Re: [Paddlewise] 2-Way Radios

From: Joe Pylka <jpylka_at_earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 18:08:00 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
.>>>Okay, I'll admit up front that this has been discussed before, and I
ignored the threads because I wasn't interested in owning a set of 2-way
radios.  But, I'm seeing the error of my ways, and my wife and I are
interested in getting ourselves a set for Christmas.
I noticed the other day that some have a 5 mile range.... I thought 2
miles was the legal limit?<<<

  It's really misleading advertising...  Those radios have the 2 mile range for FRS, which is license free.  The ads never say this but if you wish to use the GMRS 5 mile range, this Does require an FCC license, and the last time I checked, the fee was $75!  It's a business band.  

   I've used FRS on a number of occasions to keep paddling groups together on rivers, and I've never had a problem with people out of range.  2 miles seems ok.  If I wanted 5 miles I would go for handheld CB radios which don't need a license...
  I'm not overly thrilled with the 'privacy' codes either.  They're not.  I can always hear them but they can't hear me...

>>>Key things for me are transmission distance, no or low
static/interference, waterproof/resistant, easy to use, more than one
channel if other radios are in the area, easy one hand operation.  What
else should I care about?

   They're all FM radios so static usually isn't a problem.  FRS has no emergency channels and CB does, plus it's likely to have more people listening especially if you're near a road.  
   The Motorola FRSs I use are listed as waterproof, except for the battery holder...

Joe P.
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Received on Mon Nov 10 2003 - 15:08:06 PST

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