TriSquare TSX300 eXRS Digital Two-Way Radio, 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: #16571 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Black/Grey
- Brand: TriSquare
- Model: TSX300
- Dimensions: 10.80" h x 2.70" w x 5.10" l, .55 pounds
Two's company, three's a crowd
The advantage of this frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio is unless someone knows what "channel" (of 10 billion) you select, eavesdropping by a third party is highly improbable. It also means you won't be disturbed by others who are using the same frequency, as with FRS/GMRS radios, even with so-called privacy codes.
The TSX300 works fairly well when there are two units on the same channel -- their frequency hopping seems to stay in synchronization. Audio quality is generally good. In my experince, distance is on-par with other 1-watt UHF 2-way radios.
Having more than 2 radios on the same channel consistently has one or more getting out of sync with the others. This means one or more radios will not be able to hear others' transmissions and vice versa. This is a real showstopper for my requirements.
The good news is, private communication between any two radios (using a radio's private channel) seems reliable, regardless of how many radios are active. So, you can treat these like telephones -- one unit can communicate with any other -- just avoid using a common broadcast channel.
The other issue with this model is its battery life. Because these are FHSS devices, they must actively transmit in order to maintain synchronization. This uses significantly more power than a device that only receives during standby, and battery life suffers as a result.
The ability to send short text messages is neat, but I personally haven't found a practical application for it, especially given there is no guarantee of delivery. A message may or may not be delivered, and there's no feedback to the sender one way or the other.
Overall, for the price, if you're only using a pair of radios, the TSX300 is a good value. If you try to add a third radio to the party, you're probably going to be disappointed.
TriSquare TSX300 radio review
TriSquare TSX300 eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radio, Charcoal Metallic/Black
I bought 4 radios and used 3 of them on a cruise. Totally useless purchase. The radios were constantly getting out of sync. Batteries would die in 4 to 6 hours after charging them for 14-16 hours. 90% of the time I could not use the radios for these reasons and gave up on them after 4 days into the cruise. When the radios did work, the reception was not as clear as stated.
Unknown yet
This radio was part of an order with the two two-way radios and received by our son in Colorado. We live in Illinois. He tried them up in the rockies and was unable to get this one to work with the others. They are to be used for him, my husband, and a third person hunting. What does he need to do to get the single to work with the others?
