2-Pack Motorola Solutions T470 Two-Way Radio (Black w/ Yellow)

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05-03-2021 at 01:20 PM #3

Quote from rczrider

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Seems like a good deal on T47x units, which are just T80x units without Bluetooth and GPS data (but still has data capabilities, hence the "easy pairing" feature).

license-free FRS (22 channels and 121 privacy codes)
35-mile range (mountain-to-valley, otherwise 8mi open water and 2mi neighborhood)
IPX4 weatherproof (splashing water from any direction, no submersion)
built-in LED flashlight
"Easy Pairing" group call
NOAA weather channel and alerts
included rechargeable NiMH battery pack with microUSB charger (can also use 2X regular AA batteries)
2-year warranty

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Motoro.../114611025

I'll go ahead and beat the ham radio folks to the punch: yes, the Baofeng UV-5R is a great entry-level ham radio, and if I was looking for something other than decent walkie talkies, I'd get the Baofeng.

This ham radio operator is going to tell you not to get a Baofeng UV-5R unless you have a license, but that if you really want the range advertised on this FRS radio, you should get a ham radio license because FRS doesn't really go that far except in ideal situations/environments.

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05-03-2021 at 01:26 PM #4

Not bad for a license free 2-Watt (1/2 Watt on chan 8-14) FRS bubble pack radio set with NOAA and flashlight. Wish it had FM radio.

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05-03-2021 at 01:31 PM #5

Quote from TrevorH

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This ham radio operator is going to tell you not to get a Baofeng UV-5R unless you have a license

Okay, fair enough. I suppose the Baofeng isn't Part 95 certified and so you can't even (legally) use it with MURS (which I suppose I was thinking you could, but I guess the Baofeng's output is too high).

Quote from TrevorH

:

if you really want the range advertised on this FRS radio, you should get a ham radio license because FRS doesn't really go that far except in ideal situations/environments.

Even the 8-mile open water and 2-mile neighborhood claims are unrealistic? I know the 35-mile claim is only under perfect conditions (which rarely exist).

Quote from Pctek4456

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Wish it had FM radio.

Ditto.

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05-03-2021 at 01:34 PM #6

Quote from rczrider

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Okay, fair enough. I suppose the Baofeng isn't Part 95 certified and so you can't even (legally) use it with MURS (which I suppose I was thinking you could, but I guess the Baofeng's output is too high).

Even the 8-mile open water and 2-mile neighborhood claims are unrealistic? I know the 35-mile claim is only under perfect conditions (which rarely exist).

Ditto.

That 8-mile open water range is more like 4-ish miles at best and the 2-mile urban is more like 1 mile.

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05-03-2021 at 01:54 PM #7

These good for a doomsday kit?

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05-03-2021 at 01:55 PM #8

There is a TON of technical stuff being thrown around about these that I don't understand . . . I just need to know if my kids will like using them around the yard and on hikes? Thanks!

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05-03-2021 at 01:58 PM #9

Quote from FeistyPencil663

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There is a TON of technical stuff being thrown around about these that I don't understand . . . I just need to know if my kids will like using them around the yard and on hikes? Thanks!

Exactly what I had in my mind as well

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05-03-2021 at 01:58 PM #10

Quote from FeistyPencil663

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There is a TON of technical stuff being thrown around about these that I don't understand . . . I just need to know if my kids will like using them around the yard and on hikes? Thanks!

They will have a blast!

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05-03-2021 at 02:02 PM #11

Quote from FeistyPencil663

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There is a TON of technical stuff being thrown around about these that I don't understand . . . I just need to know if my kids will like using them around the yard and on hikes? Thanks!

Quote from GillespieDr

:

Exactly what I had in my mind as well

FWIW, I'm actually getting these for my kids. They don't seem to care if things are cartoon-branded or anything and will almost certainly be thrilled with the idea that these are "for adults". These units are still reasonably small and will definitely be more rugged and functional than anything you could buy that's specifically for kids.

That said, it's probably overkill for "the yard", though a much better fit for going on hikes. And, of course, if your kids are prone to misplacing things, it may not be worth getting anything nicer than the "kids" stuff.

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05-03-2021 at 02:03 PM #12

Quote from TrevorH

:

This ham radio operator is going to tell you not to get a Baofeng UV-5R unless you have a license, but that if you really want the range advertised on this FRS radio, you should get a ham radio license because FRS doesn't really go that far except in ideal situations/environments.

How will people know if you have a license anyways? I always wondered about this. Do the police track you down and throw you in the hole while other prisoners fear you for what you've done?

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05-03-2021 at 02:05 PM #13

Quote from FeistyPencil663

:

There is a TON of technical stuff being thrown around about these that I don't understand . . . I just need to know if my kids will like using them around the yard and on hikes? Thanks!

Quote from GillespieDr

:

Exactly what I had in my mind as well

Technical translator here: A mile range is perfectly reasonable to expect, and these are meant to be easy to use.

Little more detail: 35 miles is marketing, you won't get that unless the two of you stand on mountaintops with fresh batteries and no civilization nearby. These don't need a special license. There will likely be interference and reduced range if you use them in an amusement park, since every other family has the same idea.

But connecting a couple of hiking parties across a half mile? Sure. And around the yard? Definitely.

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05-03-2021 at 02:07 PM #14

Quote from ResidentPony

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Technical translator here: A mile range is perfectly reasonable to expect, and these are meant to be easy to use.

Little more detail: 35 miles is marketing, you won't get that unless the two of you stand on mountaintops with fresh batteries and no civilization nearby. These don't need a special license. There will likely be interference and reduced range if you use them in an amusement park, since every other family has the same idea.

But connecting a couple of hiking parties across a half mile? Sure. And around the yard? Definitely.

Thanks for the feedback I assume getting two pairs and having them on different channels wouldn't be an issue? For those competitive hide and seek games

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