Two way radios

Dusty · 11-28-2011, 08:49 PM

While we're kayaking or fishing, my wife and I can see each other but can't talk to each other. Are two way radios handy or a pain?

Lamebeaver · 11-28-2011, 09:06 PM

That depends.

If you want to call your wife to bring you another beer, HANDY

If your wife wants you to stop fishing and help do chores around camp, PAIN

dinosaur · 11-29-2011, 05:08 AM

If you don't have cell phones with the walkie talkie feature, try Midland GXT (XtraTalk). They are rechargeable and will last for days. Good up to two miles. Clip to your belt or pocket.

Pathfinder1 · 11-29-2011, 05:29 PM

Hi...

I have two sets...each set is slightly different...of Midland two-way radios. They can be excellent communications, if battery life is considered.

Also, radios carry MUCH farther in a straight line (no trees or ridges, etc. ...such as over water).

Should you separate, and want to conserve battery power, you can plan to use them at pre-planned intervals. Caution: in an emergency you may not be able to properly communicate when transmitting only at certain times.

On the overall, I'd say that they are a good thing to use under many circumstances...but...NEVER try to radio your spouse while he/she is in a tree stand and is just taking aim at that fine, big buck...!!

Theosus · 11-29-2011, 06:11 PM

I had a set at one time. The more expensive ones at the time were higher powered in general. There were also two "Bands" on the radio - one lower powered for citizens, one higher powered for licensed businesses like construction companies. Obviously read your instructions, and use the higher power band in the woods. Just change back when you get back to town. My old set used a rechargeable battery pack, but would also run on four AAA batts.

Lamebeaver · 11-29-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theosus

I had a set at one time. The more expensive ones at the time were higher powered in general. There were also two "Bands" on the radio - one lower powered for citizens, one higher powered for licensed businesses like construction companies. Obviously read your instructions, and use the higher power band in the woods. Just change back when you get back to town. My old set used a rechargeable battery pack, but would also run on four AAA batts.

If you're refering to FRS radios, the low and high power bands were legal for the public to use FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

I know a lot of people call them jobsite radios, but technically, the are illegal to use by construction companies, etc. according to the FCC.

Theosus · 12-01-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

If you're refering to FRS radios, the low and high power bands were legal for the public to use FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

I know a lot of people call them jobsite radios, but technically, the are illegal to use by construction companies, etc. according to the FCC.

Maybe I read the instructions wrong then. It's been a while since I used them...oh well.

Lamebeaver · 12-01-2011, 08:57 AM

It's been awhile since I've dealt with this too.

FRS (low power) is family radio service
GMRS (high power) is general mobile radio service. - you're supposed to have a license to use the higher power setting (I actually do) but many people do not.

For more info: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | FCC.gov

ppine · 12-03-2011, 12:13 PM

One of the traditional skills used in the wild is the ability to make a plan with other team members and anticipate their decision making. All of this constant communication, to me seems counterprodcutive and intrusive. Working cows for instance with a crew of men and dogs is like a dance when it goes well and no electronic devices are required.

Theosus · 12-04-2011, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

It's been awhile since I've dealt with this too.

FRS (low power) is family radio service
GMRS (high power) is general mobile radio service. - you're supposed to have a license to use the higher power setting (I actually do) but many people do not.

For more info: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | FCC.gov

That was it.... I had a set of combo radios. They had both sets of channels. Glad you straightened me out. I just remember seeing in the instructions something about needing a license for certain channels. I
didn't use them enough to worry about a license or not. We got them right before everyone got cell phones and used them on one vacation at Disney world. They were okay outside, but once someone went into a building, not so much. The next year we all had our own phones. I still have the radios around here somewhere....