Need your help with 2 way radios/walkie talkie

[fishermanswife]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and thought this would be the perfect place to search for wisdom on 2 way radios otherwise known as walkie talkies. I am looking at 2 way radios AKA walkie talkies for my husband for Christmas. He mentioned that he would like some for when he's out with his buddy fishing in the wilderness. I just was reading on one of the local electronics stores websites about tips for buying them and it said that if you use the GMRS channels on it, then you have to pay the FCC a fee. Does anyone have any of these and if you do, do you pay a fee? How would they regulate such a thing? The fee to the FCC is like $75 for 5 yrs. I thank you for any input you have on this subject. Looking around here, it seems like everyone has great advice. Thanks!!

[Big Frank 25]

Hello.
Welcome to the site. Browse thru these threads. I hope they'll answer your question. There are also some buying tips.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117785

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50210

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45291

NICE GIFT! Come back soon!:)

[fishermanswife]

Thank you so much for all of that info. From what I can tell, people do seem to like the 2 ways, but it doesn't seem to go as far as I thought it would as far as range. Kinda looks like it goes both ways as far as getting a FCC license. I guess 75-80 for 5 yrs is worth the not worrying about getting busted!! Although, I think his chances of getting caught are pretty slim, I would still be worried about getting a fine. I just wonder how far those radios would work on a trout stream. He usually goes to places like the AuSable and Tippy.

[Big Frank 25]

There a many here that enjoy the streams. Wish I could help you more. Try and send a PM or email to one of the posters in the threads and ask your questions. Or hang on. Someone will come by sooner or later. Read what Steve says about antennas.

[Ranger Ray]

I own the Garmin 120 Rhinos with GPS that I use on the river. GMRS gives you more range than FRS. Most of your better radios come with both FRS and GMRS. You will find that you never really use GMRS. Most fishing he will do will be in close proximity of each other so the FRS will suffice. All the ranges they claim I think are done from hill top to hill top with nothing in between because when you are on the river that 2 mile range they claim turns in to 1/4. :lol: I did buy the license in case I use GMRS. I would not bother with the license until I found that I was using or liked GMRS more then FRS. I have read that the are starting to crack down some on the illegal use of GMRS without a license.

[JPC6000]

We used these in Colorado this year and were very pleased with the range in the hills. At $65.00 for a pair at Cabelas you can't go wrong. I also have the Garmin Rhino 120 w/ GPS and the Midland radios are much better. I really like the vibrate & animal sound features, so when some one is calling you it will not spook game.

Midland GXT 650 VP1 Radio Pack.

Hope this helps.

John