2 Way Radios

Cobra micro talk

I've had good luck with Cobra radios, plus if one gets lost it don't break the bank!

http://cobra.factoryoutletstore.com/details/35140-68450/cobra-cxt390.html

B-)

Checkout:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007H4VT7A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have been using them both as HT's (Handi Talkies), GPS UHF Monitoring. I have set the FRS frequencies in them. The programming cables are $8, the giant battery packs (unneeded in my opinion) are $12.

Range and sensitivity are amazing. I believe them to be better than the Icoms we have used in the past.

If you have a high-school kid at home, you can just give the radios and programming cables to them and have them take care of the programming. It is a bit difficult with available documentation.

And...did I mention that they are $31 each?

There are a few Chinese brands of HTs, which are substantially less expensive than the brands that have been sold in the US for decades. Some models are certified to meet FCC requirements for transmitting on commercial radio frequencies, some are not. The ad in Mark Silver's post doesn't say this model is acceptable for transmitting on commercial frequencies.

I know several people who have them, and they like them, as long as you make sure to buy the programming cable and software; programming with the front panel buttons is next to impossible. One brand I've seen lacks any means to lock the buttons, so you have to be very careful about how you carry it.

I was also under the impression that transmitting on FRS and/or GMRS frequencies requires a radio dedicated to those frequencies.

Baufeng UV-5Rs are an older model of the hotlink above. The can broadcast and receive on frs, gmrs, ham, marine, and commercial band. All with way more power and clarity than you will ever find in frs or gmrs radios. Even have fm radio receiver.

However, there is a bit of a learning curve to them, and a bit of research to program them. And of course, with unrestricted radios, the ability to use them illegally (by ignorance or deliberately), does exist. You could easily accidentally end up broadcasting on police or ems frequencies.

They are dual band, so you have he ability to listen to one channel, while using another.

The bonus of the UV-5R, is they have been out for a very long time, and there is LOTS of support out there....... And the price tag is unbeatable.
In short a great deal, if you are willing to nerd out on radios for a day to learn, program and figure out the fancy little units.

If you end up buying them, get the extended battery's. The regular batteries will last for a week, but the extended batteries fit properly in survey vests, and radio pockets.

Mark, just a heads up regarding frs frequencies. Your baufengs radios are blowing out WAY more power than (legal) frs radios. I would program all your channels in the frs range to low power. Even at low power output, you are still way more power, but you shouldn't be in the realm of potentially damaging other folks radios.

I follow the rule to be polite, and always give the right to people I may be impacting. If someone tells me I am overpowering them, apologize and swap channels. For regular use, I would use gmrs frequencies, as they have a higher power tolerance.

Of course, this is all theoretical of course..... We all have commercial licenses, and our own paid for frequencies of course..... Right? Right?!?

Actually I do have a commercial license AND a HAM license too (KD7NKY). You can set them to low power for the FRS and high power for GMRS and HAM frequencies. And I believe that they are actually type approved for GMRS, which is unique.

Again, the price is just amazing, as are the accessories.

M

Even at low power, the baufengs are broadcasting at 2.5 watts, which is a good deal heavier than the 0.5 watts max allowable for the frs. 2.5 watts is still suitable for transmission, and I don't believe you run the risk of damaging others equipment at low wattage (don't quote me on that)., but you still run the risk of obliterating their communication with yours. Play nice, and there will never be a problem.

I thought that gmrs were more restrictive, but you are correct, this little radios do meet specs for Gmrs. (And commercial)

I am always astounded by these things when the price is so good. Much in the same way I am astounded at just how terrible typical frs radios are.

KG7HRQ

A cheap unreliable radio is a huge waste of money.
You want to see a frustrated and stressed out field crew? Take away the ability to communicate effectively.

http://www.discounttwo-wayradio.com/industries-hconstruction/HT850P

We use these. They are inexpensive for what you get. Bought them about 6 years ago and they are still going strong. (Batteries and remote mics replaced of course.) Standing in pouring rain, accidentally dropped, construction sites, still work.

Yes, with radio, extra batteries, remote mics, taxes, and shipping it wasn't cheap, but worth every penny.

And, I like working with Discount 2 Way.