New Radios

[MountainDon]

I have used both FRS and GMRS hand held two way radios for communication around our cabin site. Many times those are next to useless, sometimes they are useless. The up and down nature of the terrain plays havoc with their abilities.

We just bought a couple of hand held two ways, products of the PRC; People's Republic of China. I am pleased so far. Baofeng is the name (pr,  Bow-Fong). They are able to Tx and Rx on the amateur radio 2 meter band. Passing the FCC test for license is required for legal Tx use. . They also operate on the frequencies used by FRS and GMRS radios, although technically that use is prohibited under FCC rules. (Frequencies 136 - 174  and 400 - 480)  They do seem to be well made, especially for the price of $74 for a pair off Amazon. I note that todays price is down $2. LINK

They may be short a few features compared to better known brands but that is more than made up for by the price. Programming frequencies to memory is more difficult than some but it did not take too long to get the hang of it. There are some excellent websites that make up for the lack of really useful info in the supplied Chinglish user manual.

I can go way off property and Rx quite well.

[Tickhill]

Mtn. Don, ordered 2 of the radios Monday and they should be waiting on me this evening. I have joined a Ham club and everyone can't wait to check the little radios out. Thanks for the info. Tickhill

[MountainDon]

Hope you enjoy them. We got back from the mtns today and the computer programming cable was waiting. I'm using the CHIRP software. Just looking at it so far, but it does appear to be just the thing for easier programming and then cloning the settings to other handsets. . One thing to be aware of is the cable needs to be firmly inserted into the radio. The last 1/16 inch takes a firm press or squeeze. The software would not connect the first few tries.   

CHIRP Daily builds  http://trac.chirp.danplanet.com/chirp_daily/
CHIRP website  http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

I got this cable  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CP0I474/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   Supposedly the best cable of the choices out there.