Two-Way Radios
TWO-WAY RADIOS
Camping Gear Depot carries a variety of two-way radios by the most respected brand name manufactures to include Garmin, Cobra, Midland, Motorola, Uniden and more. Whether buying just a FRS/GMRS radio, a combination of two-way radio/ GPS or a two-way radio with a weather alert, Outlaw Camping has the radio for you at some of the best prices on the market.
Two-Way Radios
Like so many other wireless electronics, two-way radios have evolved dramatically and provide superior quality from their first generation unreliable, bulky walkie-talkies. Today, two-way radios have become high-tech communication devices able to receive and transmit greater distances. They operate on UHF radio frequencies that are less prone to static interferences that plague CB’s. As a result, they are fast becoming a necessity for outdoor enthusiasts and in common households.
Hand held two-way radios today operate on two frequency bands: Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). You can choose from FRS only or FRS/GMRS duel service radios commonly referred to as “hybrid” radios. FRS only radios do not require a license. However, GMRS is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and do require a license to operate these radios. Currently the FCC grants a 5-year renewable license for $75. No test is required. For information on this license see fcc.gov or call 888-call-fcc.
FRS only radios offer up to 14 channels with a maximum range of 2 miles. The antennas on these radios may not be altered to extend their range. GMRS radios support up to 23 channels, 15 of their own and 7 (channels 1-7) that are shared with FRS radios. These radios offer a maximum range of 5 miles. However, their antennas may be altered to extend their range. Typically, the more channels a radio supports the higher the price tag. But, the more channels you have to choose from the better your chances are of finding a clear frequency not in use by people not in your party, especially in high traffic areas.
See all of Camping Gear Depot's Two-Way Radios
Different Features to Consider
Interference Elimination – A feature also known as squelch and privacy codes or Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS). This is where each channel is divided into 38 sub-channels. It is like giving your 14 channel FRS radio 532 channels to pick from to find a clear channel. Thus, when you set a specific code, the radio will filter out all other broadcasts not set to that specific code, increasing your chances of finding a chatter-free frequency. This does not guarantee privacy as anyone else tuned to the same channel with his or her interference code turned off can still hear you. If they are tuned to the same channel with the same interference code, they will be able to transmit to your radio.
Noise Filtering – Many models accomplish this by simply shutting off weak transmissions. Other models only receive transmissions from radios by the same manufactures with this feature turned on.
Eavesdrop Reducer - For yet another layer of privacy, check into a radio with an eavesdrop reducer which enables you to set a specific code that will garble the transmission to anyone else that is listening. The other radio that you are transmitting to must also be set the same.
Duel channel watch –This is where a radio can monitor two different channels at once.
Power Output – The amount of transmitting power is measured in watts, which is the major factor in determining the range of a radio. FRS radios limit power output to ½-watt, giving it a range of 2 miles. GMRS radios require 1-5 watts. Power select is a feature on GMRS radios where the radio switches between high and low modes of range to help reduce unwanted transmission from outside your group.
Range – This is the number of miles advertised by the manufactures that a radio will transmit with perfect conditions. However, many things can affect the range of a radio such as the weather, terrain, buildings, etc. Radio signals travel by line of sight. Some radios come with range extenders, which will allow them to receive even very weak signal transmissions, which may result in unwanted noise. Other radios have out of range alerts that will signal if your party moves out of range.
Scanning/ Scan Channel Delete – The scanning features lets you cruise through the channels to quickly locate the channel that your party is using or to locate an empty channel. Scan channel delete allows you to remove a channel in the scanning process. This is helpful if you know there are channels being used that you are not interested in monitoring.
Calling/Paging – Some radios have pre-set audible tones to alert your party before you begin talking. Others have a vibrate mode which can be useful in noisy places. Still others are available with a talk conformation tone, sometimes called “Roger Beep” tone, which is transmitted and alerts the other user that you are finished talking.
Channel/Memory/Keypad Lock – Channel lock allows you to lock your settings to prevent them from accidentally getting changed. Memory lock stores frequently used channels and privacy codes for later use. Keypad lock is set to lock the buttons so they don’t accidentally get pushed and is especially useful when carrying the radio in your pocket.
Vox – Models with this feature are voice activated and will automatically begin broadcasting when you speak in the direction of the radio. This is a nice feature as it allows you to operate your radio hands free.
Weather Channels – This feature allows you to tune into the weather broadcast by NOAA and also provides alerts for weather emergencies.
GPS/Two-Way Radio Combinations – Garmin, renowned for its outdoor instruments, recently introduced its RINO (Radios Integrated with Navigation for the Outdoors) series. These sophisticated devices offer full GPS and two-way radio functions providing peer-to-peer positioning. This extremely powerful feature not only allows you to broadcast your location over the airwaves, but also have it appear on the other users’ screen. The safety and security applications are endless with this radio. Imagine locating a lost child in a large amusement park or rescuing an injured hiker in the mountains. Thanks to Garmin, families, campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can stay connected.
Compatibility - Any combination of two-way radios that broadcast on the same frequency band (FRS/GMRS) and support the same channels will work together, regardless of the manufacturer. However, you need to keep in mind that to get full use of a radio’s special features, you’ll need another radio with the same features. Therefore, it makes sense to purchase two-way radios in pairs.
TWO-WAY RADIOS