2-way Radio Adivce

[lookingforluck]

Hello FMers, I am looking to get some 2-way radios to use when my family is out on big lakes in different boats. Has anyone had good experience with a certain brand/model? I am looking in the $75-$100 range. Thanks for any help in advance!

[sparcebag]

I've Cobra wide price range and on lake the cheaper should work fine,

[zachp]

I just got some midland outfitter series GXT650VP4 2 way radios and they're pretty sweet...supposedly the have a 18 mile range but most likely you won't see more than 8 or 10, which is still pretty good. You can get them in a package with rechargable batteries and a desk charger that comes with ac and dc rechargers so you can charge them with your vehicle's cigarette lighter, if you do some searching you should be able to find a set of 2 with all the goodies for around $70, i got mine on a site that shares the name with a large river in South America.

[Tippman]

I just bought the Cobra's with a 25 mile range and rechargable lithium-ion batteries. I like the batteries but have had a hard time getting over about 2 miles on them

[fishing tech]

I picked up a set of 3 motarola rechargable from H depot about 3 years ago on clearance for $20. There is a Charging station for 2 and a single charging station for the other. They work great and at least 2miles. The kids use them all the time and there cheaper then cell phones.

[sparcebag]

Tippman mine were almost 100 bucks 17 mi.sometimes 2 mi. from home no reception! but on the lake there fine,wish I would have got the cheaper set my buddies kids have they work as good as mine!!!

[lookingforluck]

Do you guys have a license to use a GMRS 2-way? Or do you need one if it is a combo (FRS & GMRS)? Thanks

[sparcebag]

No lisence involved!

[lookingforluck]

Sparcebag, after I asked the question I did some searching and I found that if you use anything with more than 1 watt of power you have a buy a $75 license. Just curious if guys buy this if they are only going to occasionally use it for fishing trips. I would hate to double the cost of the 2-ways by having to pay for that license. Thanks!

[sparcebag]

Boy I think my set said no lisence required?I had a CB radio that needed lisenceing but that was register and no fees or charges.I think my cobra set is 2? 3? watts 17 mile range.I refuse to pay $75.00 for walkie talkie!

[echotrail]

I've got a pair of radios that advertise a 15 mile range. I'm lucky to get 1.5 miles when used in rough terrain. They advertise the longest range possible based on "Line of sight" use in ideal weather conditions with no obstructions such as hills, trees, buildings etc. between the users. If you are on a round lake on a nice day fine. If your in one bay and the other user is in another bay with hills or ridges between you the distance will be greatly reduced.

[sparcebag]

Lookinfor I just read my owners manual! your right!! heres the web site to check www.fcc.gov its in my manual.

[lookingforluck]

So I guess the question now is if I do not want to have to buy a license, which 2-ways would be the best? (not using the GMSR or whatever its called)? I have tried cobra's before and they were junk and I have had friends with the motorola's that like them but like someone stated before they liked the Midland brand also. I just want to get my 1-2 mile range when not in line of sight. I am planning on using it on some lakes with islands and other things that could possibly be in the way so I know I am not going to get the 8-20 mile range as some advertise.

[BobT]

I've done a fair amount of researching FRS and GMRS radios and this is what I learned.

FCC licensing IS NOT required for FRS radio (Family Radio Service). For most of the handhelds you buy the channels involved will be 1 through 14.

FCC licensing IS required for GMRS radio (General Mobile Radio Service). For most of the handhelds you buy the channels involved will be 15 through 22 and many will have the option to disable these channels.

Do not fall for the advertised ranges you see. The truth is, FCC rules limit FRS radio output power to a maximum of 1/2W which will provide about 2 miles of typical range. GMRS radios are limited to 1W and that is why the license is required.

FRS radios are line-of-sight radios and this is where the extended advertised ranges come into play. Under the right conditions it is possible for these radios to communicate at greater distances. Weather, terrain, trees, buildings, etc. all interfere. For all practical purposes none of the radios can reliably transmit a strong enough signal to be heard more than about 2 miles.

I have a pair of Uniden radios that cost me $20 at a Walmart store and I have communicated as far as 2-1/2 miles across hilly terrain but that was an unusual day. Usually, if I can see the person I want to talk to, I can communicate so over open water they work very well.

Bob

[sparcebag]

Thanks Bob; I also went to the FCC web site and if ya search it well you'll find free lisenceing,the same as a CB radio they need call name or numbers thats it.

[lookingforluck]

Thanks for all the advice. Good Luck on the water and God Bless!