2 way radio preference

[crazy charlie]

I have been through several sets of 2 way radios for boating and snow skiing and none seem to work anywhere near what they are rated for.I am currently using 10 mile Midlands and though they are the best of what I have tried they dont come anyway near the rating.as a matter of fact I dont think,they dont even do 1 mile.Thinking of Motarola 12 mile 4 or 5 watt.Anyone have experience with these??

 

[KM2]

Re: 2 way radio preference

I'm too trying some midlands now. Haven't tested out the distance yet. They do work better than the 2 mile motorola I was using. <br /><br />A couple of things, they will only reach the advertised range on flat ground with a clear line of sight. Like being on the water. Also the longer range ones are GMRS and FRS bands. FRS is a 2 mile range, GMRS is much better but on my Midlands it is only on certian channels. Not all of them. So your distance problem may be related to the channel you are on. I'll look up the channel info and post back.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 2 way radio preference

I have some midlands that seem to be pretty crappy. I don't use them often, but whenever I do the range is barely past yelling distance.

 

[KRS]

Re: 2 way radio preference

HAM radio, the only way to go.<br /><br />The milliwatt handhelds are meant for repeater use, not direct communication, they just don't have the power.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Km2,the first ones I tried were 2 mile and they were absolutely useless.Went to 4 mile audiovox from there and they were only a little better.Then 7 mile midland and they were an improvement but still no range.The current 10 mile midland are the best of the bunch so far but still far too short on range.When we vacation in Fla. and my bride is taking a little too long to get ready for dinner,I grab a radio and a cold one and head across the street to a marina and stroll the docks.They work all right for that.As far as the line of sight crap they claim ,like over the water....Still crappy range.We started using the radios when I took the big boat across the bay for the weekend and she followed me on our Mako.Still crappy range,almost seemed worse.I could see her less than 1/2 mile away with nothing inbetween us and still undependable.The channel we use is 12 on the gmrs.I think thats what Midland recommended.

 

[KM2]

Re: 2 way radio preference

I found my manual (Midland 12 mile) and it says:<br />"you cannot adjust the power settings on the FRS channels (8-14)." ie GMRS is on channels 1-7 and 15-22. If you have X-tra Talk model you have a power setting also. Turn on hit the menu button until it says PR and then hit the up or down button until a small H appears at the bottom. <br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[jay gravely]

Re: 2 way radio preference

I like what KRS said, Ham radio but then you will need to be lisenesed avery easy test for tech class.Have you tried CB handhelds.Motorola will probably be your best choice for the FRS. One question on your trip across the Bay why didn't you use Marine VHF. Oh and by the way KRS de KB3HIA

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Thanks km2,I will double check the settings.They are X-tra talk and I always keep the power level up.Now I will have to check the channels.Jay,The 2 ways are very small and very easy to grab and use and throw in you pocket.Unless you are lookin to spend some bucks for a small hand held vhf the handheld vhf we own is a little bulky for her to use while under way.In the past she has put it down instead of clipping it to her waistband.I bought her the earbud set up which seemed to workout well.The 2 ways also come in very handy on the ski slopes and when I happen to disappear when on vacation.

 

[KRS]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Originally posted by jay gravely:<br /> I like what KRS said, Ham radio... by the way KRS de KB3HIA

de KD7QNQ, YL is KE7AKZ, dad is KD7QNR, brother is KB3IOC, mother is KD7RQB

 

[KM2]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Your welcome Charlie, test them out and report back to us. You got me thinking about my new radios and I'm going to test the range this weekend. <br /><br />The handhelds are great around the boats, slopes and campground.

 

[dolluper]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Midlands are good but if you can get your hands on a 40 watt Western you will be in heaven

 

[KRS]

Re: 2 way radio preference

What is a 40 watt western?

 

[ratracer]

Re: 2 way radio preference

Maximum input power on the larger Motorola FMS/GMRS units is 2 watts. If you are looking for consumer-grade GMRS radios, the ones with the maximum input power are the 14-mile ones from Midland (5 watts). Even then, the manufacturer claims as to range are wildly optimistic. Increasing power in GMRS radios does not increase the range linearly, as you increase the power, the amount of improvement you get decreases. <br /><br />For the most parts, the consumer grade GMRS radios won't work with repeaters. The only exception I'm aware of is the Motorola 7100. If you want to take advantage of a repeater, you need to use commercial-grade radios that will cost you over $200 each. <br /><br />Private parties using marine VHF radios for land communications between them in the US is illegal. <br /><br />Keep in mind that unless you are only using the FRS frequencies that have a maximum power output of 500mW (channels 8-14), use of GMRS radios in the US technically requires that at least 1 of the parties in the communication posess a valid license from the FCC. Even that is only true if the other party is an "immediate family member".<br /><br />This would also explain in part Charlie's performance problems...if he were using Channel 12 he would be limited to 500mW power input in compliance with the restrictions places on FRS. <br /><br />BTW: Motorola doesn't make their branded GMRS radios. They're actually manfactured by a company named Giant International, which from memory is headquartered in Georgia.