Kenwood TK-3131 15-Channel GMRS / FRS 2-Way Radio with 121 Privacy Codes
From KENWOOD

The FreeTalk XLS is one of the best built, most compact and most fully featured GMRS radios on the market. When GMRS radio users demand the best, the FreeTalk XLS will be the radio of choice. The FreeTalk XLS is only 4.63" tall and weighs just 7 ounces with its NiMH rechargeable battery. The radio has 15 GMRS channels with channel scan and 121 sub-channels/privacy tones (38 conventional QT tones and 83 DQT tones). The FreeTalk XLS comes with a rapid rate desktop charger and spring-loaded belt clip.
Amazon Sales Rank: #56063 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Kenwood Model: TK-3131 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 9.00" h x 4.00" w x 8.00" l, 5.00 pounds

Kenwood Radio A freind and I each purchased a Kenwood TK-3131 to use for motorcycle to motorcyle communication on a trip from north Texas to and through Colorado. The radios worked flawlessly. They were crystal clear at 70 MPH. I Highly recommend them. They ran all day on 3 AAA batteries. good but... I was disappointed that I cannot find a battery eliminator for this radio. I bought it to install it on my motorcycle, as part of a bike to bike communications system (Autocom) so I'd much prefer to have it hard wired to my bike electrical system instead of having to be changing batteries during the day. I did buy two extra battery packs, but it's a pain in the neck to remember to charge them. Apart from that, I get good range and clarity of communication. Not cheap but worth the money if you want the best No doubt about it, this is an expensive radio. For the $140 it costs for one of them, you can 4 consumer cheapo radios. But you get what you pay for. This is a pro quality radio. Give it the knuckle rap test. This thing is solid like a brick. It doesn't feel like a cheap TV remote control like most consumer family radios. When I first got it, I was disappointed because it was so small. It's about the size of all the other family radios. I thought great, I just paid a fortune for another dinky family radio. Don't be fooled though. This is best made, well built radio of it's size you will find short of $500+ professional gear. It's speaker gets way louder than you'd expect for its size. I also use it with an external speaker mic and it works superbly. The range and signal quality are hard to beat. The only better built radio you'll find is in the pro radio class, like a Motorola HT1000 which costs 3 times as much, is bigger, heavier and you have to have a professional program it for you. If you want one of the best made consumer GRMS/FRS radios that works out of the box, this one can't be beat. The battery life is awesome too, I could ski for two days without charging it, maybe longer. I'm sorry I underestimated it by its size, in the real world it's a winner.

   

TriSquare TSX100-2VP eXRS Digital 2-Way Radio (Pair), Charcoal Metallic/Black
From TriSquare

TriSquare has revolutionized 2-way radio communication with eXtreme Radio ServiceTM (eXRSTM). eXtreme Radio Service (eXRS) two-way radios use proprietary Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in the ISM band (900 MHz frequencies). This FHSS system combines the power of digital technology with narrow band FM modulation technique. Merging the two technologies facilitates a radio communications system that maintains a narrow band base signal to ensure for maximum usable range within a given dB power budget, comparable to traditional fixed frequency narrow band FM radios, but with the added benefit of wide band digital security and privacy provided by the frequency hopping spread spectrum algorithm. Maintaining the information signal as narrow band FM modulation centered on discrete frequencies allows for a large pool of non-overlapping hopping frequencies to draw upon within a given section of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The pseudo-random drawing of the hopping frequencies spreads the total signal power equally over the entire bandwidth of the RF spectrum used, which ensures minimal interference between many simultaneous, independent users. Interference Free is a major advantage that eXRS has over existing FRS and GMRS radios. Based on a contracted study from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of a major university, more than 100,000 eXRS users within talk range can enjoy uninterrupted communications. Whereas, FRS/GMRS quickly becomes unusable with just a few tens of users within range of each other. Bottom-line is that the eXRS two-way radios provide private communications in areas where FRS/GMRS conversations can be congested or impossible. Depending on which model you choose, your eXRS radio will have 1,000, 10,000, or all 10 Billion eXRS channels available for your use. Each radio offers Voice-operated transmission (VOX) for hands-free operation with headset compatibility.
Amazon Sales Rank: #12423 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black/Grey Brand: TriSquare Model: TSX100-2VP Dimensions: 14.00" h x 2.50" w x 9.50" l, 1.80 pounds

Very Impressed! Great product! I purchased the TriSquare handheld radio for a cruise I took with my family in Dec. 2007 as I knew my cell phone would not work while at sea and I wanted to keep track of my kids. The TSX-100 worked very well. I was quite impressed. Very easy to use and my kids loved them. I have a pair of Motorola handheld radios that do not work nearly as good as the TriSquare. Reception is good while I remain in the house and my kids are in the neighborhood a few blocks away. I would certainly purchase again. tsx-100 fantastic short range radio The TSX-100 radio is simply one of the best short range 2-way radios available. It uses the 900Mhz ISM band (902-928Mhz range). And is full 1-watt. Uses spread spectrum technology (similar to CDMA Cell Phones: Sprint, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Cricket) which makes it JAM-PROOF and highly unlikely that anyone can monitor while using the best scanner radios. 900Mhz band means easy penetration thru thick walls and buildings with dense materials concreate and metal. It is simply the best for Indoor-to-Outdoor or vice-versa comms. And has identical coverage with VHF when used for Outdoor-to-outdoor use. The TSX-100 does not have all of the exra bells and whistles of the TSX-300 radio: - 1,000 virtual channels (using FHSS) - is compatible with all TSX-100 radios - is compatible with all TSX-300 radios (below channel 1,000 ; channels 0-999 allows interopability to any Trisquare radio) (See my review of the TSX-300 for a list of some of the bonus features on the TSX-300) With the PRO features, there is one notable CON: - Do NOT place the TSX-300s or TSX-100s too close to each other. - They sometimes experience De-Sync issue when a unit nearby transmits too close. So keep them 4 or more feet apart from each other. This only occurs when too close to other Trisquare radios. This does not seem to occur when other nearby radios or cell phones are placed too close. So no need to worry about MURS, FRS, GMRS or HAM radios are under 3 feet away. At least 95-100% of all of the bad reviews or complaints about this radio is over this single flaw in the radio. Rule of thumb, keep the TSX-300s and TSX-100s a minimum of 4 feet apart from each other at all times, and you will never have any problems at all. Simple right? Even the TSX-100 is so much better than any MURS, FRS or GMRS radio. 900Mhz just has superior radio properties over all VHF and the rest of the UHF band. 900Mhz penetrates and bounces around inside buildings better then any other UHF service. And certainly superior over VHF as VHF does NOT bounce well inside any buildings. Instead VHF gets knocked out of phase, and its wavelength mostly gets cancelled-out or worse yet ABSORBED into the building's materials: concrete, wood & metal. VHF is an OUTSIDE only band. UHF is a good inside and outside band. 900Mhz has the best properties. FRS/GMRS operates at 462 & 467Mhz. Take 462 x 2 and that equals: 924Mhz, which means that 900Mhz has a wavelength that is HALF that of FRS/GMRS. Which means none of the wavelength phase interference of VHF or even of the low-UHF at 462Mhz. Again, it boils down to superior in-building penetration. Thru Concrete, Wood & bouncing off of Metal. Enjoy your TSX-100, enjoy the superior 900Mhz properties for indoor-to-indoor or indoor-to-outdoor (also vice-versa), or even outdoor-to-outdoor comms. Its FHSS full 1-watt of power will show its superior ability over all MURS, FRS & GMRS radios. - MURS - VHF 2-watts ERP (Poor Indoor properties - not recommended for any indoors use at all ; Any scanner can receive, no privacy) - FRS - UHF 1/2-watt (Good Indoor properties - 1/2 watt max power) Any scanner can recieve, no privacy ; some HTs have limited voice scramble function) - GMRS - UHF 50-watt (Good Indoor properties - 5-watt HTs are hard to find ; Any scanner can recieve, no privacy ; some HTs have a limited voice scramble function) - EXRS - 900Mhz 1-watt (Superior Indoor properties - full 1-watt HTs) FHSS assures no scanner can monitor, wonderful privacy feature) A little shy on range, sometimes I bought a pair of TSX-100's after reading a review of TriSquare's upmarket but similiar TSX-300 900MHz radios in a radio hobby magazine. My intent was to use them to keep track of my bike riding buddy on longer road trips. They more or less work in this application but I have found them much more useful for staying in contact with my wife when out for extended walks or while shopping in malls & power centers. The range is highly variable (sometimes several miles) and it seems to have gotten better in the 8 months I've had them. The batteries will hold a charge all day (8 hours anyway) after a full overnight session in the charger. While we're carrying them, my wife & I never power 'em off until we get home. The advantage (maybe the only one) over FRS radios in the same price range is that you never get interference from other users on "your" channel 'cause you got 999 channels to pick from.

   

TriSquare TSX300-2VP eXRS Digital 2-Way Radio (Pair), Charcoal Metallic/Black
From TriSquare

TriSquare has revolutionized 2-way radio communication with eXtreme Radio ServiceTM (eXRSTM). eXtreme Radio Service (eXRS) two-way radios use proprietary Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in the ISM band (900 MHz frequencies). This FHSS system combines the power of digital technology with narrow band FM modulation technique. Merging the two technologies facilitates a radio communications system that maintains a narrow band base signal to ensure for maximum usable range within a given dB power budget, comparable to traditional fixed frequency narrow band FM radios, but with the added benefit of wide band digital security and privacy provided by the frequency hopping spread spectrum algorithm. Maintaining the information signal as narrow band FM modulation centered on discrete frequencies allows for a large pool of non-overlapping hopping frequencies to draw upon within a given section of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The pseudo-random drawing of the hopping frequencies spreads the total signal power equally over the entire bandwidth of the RF spectrum used, which ensures minimal interference between many simultaneous, independent users. Interference Free is a major advantage that eXRS has over existing FRS and GMRS radios. Based on a contracted study from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of a major university, more than 100,000 eXRS users within talk range can enjoy uninterrupted communications. Whereas, FRS/GMRS quickly becomes unusable with just a few tens of users within range of each other. Bottom-line is that the eXRS two-way radios provide private communications in areas where FRS/GMRS conversations can be congested or impossible. Depending on which model you choose, your eXRS radio will have 1,000, 10,000, or all 10 Billion eXRS channels available for your use. Each radio offers Voice-operated transmission (VOX) for hands-free operation with headset compatibility.
Amazon Sales Rank: #1666 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black/Grey Brand: TriSquare Model: TSX300-2VP Dimensions: 14.00" h x 2.50" w x 9.50" l, 2.00 pounds

Very cool! I own both the TriSquare and Motorola Talkabout radios Those of you who like to take your kids outdoors or skiing, may find this of interest. Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio ====================================== This is a typical walkie talkie. It 22 channels in the 462 MHz range and has 2 watts of power using GMRS/FRS protocols. The "25-mile" range is the theoretical max (i.e. on the lunar surface). The main problem with this technology is, well, other people. Imagine 1,000 people sharing 22 channels at Disney World. Motorola goes through great lengths to filter out other people. This is achieved by (1) A special filter that blocks non-Motorola radios. A nice idea, but unfortunately 90% of walkie talkies are made by Motorola. (2) A special privacy code which is assigned to each channel. Thus, all your Motorola radios have to be configured to the same privacy code in order to work with each other. Codes range from 1 to 121. Nonetheless, even with filters and privacy encryption, if someone else is transmitting on your channel, there will be significant interference. TriSquare TSX-300 eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radio ================================================ These use a completely different technology. They transmit on 900 MHz in a 100% digital protocol. They sort of work like cell phones, without the service provider. Each radio is assigned a unique 10-digit number. No matter how crowded the ski resort, you'll always have a private channel for your family. These radios use 1 watt of power. The manufacturer does not provide distance performace, but claim that the radios have a range equal to or better than the Motorola Talkabouts. Comparison ========== I took both brands with me and drove around town - a typical suburban setting with residential and commercial areas. I rated voice quality on a scale of 0 to 3 as follows: 0 no reception 1 unintelligible 2 intelligible but noisy or garbled 3 intelligible and clear I then plotted the average rating as a function of distance. The digital eXRS technology was superior to the GMRS/FRS model. The eXRS average rating was 25% better than the Motorola Talkabout. The max distance I could get in my area (having lots of trees and buildings) was .45 miles with either radio. The Motorola box claims "2 miles in an urban setting", which is just not true in my case. The Motorol wins in overall voice quality. When the signal is strong, the voice quality of the Motorola was quite clear, whereas the eXRS unit always had a some background white noise. Conclusion =========== The TriSquare eXRS radios lack a bit in overall voice quality. However, having great voice quality in a Motorola radio is worthless if you can't get through on a crowded channel. The benefits of the eXRS radios out way the one or two shortcomings, in my opinion. I tried the TriSquare units at a ski resort. They work just as advertised. No interference from other people whatsoever. The TriSquare comes with two vox headsets, which work fairly well. The Motorola talkabout did not come with headsets, which cost $20 a piece at Radio Shack. Niether the Motorola Talkabout nor the TriSquare eXRS seem particularly rugged or weather resistant, so I'd rate them the same in that regard. The NOAA weather reception on the TriSquare was pretty bad. I have two other NOAA radios, which work just fine in my area. The Talkabout had very good NOAA reception. Great radio, finally a private radio without other jerks butting in I discovered this radio from an electrician's website. I was impressed that the company was very straightforward about the radio's specs, no outrageous mileage claims and so forth. The company even has hams on their payroll. So I ordered a pair. I found it was easy to set up. Then the test. I have one of those high powered frs/gmrs radios to test against. Set up the eXRS and an FRS radio side by side by a recorder and then took a long walk with the other pair. I would key the FRS and give a test broadcast and then with the eXRS at varying distances. Then came back through my apartment complex and angled my location to increase the number of buildings and apartment they had to transmit through, up to a maximum of 3 buildings and 46 apartments. The FRS, since it is analog, became staticy and noisy. The eXRS' remained clear. When the FRS was about to fade into the static, the eXRS finally had a little chop in it's transmission. You have to give it a second to key up to transmit, but it's a great radio and the price makes it an even hotter deal! The channels and groups makes this act almost like a trunked radio system, but without the trunk. I took it to work and then over to the radio shop (national name company well recognized for radios) and had them try to scan it and crack the channel hopping spread spectrum. Even with their equipment, they were not able to monitor a transmission. If they had the software source code, they could have, but without the source code, even with highly specialized radio maintenance equipment that cost tens of thousands of dollars, they could not monitor this radio! If you do not know the channel, you would have a better chance of being struck by lightning on a sunny day of finding a conversation. Honest spec sheet from the manufacture, a radio that performs as advertised, and a great price. If given a choice for FRS or eXRS, the eXRS wins hands down. The only con is that if you like to listen to others on the radio, this is not the radio for that. Update! I received 2 more xrs's today! Now I have 4! They really are great. I was with some friends in a park area that has a lot of people around, and a lot of FRS radios too. It was a somewhat public event. They were trying to do communications with the concessions and other posts. Yes, they could have used cell phones, but not everyone wants everyone else's cellphone number published, hence their decision to use FRS radios. I let my friends borrow the other 3 radios and I was with someone that was running a "base" operation for their event. It wasn't very long when other FRS users were intruding on their radios and causing problems, even with them using the "privacy codes". They were amazed that my radio didn't have ANY intruders at all. Even more impressed was when there was an injury, I could talk directly to just one of my radios without the others aware of what was happening! A private radio call to the individual with the radio! The closest of my radios was about 2,200 feet and the farthest one was about 5,000 feet, just under a mile as the crow flies. One other thing, other posts are confused about licenses. FRS does not require a license (channels 1-14). GMRS (channel 15-22)does require a license. Those radios that have FRS and GMRS together, well, the FCC expects you to honor the honor system and not use the GMRS frequencies if you are not licensed to use GMRS. The eXRS radio are license free! A truly great little radio that has an honest manufacturer that doesn't make exaggerated claims, only state what the product is. I am very happy with my radios and probably could have sold several at that event if I had been a salesman. Yet another update! This time, a comparison between CB, FRS, and the eXRS radios in deep wilderness woods. The wilderness is the Ouachita National Forest, a good mix of hardwoods and pines. Very dense. You can walk 50 yards into the woods and disappear. I kept my test to the more level area, mainly valleys. The FRS radios faded into the static at about 1,700 feet, as measured by the GPS. The eXRS faded away at about 1,920 feet. The CB handhelds, made it to 2,010 before they faded into the static. Funny thing on the CB's, we were hearing skip from Mexico but couldn't hear our other CB 1,920 feet away. I've had my radios since eary June, and like them better than the FRS radios that I have. I still carry my FRS radios because not everyone has an eXRS yet, but all that see mine are impressed at the privacy of the radio's and the features that come with it. Some people seem to have problems with them, but I followed the eXRS manufactures description of the radios, expecting similar range (realistic, actual range. None of the 20 mile exaggerations of FRS manufacturers) of an FRS and the eXRS matches with a little more in every case. June 2009. One final update! The Riverfest celepbration at the Riverfront Park was a very good test for these radios. There were thousands of people there, with many, many FRS radios. This event was separated by the Arkansas River. North Shore vs. South shore. The closest we were was 1,400 feet. The longest of our transmissions was 2,700 feet. My friends had FRS radios. I let them have one of my eXRS radios to take over to the north side. They had a lot of difficulties with the FRS radios. Too many people walking on them. All the privacy thing does is prevent you from hearing others. But there were people selecting their codes on their channels also. The 3 day event meant a lot of channel and code hopping and many times, unable to hear at all. Not for the eXRS radios. The only time they let us down was when the batteries ran down after about 7 hours of heavy use. All conversations were clear. No intrusions from anyone. We were at the ampitheater and had the girls walk to the western end of the park, about 2,700 feet and the FRS radios were a pain. the eXRS radio still worked just fine. Several people there thought the radios were really good and couldn't believe that they were no more powerful than the FRS radios, just better use of the spectrum. So, I've tested these in the woods, tested them around my apartment complex, and now, tested them in a crowd of thousands. Hands down, the eXRS radio! Private Local Communication - Better Than FRS The TriSquare TSX300 radios are an excellent addition to anyone's personal communications system. The radio package comes with 2-radios, 2-headsets, and a dual desktop charger to recharge the battery packs. (You can also power the radios with three standard AA alkaline batteries. Similar to FRS radios in size and range, there are some differences which make the TSX300 radios an excellent option. The radios operate in the 900 MHz range in a frequency hopping spread spectrum mode. This means that you key in a starting 10-digit number and frequency hops 10 times per second from that point giving you private communication. Trying to monitor the radios with a scanner was unsuccessful, and even with another TSX300 without knowing the starting number you can't monitor the conversation. The way the system is set up you get 10-Billion channels - or frequency hopping patterns to keep you conversation private. The TSX300 radios have a text messaging function - similar to cell-phone text messaging - that lets you send a text message to others on the same channel which they can read at a later time. Text messages are limited to 80 characters per message. There is a private "My Radio" function that lets you call a single radio out of a group instead of broadcasting to everyone on a channel. Actual range on these radios in a rural area has been about 1-mile, with the text message function giving a little bit longer range than voice mode. Finally, the TSX300 radios contain the NOAA Weather band so you can get a weather report when needed. Overall I found the TSX300 radios to be an excellent value. About the only negative point I found with these radios is that they are not as strongly constructed as I might like. They have a plastic casing (similar to most FRS radios) which I would like to see made a bit more sturdily, but even so they are not in any way `junk'. If you are looking for a way to have private and generally secure local communication the TSX300 is a good choice. It does everything an FRS radio can do - plus a whole lot more.

   

Uniden GMR1235-2 2-Way 12 Mile 2 Pack GMRS/FRS Radios
From Uniden

PRODUCT FEATURES:Up to 12 miles range (Range varies with terrain)22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS)Battery strength meterKeypad lockChannel scanChannel monitor1 call toneRoger beepBelt clip included
Amazon Sales Rank: #426 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Uniden Model: GMR1235-2 Dimensions: 8.69" h x 2.75" w x 7.06" l, .66 pounds
Manufacturer's Description (July 2, 2008) With 12 miles of range, the Uniden GMR1235-2 two-way radios offer you the freedom to go anywhere and do anything--from weekend hiking to just hanging out at the mall. These GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are lightweight, palm sized, state-of-the-art communications devices, providing a maximum spread of 12 miles. This package comes complete with two radios, six alkaline batteries, and two belt clips. Depending on your location, you can stay in contact with family and friends up to 12 miles away. Be safe, not sorry with these GMRS radios. Their long-range communication capabilities means you're never out of touch, and two-way radio communications can ensure your safety when cell phone signals fade and fall short. (Actual range may vary depending on environmental and terrain conditions; see chart at right.) Use them at sporting events, to stay in contact with friends while camping, hiking, skiing or biking, or in conjunction with a neighborhood watch to ensure vital communications. The GMR1235-2 radios have a unique circuitry designed to dramatically extend the life of your batteries. If there is no transmission of incoming call for three seconds, your radio automatically switches to the Power Save mode. They also have a built-in battery strength meter to let you know when it’s time to change out your batteries. Features and Specifications 22 total chanels: 5 GMRS / 7 FRS Channels Up to 12-mile range Battery level meter Keypad lock Channel scan Channel monitor 1 call/ring tone alert Roger beep Power: three AAA batteries per radio Battery life: Up to 20 hours Warranty: 1 year Federal Regulations The FCC requires GMRS operators to have a license. Application information is included in the owner's manual. Due to FCC requirements, the maximum range of these two-way radios can only be achieved on the GMRS channels (1 through 7, and 15 through 22). No license is required for operation on FRS channels 8 through 14. What's in the Box Two radios, six AAA batteries, two belt clips, and printed operating instructions
Looks like a toy, works like the real thing Those Uniden GMR1235-2 2-way Radios are so compact, you can easily hold both in one hand (see my Customer Image). They are also very inexpensive (around $20 for a pair), so one may think of them as just toys for kids, But in fact they can be used by kids and adults alike - provided that you start with the correct expectation. First of all, forget about the manufacturer's claim of '12-mile' range. That is only possible under the most optimistic test condition (transmitting from one hill top to another with clear line-of-sight). In an urban environment, you are lucky if you can get one or two miles. With this limited range in mind, this walkie talkie set can still be very useful in many places (such as in a National Park, or a large shopping mall). The sound quality is quite decent - similar to an AM radio. Next, this thing is a battery-eater if you use disposable alkaline cells (three AAA per radio). The manufacturer claims an average battery life of '20 hours'. But again, this is under a special test condition of '5/5/90', which means 5% transmit, 5% receive, and 90% idle time. The device consumes different amount of current during different operation modes, as shown below: - While transmitting: 400mA - While receiving: 50-100mA (depending on volume level) - While idling: around 15mA. If you do a lot of transmission, a set of alkaline cells is likely to run flat in less than two hours (because alkaline cells are very inefficient at high current). My advice is to buy some good quality rechargeable cells, such as the Kodak AAA NiMH 850 mAh, to power those radios. That way, not only will you save money on batteries, you can even get longer run time per charge. A steal of a deal! I bought a pair to see how they would work for a local communications net and they were great! Sure, they lack a lot of the fancy bells and whistles but they have range and clarity that some of the other hand-held radios in the net lacked. Some of the other members were so impressed, they wanted to know where they could get some. I'm buying some more now before these babies sell out, again! Good, basic communication option. Fairly long range, easy to use, batteries included, and good price. What's not to love? Excellent for the price Bought these as knock around radios for the kids so they didn't need to play with my nicer Motorola talkabouts. For the price these are excellent radios. They have been tested out to just under 1 mile over water (opposite sides of the local lake). The included batteries are kind of like the inkjet cartridges you get with your printer... just enough juice for you to test the product, but not enough for real work. Don't head into the field on the included batteries! A buddy and I hiked into a high mountain lake to fly fish with these radios and they were great for us to brag "fish on" when we were too far apart to see each other. At $10 each they were a guilt free purchase, even knowing they won't see daily use. Very happy with the quality and performance at this price point.

   

Cobra CTX400 GMRS/FRS 2-Way Rechargeable Radio with Hands-Free Operation (Pair)
From Cobra

The Cobra CTX400 is a Micro TALK 2-way radio, two pack with up to a 22 mile range. This unit consists of 22 channels, 121privacy codes (38 CTCSS codes/ 83 DCS codes) and comes complete with 8 NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries, and a 2-port desktop charger. This unit also features hands-free operation (VOX), a 10 channel NOAA radio, a backlit LCD display, a scanning function (channels/ privacy codes), a single pin speaker/ microphone/ charge jack, a 10 channel memory, selectable hi/low power in GMRS, call alert (10 selectable tones), key lock, roger beep (selectable on/off), key stroke tones (Selectable on/off) , a battery low indicator, battery/ power saver mode, signal strength meter, auto squelch, a maximum range extender, and a belt clip. This product comes in ROHS lead free, eco-friendly packaging.
Amazon Sales Rank: #2405 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Cobra Model: CXT400 Dimensions: 2.00" h x 7.00" w x 10.00" l, 3.00 pounds

GOOD RADIO ,BUT NOT 22 MILE RANGE I bought the same model CXT 450 which the only difference being sold by another store. This radio does what I wanted it for,just communication around my property. My cell phone has some dead areas around on my property. This has so far surpassed my expectations. However do not expect 22 mile distance out of it unless you are on top of a mountain talking to someone on top of another mountain with no obstacles in between. I barely get a mile in heavy Forest. One thing that I was unaware of when I bought it was the weather channels on this unit. They are very clear and an extra benefit to the radio if you are in the outdoors. So i think it has been a very good purchase. I might add this unit is less expensive at Amazon than where I purchased it. 2 way radio I really like this 2 way radio. I give one hand set to my 9 year old son when he goes out to play. I always know where he is because he likes to "check in".

   

Motorola EM1000R 20-Mile 2-Way FRS/GMRS Radio, Pair
From Motorola

The Motorola Talkabout EM1000R is the ideal emergency preparedness communication tool for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. With a range of up to 20 miles, an emergency alert feature and flashlight, the EM1000 radio proves a convenient total emergency preparedness communication device. The emergency alert feature allows you to enjoy your escape to the great outdoors with confidence that others can be informed of any dangers that may come your way. When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger. It also features NOAA weather alert channel which provides your group with warning of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. Perfect for active outdoor excursions or lifeâ¿¿s everyday adventures. Take a pair on your next trip to the mountains and stay connected without missing important emergency or weather alerts.
Amazon Sales Rank: #285 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Motorola Model: EM1000R Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 7.80" h x 1.30" w x 2.40" l, 1.50 pounds

Good Radio - QT Mode is cool, END Squelch Tail eliminated with CTCSS/DCS code The EM1000R radios are very good. They are good for short range 2-way radio general usage. You must remember that there is NO scramble mode on these radios, so absolutely no possibility of any privacy at all (000%). Motorola refers to the CTCSS & DCS codes correctly as Eliminator Codes. Too many manufacturers refer to them as Privacy Codes (which is INCORRECT). CTCSS/DCS do not offer any privacy at all. They help keep out unwanted conversations from being received by the radio. But do not block or prevent anyone else on any other FRS/GMRS or SCANNER radio from hearing you. The EM1000R has all 38 standard CTCSS tones. And has 83 DCS codes available. Here are a couple of things I really like about the EM1000R radios: - Very good pickup on the built-in MIC - Very good audio on the built-in speaker (perhaps the best) - the QT mode is very cool. When ENABLED, it prevents other radio users using the same CHANNEL and QUIET CODE from being heard by blocking reception of those radios. Very very cool feature. It blocks the other non-motorola radios even if they are using the same CTCSS/DCS code. Again, very cool feature. - the ALERT button is cool. Its very similar to EMERGENCY buttons used on Motorola Trunk and Conventional Radio Systems. It activates the PTT with an ALERT for 8 seconds, then turns ON the MIC automatically on the affected radio for 22 seconds. And turns the VOLUME UP all the way on any and all other Motorola EM1000R radios that are receiving the signal. Then cranks the VOLUME back down to the regular level after the 22 seconds. Very cool function/feature. Very well thought out Motorola. Congrats! - Weather Radio Alert is always nice, thank you Motorola - LED flashlight is very cool, thank you Motorola - The many, many ways to recharge the batteries. Way to go Motorola. - The END Squelch Tail is eliminated when using either CTCSS or DCS codes on any channel. Hooray, glad to see the END Squelch Tail finally eliminated. Motorola, you are the BEST, thank you. I have been wanting radios that eliminate that darn END Squelch tail. It is so annoying. Thank you Motorola for including this feature in the EM1000R radio! Now for the things I do NOT like about the EM1000R: - No basic SCRAMBLE mode (Inversion Mode would have better than none) - Power output is at fixed level while on GMRS channels. Would of liked to have either HI/LO or HI/MED/LO options while on GMRS channels. FRS channels 8-14 are locked at 1/2-watt power output on all radios, of course, per the FCC. - There is a SCAN/SEARCH feature. No FRS/MURS/GMRS radio should have ever been manufactured with a SEARCH/SCAN feature. It is the reason we have so many problems/complaints with these services. If you want to SCAN, get a SCANNER radio. That is what they are designed to do. FRS/MURS/GMRS radios should have never been made with SCAN/SEARCH feaures. One of the biggest mistakes ever made to these radio services. That is why we have so much on-air HARRASSMENT and RF STALKING that takes place by your snooping neighbors. To summarize, I really really like the QT mode. It keeps out non-EM1000R radios from being heard on your radio even if they are using the correct CHANNEL and CTCSS/DCS code. Having a RF power setting would have been nice while on the GMRS channels, to control the power output. And no SCRAMBLE mode means there is privacy from other FRS/GMRS and SCANNER radios. Of course, Audio-Inversion scrambling does not offer much protection from ease-dropping anyway. But it offers at least alittle bit. So, when operating these or any FRS/MURS/GMRS radio, make sure to use CODES, NICKNAMES and do NOT give out REAL NAMES, PHONE NUMBERS, EMAIL ADDRESSES and try not to give out your location. Use abbreviations when possible, and use CODED-LOCATIONs, if you must. Say things like: I am on the A street, or B street, or similar. Remember, there are KIDDIES-PUNKs listening. There are OLD-FARTS and CROOKS listening too, just waiting to use your personal info against you. Excellent radio. This radio works very well in hilly terrain and is easy to use. Reception is clear. One suggestion: the online product information should indicate that the "R" in EM1000R refers to the fact that the pair of radios comes with a recharging bay (with a slot for each radio). This will make comparison among products clearer. Free car charger included! These are very nice radios. I am very happy with the purchase. Pros: - These radios came with a free car charger in the box! The sticker on it said it was for a limited time.. - They look nice. They have a high quality feel to them. - The rechargable batteries included are the 3 AA cell batteries. That's a plus because I can easily use AA alkaline Batteries from the shop if I run out of juice. - It comes with built-in LED flash light. Cons: - The batteries are only 650 mAh Ni-Cd, which are a bit low compared to current NiMH. Maybe I'll throw in a trio of eneloops in if I start running out of battery. - The stand alone charger is a dumb charger which I think keeps on charging once full (potentially dangerous). The manual is a bit confusing regarding this fact.

   

Midland LXT330VP3 22-Channel 16-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio (Pair)
From Midland

This 2-way radio represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering. Designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operation, this compact package is big in performance. It is a quality piece of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finest components. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a rugged printed circuit board. The LXT330VP3 model includes pair of radios, dual desk charger, AC wall adapter and rechargeable battery packs.


   

Uniden GMR1438-2CK 14-Mile FRS/GMRS Radios
From Uniden

With the Uniden 22-Channel 14-Mile 2-Way Radio you can stay connected with your buddies while on the trail, at the baseball game, or anywhere else within a 10-mile range. This lightweight, palm-sized radio is also ideal as a neighborhood watch tool and kid-sitting aid. Each state-of-the-art radio features 22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS) and 99 privacy codes per channel to help reduce interference. Another great attribute of this Uniden two-way radio is its hands-free operation, which is made possible by a user selectable Voice Operated Transmitter (VOX) that can be used for automatic voice transmission. Transmission begins when you speak into the optional remote headset for snappy, hands-free communication that is both safe and efficient. The large number of channels and privacy codes give you several communication options that ensure you can almost always talk with your friends and family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal. Plus, the channels are easy to find, thanks to the channel scan feature,
Amazon Sales Rank: #36780 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Uniden Model: GMR1438-2CK Dimensions: 3.70" h x 8.50" w x 12.20" l, 1.60 pounds
With the Uniden 22-Channel 14-Mile 2-Way Radio you can stay connected with your buddies while on the trail, at the baseball game, or anywhere else within a 10-mile range. This lightweight, palm-sized radio is also ideal as a neighborhood watch tool and kid-sitting aid. Each state-of-the-art radio features 22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS) and 99 privacy codes per channel to help reduce interference. Another great attribute of this Uniden two-way radio is its hands-free operation, which is made possible by a user selectable Voice Operated Transmitter (VOX) that can be used for automatic voice transmission. Transmission begins when you speak into the optional remote headset for snappy, hands-free communication that is both safe and efficient. The large number of channels and privacy codes give you several communication options that ensure you can almost always talk with your friends and family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal. Plus, the channels are easy to find, thanks to the channel scan feature, which browses to active channels while you watch the display. And the channel monitor function listens for weak signals on a given channel with the press of a key. Additional features include a backlit LCD display that is easy to read under any lighting conditions, a keypad lock that prevents your settings from being accidentally changed, and a choice of five different call tones that offer distinctive ring options to easily identify who's calling. The radios are also equipped with a battery strength meter that monitors the status of the batteries so you can always stay in touch, a key beep audio confirmation of each button you press, and a "roger beep" tone to confirm to other users that you're done speaking. The built-in headset jack is for the optional headset mic, which provides hands-free operation. These radios are equipped with a charging unit that makes it easy to keep your radios charged and ready to go, and the radios can also be powered by four AAA alkaline batteries (not included). This two-pack unit comes with the manufacturer's one-year limited warranty. What's in the Box Two GMR1438-2CK two-way radios and charging unit.
Perfect For My Need I never wrote any review before. But encouraged because one of the review by David Cabrejos really helped me to decide on the purchase. And now I feel like, I should contribute so that others can make sensible decision. I need this radio for a resort security communications. the total area in question is 850ft X 250 ft and probably 200 ft of surrounding area both side. Needed a chargable, VOX enabled simple but powerful radio within the range. The recharge battery that come with it is 4.8v 550mHa. Should have been higher mHa. The battery comes factory charged. So I would advice to first use the battery without charging and let it drain and then charge. It makes the battery life longer. So I tried it in the city area before transporting it to the resort. Very clear and loud reception upto 1 mile. It's starts breaking up, but still connected. At around 1.5-1.8 range it started to fade out. At around 2 miles you won't be able to transmit voice, but SOS call button still works. SOS call button stops sending signal at around 2.5 miles range. But in the highways the range should increase. The highest range would be in a mountain valley situation. Remember that in the city and suburbs there are too much noise in the transmission space. Also this set allows you to put 4 AAA rechargeable battery and you can use the UNIDEN charging base to charge the batteries. So to speak, you do not need to take the battery out of the radio to recharge them from a separate charger. I like the concept. Very convenient. So you just buy 8 AAA rechargeable battery with higher capacity, the best should be 2100mHa or more and put it permanently on the phone and use the radio charger cradle to charge the radios. Very good. I am very pleased with the clarity within 1 mile range and satisfied within 1.5 miles city range. Have to try it out in the plains and water. My experience with this type of radios span almost 8 years starting with Motorola back in 1999. Given the experience I would definitely recommend this radio. One simple glitch, the battery meter on the screen do not properly detect battery life. To make sure, shut off the radio and turn it back on to get exact battery life reading. BTW: The charger is 120V and US type adapter. For overseas use, need either adapter converter or in case of 240V supply, you need to buy a power converter. Usually 240v to 120v power converter comes with the proper prongs so to plug in the adapter on the power board. Also the power converters have provisions to plug in the US type accessories. What I was expecting... This product is exactly what I was expecting... Of course the range will not be 14 miles, because this are in ideal conditions, however I traveled to a mountain range with my family, and I got a range of approximately 7 - 8 miles. The audio quality is really good, however when you are really far away, it breaks a little, but still nice quality. About battery life, I didn't have problems at all. It comes with rechargeable batteries, and they lasted the whole day for me. Sometimes it was weird, it would show really low battery, then I would just reboot the radio, and battery would be a lot higher, but overall, I didn't have problems at all with that. With the tons of channels, if you want for fun, sometimes you could get some police radio signals or even other places, but then there would be other frequencies with tons of channels and subchannels to select from. I would recommend this product to who wants to travel and always be in touch where there aren't even cell phone signal(that's why I had to use one). Don't want to talk bad about other products, however I previously had a motorola with a 10 mile range (it sucked... could only get about 2 mile range with that one on real life conditions, maybe my product was bad, however uniden surprised me. Works as promised Radios range is only the optimum possible which will never happen in real life. This is the same for all the radios sold not just this brand or model. Battery runtime could be longer but then the radios would be bigger too so it is a trade-off. The recharge base is convenient as a stand so you can find them when needed. Reception and sound quality are good when used correctly - kids like to talk too loud and too close to the handset which cause garble. Keep them a couple of inches away from your mouth and speak in a normal tone and they sound great. These are a good value and I would buy them again if needed.

   

Cobra PR-190-2 VP Micotalk 10-Mile Range 2-Way Radio - 2 Pack
From Cobra

Cobra Electronics PR190-2VP 2 Way Radio/ 10 Mile Range. The 190 comes in a GMRS/FRS two way radio value pack with a range of up to 10 miles. The radios include rechargeable batteries and a Y wall charger. Roger Beep, a Battery Low indicator, Battery/Power Saver, and Call Alert, make this an affordable and compact option for everyone from the novice to the professional radio enthusiast.
Amazon Sales Rank: #28458 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Cobra Model: PR190-2VP Dimensions: 1.54" h x 5.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.10 pounds

Works great.........in a short space I own a tri-level house, My wife's office is on the third level, mine on the ground floor, I have a very bad left knee, hardly wants to bend making stairs a very difficult trip, tried using our cell phones, wow!, too expensive!, yelling makes us nervous and almost unintelligible, so we have tried this Cobra PR-190-2VP microtalk 2-way radio, well it works just fine for this limited use and as long as it does that, I will be happy, the sound is very clear and is very easy to use, the batteries are NO GOOD!, two would take not even the slightest charge, found some name brand on sale at a nationally know "drug store", they were already charged so there was no lag time, my advise is to get the batteries first, buy the radio and throw the cheap batteries away! 2 way radio COBRA, DELIVERS! We live in the hills of TN, where my husband & sons traverse & hunt regularly, these little babies do what they say, no problems getting a clear signal over/under hills, hollows & ridges! They work just fine! As a matter of fact, I believe this is the same set my husband had me re-order for a monthly give away for the kids youngsportsman.com website for the month of August '08 see then here: http://www.youngsportsman.com/ Cheap batteries won't recharge As an inexpensive pair of "walkie talkies", these are fine for kids. As a previous reviewer noted, the very fine print states that you indeed need an FCC license to use most channels ("A user must be licensed prior to operating on Channels 1 thorough 7 or 15 through 22, which comprise the GMRS channels of this radio"). My biggest complaint, however, lies with the made-in-China rechargeable batteries--at least half of them would not recharge, and yes, I did try them in different combinations and in both handsets and with both leads of the charger. The units chew through battery life so quickly that you definitely will want rechargeable batteries. Consequently, I have more than doubled the cost of the units by purchasing quality rechargeable batteries (you need a total of 6).

   

Midland GXT710VP3 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio (Pair)
From Midland

Midland GXT710VP3 5 Watt 22 Channel GMRS Radios with Rechargeable Batteries, and Dual Desktop Charger, Pair Packed. The GXT710 features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios of 5 Watts, for up to a 26 Mile Range and is water resistant. Stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information with the NOAA Weather/All Hazard with Alert feature. The GXT710 features a Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 3 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, 121 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 22 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 5 Call Tones, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit.
Amazon Sales Rank: #20427 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black/Silver Brand: Midland Model: GXT710VP3 Dimensions: 4.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, .0 pounds
The Midland GXT710VP3 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio Pair Pack with Rechargeable Batteries and Charger represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in performance. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT710 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come. The Midland GXT710 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 26-mile range in open territory. In addition to the 22 possible channels, the GXT710 comes with 121 privacy codes to lessen interference or eaves-dropping, as well as all 10 NOAA weather channels and a NOAA weather alert function. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features. The GXT710 radio is full of features such as an outgoing call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, and five incoming call alerts to identify various senders. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, an auto squelch for filtering out weak signals, and a vibrating alert for use in both quiet and noisy environments. This unit provides High, Medium and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power, and a VOX function with selectable levels for voice-activated, hands-free transmissions. The GXT710 also includes keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise. Midland's GXT710 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The GXT710 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland GXT710VP3 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty. What's in the Box 2 GXT710 two-way radios, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, user's guide and warranty information.
Good hand held A very good hand held radio for family communications at a reasonable distance of 3 to 4 miles,but if you are expecting to be able to communicate at the claimed 26 mile range,you will be disapointed, as you will be with any of these types of hand helds that claim over a 5 mile range, unless you can get access to a repeater, and that is a whole nother situation which requiers an FCC licence. I bought these for there small size, ease of operation and solid construction, they perform as I expected and I am very satisfied. Best GMRS radio I've found We recently purchased the GXT710 rechargable 26 mile Midland GMRS radios through Amazon. This is the third set of Midland GRMS radios and the sixth set, including other brands we've purchased. We use the radios aboard cruise ships and find the GXT 710 to be the best we've owned. From ship to shore, the reception was great and on most places of Mariner of the Seas, the reception was also great. I've found the more powerful the radio, the better the signal penetrates the metal and other obstacles aboard ships and on hiking trails. The GXT710 is not necessairly more powerful than the previous models, however the antenna is longer on this model and appears to help. Works pretty good. We bought 5 pairs of the GTX710VP3. They are working very well, we're using them in a 6 story building in New York City. I had one person in the basement, while the other went a couple of blocks away and it worked fine.

   

Motorola T9680RSAME 2-Way FRS/GMRS Radio Pair
From Motorola

With a range of up to 28 miles, the Talkabout® T9680RSAME uses both FRS and GMRS frequencies, providing more channels. iVOX hands-free communication without the need of an audio accessory
Amazon Sales Rank: #2667 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Motorola Model: T9680RSAME Dimensions: 1.30" h x 2.40" w x 7.80" l, .24 pounds

Great concept, so-so product We bought these based on the 20 mile range for a recent move. They were really helpful for chatting while on the road. The drawback is that I have no idea where the ideal conditions really work. We tried these out in FL (very flat) at just a few miles and they didn't work. Since the grocery store locally is just a couple of miles away and my wife has a pay as you go cell phone, we had hoped these would replace day to day cell phone use, but so far no such luck. For short range, I recommend, but don't expect to get 20 miles. Excellent Radios I purchased the T9680SAME radios about a month ago and took them on a long trip with a family of 4 that included the Grand Canyon and Philmont Scout Ranch. We used the radios to communicate with the kids to explore the areas and when my wife and I had to go in different directions. They helped a lot to keep the trip running smoothly. The voice quality is very good (as long as the volume is set just a bit lower than max). I also used them on a Cub Scout Pack hike so the lead to keep in touch with teh people bring up the rear - a nice way to keep the large group together and in sync. Overall the radios performed great! The only thing I did not test was the range limits. The weather info was a interesting but not extremely useful but we did not have any true weather emergencies. * * Incredible Reception T9680RSAME Motorola 2 Way Radio * * * After have bought a Cobra LI-5600-2 DX VP Micro talk 20-Mile Range 2-Way Radio - 2 Pack, I have decided to return these to Best Buy Store, because it doesn't charge the lithium battery completely and additionally it has a bad reception between radios, so I have decided to buy a Motorola 2 Way Radio model T9680RSAME. It is a solid, comfortable and reliable 2 ways. It has a great sound and clear communication between radios in or out of the city. I live in Monterrey Mexico and I can communicate with them easily in anywhere (In Monterrey there are Mountains around the city). Great Radios and the cost it is cheap

   

Cobra Micro Talk 5-MILE TWO-WAY RADIO NOAA WEATHER Alerts
From Cobra

The Cobra Micro Talk PR550-2 two-way radio has Up to 5 Mile Range, Weather Resistant, 1 Watt Power Provides twice the power (of FRS radios), 22 Channels-each, 38 Privacy codes, 10 NOAA Weather Channels, NOAA Weather Radio & All Hazards Alert, Scan Channel Privacy Code, Call Alert-10 Call Tones, Rubberized "Soft Grip" Sides, Backlit LCD displays are easy to see for night time use, Key Lock, Roger Beep (selectable on/of), Battery / Power Saver, Belt Clip / Wrist Strap, 2 earbud microphones, NOAA Weather Radio & All Hazards Alert; warns you of weather, chemical and other civilian emergencies. Includes: 2-PR550 Two-Way Radios. Accessories Included: 2 earbud microphones, 2 Unit Charger, 2 NiMH Rechargeable Batteries, 2-Belt Clips and instruction Manual.
Amazon Sales Rank: #106970 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black & Silver Brand: Cobra Model: PR550-2 Dimensions: 1.90 pounds

   

TriSquare TSX10A eXRS Universal Accessory Kit
From TriSquare

For use with ALL TriSquare eXtreme Radio ServiceTM (eXRSTM). 2-way radios. Universal Accessory Kit inludes Dual Port Desktop Charger, (2) NiMH rechargeable battery packs and (2) VOX/PTT headsets.
Color: Black/Grey Brand: TriSquare Model: TSX10A Dimensions: 10.90" h x 2.80" w x 6.60" l, 1.50 pounds

Charger base and batteries, what's to say? The pack contains batteries, a dual bay charger base, and a pair of headsets which hit the bin as soon as the packaging was opened. This stuff all comes with the radios anyway but for a few dollars extra over the price of the two spare batteries it's useful to have the extra charger base so that each person with a radio can charge their own handset and a spare battery. Shove them in the charger overnight and pick them up in the morning. Job done. Buy for the batteries, not the earpiece The best thing about this is the batteries - spares are always good, and I can't find a better price for two with the charger. As for the mike/earpiece, trash it. The speaker sounds good, but the mike can't pick up anything. Good deal Just wanted three ear pieces and three spare batteries. Two of these sets gave me more than I needed (extra ear piece / battery and two chargers) for a cheaper price.

   

Cobra PR-4200-2WX VP Micotalk 18-Mile Range 2-Way Radio - 2 Pack
From Cobra

Cobra Electronics PR4200-2WXVP Two Way Radio/ 18 Mile Range. These GMRS/FRS two way radios come in a value pack with a range of up to 18 miles. The pack also includes rechargeable NiMH batteries and a two port desktop charger. The desktop charger wall adapter can also charge one radio through its speaker/microphone/charge jack.
Amazon Sales Rank: #8213 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Cobra Model: PR4200-2WXVP Dimensions: 1.50" h x 6.60" w x 2.20" l, 2.51 pounds

Very satisfied I'm very pleased with this purchase. I originally tried a much more expensive pair and was quite dissatisfied with the back ground noise level. The only negative comment is the range doesn't come close to the distance advertised and I sort of resent that. In our case we are not using them for long distance communication and I understand no walkie talkie has great range Very Good Radio And Bargain I will be the first to admit that the Cobra 4200 would not be my recommended radio is you are someone that constantly challenges the savage elements, and overland communication such as this may come to be a life and death situation. On the other hand if most of your outdoor excursions really are of the milder variety where getting lost is more of just a minor inconvenience overall, this set of radios is a fine choice indeed. Simply speaking, the Cobra 4200s are the cheapest set of radios I could find with a decent dependable range, and receive the NOAA broadcasts as well. I could not find a cheaper set of 2 way radios on Amazon that came with NOAA weather, period. For what its worth these set of Cobras have performed admirably through all the times they have been called upon, and received NOAA weather forecasts loud and clear always. One should be advised however that if weather reception is important to you in a radio, this unit does not receive emergency alerts through NOAA. That is to say, it cannot be left in a standby mode while a weather channel is selected whereby if a hazardous weather alert is activated, you will receive an alarm. (For a very reasonably priced set of two radios that do have a NOAA alert feature, see the link enclosed.) For most of us that will not be a concern, or a reason not to buy this good set of two way radios that are in my opinion and excellent value. Recommended...Motorola MH230R Two-Way Radio FRS/GMRS Great for it price ! (Cobra PR-4200-2WX VP Micotalk 18-Mile Range 2-Way Radio - 2 Pack) the Corba 2 way radio it really great for it price and features no problems with it.

   

Sony 900 MHz BabyCall Nursery Monitor
From Sony

Relax with confidence while your baby rests. The NTM-910YLW 900 MHz BabyCall nursery monitor uses the clearest channel available to deliver crisp, clear audio of your baby's actions. And don't worry about battery power - the built-in rechargeable battery receiver means you won't have to bother with continuous replacements. For added security, 5 Sound-Sensor activity lights, out-of-range indicator and low-battery warning keep you informed of your baby's actions and the status of your equipment. A belt-clip is included for the receiver, keeping your hands free for other activities. Finally, the receiver is water-resistant - the perfect choice for use in the bathroom or kitchen.
Amazon Sales Rank: #160 in Baby Product Color: White Brand: Sony Model: NTM-910YLW Dimensions: 4.25" h x 4.25" w x 1.93" l, 1.30 pounds
900 MHz Technology extends the range of BabyCall Monitor to let you take the receiver farther from the nursery, yet still hear activities in the nursery. It comes with 27 channels to greatly minimize interference and uses FM transmission system with channel selector to locate the clearest channel, helping to eliminate interference for clearer communication.
Great features, works great! We purchased this monitor after spending way too much time reading product reviews on Amazon. Note that this monitor is the exact same product as the more-popular blue model NTM-910 also listed here, but the NTM-900 also listed here does not have a rechargeable battery. We went with the yellow NTM-910 -- more like a warm light tan in real life -- because it was slightly cheaper than the blue one the day we bought it. I especially like the rechargeable battery on the receiver, the monitor lights for use when the volume is turned off, and the voice-activated setting. The belt clip and water-resistant housing are also nice. Unlike some other reviewers, we have found that: 1. The signal is completely clear, except right next to some of our cordless appliances. We have a fair amount of wireless signals pulsing through our house (home phone, cell phones, internet, video game controllers) and were able to find a clear channel (there are 27 available) on the second try. Most less expensive monitors operate at a lower (and more commonly used by other appliances) frequency; we've found that this monitor's 900 MHz works great. 2. The voice activation setting works as it should. The receiver shuts off when the baby's room is transmitting only white noise (in our case, the loud clock on the wall and the music box in the crib), turns on when the baby whimpers, and turns off when the baby is quiet. There is no "click" when the receiver comes on. 3. The range alarm, which is designed to tell you when your receiver is out of range of the baby's transmitter (not when the baby is out of range of the transmitter) has never gone off as I walk around our 2000 sq. ft. house and small yard. In sum, we're delighted with this product. Our intuition to go with a manufacturer of electronics rather than toys seems to have been a good one. I highly recommend the BabyCall NTM-910, in either yellow or blue. Has its pluses and minuses About a year ago I read a lot of reviews of baby monitors, then bought a Sony BabyCall monitor. It has some good features, but also some that I think are big drawbacks. This is about my fifth baby monitor, so I have some experience to compare it to. Things I like: ============== * When I'm in range of the baby and all is working well, the monitor is very quiet. * The rechargeable battery works great! Even when I occasionally forget to plug it in overnight, the receiver doesn't run out of juice. * It's nice to have 27 channels to choose from. Our monitor gets so little interference that we've only ever used the default channel. But it's good to know that we have options if we ever do need to switch. * It hooks nicely into my pocket or belt, so I can wear it on my hip as I do other things around the house. Things I don't like: ==================== * It's easy to be out of range in my (average-sized) house. The baby's room is at a top corner of the house. When I'm in the dining room or living room, the monitor makes a lot of badly noisy static, and its out-of-range signal makes endless beepitty-beep noises. * When the receiver is plugged in but there's no power being supplied to its plug, instead of getting power from its battery -- it just stops working!!! This is a problem if (1) you plug in the receiver incorrectly (I've done that a few times), or (2) during a power outage. If there is a power outage, then the receiver is completely silent. A nighttime power outage is the one time when I *do* want it to make beepity-beep noises, and static, and all kinds of other racket, because I want it to wake me up so that I can go sleep someplace where I can hear the baby. * I wish it was harder to turn the volume control. I frequently find that it has dialed itself down to the quietest setting, where the only indicator that the baby is making noise is the lights on the display -- you can't hear the baby at all when the monitor is on that setting. I'm pretty sure I've failed to hear the baby when he cried when this happened. I've become fanatical about checking and re-checking the volume setting. But I wish I didn't have to do that. I wish it was harder to turn the dial so that the volume setting would stay the way I set it. Also I would be happy if it were a little harder to turn on and off, because sometimes I find it turned off and I'm sure I left it turned on, so I guess something must have bumped the power switch and turned it off. Overall: ======== Of the five baby monitors I've had over the years, this is probably the best, because of its quietness and good rechargeable battery life. But the too-easily-changed volume control knob, the beepitty-beep stuff, and the silence during power outages all drive me crazy. I wish someone would design a better baby monitor than this. Good Monitor for the money This is my 3rd monitor that i have bought, and I LOVED it until yesterday when for some reason it just stopped working ( i have had it right around a year). It has good sound quality, picks up the smallest noises, which is good and bad depending on how soundly you sleep :-) The feature that i like best, (which is actually why i am buying another one now that mine is broken)is that it has 2 ON settings. One has the monitor on and the other is sound activated. The reason i love this is that we have white noise makers in my sons room and the monitor obviously picks it up, but because it is a constant sound it doesn't stay on when on the sound activated setting. It is great for us because the white noise keeps me up so i don't like to hear it through the monitor. All in all a great product and i have and will continue to recomend it to anyone who will listen!!!

   

Uniden GMR535-2 22-Channel Five-Mile Two-Way Radios (Pair)
From Uniden

2 pack of general mobile radio service 2-way radios with 22 channels (15 GMRS/7 FRS), up to a 5-mile range, 1 call tone, channel scan, channel monitor, roger beep, key tone on/off, key lock, battery strength meter, low battery alert, and removable belt clips. Operates on 3 AAA Alkaline batteries per radio. (Batteries not included)
Amazon Sales Rank: #48918 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Uniden Model: GMR535-2 Dimensions: 3.00" h x 7.00" w x 9.00" l, 3.00 pounds
Stay connected with your buddies while on the trail, at the baseball game, or anywhere else within a five-mile range with this pair of GMR535-2 two-way radios. Also ideal as neighborhood watch tools and kid-sitting aids, each state-of-the-art radio features 22 channels Stay in touch with these five-mile, two-way radios. View larger. (15 GMRS, 7 FRS) that are easy to scan and monitor. The channel scan/monitor allows you to listen for weak signals on the current channel with the press of a button. Plus, with the large number of channels, you have several communication options that ensure you can almost always talk with friends or family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal. The channels are easy to find, thanks to the channel scan feature, which browses for active channels while you watch the display. To transmit on a GMRS or FRS channel, a user merely presses the PTT button while the scan is paused. Additional features include a battery strength meter that monitors the status of the batteries so you can always stay in touch. The key lock prevents your settings from being accidentally changed, and the key beep gives an audio confirmation as you press each button. The radios also uses an automatic "roger beep" tone to confirm to other users that you're done speaking, and the call tone lets you alert listeners that you have something to say. Each radio is powered by three AAA batteries.
good product at a good price I am an event promoter and I ordered four of these radios for an upcoming show I had. THESE WORK LIKE A CHARM!!!! I was able to keep in touch with my employees all over the arena with crystal clear sound and long battery life. I will be getting at least 4 more of these radios. Short battery Life - doesn't work with NiMH rechargeables Can't beat the price, but these remanufactured radios have a major flaw. Short, short battery life and no tolerance for the 1.2V rechargeable batteries. I am going to try to find some Li Ion cells that are small enough to fit 4 in the battery compartment and see if that works. If not these are useless. Decent Product This product is fair in comparrison to other products of the same nature. The product does not have a decent ammount of battery time. When I first put the batteries in, they were new batteries, and they lasted about 7 minutes total. I was dissapointed in this because I need this product for hours at a time. However the product was delivered rather promptly, and the condition is like new. The only real complaint that I had was on the short battery life.

   

Stryker Lite Throat Microphone
From Stryker

Introducing the latest revolution in Throat Mic technology - The STRYKER LITE! With its unique design and added features, the Stryker Lite is the next generation in throat microphone technology. Improving on the previous single pickup throat mics, the ALL NEW STRYKER LITE incorporates a new high quality acoustic ear coil for added comfort and performance TRUE dual transponders for voice clarity, thicker coily wiring for durability and safety, and a water resistant and user friendly PTT button. The Stryker Lite eliminates all of the ambient noise from communication allowing for a crisp and clear transmission even at a whisper. The New and Improved Stryker lite is an unbeatable value. The STRYKER line of throat mics are a throat microphone that uses a method of induction that picks up voice signals through vibrations in the neck. The result is clear communication without any background noise from the environment. The STRYKER utilizes a technology concept previously used by the U.S. military. Under extremely loud conditions such as combat missions, Airsoft, paintball and as an aviation headset.


Didnt specify the model I ordered this under the asumption that it came with multiple adapters for multiple brands of walkie talkies however it only works for the motorola brands not midland like i have. However after buying some motorola's the headset works great for paintballing.

   

Cobra CXR920 Gmrs/Frs 2-Way Rechargeable Radio (Twin Pack)
From Cobra

The Cobra CXR920 is a Micro TALK 2-way radio, two pack with up to a 30 mile range. This unit consists of 22 channels, 121privacy codes (38 CTCSS codes/ 83 DCS codes) and comes complete with 2 lithium ion battery packs, and a 2-port desktop mini-charger. This unit also features a 10 channel NOAA radio, hands-free operation (VOX), 2 Boom mics with "push to talk" button for hands free usage, VibrAlert silent paging, call alert (10 selectable tones), a backlit LCD display, a scanning function (channels/ privacy codes), a single pin speaker/ microphone/ charge jack, a 10 channel memory, selectable hi/low power in GMRS, key lock, roger beep (selectable on/off), key stroke tones (Selectable on/off) , a battery low indicator, battery/ power saver mode, signal strength meter, auto squelch, a maximum range extender, and a belt clip. This product comes in ROHS lead free, eco-friendly packaging.
Amazon Sales Rank: #36109 in Consumer Electronics Color: black Brand: Cobra Model: CXR920 Dimensions: 7.10" h x 1.30" w x 2.00" l,

This is a Scammmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in the bahamas; nassau, to be more accurate. It is only seven by 21 miles and I can get only about three miles tops, even with the so called range extender; which only disables the automatic squelch so the radio will recieve a weaker signal. For kids playing in the yard it is a dream but for any other use froget it. It's garbage atotal waste of money and time. if there was a minus rating I would give them a minus five star or even a ten but I give it one because the unit Seems well built.

   

Motorola T6400 AA 2-Way Radio
From Motorola

Go the distance with this combination GMRS/FRS two-way radio. The T6400 two-way radio provides one watt of power on its GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels enabling communications at a range of up to 5 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions). Power is automatically stepped down to 0.5 watt across its FRS only (Family Radio Service) channels enabling it to talk to all existing FRS two-way radios. FRS channels provide a range of up to 2 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions).
Amazon Sales Rank: #84132 in Consumer Electronics Size: AA Amazon Green Brand: Motorola Model: T6400 Dimensions: 6.82" h x 1.36" w x 2.30" l, .42 pounds
Motorola brings together the power of General Mobile radio service (GMRS) with the convenience of Family Radio Service (FRS) in the TalkAbout T6400 two-way radio. Built rugged with a cobalt-blue finish, this radio is designed to be used indoors and outdoors and has a range of up to five miles on GMRS channels and one mile on FRS channels. The TalkAbout T6400 has 22 channels with 38 privacy codes and features Motorola's Eavesdrop Reducer scrambling technology and QuieT6000 noise minimizer. Other features include voice compression for better sound at longer distances, plus clock, alarm, and stopwatch. The TalkAbout T6400 operates on AA alkaline batteries. Important note to customers: All two-way radios that use GMRS frequencies require an FCC license. For licensing information and applications (form Nos. 605 and 159), call the FCC forms hotline at (800) 418-FORM or check online at www.fcc.gov. For questions concerning the license application, contact the FCC at (800) CALL-FCC (225-5322).
A Scam I bought a pair of these T6400's because of the hope that one watt of power would yield range at least approaching the range advertised for the 1/2 watt family radios (2 miles). What I found is that the whole radio range concept has been turned into one of the biggest marketing scams around. I can't believe it is legal for them to print "up to 5 mile range" on the box, even with all the fine print. I live in a flat section of Austin, Texas, which is not especially dense but does have some foliage and a reasonable number of houses. I tested the radios using a GPS so that I would know the exact distance to the other radio. I could not believe the result. The radios had very clear voice quality to .25 miles. Voices were 80% intelligible at .35 miles. After that, the radios were useless. There are some nice features on these radios, but give me a break. I'm returning them. Not pleased After getting in my car with a pair of the 6400's as well as a pair of the older talkabout 200's, I drove 1.2 miles and tested both of them individually. To my astonishment, using the GMRS frequency at 1 watt added no improvement over my older family frequency radios. In fact, I believe my older radios with the ALLEGED 2 mile range using FF, out performed the new ones using the 5 mile frequency (GMRS). The clarity seemed better. Aside from the bells and whistles on the 6400 series, the range and clarity improvements are unremarkable and frankly, I think Motorola should be sued for false advertising. Neither the 2 mile FF or the 5 mile GMRS even remotely live up to Motorola's claims even in good conditions. Finally, I have to say, I am disappointed with Motorola because they have changed the ports to which the audio accessories (I. E. microphones.) connect. This is a nasty move that forces consumers to buy different $40.00 microphones just because we chose to get a new model radio. Pretty unethical if you ask me. I am considering different brands due to my disappointment in Motorola's ethics. The only perk to the new 6400 series is that they have some convenient features although, I am not sure the newer FF models didn't have these features as well. If it's distance you want or bang for your buck, save your FCC licencing $$ and stick with FF or take the leap and get the Distance series radios. At the least, dont pay full price for this radio. The current rebates definitely make the Motorola's more reasonable. Also, consider the option of other manufacturers that don't charge the premiums that Motorola does. Bottom line,,, can I get the features and performance I enjoy from a different manufacturer for much less money? That remains to be seen but, I have a feeling the answer is yes. $75 FCC fee, No NOAA Weather, 1 watt output I ordered 2 T6400s, but am returning them for a couple of reasons. - This model does NOT support NOAA weather radio channels. - The FCC license fee is $75 per call sign (per FCC web site). - The power output is 1 watt maximum (GMRS radios can be up to 5 watts). I already have an ICOM M3A handheld marine radio for kayaking, and I will buy a second instead of using the Motorola radios. The Marine radios have a 5 watt output, but are about twice the size. If you are looking for a small 2 way radio, look at the T6300 1/2 watt FRS instead. They currently have a $25 rebate, and you'll save the FCC fee.

   

Midland Outfitter Series GXT775VP3 36 Channel 30-Mile GMRS with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert, Mossy Oak Break Up Camo , Pair
From Midland

Midland GXT775VP3 36 Channel Mossy Oak Break Out Camo GMRS Radios with NOAA Weather/All Hazard Alert. Includes Rechargeable Batteries, and Dual Desktop Charger, Pair Packed. The GXT775VP3 features the standard 22 GMRS Channels with an extra 14 Channels with the range up to 30 Miles. The Weather Scan feature finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information. In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT775VP3 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings. The GXT775VP3 features a Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 121 Privacy Codes, 3 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, Scan of the 36 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts with an additional 5 Animal Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries (Not included). An External Jack can be used for the Midland AVP-1 AVPH1, AVPH2, AVPH3, AVPH4, AVPH5 Headsets.
Amazon Sales Rank: #8370 in Consumer Electronics Color: Camo Brand: Midland Model: GXT775VP3 Released on: 2008-06-15 Dimensions: 4.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Great for Geocaching I'm a geocacher who lives in Northern California. There are times when my searche for caches will take me deep into the woods and around and over cliffs in the Sierra Nevadas. My wife, not as willing as I to climb over rocks and crawl under brambles, will wait in the car until I come back. However, there are times when I lose track of time while looking for a cache and this worries her. I agreed to get a pair of radios so she could contact me during the search and not have to worry that I may have been hurt. While I don't go out 30 miles during these excursions, I do travel through some deep forests, down valleys and around hill tops. In all of these cases, the radios have performed flawlessly. There is no static (which I was used to with CB radios) and we do not have any problems staying contact. This gives me more search time for my caches and lets her worry less. For this type of usage, I can highly recommend these radios. However, I can't address how well they might perform at five mile plus ranges, others will have to address this area. MIDLAND GXT775VP3 WALKI-TALKIE RADIOS I purchased a pair of these 30 mile range walki-talkies and they more than met my expectations. They work well even in wooded areas as well as in rolling terrain. Also, the rechargeable batteries hold a charge a long time while on stand-by. I would recommend these radios for anyone looking for units that are rugged as well as functional. Superb Gift I bought this for my husband who has been "making do" with an old worn out weather radio. The weather stations work well. We also use it as a walkie talkie when we are out and about. Perfect gift!!!!

   

Uniden GMR1838-2CK 2-Way 18 Mile 2 Pack GMRS/FRS Radio's with Dual Charger Included
From Uniden

PRODUCT FEATURES:Up to 18 miles range (range varies with terrain)22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS)99 CTCSS / DSC privacy codesBacklit LCD displayBattery strength meterHands-free operation (VOX)Keypad lockRecharge capableChannel scanChannel monitor5 call tonesRoger beepBelt clip includedDual chargerCharging cradle with 2 NiMH batteriesHeadset jack
Amazon Sales Rank: #438 in Consumer Electronics Color: Yellow Brand: Uniden Model: GMR1838-2CK Dimensions: 11.81" h x 2.56" w x 8.25" l, 2.01 pounds
Uniden radios Manufacturer's Description (July 2, 2008) With 18 miles of range, the Uniden GMR1838-2CK two-way radios offer you the freedom to go anywhere and do anything--from weekend hiking to just hanging out at the mall. These GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios are lightweight, palm sized, state-of-the-art communications devices, providing a maximum spread of 18 miles. This package comes complete with two radios and two NiMH rechargeable batteries as well as a dual-bay charging cradle. Depending on your location, you can stay in contact with family and friends up to 18 miles away. Be safe, not sorry with these GMRS radios. Their long-range communication capabilities means you're never out of touch, and two-way radio communications can ensure your safety when cell phone signals fade and fall short. (Actual range may vary depending on environmental and terrain conditions; see chart at right.) Use them at sporting events, to stay in contact with friends while camping, hiking, skiing or biking, or in conjunction with a neighborhood watch to ensure vital communications. The GMR1838-2CK radios have a unique circuitry designed to dramatically extend the life of your batteries. If there is no transmission of incoming call for three seconds, your radio automatically switches to the Power Save mode. They also have a built-in battery strength meter to let you know when it’s time to change out your batteries. A large, backlit LCD keeps you informed in any conditions, with data including channel selection, privacy code selection and battery strength. Features and Specifications 22 total chanels: 5 GMRS / 7 FRS Channels 99 privacy codes (CTCSS Tone and DCS Code) Up to 18-mile range Silent mode 5 selectable call/ring tone alerts Backlit LCD screen Optional headset accessories Headset jack Roger beep Battery charger Battery level meter Channel monitor Channel scan Keypad lock Emergency weather alert Power: NiMH battery pack (included for each radio) or 4 AAA batteries (not included) Battery life: Up to 12 hours (NiMH and AAA) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 inches Weight: 4.9 ounces (each radio) Color: Black with safety yellow accents Warranty: 1 year Federal Regulations The FCC requires GMRS operators to have a license. Application information is included in the owner's manual. Due to FCC requirements, the maximum range of these two-way radios can only be achieved on the GMRS channels (1 through 7, and 15 through 22). No license is required for operation on FRS channels 8 through 14. What's in the Box Two radios, two battery packs, dual-bay charging cradle, AC adapter, two belt clips, and printed operating instructions
GOOD BARGAIN Good deal for 20 bucks. I bought 4 of these to keep track of the kids in the neighborhood. Works great but don't expect to come anywhere near the 18 mile range. Channels 1-7 and 15-22 are suppose to get "UP" to 18 miles but you need a license from the FCC ($80) to use them. The free channels (8-14) get "UP" to 5 miles. I would say more like up to 1 mile in the city where I am. I still say it's a good deal just to track the little ones. Uniden GMR1838-2CK 2-Way 18 Mile 2 Pack GMRS/FRS Radios Poor reception and distance. At one mile in normal conditions reception was unclear. Over water and some land distance was down to 1/2 mile approximately and very static. Upon purchase I charged the batteries as stated in instructions and only received about 4 hrs worth of use and no talking during that time. Camping this weekend one radio battery went dead in less than one hour and this is after a full charge the day before. For the price you can't go wrong, for the quality well.... it's up to you! More like 18 METERS I needed a pair of radios with a call signal because my father is invalid and I wanted something that he could page me. I go no farther than 5 miles so I thought this would be adequate. IT ISN'T ! Best I could get was 2 blocks (about 300 yards). I live in a wood structured, single storied, suburb, and these POS can't even get to the nearest park (about 1/4 mile away). TOTALLY USELESS. Unless you only need to talk within a few hundred feet, DO NOT BUY THESE RADIOS, mine are now in the junk drawer, awaiting some sucker at a yard sale.

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