two-way radios

[woodlandsparty]

We have a large family group going to Disney at the end of December. I want to get a couple of sets of two-way radios for use to be able to stay in communication without racking up roaming minutes on our cell phones. Does anyone use these in the parks? Do you guys have any recommendations (or complaints) on brands, reception, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[holcomb-mania]

We tried to use some Motorola two-ways last week, but had a horrible time. Granted, we had borrowed them and may have been misusing them. I picked up several other conversations that sounded like others weren't having such great luck either.

We switched to our cell phones. In September I switched my plan with Cingular over to allow free roaming along with free long distance, and my plan cost went up about $5.

Good luck.

 

[RescueRanger]

We used 2 ways on our trip this June. The secret is to use a frequency and a channel where there is little or no voice traffic. We set ours to the higher numbers and we generally had no problems.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

We have used the motorola's the past 3 trips. The only thing I would suggest is spring for the better radios. I have 3 sets, my favorites are the 6220s as they have a weather alert.
My 5720 are frs/grms radios and have a greater range.

Do some research and you will be ok with the radios.










Jeff

 

[Jillpie]

Jeff, interesting you should say that. We bought our Motorola radios about 4 or 5 years ago and really like them. I just saw a new set at Costco, they are smaller with the 5 mile range (Motorola) and have the rechargable unit too for 50.00. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade? I really like how much smaller they have gotten, but I really don't have any complaints about the ones I have, other than I'd love to go smaller. What do you think? Do you think the technology has improved (eg. clarity etc.) in just a few years or should I just stick to what I have? thanks.

 

[Rpsemont]

We have a pair of Motorola we bought 3 years ago with 2 mile range and the "subcodes" - allows for more choice of frequency (I'm probably saying that wrong ). anyway, we usually go at slower times and have had very minimal problems with people on our channels. we find them to be real life saver even for 3-4 of us, as no one has to sit around and wait for someone else. we try to set times to communicate. Keep in mind though, if you're in "loud" areas you might not hear them unless you're wearing them on your collar.

 

[Madi100]

We took the Motorola ones to our state fair and had a horrible time with them!! I'm kinda worried about taking them to Florida. I hope they work out OK.

 

[Michelina]

We have a pair of Motorola Talkabout T5710 5 Mile frs/gmrs. We used them at the beach and at WDW in August. They work great! One day at Epcot I walked out to the parking lot to drop off some bags and could talk to everyone else who was back in Germany, this was in the pouring rain also. Only once did someone else get on our channel and my DH said "Hey - Get off!" and they disappeared! I thought they were really handy. I think we got them at Sam's Club for around $50.00.

 

[Geoff_M]

Michelina and others with GMRS radios: How long did it take for the FCC to process your license applications???

 

[Sydnoahmom]

We have Motorola 2 way radios (not sure which model#). We used them at Great America this summer and they worked fine. My suggestion is to carry extra batteries. We found that when you use them, even only after 4 or 5 times, it really drains the batteries.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

Jillpie: Costco is where I found my last set at, 5720's I think.

Around $50.00 with nicads and chargers.



Jeff