Reddit reviews Motorola Talkabout Radio MH230R
We found 9 Reddit comments about Motorola Talkabout Radio MH230R. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
10-hour alkaline or 8-hour rechargeable battery life11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert features22 channels each with 121 privacy codes for superior interference protectionPair of two-way radios with up to 23 mile rangeIncludes: 2 radios, 2 belt clips, 1 dual drop-in charger, 1 charging adaptor, 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs, Available in yellow
You want a pair of FRS radios and headsets. Any range listed is a lie, so ignore that stat. Boom mics with foam wind blockers will work better on a bike than a mic hanging on a cord so skip the "headsets" that look like they belong attached to a phone.
"Privacy codes" are also BS: everything you say over these radios is broadcast to the public. The codes block your radios from hearing other people who happen to be on the same channel, which isn't something you're going to run into anyway.
A charging base is handy.
Don't be tempted to buy a BaoFeng: they're not made for what you're trying to do, they're complicated to program, and most of them are illegal to use without a license. Pay the extra $20 for Motorola radios.
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MD200R-FRS-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B0072LB10S/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1458697013&sr=1-20&refinements=p_89%3AMotorola
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MH230R-23-Mile-22-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001UE6MIO/ref=sr_1_70?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1458697560&sr=1-70&refinements=p_89%3AMotorola
etc
We use these and just hang them from the chest straps of our hydration packs. It's nice for the "hey you guys alright back there?" When you get a little bit ahead of the group. Or for helping set up photo ops. Obviously, you have to stop and use your hands as is, but they do have headsets that work with them. Mostly just a nice thing to have when you're in the middle of nowhere. Just in case.
I have a set of the Motorolas that supposedly can cover over 20 miles. I've never tried a distance that extreme, but I can say they are pretty good. They come with a rechargeable battery pack or you can use AA's. The bad part is the plastic swivel clip it come with breaks easily. You can get replacements on Amazon, but it's a bit frustrating to have to put it in a pocket instead of clipping it to your pack. Other than that, solid radio for a decent price.
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MH230R-23-Mile-22-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001UE6MIO/ref=zg_bs_912322_1
http://smile.amazon.com/Motorola-MH230R-23-Mile-22-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001UE6MIO
This is probably gonna end up being the cheaper option in the end. Yea, you could use your truck's antenna, but it isn't tuned for CB. You will overload the output transformer on the radio and kill it fast if its not tuned. So, on top of the radio, you need to also budget for the antenna, antenna mount, coax, and probably a SWR meter to tune the radio. Realistically, CB isn't useful unless you're doing offroading where its required, or are on the road like a trucker and can benefit from that side of it. But next time you're on the highway, take a look at the semi's, and note that about half of them don't even have a CB, then beyond that, a lot of those that do don't bother with it.
I used these for my recent trip to the dragon with friends. They worked well enough.
Those are great, however, with them being ham radios, a license is required by law to talk on them.
Having said that though, it's only illegal if the fcc catches you using them.
Considering your price range and use, you'd be better suited getting these.
You would still technically be required to purchase a gmrs radio license, however, since these are set up more like generic walkie talkies, they would be easier to use than the one you mentioned.
NOTE###
I am not recommending that you violate the law. I'm simply giving you facts. Do with those facts what you will.
You can find a decent set for under $100 that will have miles of range.
Here's a good inexpensive pair.
Hey, a little late to the party, and while this is not a comprehensive list, I can tell you that I always end up needing these things
Hope that helps and good luck, sounds fun!
Walkie talkies I really think.
They're super common. And if a stranger is trying to communicate to you that something is wrong on the ground either your belayer can relay the message or they'll see the walkie talkie on the belayer.
The folks suggesting earplugs and mics have good ideas, but those aren't visible. You want strangers to see you communicating with whatever device you choose.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MH230R-23-Mile-22-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001UE6MIO/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465924413&sr=1-4&keywords=walkie+talkie
Something like that. Tape them to slings you toss over your shoulder. It keeps them in position close to your head and they dont get jumbled up with your other gear.