Posted: 3/24/2016 11:38:54 PM EDT
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Two Way Radio Recommendations?
This is a top seller / highly rated on Amazon... 4 watts output. I don't have a sense for cost / capability trade offs. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=psdc_912322_t1_B011O58NCG 
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Don't want to burst your bubble but operating that radio requires a license typically as well as other legal considerations when transmitting with it. I suggest something like a MURS radio which will not require any special privileges.
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RMM2050--Site-Two-Way-Business/dp/B00EAHGL5W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458877373&sr=8-1&keywords=motorola+murs |
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Quoted:
Don't want to burst your bubble but operating that radio requires a license typically as well as other legal considerations when transmitting with it. I suggest something like a MURS radio which will not require any special privileges. http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RMM2050--Site-Two-Way-Business/dp/B00EAHGL5W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458877373&sr=8-1&keywords=motorola+murs This. You will need to get a ham license to use the first radio the one in the above link is license free and much easier to use. |
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If you have any interest in radios I suggest you read this:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/604477_.html -Even if you have no interest in ham radio. If you got through the thread in the first like and are still a little interested in knowing and understanding comms for real then here ya go: https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/665780_Important_Threads___New_to_the_forum__check_here_first_.html 
Otherwise, if you just want a couple radios that work around the house and a 1/4 mile or so then go to your favorite big box store or website and order whichever FRS bubble pack radio looks the best. Looks and ruggedness are about all your looking for with those, because they are ALL limited to 1/2 watt on FRS. (family radio service) 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service CB or citizens band is only useful in a mobile setting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_band_radio |
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If you're going to buy a cheap radio, there is a better one to get than that one.
That is a programmable radio. It does NOT come pre-programmed with usable frequencies. To use a programmable radio you will have to become acquainted with radio programming, either via the keypad (PITA) or a programming cable and computer software. It is reasonably straightforward but not trivial. The question is, do you want to take on a learning project or not. |
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Since you posted this in SF, Ill assume the purpose is short range interpersonal communication.
Check out the Motorola DTR-550. -1 Watt -900 Mhz -Frequency hopping -Text msgs -"Milspec" construction Downside is shortish (<1km) range and price, about $250/ea. Upside is no license, durable units, and reasonably secure. By reasonable I mean any average joe with a scanner won't be able to pick up on your traffic, govt probably has the hop sets. |
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Reading up on the ham stuff is important anyway. Better to have an idea of what all is involved in case you decide the other stuff mentioned won't work. I still recomend the regular old cb here, but I am in rural east tn and I live in a place where people give directions using the word "holler" now and then so I can readily admit it won't apply to all but might apply to some. Having something in a jeep and a handheld to leave with someone is nice at times for short distances. Working where I live means some folks also have cb stuff just cause others have it and that helps things grow a bit. Ham is definately worth the time and effort, but better to be legal than not. And I do agree with the post that said programming your own stuff is going to cause you to learn. I am still reading and learning, other things got in the way but as is usual for arfcom I am headed for the answer of "both" before too long. I never got big into the little handhelds, buddy has some and I just felt they were limited for what I would use em for plus the cb stuff can be bought used for cheap. |