When there's a wide-scale disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, how do you communicate with others to get help? How do you reach out to family and friends to check on them and to see if they need assistance? During these catastrophes, the power grid may go down and cell towers may be inoperable. In such cases, you might not be able to rely on your cell or smart phone or landline.
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.
That's where two-way radios come in. They're among the most reliable methods for communication not only during emergencies, but additionally when you're off-grid in the midst of nowhere or outdoors. Two way radios, then, may also be helpful when you're hunting, backpacking, or fishing, together with other recreational activities where you cannot control the environment. During these crisis situations or outdoor sports, two-way radios may be the only devices that operate.
Two-Way Radios explained: They are communication devices that have the ability to both receive and transmit a signal, allowing someone to have a conversation with multiple people who are on the same radio frequency. This is different from a smart phone where you can only speak to one person at a time.
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 in bad weather. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see some of the Two-Way Radio Features that helps in emergency situations.
Weight and Size: It's convenient to keep your radio in a backpack or survival kit if it doesn't have too much weight. And a lightweight two way radio means you can actually carry it in your hands. The recent Motorola models are light weight and have sleek design and can easily packed in the bug out bag
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.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges to be around 30 miles. Then, in case you test the radio, you may only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is dependent on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without interferences. Trees, boulders, hills, and mountains will obstruct your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will in addition affect your range.
Power: Two-way radios are typically operated by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be quite a lifesaver.
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: The voice-activated (or "VOX") feature starts broadcasting automatically when you speak in the direction of the radio, therefore allowing you to operate it hands-free. Bikers and skiers find this to be a useful feature. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios 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 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 rechargable 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 could also float to the surface. And, with the water-activated flashlight, it's very easy to find in the dark. The T605, unlike the T400, has VibraCall and PTT which, when activated, extends the transmission range by improving 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 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.
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.
That's where two-way radios come in. They're among the most reliable methods for communication not only during emergencies, but additionally when you're off-grid in the midst of nowhere or outdoors. Two way radios, then, may also be helpful when you're hunting, backpacking, or fishing, together with other recreational activities where you cannot control the environment. During these crisis situations or outdoor sports, two-way radios may be the only devices that operate.
Two-Way Radios explained: They are communication devices that have the ability to both receive and transmit a signal, allowing someone to have a conversation with multiple people who are on the same radio frequency. This is different from a smart phone where you can only speak to one person at a time.
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 in bad weather. They carry no user or roaming charges, contracts or monthly plans. Now let us see some of the Two-Way Radio Features that helps in emergency situations.
Weight and Size: It's convenient to keep your radio in a backpack or survival kit if it doesn't have too much weight. And a lightweight two way radio means you can actually carry it in your hands. The recent Motorola models are light weight and have sleek design and can easily packed in the bug out bag
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.
Family Radio Service (FRS) bands have shorter range (around 5-6 miles) but don't require a license. General Mobile Radio (GMRS) bands, which are more powerful, with a range between 8-25 miles, require a license.
Range: Manufacturers often claim their ranges to be around 30 miles. Then, in case you test the radio, you may only get a mile and that anything over is just static. Ranges can never be achieved in the real world. The high estimate is dependent on optimal conditions, when the radios are in the same line of site, and without interferences. Trees, boulders, hills, and mountains will obstruct your range. Climactic conditions, metal surfaces, topography, walls, buildings and houses will in addition affect your range.
Power: Two-way radios are typically operated by NiMH rechargeable batteries. Most also accept alkaline disposables, which are inexpensive and extends your battery life. During emergencies, these back-ups can be quite a lifesaver.
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: The voice-activated (or "VOX") feature starts broadcasting automatically when you speak in the direction of the radio, therefore allowing you to operate it hands-free. Bikers and skiers find this to be a useful feature. Weather Alerts: Weather updates or a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio from the National Weather Service is essential during disasters like winter storms and flash flooding. Following is few of the best GMRS survival radios 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 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 rechargable 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 could also float to the surface. And, with the water-activated flashlight, it's very easy to find in the dark. The T605, unlike the T400, has VibraCall and PTT which, when activated, extends the transmission range by improving 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 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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