Review: Low-Priced FRS and GMRS 2-way Radios
Znews.com --
FRS two-way radios are great for keeping track of your kids in the neighborhood, or family and friends on a car trip, ski slope, amusement park or at the mall. If you choose a model with a scan feature, you may also enjoy talking to or meeting other radio users in the area. Many of these radios also allow for operation on teh GMRS channels, for up to 20-mile range.
An important note about the range of these 2-way radios, is that the FCC requires GMRS operators to have a license for operation of the higher power channels. Application information is usually included in the owner's manuals. Due to FCC requirements, the maximum range of these two-way radios can only be achieved on the GMRS channels (1 through 7, and 15 through 22). No license is required for operation on FRS channels 8 through 14. Realistically, the range for the amateur user of these radios on the RRS channels is 1-3 miles, depending on terrain. If you live in the city, don't expect a range on FRS channels of more than several blocks if there are tall building around.
Some of the radios come with privacy codes. Privacy codes add more sub-channels to the basic channels, and you can tune out unwanted chatter by other people. For example, on a 14-channel radio with 38 privacy codes, you effectively get 532 different "channels" to choose from -- just set all the radios in your group to channel 11, privacy code 21, for example, and you're not likely to get any interference from outside users.
Below you'll find three of the top 2-way radios in this category.
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Rating: 
List Price: $59.99
Sale Price: $40.89
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Eligible For Free Shipping
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Product Description
- Up to 23-mile range- iVOX hands-free communication- 11 NOAA weather channels with alerts-Quiet talk(TM) filter-10 call tones- Rechargeable- Battery save feature- Mini-USB charging port
Details
- Pair of two-way radios with up to 23 mile range
- 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes for superior interference protection
- iVOX hands-free communication without the need for an audio accessory
- 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert features
- 10-hour alkaline or 8-hour rechargeable battery life
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Rating: 
List Price: $79.99
Sale Price: $54.39
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Eligible For Free Shipping
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Product Description
- Up to 35-mile range- iVOX hands-free communication- 11 NOAA weather channel with alert- PTT powerboost- Flashlight-Emergency alert button- Emergency preparedness checklist- Rechargeable- Battery save feature- Mini-USB charging port
Details
- Pair of two-way radios with up to 35 mile range
- 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes for superior interference protection
- iVOX hands-free communication without the need for an audio accessory
- 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert features
- VibraCall vibration alert or 20 different call tones
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Rating:
List Price: $89.99
Sale Price: $67.64
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Eligible For Free Shipping
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Product Description
Midland GXT1000VP4 5 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Radios with NOAA Weather/All Hazard Alert. Includes Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop Charger, Headsets and 12 volt Vehicle Adapter, Pair Packed. The GXT1000VP4 features the standard 22 GMRS Channels plus an additional 28 Channels. The GXT1000 meets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes and features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios for up to a 36-Mile Range. Weather Scan finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information. In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT1000VP4 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant Warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings. New features for 2009 include the Whisper feature which allows you to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by others and SOS to send out a distress sound for emergency situations. The Group Call allows you to make "direct calls" to other people within the group without alerting the entire group. The GXT1000VP4 features a Vibrating Alert for silent notification and 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation. Additional features are 387 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 50 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries
Details
- 50 Channels with Up to 36-Mile Range
- NOAA/All Hazard Weather Channels with Alert and Weather Scan
- 387 Privacy Codes
- Vibrate Alert
- 9 Levels of VOX for Hands Free Operation
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