Two way radios?
 

I'm inhereting a passenger trailer in a couple weeks and am interested in purchasing a two way communication system so I can talk to my son while on the move.

I see a lot of riders and tandems using the units with the hands free headsets.

Does anyone have any recommendations on systems?

I know a little bit about the radios you mention. They used to be only available from Motorola and were very pricey. Now they are made by all kinds of companies and price has come down.

I have a cheapo set that I got at a Target store for $39.00/pair and they are OK for general use with the family at the park or zoo (or bike ride). I found out from my oldest son that I should have paid a little more and gotten the ones with 14 channels and 38 subchannels. That frees you up from interfering with others in the 2 mile radius that may be on the same channel.

On long car trips when there is more than one car it is really handy to have multiple channels. Otherwise the likelihood of getting in on someone elses conversation is very real and annoying. On a bike trip it may not be as big a deal especially since you are so close and not mixing in with hundreds of other people. Of course the extra hands-free accessories will be an additional cost more than likely. I have the Cobra brand and they seem to work fine, although have a supply of batteries since you will burn through them pretty quickly.

Hope this helps.

I've done a bit of research on them - but never bought my own set.....

I've heard that Radio Shack makes decent radios much cheaper than motorola.

A piece of advice - make sure you get one that has at least 14 channels, and then 38 privacy channels. That will greatly reduce the risk of getting other people on your frequency.

This is as cheap as I'd go...

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...entPage=search

Motorola does a nice job of comparing models here:

http://commerce.motorola.com/consume...2way_comp.html

Hope that helps!

Has anyone had experience with one of the longer range models with a few of the basic FRS channels plus the 5-mile range GRMS channels? They cost a little more, but would seem to be nice for large group rides where faster and slower groups might get separated. An easy to obtain license is required for the longer range use. I have been considering one, but I haven't found anyone who has used one.
Thanks,
Raymond

I think there are a few 5 mile range ones that don't require the license - but you are right, they are easy to get.

Sorry, no experience.

Rainman et al,

I've used both. Of course the longer range ones, (I've used Motorola - can't remember the model # offhand,) are much clearer and better built...but they are also many more peso$. Having used the smaller units with multiple channels, I'd agree that having more channels is very important. The basic unit will generally carry up to 1-1.5 miles if there are not alot of obstructions in the way. I have test both on the road, and unless you have a heavy duty need, or lots of steel and other radios in the area, get the basic unit with as many channels as you can afford (to avoid other peoples transmissions.)

Mark

Thanks for the info friends.

There seems to be a lot of competition out there for this market right now.

The Motorola rebates look tasty........

You might want to check out this product. I have not tried it but I've seen many favorable mentions of it on the tandem user group. www.tandem-talk.com/Tandem-Talk/