Walkie Talkies?

FRS radios still give a nice clean range of around 2 miles ... if you're shooting over a larger area than that, you have other concerns. And the furetures available have nothing to do with the band.

Back in '99 we used the original talkabouts in High School for production com, even they had VOX. (And they sucked for multicamera live switching direction, BTW - but there was no cost effective Duplex option at the time.)

Duplex is certainly handy, but not a must for most radio coms.

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
If you want licensce free (and you do)...... GMRS, regular UHF and VHF all require liences from the FCC.
- Mikko
Click to expand...

Sorry to bombard ya with questions...I have done a lot of reading but I have had no practical use so I'm trying to alleviate the "surprise" factor from pros and cons I haven't thought of from real-world use...

Aside from that GMRS License fee, are there any other reasons why I would choose FRS or another bandwidth? The GMRS models, on paper anyway, look far superior. But, I might be missing something.

thanks again mikko and anyone else!:thumbsup:
 
Well, FRS radios are cheap and readily availabel from everywhere .. which is convenient if you need more for a larger production .. many peoepl allready have a couple kicking around anwyay.

However because FRS radios are everywhere, be aware that any neighbourhood kid can get on a start interfearign with your coms .. thoguh I've never had that problem.


Anyone can listen in on your tranmissions anyway with a scanner, regardless of what system you get.


I've never really used GMRS, so I can't really speak to that in very much detail.


- Mikko
 
thanks mikko...appreaciate it!

Have to admit...the FCC license alone is capping the point I wanted to spend on this....but the walkie talkies themselves seem quite pro and very affordable. at this point.

but, i might wind up taking your advice and sticking with FRS...well be driving on the road. chances of getting a kid to interfere...not so likely...
 
Hmmm...unless somebody comes back with a GREAT reason why I shouldn't....I am really leaning towards a walkie-talkie with both FRS/GMRS capability. That way I can compare the performance of both channel ranges. If the GMRS is vastly improved over FRS...I'll bite...and pick up a license...

Rick
 
I used FRS between cars on a vacation a while back, and it was OK as long as you didn't get too far away. I didn't have the guts to defy the FCC and try the GMRS channels, though... :)

As for using them on shoots... I've done it, but PTT can be a real pain and I've never really liked the VOX on any that I've tried (mostly Cobra). I've found the range, sound, and battery life to all be pretty decent, and they're usually just fine for quick comments.
 
thanks cap'n. I am not interested in defying the FCC rules. I, too am a bit of a chicken. However, if i get these, I sure as heck and going to use the FRS as well as the GMRS....I need to know the differences in quality before I plunk down $85 bucks on a ridiculously overpriced license.

you guys are helping me shape my decision, so thanks.

Did you need to do anything special to activate the GMRS channels besides turn the dial to 15 and above? Is there some sort of code I need to punch in to have access those channels? If so, I will most likely need to get that license ASAP. I want to leave room for error, returns, etc.

EDIT: I just found a fantastic article that really sums up just about ANY question you or I (especially me) may have. It covers EVERYTHING...from FRS, GMRS, MURS, CBs, range, power, receiving power etc. If you interested definitely take a look! http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0627.htm
 
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