Key Questions To Answer Before Buying Emergency Two Way Radios

By Alex Kurt,philip Werner,dave Greenslit,axel Johnson,danny Milks


When there might be a wide-scale catastrophe such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flooding, how does one speak with others to get help? How would you make contact with friends and family to check out them and to check if they want assistance? During disasters, the power grid might go down and cell towers could be inoperable.

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.

Waterproof: Your radio should be weatherproof, able to withstand rain. However, waterproof warlike talkies are better. They do not malfunction even after they have been submersed in water. You may want to want a radio that can float. The buoyancy allows for easy retrieval if dropped in water.

Waterproof: Your radio needs to be weatherproof, able to withstand rain when you find yourself camping or skiing. However, waterproof two way radios are better choice they just don't malfunction even after they have been submersed in water. You may as well want a radio that can float. The buoyancy permits easy retrieval if dropped in water.

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.

Radios with Emergency Alerts send an emergency signal to other radios in your group. Radios with a flashlight are helpful in emergencies, like when there's a power outage. Emergency signaling can be programmed to send an alert signal on a defined frequency for an hour or more if the user pushes the right button.

Voice Activated Transmission: You don't always have hands free two way radios. Voice operated transmit (iVox/Vox) turns your radio into a speakerphone right away, enabling hands-free communication. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from your National Weather Service is crucial during catastrophes like winter storms and flash surging. Following is some of the best GMRS survival walkie talkies available and sold in the market.

MOTOROLA T605 35-Mile Talkabout T605 2-Way Radios: The T605 weighs only .54 pounds. (with battery). Included are 2 radios, 2 whistle belt clips, 2 NiHM rechargeable batteries, 1 Y cable adapter with dual micro-USB connectors, 1 car charger with 2 USB ports, and 2 USB charging cables.T605 cost about $119.99 The NiMHs last for 9 hours. 3 AA batteries last for 23 hours. The T605 features an emergency alert button, iVox/Vox, 11 weather channels (7 NOAA), a built-in LED flashlight, auto squelch, keypad lock and keypad tone and scanning. The T605 is waterproof. It can withstand submersion in water of up to 1meter for 30 minutes. It can also float to the surface. And, with the water-activated flashlight, it's easy to find in the dark. The T605, unlike the T400, has VibraCall and PTT which, when activated, extends the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output.

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 immediately switches on during a blackout and once unplugged so you always have light. The NiHM battery lasts up to 10 hours. 3 AA batteries last up to 26 hours.T480 is weather proof radio and complies with ip54 standards. To make it water proof and dust proof, the ports and openings are covered with rubber enclosures so that dust and water does not get in.

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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