I did a few searches but could nor pull up any prior threads on short range portable radios. (I know there were some in 2019).

Any recommendations for sub $300 sets of short range portable radios?

Thanks

Check with All Charged Up on their web page. We have purchased several quality handhelds from them in the past for our business

What's short range? FRS cheapies work well out to 1/2 mile or so. At least that's been my experience.

Motorola has a number of products that should meet your needs.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
I did a few searches but could nor pull up any prior threads on short range portable radios. (I know there were some in 2019).

Any recommendations for sub $300 sets of short range portable radios?

Thanks

There's a thread somewhere on that. I have a beginner's take on my website. http://www.defensivetrainingse...recommendations.html

This thread had a lot of info.

like just about any FRS radio.

Define what you consider “short range” and what intended use. Also what you are willing to do to use (get license, license free, operate as renegade without license on licensed bands).

FRS, GMRS, MURS, Ham. Depending on specifics all can be done easily in your price range.

That's the thread Boz. Thanks.

Short range as in 1-3 miles. Using it for winter mountaineering/climbing. Not looking for HAM certification.

Some Ham handhelds can be programmed to also use FRS. For winter use, this would allow you to set a few FRS channels for general person to person use, and also program in frequencies for local police, fire, search and rescue, and any active repeaters in case you need help.

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
That's the thread Boz. Thanks.

Short range as in 1-3 miles. Using it for winter mountaineering/climbing. Not looking for HAM certification.

Before relying on handhelds, you need to be aware that handheld radio range can be VERY variable, especially in the mountains. All of these radios are essentially line-of-sight devices. If you're across a valley from someone with nothing in between you, you might get 5+ miles. If you go behind a ridge, you might not be able to talk to someone 400 yards away.

quote:

Originally posted by Voshterkoff:
Some Ham handhelds can be programmed to also use FRS. For winter use, this would allow you to set a few FRS channels for general person to person use, and also program in frequencies for local police, fire, search and rescue, and any active repeaters in case you need help.

This sort of thing frequently comes up in these threads, and it can certainly be done, but it is worth noting that it is technically illegal - you are only allowed to transmit on FRS bands with type-certified FRS radios, and no Ham radios are FRS type-certified.

I doubt there's any enforcement of this whatsoever, but it is illegal.

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
That's the thread Boz. Thanks.

Short range as in 1-3 miles. Using it for winter mountaineering/climbing. Not looking for HAM certification.

If you don’t want to get a HAM license then a GMRS handheld possibly with an upgraded antenna will give you the best reception. Keep in mind that to be “legal” you’ll need a license for it as well but there is no test and I think it cost about $10 and is good for 10 years. I have never heard of anyone getting into trouble using their GMRS radio without a license however.

I have my handheld HAM radio programmed with some GMRS frequencies but this is frowned upon by the FCC..but it does allow me to carry only one radio

You’ll have a hard time getting a mile or more with FRS radios. Combination of limited power and restricted antenna options.

I’d say GMRS at a minimum and even still 3 mile range won’t happen much unless under ideal conditions. GMRS license is $70 for ten years and is good for entire “family” (broadly defined, spouse, adult children, relatives, brutha from another mutha...)

All this talk about HAM is making me want to cook a second breakfast.

Great info guys - appreciate it. I will probably go GMRS and spend the $ for licensing.

The comment about getting the radios programed with emergency frequencies such as police/ fire/ ambulances/ etc are asking for possible legal troubles. There have been incidents where people have done such even when involved in life/death emergencies used these unauthorized radio transmissions into a closed system because they had modified their personal/ or work radios and were later charged by the legal system for unauthorized use. . People don"t stop and think about the LEGAL problems because they think they will not be caught or it is no big deal. Even doing the legal liscense issues and proper equipment will not guarantee reliable communication under all conditions. The op stated this was for outdoor activites
during the winter which battery life will be greatly deminished life because of the cold temperatures so batteries will have to be kept warm such as inside clothing next to the body. ........... drill sgt.

A couple of things. The GMRS license just dropped to $35 after some pressure from an amateur radio PAC. Of course right after I bought one of myself and one for my SIL.

I have several Midland GXT 1000s. They're pretty damn good for what you pay and for a fixed antenna unit. My newest acquisition is the Wouxun KG-805G. I got a Nagoya antenna for it and it's pretty impressive. With this radio, I can use my outdoor antenna and transmit even farther.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:

quote:

Originally posted by Graniteguy:
That's the thread Boz. Thanks.

Short range as in 1-3 miles. Using it for winter mountaineering/climbing. Not looking for HAM certification.

. Keep in mind that to be “legal” you’ll need a license for it as well but there is no test and I think it cost about $10 and is good for 10 years. I have never heard of anyone getting into trouble using their GMRS radio without a license however.

More like $70 for the 10 year license but there is no test and it covers all immediate family members.

quote:

Originally posted by drill sgt:
The comment about getting the radios programed with emergency frequencies such as police/ fire/ ambulances/ etc are asking for possible legal troubles. There have been incidents where people have done such even when involved in life/death emergencies used these unauthorized radio transmissions into a closed system because they had modified their personal/ or work radios and were later charged by the legal system for unauthorized use

Are they alive?