Hey, all. 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? Regardless, I trust P'Wisers observations/opinions far greater than just reading reviews on the web. So, what do you say? What are you using, how do you like it, etc etc etc? 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? Thanks!!!! Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
.>>>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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
For most people just getting into having 2 way radios there are two main choices. First is the no license FRS (Family Radio Service) radios that have something like 2 miles range. The actual range depends on where you are, what is around you. On the water you will get good range. The longer range radios of up to 5 miles are in the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and require a license from the FCC. There are more possible options with each having different advantages and disadvantages depending on where you are and what you want from the radios. michael N6CHV Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com wrote: > > I noticed the other day that some have a 5 mile range.... I thought 2 > miles was the legal limit? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rick, Look for voice activated transmission capability. This allows you to keep paddling and just speak into the mic. Radio on your PFD strap near your shoulder I would think so you can keep the volume low so as not to annoy others and make it easy to speak into the radio when you want to. Carey *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I've seen them used extensively at paddlefests, demo-days, and smaller symposia. Very helpful to save "legwork" by event organizers, staff, instructors, safety boaters, etc. Never found much use for them on the water on regular paddling days!! Shawn Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Thanks all, for the info I've received on the 2-way radios thus far. Shawn said... > Never found much use for them on the water on regular paddling days!! I can see that, too. So, I thought I'd comment on some situations when my wife or I said "I wish we had a 2-way radio". 1. When we're on land, and one of the kids is doing a recreational paddle around a lake or river, within sight, but out of hearing distance. "Get your butt back here, Sara, it's Leanne's turn now. Don't be a boat hog." Wanna see a speed record set? Try this - "Sara, Dillon is on the cell phone..." 2. While convoying with cars on trips of an hour or more. For instance, last year, it was a 14 hour AAU Basketball trip to Orlando from Virginia, for the National tournament. (Several families traveling together) 3. At the N.C. OBX - one of us is at the beach, the other is at the cottage "Hey, honey, how about bringing me another drink and a bag of chips when you come back". 4. At the beach, one person at the blankets, the other walking to the pier and back (about 1 mile away). 5. While Bass fishing with buddies "Hey John, I found em over here at this drop off. They're hitting black jigs on the fall, get your butt over here." 6. While camping at state parks, and I'm off on a trail, on the lake paddling/fishing, or whatever, and the family is back at camp napping and reading. "Dad, we're hungry, are you EVER coming back?" 7. At local festivals when everyone wants to split up and go their separate ways. 8. When my wife and I are at different "fields" within the same basic complex. "Hey, Joyce, Leanne just scored another goal! How is Sara doing over there?" Those are just a few situations that came to mind immediately. When on a "regular" paddle, nobody strays so far away that an assisted rescue becomes impossible, so radios wouldn't be needed. When I've paddled with others, it's generally been still water, rec boats, and a lot of floating and chit chatting..... which is why I usually go elsewhere and solo, that is, until I find a suitable partner. Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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