Looking for deals and advice on good FRS or GMRS radios?

[morkys]

Need something to communicate while on job sites. One person in the basement and the other person on the roof. One person on site while the other is at a supply shop etc. Yes, we could use cell phones, but would like something more reliable. There are combo cell phone radios out there too. Anybody have any experience? Know of any good deals right now?

thanx

:)

[Dr.Dan]

While GMRS is allot better than FRS, it'll probably do the job 'on site', but probably not for the guy that runs for supplies unless it's right around the corner ;)

You would be better served by a cell service like Mike.
http://www.telusmobility.com/on/business_solutions/voice_services_mike.shtml

[morkys]

Why is GMRS better and yet won't go the distance. Canadian Tire has a set of FRS that goes up to 19 KM:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444328 2027&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517505&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517558&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669717&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669717&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1123250329031

Good? Yes?

:)

thanx

[Nuke]

Those are GMRS and usually 19KM range would mean that there is absolutely no inteference of any kind. In a city especially you'll find that that number will be quite a bit less. It can also be dependent on terrain as well.

[morkys]

Doh! Ok.

Not looking for the Mike service. I can't find alot of FRS stuff out there right now. Do the Canadian Tire ones above look good? They appear to be useful anyways.

[frostyone]

The adverstised ranges are basically B.S.
Not in any real world are you gonna get that.

FRS radios are limited to a maximum power output of a half watt (0.5)
GMRS are limited (in Canada) to a maximum output of 2 watts.
That's it.

Rule of thumb, means that GMRS will have double the range of FRS.
Well worth it. Go for GMRS.

Approx max, ranges FRS 1.5-2 miles.
GMRS 3-4 miles.

That's max.
Could be lower.
But unless you're in a sailboat, and your buudy's on top of the CN tower , it's not gonna be more.
Doesn't matter what they claim.

Don't look at the claimed range, look for max. power output.
There are GMRS units only putting out 1 watt max,
Still claim 8 -10 km, range though.
Which is pure B.S.
Look for 2 watts.

I've used audiovox, Motorola, Cobra.

Personal opinion stick with Mororola or Cobra.
Audiovox sucked big time.

Make sure main power on/off is a knob, not button.
( That's important actually)

Let's see,.. Cobra tends to have a few more , generally useful features,
Motorola's appear to be more rugged., but might be just appearance.
My Cobra's still function well; and they are, surprisingly, more water resistant than the Motorolas.
( I abuse all of them.)

Folding antenna very useful. if you can find GMRS with it.

VOX ( voice operated) is an optional extra.
Very useful if you snowmobile or use ATV.
If you want that feature, be careful.
Not all models, especially Motorolas will support it.
Motorola, needs a specific model, to accept the optional handsfree kit.









:

[morkys]

Thanx. Lots of useful feedback. I think the GMRS pair I linked above from Canadian Tire are a safe bet and reasonable at $119 a pair (I think thats a pair). Hands free would be nice, so they have that. I don't see us needing VOX for anything. No folding antenna though.

Do we need a licence to operate GMRS?

[frostyone]

You don't need a licence in Canada.
You do in the States.

[morkys]

Sweet. Thanx :)