Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

  • 0

2-way Radio Adivce

lookingforluck

Asked by lookingforluck,

 Share

Question

lookingforluck Enthusiast

lookingforluck

Posted
Posted

Hello FMers, I am looking to get some 2-way radios to use when my family is out on big lakes in different boats. Has anyone had good experience with a certain brand/model? I am looking in the $75-$100 range. Thanks for any help in advance!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
sparcebag Veteran

sparcebag

Posted
Posted

I've Cobra wide price range and on lake the cheaper should work fine,

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
zachp Collaborator

zachp

Posted
Posted

I just got some midland outfitter series GXT650VP4 2 way radios and they're pretty sweet...supposedly the have a 18 mile range but most likely you won't see more than 8 or 10, which is still pretty good. You can get them in a package with rechargable batteries and a desk charger that comes with ac and dc rechargers so you can charge them with your vehicle's cigarette lighter, if you do some searching you should be able to find a set of 2 with all the goodies for around $70, i got mine on a site that shares the name with a large river in South America.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Tippman Experienced

Tippman

Posted
Posted

I just bought the Cobra's with a 25 mile range and rechargable lithium-ion batteries. I like the batteries but have had a hard time getting over about 2 miles on them confused.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
fishing tech Experienced

fishing tech

Posted
Posted

I picked up a set of 3 motarola rechargable from H depot about 3 years ago on clearance for $20. There is a Charging station for 2 and a single charging station for the other. They work great and at least 2miles. The kids use them all the time and there cheaper then cell phones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
sparcebag Veteran

sparcebag

Posted
Posted

Tippman mine were almost 100 bucks 17 mi.sometimes 2 mi. from home no reception! but on the lake there fine,wish I would have got the cheaper set my buddies kids have they work as good as mine!!! crazy.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
lookingforluck Enthusiast

lookingforluck

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Do you guys have a license to use a GMRS 2-way? Or do you need one if it is a combo (FRS & GMRS)? Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
lookingforluck Enthusiast

lookingforluck

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Sparcebag, after I asked the question I did some searching and I found that if you use anything with more than 1 watt of power you have a buy a $75 license. Just curious if guys buy this if they are only going to occasionally use it for fishing trips. I would hate to double the cost of the 2-ways by having to pay for that license. Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
sparcebag Veteran

sparcebag

Posted
Posted

Boy I think my set said no lisence required?I had a CB radio that needed lisenceing but that was register and no fees or charges.I think my cobra set is 2? 3? watts 17 mile range.I refuse to pay $75.00 for walkie talkie! confused.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
echotrail Rising Star

echotrail

Posted
Posted

I've got a pair of radios that advertise a 15 mile range. I'm lucky to get 1.5 miles when used in rough terrain. They advertise the longest range possible based on "Line of sight" use in ideal weather conditions with no obstructions such as hills, trees, buildings etc. between the users. If you are on a round lake on a nice day fine. If your in one bay and the other user is in another bay with hills or ridges between you the distance will be greatly reduced.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
lookingforluck Enthusiast

lookingforluck

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So I guess the question now is if I do not want to have to buy a license, which 2-ways would be the best? (not using the GMSR or whatever its called)? I have tried cobra's before and they were junk and I have had friends with the motorola's that like them but like someone stated before they liked the Midland brand also. I just want to get my 1-2 mile range when not in line of sight. I am planning on using it on some lakes with islands and other things that could possibly be in the way so I know I am not going to get the 8-20 mile range as some advertise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
BobT Grand Master

BobT

Posted
Posted

I've done a fair amount of researching FRS and GMRS radios and this is what I learned.

FCC licensing IS NOT required for FRS radio (Family Radio Service). For most of the handhelds you buy the channels involved will be 1 through 14.

FCC licensing IS required for GMRS radio (General Mobile Radio Service). For most of the handhelds you buy the channels involved will be 15 through 22 and many will have the option to disable these channels.

Do not fall for the advertised ranges you see. The truth is, FCC rules limit FRS radio output power to a maximum of 1/2W which will provide about 2 miles of typical range. GMRS radios are limited to 1W and that is why the license is required.

FRS radios are line-of-sight radios and this is where the extended advertised ranges come into play. Under the right conditions it is possible for these radios to communicate at greater distances. Weather, terrain, trees, buildings, etc. all interfere. For all practical purposes none of the radios can reliably transmit a strong enough signal to be heard more than about 2 miles.

I have a pair of Uniden radios that cost me $20 at a Walmart store and I have communicated as far as 2-1/2 miles across hilly terrain but that was an unusual day. Usually, if I can see the person I want to talk to, I can communicate so over open water they work very well.

Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
sparcebag Veteran

sparcebag

Posted
Posted

Thanks Bob; I also went to the FCC web site and if ya search it well you'll find free lisenceing,the same as a CB radio they need call name or numbers thats it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
lookingforluck Enthusiast

lookingforluck

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for all the advice. Good Luck on the water and God Bless!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to question listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      2024Mn fishing opener......

      By smurfy · Posted

      is 3 weeks away............who's going and where???? i skip the first week and i'll head up to the cabin the 2nd week.  ussually fish smaller lakes. 
    • jparrucci
      water levels

      By jparrucci · Posted

      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      water levels

      By mbeyer · Posted

      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      Ice-Out 2024

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      Ice-Out 2024

      By mbeyer · Posted

      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Sturgeon Fishing is Hot

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept