For all of you going to Fall Colors and any other meet, two way radios are a must. I thought I'd start a thread in order to provide some info to all of you who are going to buy a two way radio for Fall Colors.

I have a Motorola 5300 and a Motorola 5200. They are not bad, but they only receive and transmit on 14 channels. I may buy a set of 5950 with the rechargable batteries. Any opinions?

Also, when you buy your radios make sure to buy an ear/headpiece as it is very difficult to hear the radio in an open car. Be sure that you can turn the VOX off, it is much too noisy.

 

As I mentioned in another thread, conversation between me and Hilly is difficult when the top is down due to wind noise. I'd like to rig up some sort of in-car intercom, and I'm thinking of trying the FRS radios with earpiece/mics for that. I'm going to hit BestBuy this weekend and see what kind of $$$ we're talking.

I think they definitely must have rechargeable batteries, and the channel code set for expanded channel coverage.

Updates to come...

 

I have a pair of Motorola T5720's that I'm pretty pleased with. However, the earpieces/mics are really only good for listening - there's a second or so delay for the mike to notice that you're talking before it transmits, which is really annoying. Plus, with the top down, the wind noise will probably be putting you in 'talk' mode all the time.

I'll have a spare for the run, if anyone needs it.

JonasM

 

I have a pair of Motorolas also. There is actually a new radio available (GMRS) now with much greater range - up to 10 miles.

So if anyone is going to buy one...make sure you get one that has dual mode (FRS/GMRS).

 

I saw a set at costco that had a 5 mile range. 10 miles sounds better so I'll go have another look.

 

The cheap set that I have don't get along well together. If they are both on in the car I get bad feedback/distortion. More expensive units may be different, but buy carefully

 

Ours are the T6250 Motorola Talkabouts and they are GMRS -- we've been pleased with them so far. I haven't used an earpiece with them, so can't opine on that (that's a first -- me with no opinion) When we bought them they were around $50 for the pair, but we got a $25 rebate from Best Buy. My daughter has one that works well too, but is a step down -- also a Motorola.

 

We have a pair of Motorola T5720's as well that we have been pleased with. When I bought them at Best Buy we lucked out that they have a promotion that included rechargable batteries and the charger (a $24.95 value) at no charge

This model has what is referred to as an "Interference Eliminator Code". I refer to it as a "sub channel" I.E. 13.1 = the Mid Atlantic Official radio channel. In simple terms it expands the number of frequencies available too you. That is not technically correct but it is an easy way to explain it.

One word of caution. Technically GMRS radios require an FCC license which is a $75 "Revenue Enhancement" fee for Uncle Sam.

 

Best Buy has a set on sale for $50.

And here is the one with a 10 mile range ($80).

 

How is the sound quality of the Midland and Uniden as compared to the Motorola?