Walkie Talkies?

We had decent luck with the DeWalt two ways here at work, but started getting interference and picking up others signals. We now run these new Nextel radios, which are the bees knees. Talked to one of my installers about 20 miles away, and he sounded like he was in the next room. They are pricey though.

Only problem with regular two ways, are they are mostly line of sight, and terrain makes a big difference in how they will work.

IMG_20211216_101135.jpgIMG_20211216_101139.jpg
 
@Stick Man I didn’t realize cellular radios existed. What’s the point compared to calling on the phone? I view the purpose of radios as being usable outside of good cell coverage areas.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
@Stick Man I didn’t realize cellular radios existed. What’s the point compared to calling on the phone? I view the purpose of radios as being usable outside of good cell coverage areas.
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We use them primarily here in the shop with us managers/supervisors. We have a big steel building, and cell service in here is very spotty, but somehow these work. And we use them a lot. It would be a rediculous amount of calling as far as phones go. Plus, we have different channels we can choose depending on if we need a private line where all that have them can't hear.

The big boss has a Nextel that is cell and two way, like the old ones years ago. I didn't know Nextel was even back in the game until he bought them.
 
Hmmm, interesting. I knew Nextel was still around but didn’t know what they were doing. I know my company uses FRS in our ~500ksqft distribution and manufacturing facilities and it works fine. But yes making a call for every little thing would be impractical.

I learned something new today, dedicated cellular radios.
 
I just bought a set of Midland GMRS handhelds. set them up and planning to give them a go this weekend.
 
For OP, for off roading most guys are using GRMS these days. Some have HAM or CB, but most are using GMRS for the ease of use since GMRS can also use FRS frequencies. I have handheld Midlands that were like $75/pr and they work great driving through mountain trails as well as on camping/hiking trips. I haven’t tried to push the distance on them, though.

I think this would be a great place for you to start.

Edit: Amazon link
 
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Camping we’ve run cheap old Motorola Talkabouts for years … they are over 10 years old. They are good for at least 2 miles in the woods … at least 5 miles on the ocean … and probably farther but never really tried. They have multiple channel and privacy codes on top of that so others don’t eaves drop. I think you can get into a good water/weather resistant pair with everything for under $100 easy. Best thing is you can add more units if friends or other family have similar units just by using the same channel and privacy code.
 
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Stick Man said:
We had decent luck with the DeWalt two ways here at work, but started getting interference and picking up others signals. We now run these new Nextel radios, which are the bees knees. Talked to one of my installers about 20 miles away, and he sounded like he was in the next room. They are pricey though.

Only problem with regular two ways, are they are mostly line of sight, and terrain makes a big difference in how they will work.

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I assume they require a cellular service contract?
I noticed that they also offer that radio as a GMRS/Cell/144mhz/440 do it all model....which sounds awesome!
 
I have several 2 meter HT's, and at the lake place we have hand held marine band radios. The marine band radios are awesome, but have legal use regulations (as does the 2m but I have a license), but all that legal use stuff goes out the window in a real emergency.
 
I asked for a set of these for Christmas so I can't say how good they are. My biggest draw towards them is being USB rechargeable with just the cord and not having to have a base to set them in. If I'm using it in a vehicle not having to carry around the charging base is a plus.

www.bridgecomsystems.com

BridgeCom Buddy Handheld FRS Radio | 2-Pack

Introducing the BridgeCom Buddy FRS Radio, an easy-to-use handheld radio for every occasion. Whether hiking on a camping trip or keeping tabs on friends and family in crowded areas, the Buddy is a reliable tool you can trust to work when you need it to—no cell service required.
www.bridgecomsystems.com www.bridgecomsystems.com
 
Not the cheapest, but I have a couple of Motorola T600s that work pretty good. Our local CERT group uses them too. Fair warning, if you start using them, you may find some uninvited guests swearing at you and other not so nice intrusions.
 
Battery Oaks Comms Day...2nd Annual...26-2-'22......come show your stuff and see new stuff!!! ALL IS FREE!!!!! Supporting Members Only.
 
I'm a licensed HAM but I also hold a GMRS license. That beimg said, I use the FRS band for comms here at the ranch. Radioddity made a decent 2W in the model R2 radio with voice scrambler for a little privacy. Unfortunately theyre discontinued but still supported by CHIRP
 
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