Good 2 way radios?

Fallbrook Forge

Fallbrook Forge

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Jan 1, 2006
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Who uses 2 way radios while out hiking or camping with family?

I saw the Midland GXT1000VP4 at REI and it seems like it has some great features.

I'm looking for radios that do not require a license, or are cheap and easily obtained license, are semi secure from eavesdroppers, and have a good range so ne and my ladies can keep comms while hiking and what not.

I'm looking for suggestions, experiences and opinions.
 
Can't be had, IMO. Good radios require a license. Even at that, I don't know how you can be semi secure from eavesdroppers since everything of which I'm aware (HAM, FRS or CB) precludes any kind of encryption.

HAM radio licenses are cheap to get (about $25 to take the test) and reasonably easy if you're willing to study for the test. You can get all the possible questions and answers and just memorize them. When I took my HAM license test, it seems like there were about 200 possible questions. Or, you can pay for class time that will do a very good job of prepping you for the test.

In my opinion, this is your best option, which is why I got my HAM license. Unfortunately, none of the guys that I hike with have theirs so it has proven to be kind of a waste.

ETA: If you go with HAM rigs, you can buy handhelds that do digital communications (look into D-STAR). The average eavesdropper won't be able to listen in on that unless they also have D-STAR enabled equipment, which is unlikely because the protocol hasn't caught on yet. But I warn you, you're talking bucks to go in that direction. I have an ICOM IC-92AD, and it's about as good of a handheld as I can imagine ever wanting to own. It's also water proof. But this stuff ain't cheap. It sells for around $540.00.
 
I agree with Bulgron, I also have my HAM license but seldom use it. My family use the Rhino radios which include GPS and can transmit the location of each keyed radio. we also use them for GeoCaching when the mood hits. You are supposed to get the FRS/GMRS license to use those channels. Security wise you can choose scramble codes 1-7 for each channel. The problem with these is the range is not good, less than a mile unless you are on the Salt Flats or plains of Kansas.
 
D-STAR radios can do the GPS thing too, but that requires the purchase of a microphone that has the GPS receiver built into it. But that's another $200.

The problem with FRS is that it is very low power, and the frequency that it uses is easily absorbed by buildings and vegetation. So unless you're in the flats, as Ryan says, it really isn't a very good option.

Mind you, HAM radio handhelds can be had for a very reasonable amount of money, especially if you buy used, or an older model. They won't be digital, though, so that throws off the hard-to-eaves-drop requirement. For example, a Yaesu VX-6R can be had from a large HAM radio outlet that I use for $249. For a 5 water submersible handheld, that's a pretty decent price.
 
I have a set of Rhinos and my hunting party does too. We find the range is "ok" but the radio key up stink big time. Half the time they cut you off in conversation or don't key up at all. We have 5 radios and none of the keyup properly. Frustrating. Call Garmin and they shrug it off. This is not an isolated problem I've discovered. Great tool otherwise.
 
If your out camping or hiking,I dont see a reason for "secure" communication
unless your doing things you shouldnt be doing.
If your just worried about people "spying" on you via the radio,
remember,the range is limited,(modern FM walkie talkies) so people outside the area
wont be able to receive your signal (except for extraordinary circumstances)
and even if they do "hear" you,they wont have a clue who/where you are
unless your in the same general area for quite a while.
Old style CB type walkie talkies have a greater range and it is possible
to be heard hundreds of miles away.

Anyway,out with the kids and family,a good quality FRS would be good.
Just remember that they can fail or be "out of range" so
not to use them as a source for getting home.
Whistle,GPS,compas,map etc should be carried
and they should know how to use them.

I remember my kid calling for me that he was lost,
he was really just 500 yrds from the car in a small State Park.
he said "Im right by the big tree and a giant rock"

(Ive had my Ham license since 94 or so (extra,w/20wpm code)
 
The higher end GMRS radios are good to 2 watt so you get better range than the little puny FRS. other than that not too many options that I can think of. I like my GMRS ones, just be aware that not all of the radios are capable of the full legal output, and some only have high output on a few of the available GMRS channels. Mine do full GMRS and FRS, since there is some crossover, I have the option of low power on the crossover channels, but only low power on the FRS ones. once you get used to the limits, I find they work quite well
 
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