How 2 Choose Your New Radio

How and why you should buy a two-way

Another way to keep in touch with friends and family is using 2-way radios. Below is a list of places where these radios worked best.  Unlike cellular phones, these radios do not use towers so talk all you want and save the cell phone for emergencies:

• At the playground
• At the amusement park
• Around the campground
• Hiking, Fishing, Hunting, Cycling
• On vacation
• At the shopping mall
• At a sporting event
• For road trips
• Scavenger hunts
• Disaster preparedness

The Advantages of GMRS/FRS Two-Way Radios

• No monthly fees
• Convenient
• Not your father's bulky CB Radio
• Ease of use
• Affordable

Finding the perfect radio to suit your needs

Once you answer these questions below, these should help with your purchasing selection.

What is the maximum distance you will be using the radio?

Range is the most important aspect of making sure you get the right radio for your needs. These radios can range from 2 up to 26 miles.  Nevertheless, environmental hindrances and output power levels can affect the actual range (see: ‘Range Section’ below) of your conversation. 

How much are you willing to spend, depends on what your needs are

Radios cost from $25 to the more expensive being $100 or more.  Depending on the range you seek, the less expensive radios may be what you need.  Therefore, we recommend that you think about the use and features that will be used most often before purchasing radios with the extra amenities that will not be used.

Location is important when using these radios

The perfect two-way depends on what, how and where you plan to use the radio.  If your everyday use will be indoors or at soccer games, than the basic two-way will suit your needs.  However, if you are a camper or outdoorsman than a more advanced two-way with extra features are a necessity.

Features (in alphabetical order)

* Denotes necessary performance features.

Accessory Connector

Headsets and microphones can connect into this external portal.

Audible Button Beeps

Whenever a button is depressed, the radio will make a sound to let you know that a feature was chosen.  The two-way radios allow you turn off these features for silence when needed (see: "Silent Operation").

Automatic Stealth Squelch

Unwanted background noise is blocked out during conversation.

Backlit Display

In poor light conditions, you can turn on a lighted display.

Battery Charger

Over time, rechargeable batteries surpass the life expectancy of regular batteries.  The newer two-way models include a battery charger with the radio pack.  Please note:  Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged – it may cause serious damage or injury.

Battery Save Mode

Similar to sleep mode on a computer, the two-way radio will switch automatically to low power after being left unused for a certain amount of time. 

Battery Type

In addition to rechargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries, the two-way radios also use AA and AAA batteries.  The newer models come with rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries that are typically better than other types of rechargeable batteries.  NiMH batteries last longer and do not have “memory effect” that can cause batteries to reduce their effective charge capacity.

Call Tones

Similar to a cellular phone, two-way radios allow you to choose from a variety of different tones.  This feature also allows for communication with your group without interference from other radios.

Channels

The frequency on which radio users can communicate is called a channel.  Most GMRS radios will hold up to 22 channels. The same channel must be set on the radio for all members in the group to be able to communicate with each other.

Channel Scan

Just like a scan button on your radio, the channel scan feature allows a radio to constantly scan channels for activity.  When activity is identified on a channel, the scanning will stop and you will hear the conversation.

Drop-In Charger Capable

Simply place the two-way in the charger to be charged instead of taking out the batteries.

eVOX

Another feature is this hands-free option for using your headset through voice activated transmission.

GMRS Channels

The FCC has allocated certain GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels for public use.  GMRS radios have a greater reach than traditional FRS (Family Radio Service) radios.

Keypad Lock

This feature allows you to “Lock” the buttons to prevent accidental resetting of channels or features when a button is pushed mistakenly when not in use.

Low Battery Alert

When your battery needs to be charged, this audible feature alerts you.

Plug in Charge Capable+

The radios are AC Wall Charger accessible.

Manufacturer Warranty*

The best in the industry because many manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty, Midland, however has a 3-year warranty on two-way radios and 1-year on weather radios.  

Monitor Channel

Before you transmit, this feature allows you check if the channel is available for communication.

Power Selectable

The life of the battery and range of the radio is determined by the power selection.  Low powers will increase the life expectancy of your battery while reducing the maximum range of the radio.

Privacy Codes

Privacy codes make it possible to take your radios to high traffic places (amusement parks, camping trips, playgrounds, etc) and still be able to communicate with your group without outside interruptions. In order to be able to communicate with each other, the radios need to be on the same privacy code/ channel.

Range (about range)*

The range indicates the maximum distance radios can communicate with each other.  Typically, the range is the number one factor when determining which radio to purchase.  Only under ideal circumstances (i.e. flat areas with no obstructions between radios or over water), can the maximum range be achieved.  Obstacles such as tall buildings, trees and environmental conditions significantly reduce the maximum power level.

Rechargeable Batteries (Optional)*

The newer model two-way radios come with rechargeable batteries.  For frequent radio use, upgrading to a model that includes rechargeable batteries is a cost-effective way to get more out of your radios.

Silent Operation

This feature allows the radio to be silenced.

Talk Conformation Tone (Roger Beep)

Sometimes called a “roger beep,” (when turned on) this feature sends a tone to the listener alerting them that it is their turn to talk.

Transmit Power*

The transmit power of a two-way radio is measured in watts and is a key factor in determining the range of a radio.

Vibrate Alert

This feature works the same way as in a cellular phone; radios with this feature will vibrate to alert you that you are receiving a call. 

Water Resistant

Some of the newer model radios are water resistant, which is not the same as “water proof.”

Weather/ All Hazard Reception

Stay up to date on hazardous conditions with this NOAA and Environment Canada Weather Radio.  This feature also allows you to receive continuous weather broadcasts for your specific area. 

FCC Licensing:

A license is required if your FRS unit has GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies. To obtain a license, call the FCC at 800.418.3676 or visit: FCC: GMRS for more information.