Mobil Radios

TonyC · Jan 9, 2002

Anyone have any experience with those newer Motorola communications radios on the FRS frequency? Some models are getting pretty inexpensive and I was womdering if anyone has any experience with their performance.

looch · Jan 9, 2002

I don't know about the Motorola models, but I do use FRS radios. I have a NADY. It's specifically designed for use on a motorcycle. It has a driver/passenger intercom system which enables the passenger to talk not only to the driver but also to others. Once off the bike, they behave like normal FRS radios. Indispensible for fishing and hunting trips. Also good at large events like car and bike shows (tractor shows). Range is about a mile, depending on terrain.

PitbullMidwest · Jan 9, 2002

I got a set for Christmas. Based on the traffic it seems like LOTS of people (kids) got them too.

Haven't really had the opprotunity to really try them out though.

TonyC · Jan 9, 2002

Well at least where I live, there will be no other traffic. Let us know how you do with them. I don't need for them to go a very long distance but there will be some steep hills in the way.

Knight9 · Jan 9, 2002

Seems to me that Harv or someone had an in depth discussion on these including model numbers etc. I believe he was going from a safety standpoint....ie out alone on the tractor. If you search for that thread it would likely help a lot!!!

Kevin

Knight9 · Jan 9, 2002

I shouldn't be so lazy....here's the tread <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=safety&Number=58394&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>Harv's thread</A>

/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Kevin

WVBill · Jan 9, 2002

Tony: I have a pair of the Motorola FRS radios (Model 80, I think). My experience with them is that they are pretty much line-of-site. The max range I've gotten out of them is about a mile and that was over VERY mildly rolling terrain. A real hill of any kind completely cut out the signal.

I think the basic concept behind the FRS, unlicensed operator radio frequencies is that they are so low power that even the most inconsiderate/un knowledgeable operator can disrupt the operation only a very limited number of other operators because of the distance limitations.

Harv · Jan 9, 2002

Yep, that's the thread, Kevin. Thanks for finding it.

Tony -

I've been using the Motorola TalkAbout 250's ($45 after rebate) for about 6 months now, and I am still impressed. Anything close to line-of-sight and the range is definitely more than half a mile (haven't tested it farther than that). With hills in the way it drops off quickly, but even then I get a quarter mile. The only time I lose complete contact is when I drop down into a serious ravine. The most impressive thing about these units is the clarity. If you get a signal at all, it's like somebody's standing right next to you. Good battery life, too.

In that other thread I mention that I also bought a couple of Audiovox FR1420's for the kids. The spec's were similar to the Motorolas, but they were available at $60 for the pair. They work on the same channels as the others, but I gotta tell you they were a waste of money.

Their range is poor and the clarity is worse. /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif The battery life also leaves much to be desired.

Stick with Motorola and you'll do just fine.

Robert_in_NY · Jan 9, 2002

We have been using FR50's for the last couple years and on level ground you can reach up to 2 miles on clear days. If it is snowing you will only be able to talk for about 1 mile. We use them when we go out to hunt so that we can keep track of everybody and do use them on some hilly ground and have not had any problems with them at all. The FR 50's come in a two pack for around $35 at Wal-Mart and are worth it. We have 4 of them and one got run over by an Explorer and it still works you just can't see the LCD screen. There are 14 channels on them and if you do have traffic on one channel you just switch channels as it is doubtful there are 14 different groups within 2 miles of you using these radios.

LGinIA · Jan 9, 2002

I have had a set of Motorola FR60 Talkabouts for nearly 3 years now. Used during travel across country in two vehicles and they were a tripsaver. As mentioned by others, distance is basically line of sight. I've found many practical uses:
Boat to cabin, upstairs & downstairs in house while fixing something with a need to talk to someone and many times when away from the house on the property. Very good value for the cost today.