Should we standardize on the Talkabout radios? I know that a couple of people in the group already have these, and that they worked really well on the May 26th group drive. They are also relatively inexpensive, starting at $35 for Motorola.

I know that the NSX club uses more expensive radios with a greater range (2 watts vs. .5 watts), but this requires an FCC license.

 

You sure you need a license? My plane has a 5 watt radio and the FCC no longer requires a station license for that. . .

 

I talked to the NSX guys. They said that it does require a license, which is held by the national NSX club for their members so that individual licenses aren't needed. Since we don't have a national organization that is so full-featured, we would have to get individual licenses.

 

Hey Chris,

My vote is the Talkabout--but don't really care as long as whatever you decide on is compatible (I've already got 4 talkabouts, and the talkabouts are also compatible with the motorolas the z3 club uses).

We're not usually farther apart than the talkabouts' 2 mile range, and usually have specified destinations, so they seem to meet the need. Just my 2 cents...

Dave

 

We always use talk abouts here. They really help and are fairly inexpensive. Make sure you bring them when you come to LA, we'll plan the frequency before hand

 

Was at Costco this weekend and saw two different models:

1) A Motorola Talkabout for $60

2) TWO Cobra Microtalks in a single package for $70, and then you get a $15 mail-in rebate.

Both look to have the same 2-mile range (500 mW), and similar features.

FYI

 

There is also a sale at Popular Outdoor Outfitters on the Motorolas. The FR-60's are $29.99 each after rebate.

They also have the FR-50's for $19.99, but that model doesn't have the sub-channels (privacy codes) that the other models have.

I have been watching EBay to get a pair, and oddly enough, the radios usually auction for higher than store prices.

 

FYI:
I found a good deal on EBay ($41.50 each) on the Talkabout 289's and they arrived today. For anyone who is buying soon, there is a rebate deal going on through Motorola ($15 for Talkabout 250/280, $20 for the 289).

 

Get the FRS/GMRS models now. They are cheap $50 for a pair at Costco.

 

I got screwed and paid $57 at Circuit City.