If anyone is interested in getting radios that can be used on runs, Fry’s is selling a pair of Midland GMRS 2 watt radios for $34.99 today (item # 3632455). These are the 22 channel water resistant, up to 7 mile range guys, not the puny .5 watt 2 mile range guys from last year. As a bonus, they work with all the old ones too. Just figured I would let you know.
Chris
I talked to a Radio Shack employee about the GMRS radios and licensing info before I bought my Motorola ones at Circuit City. They said that you "should" get the license since the channels on these radios are already set for FRS and GMRS. There's a chance that you may need to show that you indeed have a license to use the GMRS channels, but you have to get pulled over or what-not. However, as long as you're not saying bad words or doing "bad" things on the channels, you're probably not going to attract any attention. Also regarding the miles that these radios transmit depend alot on "line of sight". They do output at a higher wattage and therefore should get greater distance, but all the articles that I've read, are not very impressive if there are obstacles such as hills, buildings, and such. Even with this info, I did purchase mine but do not know if it's any better than my old pair. I did notice that I have to speak really close to the mic in order for me to get heard clearly. That's probably a Motorola thing. Just my 2 cents!
My Cobra Radio is a 2 Watt 5 miles range GMRS Radio. I do have the license from FCC, it cost me $75 for 5 years. But I went to camping so many times a year, non of the ranger have asked me for the license. Plus the license is good for 6 radio per site(I think, I don't really remember), it mean when we go for a drive, if anybody got pull over, I just need to show them the license, it's going to be ok. Plus we never use any channel that in GMRS, We only use channel 4, it's belong to FRS. and we don't need license for FRS channel. You only need the license when you use GMRS channels(Channel 15 to 22) So if you get those radio and use it for the drive, you are safe.
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Beware of what appears as a great deal. A recent newspaper article tested several GMRS 7 mile range radios (Motorola and Cobra included) and found that they didn't pan out to its extra range. In other words, they didn't do any better than the 5 mile range ones.
Prices for 5 mile range GMRS have come down a lot and cost a lot less than the 2 mile range Cobra which I bought a year ago. I'd stick to Motorola and Cobras, though. Just my 2 cents worth.
Ok my bad, the Midland GMRS radios on sale today are a lower model than yesterdays. I don't know what the difference is though, have not looked it up yet.
Guys, without hitting a repeater, communications will be line of site. With the trek we took to SF recently, the mile count might as well be a block count. 5 watts is the limit for HT's (hand-held transmitters)...
What some might want to consider is getting a HAM license. The Novice is quite easy and the Techician level has version with no code (Morse). That's the one I have. It is good for 10 years, and it was certainly much less than 75 bucks also. At least it was back when I got mine. And, with these you can hit repeaters! One could basically be in constant radio communications, anywhere - well, with some exceptions. I live in a canyon, and I can get out. Really nice for emergencies. Also, one can patch into a repeater to make phone calls, so long as it is not abused.
Radio Shack should still have prep books to pass the test. Multiple choice...
Why do some threads email you when there is reply, and others not? Oh well, good luck guys!
Actually I always like to use CB/HAM radio for camping, will you go to the brain storm meeting tomorrow or the Hayward car show? I would love to ask you few more question on that. Thanks
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