Two Way Radio - Cost?

[winddancer]

Well hello again!

With 7 days until we leave and the new thread about signing out privilages, I've been thinking of getting a set of two way radios. There is a set at Costco for 50 dollars, but I'm rapidly reaching the end of my cash as I had unexpected car repairs this week. (Whose idea was it to put a timing belt in my car anyways?)

I was just wondering if anybody had suggestions as to Brand, Model, etc. for an affordable set of two ways and where I can find them.

 

[kajohn]

I don't think brand matters that much, but you do need to get the ones with subchannels. I believe the ones at Costco for the $50 are like that. If you don't have the sub channels you will hear here everyone else, and have a hard time comunicating with your family.

The sub channel we set our to never had anyone else on it the whole time we were on the ship.

There are features that are nice, but not necessary, i.e. vibrate, or ear pieces etc.

 

[inkkognito]

In addition to the subchannels, I would recommend getting the ones that scramble your conversation and that "lock" onto each other, which prevents you from hearing other conversations. While no radio transmission is entirely secure, the scrambling helps a lot. We don't have kids, but I think it would be especially important if we did. Otherwise, you never know if someone else is listening in, and I wouldn't want to make it public knowledge if my child is alone, where and when I would be meeting them, etc.
We bring our radios on every trip, but be warned that their range may be pretty limited on the ship due to all the metal.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[GenieDana]

Get GMRS radios over FRS radios. You canget a pair of 5-mile range GMRS radios with suubcodes for well under $50 if you look around. Check on eBay too.


Examples Ebay:

2-mile range:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3017285388&category=3308

5-mile range:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3017511150&category=40070

 

[AnnMorin]

what is the difference between the two?

 

[GenieDana]

FRS, or Family Radio Service radios function on a 1/2 watt power system with an operating range of up to 2 miles. GMRS, or General Mobile Radio Service radios have a 2 watt power system output with an operating range of up to 5 miles, or even greater with a repeater station.

Technically, GMRS radios require a FCC license (in the U.S.) to operate (because of the more power output). I do not know of anyone doing this for "family" use. Both FRS and GMRS share channels 1-7, however their frequencies differ from there. Both can be purchased with and without subcodes. To make a long story short, the basic difference is transmitter power.

 

[kris24]

This is a link that I found that was posted over on the Budget boards for disney motorola radios with subchannels for $34.99 and free shipping in handling. The only thing is the sale only goes until April 30th. Dont have any so I could not tell you how well they work but did read good reviews on them.. Hope this helpshere

Kristan

 

[winddancer]

Thank you for all of your help and information. After talking it over today, we decided that we would try to wing it without a radio. I would love to get the Mickey Radios, but I've spent so much on stuff to get myself and everybody else ready to go. If I don't stop soon, I won't have any money to spend on the trip.

Again, I thank you all.

 

[bigtime]

Hi
We have Motorola Talkabout T5420 and were going to take them Will they work I can't find the manual that came w/ them Any suggestions??



Dee