When there's a wide-scale disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, how do you communicate with others to get help? How do you reach out to family and friends to check on them and to see if they need assistance? During these catastrophes, the power grid may go down and cell towers may be inoperable. In such cases, you might not be able to rely on your cell or smart phone or landline.
That's where two-way radios come in. They're one of the most reliable means of communication not only during emergencies, but also when you're off-grid in the middle of nowhere or outdoors. Two way radios, then, are also necessities when you're hunting, backpacking, or fishing, as well as other recreational activities where you can't control the environment. During these emergencies or outdoor sports, two-way radios may be the only devices that function.
Packing these radios in your survival or emergency kit will give you security and peace of mind. All you need to do is turn your radio on, push the talk button, and you're ready to instantly communicate with a loved one or friend.
The Lowdown: We'll give you the lowdown on what features we think are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we think do the job well.
We'll give you the lowdown on what features we feel are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we consider do the job well.
Two-way radios are relatively inexpensive and able to take a beating. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see some of the Two-Way Radio Features.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges are around 40 miles. Then, when you test the two way radio, you might only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is based on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without obstructions. Trees, rocks, hills, and mountains will restrict your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will also impede your range. Manufacturers says they test their radios on the tops of mountains and down in valleys, and based on what I've seen I'm comfortable saying they are exaggerating their range specifications.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges to be around 30 miles. Then, when you test the radio, you might only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is based on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without obstructions. Trees, rocks, hills, and mountains will impede your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will also impede your range.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Power: NiMH rechargeable batteries are the power sources in most of the two way radios in the market. Most of two way radios can be used with AAA batteries and in emergency can be powered with easily available AAA batteries.
Power: Two-way radios are generally powered by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be a lifesaver.For more talking time,using Duracell Ultra and Energizer Advanced Formula batteries will help as they do last longer than standard alkalines.
Now let us explore the Emergency features that emergency two way radios needs to facilitate. Radios with Emergency Alerts send an emergency signal to other two way radio in your group. Radios with a flashlight work well in emergencies, like when there's a power electrical outage.
Voice Activated Transmission: You don't always have hands free support in walkie talkies. Voice operated transmit (iVox/Vox) turns your radio into a speakerphone instantly, enabling hands-free communication. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios in the marketplace.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs battery last for 8.5 hours. When the battery runs out, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. Seven out of the eleven weather channels are NOAA affiliated and the radio locks into your local channel for the most accurate report. There are three different ways to power up your radio, but the NiMH 8.5 hour battery is the most effective. If you are using the radio in your vehicle, whether it be a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle, you can use a micro-USB cable to connect it to a constant power source.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs last for 8.5 hours. When they run dry, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. The T400 boasts a built-in LED flashlight, iVOX/VOX, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) and emergency alert functions. A scanner quickly locates an empty channel for you and your partners to use. With auto squelch, you can automatically cut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise as a result of range and terrain conditions. The T400 is weatherproof, not waterproof and lacks Push-to-Talk (PTT) / Power Boost, and VibraCall, which allows for vibrating calls.
MOTOROLA T480 Talkabout 2-Way Radio: The T480, which weighs in at only .43 pounds, only includes 1 radio, which is sold for reasonable price. Incorporated are 1 Ni-mh rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. The following two features result in the T480 stand out . Aside from the emergency alert are PTT and NOAA weather channels, additionally, it includes a Radio which you can use to hear your preferred FM channels. The flashlight automatically turns on during a blackout and when unplugged so you always have light. The NiHM battery lasts up to 10 hours. 3 AA batteries last up to 26 hours. A drawback is that theT480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.
That's where two-way radios come in. They're one of the most reliable means of communication not only during emergencies, but also when you're off-grid in the middle of nowhere or outdoors. Two way radios, then, are also necessities when you're hunting, backpacking, or fishing, as well as other recreational activities where you can't control the environment. During these emergencies or outdoor sports, two-way radios may be the only devices that function.
Packing these radios in your survival or emergency kit will give you security and peace of mind. All you need to do is turn your radio on, push the talk button, and you're ready to instantly communicate with a loved one or friend.
The Lowdown: We'll give you the lowdown on what features we think are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we think do the job well.
We'll give you the lowdown on what features we feel are important in a two-way radio. Then we'll give you 3 models we consider do the job well.
Two-way radios are relatively inexpensive and able to take a beating. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see some of the Two-Way Radio Features.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges are around 40 miles. Then, when you test the two way radio, you might only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is based on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without obstructions. Trees, rocks, hills, and mountains will restrict your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will also impede your range. Manufacturers says they test their radios on the tops of mountains and down in valleys, and based on what I've seen I'm comfortable saying they are exaggerating their range specifications.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges to be around 30 miles. Then, when you test the radio, you might only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is based on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without obstructions. Trees, rocks, hills, and mountains will impede your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will also impede your range.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Power: NiMH rechargeable batteries are the power sources in most of the two way radios in the market. Most of two way radios can be used with AAA batteries and in emergency can be powered with easily available AAA batteries.
Power: Two-way radios are generally powered by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be a lifesaver.For more talking time,using Duracell Ultra and Energizer Advanced Formula batteries will help as they do last longer than standard alkalines.
Now let us explore the Emergency features that emergency two way radios needs to facilitate. Radios with Emergency Alerts send an emergency signal to other two way radio in your group. Radios with a flashlight work well in emergencies, like when there's a power electrical outage.
Voice Activated Transmission: You don't always have hands free support in walkie talkies. Voice operated transmit (iVox/Vox) turns your radio into a speakerphone instantly, enabling hands-free communication. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios in the marketplace.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs battery last for 8.5 hours. When the battery runs out, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. Seven out of the eleven weather channels are NOAA affiliated and the radio locks into your local channel for the most accurate report. There are three different ways to power up your radio, but the NiMH 8.5 hour battery is the most effective. If you are using the radio in your vehicle, whether it be a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle, you can use a micro-USB cable to connect it to a constant power source.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs last for 8.5 hours. When they run dry, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. The T400 boasts a built-in LED flashlight, iVOX/VOX, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) and emergency alert functions. A scanner quickly locates an empty channel for you and your partners to use. With auto squelch, you can automatically cut off weak transmissions and unwanted noise as a result of range and terrain conditions. The T400 is weatherproof, not waterproof and lacks Push-to-Talk (PTT) / Power Boost, and VibraCall, which allows for vibrating calls.
MOTOROLA T480 Talkabout 2-Way Radio: The T480, which weighs in at only .43 pounds, only includes 1 radio, which is sold for reasonable price. Incorporated are 1 Ni-mh rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. The following two features result in the T480 stand out . Aside from the emergency alert are PTT and NOAA weather channels, additionally, it includes a Radio which you can use to hear your preferred FM channels. The flashlight automatically turns on during a blackout and when unplugged so you always have light. The NiHM battery lasts up to 10 hours. 3 AA batteries last up to 26 hours. A drawback is that theT480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.
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Before you buy emergency two way radios, make sure you check our excellent buying guide for buying Emergency GMRS two way radios guides and walkie talkie/two way radio buying guides and expert advice
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