Talkabout Questions

[Bartman01]

Was looking at the talkabouts today at Best Buy (looking to spend gift certificates). I saw 2 mile and 5 mile range versions. Do the two different types work together? The 5 mile version had more channels, but the frequency ranges were almost identical. Can't find anything on the Motorola web site that states for sure.

All things being equal, I am looking at the 5 mile version since I will most likely use these most on the road when travelling with family/friends. However, I don't want to get these if they won't work with the ones y'all already have.

[Firme]

from what I have seen, they ALL work together as long as they are Motorola brand Talkabouts.... the ones with more channels can pick up channels that the others can't (obviously)

for example... both the regular and the more expensive can talk on channel 8, the more expensive one will have to be set to 8.0, it basically has sub-channels for every channel, meaning on the more expensive one, you can set it to 8.2, and only other more expensive ones that have the capability to be set to 8.2 can hear you, but the regular ones that only channel 8 cannot. This is just what we found out experimenting with sherri and mine (regular ones) and Darrell's(the more expensive one). It took us a little while to figure out why we couldn't hear Darrell, come to find out he was on 8.1.
:retard:

:smack:

[Bartman01]

Well I am glad I did some more digging. In order to use the 5 mile frequencies, you need an FCC license. Not really a huge expense, but not worth it to me. I think the packaging states that no FCC license was required, and that is technically correct (but misleading)- to use the FRS frequencies that the unit supports no license is needed. However - to legally use the GRMS frequencies (5 mile) a license is needed.

[cobrapace94]

Edmond is correct on the more expensive ones are a little more private, but anyone can hear the conversation if they hold the monitor button down. The ones I had were borrowed from work and I now have the cheap ones, easier to work. I bought mine off Ebay for less than $15 to my door, they are reconditioned, but work well. If not in a hurry, read the auction to verify if they are reconditioned or not.