer distances keep your cell phone handy.

[TomoHawk]

I actually bought 6 radios from eBay. Two for myself, andthe others I gave to the nieces & nephews.

Now, I probably need a VOX mic for use in the car. Any recommendations or pointers?

thx