sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information 2-way Radio Recommendations

Wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good set of two-way radios. I’m currently using a set of FRS/GMRS radio’s but not very impressed with the range or sound quality, especially in a high-rise type building. I was looking at a set of Kenwood 2 watt UHF radios. I was also looking at a set of Motorola 2 watt UHF radios. Both claim 20 floors/6 miles range. And both basically the same except the brand name, although the Kenwood offers two channel operation verses the Motorola one channel. Just wondering if anyone has any field experience with any particular radio make/model and could make a recommendation before I lay down $300+. Thanks!

We used Motorola. They had 1,2,4 & 6 Channel models. Used them all across NYC - Out in the streets on outside fiber pulls, up high on Microwave alignments and inside buildings on cable pulls.

Very good quality.

More channels are better. Sometimes you've got someone nearby on the same channel. It can get very confusing. (And potentially dangerous!)


They have different grades. See if you can get a salesman to bring them out to the job and try them out in a real world environment.

Sam

We have a cell calling plan where the minutes between phones is free. Set the phone for handsfree and put it in you shirt pocket. Leaves both hands free to work.
John

We have a set of the Motorola 6-channel UHF, and they're great. I have yet to see anything resembling a 6-mile range, but for the things we use them for they work well. Earlier this year we switched our cell phones to Nextel and have been using the Direct Connect feature more than the walkies.
Bill

We have nextels and use them for most of our 2-way communications needs, however reception can be spotty in some basements. Also, I usually get stuck with the newbies who don't have a company phone yet and need a way to talk to them.

One of my problem sites is a hospital, no cellular reception down in the basement and the radio's I currently use only will work from the basement up to the 2nd floor (out of 5 floors). Just looking for something a little more reliable.

So I guess my follow-up question is has anybody used a set of 2-ways that go a good 10 to 15 stories without any issues?

:thumb: Motorola :thumb:

My vote goes for Motorola. We use them at the Student Union on a daily basis. They have been rebuilt several times and work great. We also have some iCom radios but they are nothing special.

Motorola also but get set to spend a lot more than the $300+ you are thinking about if you want the performance you specify.

-Hal

You may want to look at Icom, the are a lot cheaper than the Moto's and the programming software is only about $50 so you can program them yourself.

Some of the newer Nextel's have an off network radio built into them, so if you don't have cell coverage you can go into offnetwork mode, saves you from having to carry and charge two radios.

you may also want to check out Ritron/Jobcom radios there aren't as much as Motorola but work well