By John Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

We’ve already offered plenty of advice on the best Walkie Talkies. More than ever before, consumers have the same power as professional users. However, professional units often cost $300 and up, per unit, while consumer units can now be had for $40 to $80, for a pair.  

The surprising thing about what’s out there for consumers, however, is that the higher prices don’t necessarily buy you extra range or durability.  All the units here are all rated for about “30 miles”, the maximum range you can buy. Here is a quick round up of some of the very best buys: 

Max Power, for about $50, US.

These Midland GXT-720VP3 radios retail for just over $53, USD, at the the time of writing, a significant bargain over more expensive units that offer no more power.  Indeed, the extra features of the pricer models in this line offer only minor enhancements that few users would ever use or appreciate.  However, if you do want something just a little more impressive, you could consider these units:

Camo Fun, for about $60.

The Midland gxt-775vp3’s add a Camoflage finish, with a few extra features that are fun for kids and hunters alike, including “animal” sound calls and a silent vibration mode for calling other radios discretely.  However, if you want something that stands out a little more in the wilderness, and has the impressive Motorola brand name, you could consider the following:

The Motorola 9500XLR is available for about $70 for a pair. It has a bold look and rugged exterior. However, some users have reported quality issues with these units and quite a few are available in the refurbished market.  Still, it is hard to beat Motorola, who manufactures most the radios used by fire and police.  These no non-sense rigs should do the job for most.

If you are a hardcore hobbiest with a bit of technical knowledge, however, you may want to consider the next step up value priced radios: 

Hobbiest Radio, PX777

This Chinese made radio goes for the surprisingly low price of about $62, for a single unit. For those with technical knowledge, this provides the flexibility to operate on Ham Radio and commerical frequencies, as well as GMRS channels. For those with the licenses and knowledge to use them legally, this is a remarkably flexible unit for a very low price. 

Whatever you decide, there is little reason to overbuy in consumer walkie talkies. Go for maximum power and range, and stay with the features you understand. Most people rarely use the high-end features of the most expensive units. $50 now buys some excellent radios that will entertain you and your family for years to come. 

John Ghysels

2 Way Radio, Outdoors, Product Reviews, Safety, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue 2 way radios, Family Radios, FRS, GMRS, Walkie Talkies

Cobra LI5600, Small Size 2 way

Tech Advice Column

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

When it comes to Walkie Talkies, many folks get confused by claims of manufacturers about range. It probably would help if someone cleared the air on this, to help out those trying to sort out the ridiculously high claims of range on many Walkie Talkies.  The chart below will simplify things for most folks:

Range Claim         Power             Actual Urban Range      Minimum Range

8-12 Miles           1 watt                  1/2 to 1 Mile             200 Yards

18-20 Miles         2 watts                 1 mile                       500 Yards

27-30 Miles         4 Watts                2 miles                     1000 Yards

Keep in mind that challeging radio environments will quickly cut your range to the minimums seen here, or to something between this and the urban limits. Only lots of height will get you to the maximums claimed by manufacturers.  In any case, I’m told the manufacturers test their radios under decidedly unrealisitic conditions, using facilities in the unobstructed flatlands of Florida equipped with elevated testing platforms.

Discussion on 2 way radio power:

First off, it is important to remember that the maximum legal power for a GMRS walkie talkie is 4 watts. This is a lot of power, considering that most digital cell phones these days operate on about 300 milliwatts or less, most of the time.  However, cell phones use a near invisible network of “cell” sites all around us, on high building corners, hills and mountain tops, so they seldom have to reach up and out farther than a few hundred yards. For a walkie talkie, which has to do things the hard way, without the help of a cell site, you need lots more power. Also, four watts will drain a battery quickly and requires slightly more expensive, larger and heavier internal compentents to handle the extra energy.

Having said this, anyone who has spent time in the field with these things knows that reliable communications is key. Some settings, such as using radios car to car, on urban streets or in heavily forested areas will cut the range of even the most powerful radio from miles to a few hundred yards. ”Line-of-site” is the rule for radios like this, so if you have height, your range will be greatly extended.  With obstructions, signals may be absorbed or reflected away.

The rule of thumb, even for someone just having fun with these radios, is the more power the better.  That’s why I always recommend spending the extra $20 or so and getting something that uses the legal maximum. Those extra watts will help in punching your signal through metal tinted car winows, through wood frame houses and around concrete structures.  In the wilderness, trees and rocks form similar barriers to radio signals, but as a safety device outdoors the radios really need to perform reliably so the max power makes for more peace of mind in tracking kids and hiking partners. You can always dial down the power to conserve battery juice for when you need it.

Thus, unless you really need the 5.5 inch size of the above Cobra LI5600 radio, you may want to go for the increased power of the LI7020, below.

Radios are inexpensive fun for the whole family. When in comes to range however, keep your expectations realistic. Read your instruction manual, keep your settings as simple as possible and go for it in the both real and urban jungles!

John Ghysels, 12/07/2008

2 Way Radio, Outdoors, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue Cobra Radios, two way radios, Walkie Talkie Range, Walkie Talkies, Wilderness Radio

The StickPic

 Product Review:

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Anyone who has spent much time hiking knows that hiking poles have now become as much a staple for North American outdoors enthusiasts has they have been for Europeans for decades.  Those seeking to avoid injuries and early wear on joints use sturdy poles to ease the strain on knees, hips and backs.

For the photographer on a group hike, there is rarely time for toying with tripods and complex camera gear.  Taking self-portraits or couple-shots outdoors can be a hassle since there is rarely time to find a well positioned rock and or fiddle with a timer. 

That’s why I was impressed with this tiny device from inventor, outdoors enthusiast and fellow Sierra Club volunteer, Rod Java.  Rod developed this little wonder to take quick shots by placing a camera on the end of a hiking pole. This puts the camera far enough away for a easy shot of a single person or small group. This makes taking quick photos in front of breathtaking vistas fast and easy and helps capture those great, once in a lifetime memories. 

It’s one of those things that makes one wonder why no one ever thought of it before. 

You won’t find this device anywhere on ebay.  Rod sells a few hundred every year, mostly to Europeans who have become hip to the utility and “cool factor” of this lightweight, photo enthusiasts tool.  You’ll find it at www.thestickpic.com. 

-John Ghysels

December 1, 2008

Cameras, Outdoors, gadgets hiking, hiking poles, monopods, outdoor photography, Outdoors, photography, Sierra Club, The Stickpic, tripods