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.
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.
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 significant 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.
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.
As far as the range of two way radios, 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.
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 support in walkie talkies. Voice operated transmit (iVox/Vox) turns your radio into a speakerphone instantly, enabling hands-free communication. 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 marketplace.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs battery last for 8.5 hours. When the battery runs out, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. Seven out of the eleven weather channels are NOAA affiliated and the radio locks into your local channel for the most accurate report. There are three different ways to power up your radio, but the NiMH 8.5 hour battery is the most effective. If you are using the radio in your vehicle, whether it be a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle, you can use a micro-USB cable to connect it to a constant power source.
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 only .43 pounds, only comes with 1 radio, which accounts for the modest price. Included are 1 NiMH rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. Two features make the T480 stand out. Besides the emergency alert, PTT and NOAA weather channels, it also has a FM radio that you can use to listen to your favorite 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 the T480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.But it may be OK unless and until you do not drop it in the water
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.
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 significant 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.
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.
As far as the range of two way radios, 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.
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 support in walkie talkies. Voice operated transmit (iVox/Vox) turns your radio into a speakerphone instantly, enabling hands-free communication. 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 marketplace.
MOTOROLA 35-Mile Talkabout T400 2-Way Radio Pair: The T400 weighs just 0.43 pounds (with battery). It includes 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, and 2 micro-USB wall charging cables. This radios cost about $79.99.The NiMHs battery last for 8.5 hours. When the battery runs out, you can use 3 AA batteries, which last up to 21 hours. Seven out of the eleven weather channels are NOAA affiliated and the radio locks into your local channel for the most accurate report. There are three different ways to power up your radio, but the NiMH 8.5 hour battery is the most effective. If you are using the radio in your vehicle, whether it be a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle, you can use a micro-USB cable to connect it to a constant power source.
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 only .43 pounds, only comes with 1 radio, which accounts for the modest price. Included are 1 NiMH rechargeable battery and 1 micro-USB wall charging cable. Two features make the T480 stand out. Besides the emergency alert, PTT and NOAA weather channels, it also has a FM radio that you can use to listen to your favorite 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 the T480 is weatherproof, not waterproof.But it may be OK unless and until you do not drop it in the water
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