My crews are demanding new 2 way radios. Our maximum range would be no more than 500’. It’s been quite some time since we have purchased new radios so before I just buy something because it says it’s good I would like the advice of my fellow professionals. Thanks in advance for your replies.
And, have a great weekend! B-)
The Cobra CXT425 are my latest favorite. Good reception and long battery life.
They are not so small that my fumbling fingers in gloves are useless and are not too large that they are hard to carry.
0.02
Those Cobra's look good, and for 500' they should be great. Under $50 so you don't need to worry too much about breakage or loss.
I used to buy cheap ones with a head set, radio on the belt. Hands free is great. Some have voice activation but that never worked good for me, push to talk on the lapel. I kinda remember they were half the price of the Cobra's and we considered them throw away...
Cobras rock! You can get the lapel mikes cheap on eBay. Sound quality and volume are excellent.
Dave
I was out on site last year and had brought radios with me. The guys were laying out a building without the radios and I couldn't figure out what they were doing. Noise was terrible. They were doing forced ramed piers. Got up closer and they were on their cells. Said they worked better. Never even thought of it. DUH!
I decided to look into these radios based on your recommendation. Now I'm thinking I should get the brown bear hoodie to go with them.
When I buy those types of radios, I get two sets of two, so I have 4 radios that all work together. Don't use them often, but if the battery's are discharged on one or even a set, there are backups. If I were using them daily, I would be keeping tabs on the charge and the backup might not be as important. That works well for the wife and I without breaking the bank.
jud
I have some Cobra's and they work great. MightyMoe, I've done the cell phone thing, and the sign language thing in the past too.
I have the Motorola MH230R radios and they have worked well for several years. I like them because they have a yellow face and you can find them in the woods if they are dropped. The yellow color does not help, however, if they are dropped in a creek.:-(
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> I decided to look into these radios based on your recommendation. Now I'm thinking I should get the brown bear hoodie to go with them.
it would look good on you!
(BTW: those amazon suggestions are based on your shopping history)
2 Way Radio advice-Android Device w/ Zello
I have the cheap motorolas, probably widebanded, but haven't used them since Feb. last year.
Instead I now have an Android phone (Samsung Galaxy SII skyrocket) with the Zello free app. As long as you have cell data service, it uses the data stream and operates as a 2-way radio. It operates with my headphones or bluetooth handsfree ear bud, but as a speaker only. It is not vox operated so I have to hold my phone w/ one hand.
I have not had to try to use it with more than one other person, so I do not know if that is an option.