Walkie-Talkies ... let's hear your recommendations

[Mattirs]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

My wife and I were chucking as we read your post. We’ve been through that learning curve. It takes a few trips to get to the place where you both are communicating in a way that works. It happens, don’t give up, and have some patience. In the end you’ll both be happy you worked as a team to safely back into your parking spot

Oh, she can put me within inches of where we want the trailer to be, but give her a walkie talkie and everything falls apart.

[Philip Jones]

Has anyone tried the Baofeng Ham radios? Cheap on Amazon.

I think, because they are programmable, that they can do FRS and much, much more. I have no personal experience with them though.

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R...=baofeng+uv-5r

[WhereStream]

Went to The-Store-That-Will-Not-Be-Named yesterday and picked up a pair of Uniden walkie-talkies.

Cheap — $24 for the pair. Bonus: They use the same style USB connector that works for all my bike lights.

These things are small and light, even with batteries in place. Nothing like the brick-size walkie-talkies of my youth.

I decided to go with a model that has minimal features, to make it easier to use.

One feature I do like — when you release the talk button, it sends a “roger” beep, so person on the other end knows when it is clear to respond.

Fortunately, does not have the voice activation — something I would have to disable.

As for who talks when, our plan is to have the person in back, giving directions, to hog the mike — keep the key pressed down the whole time.

If the driver needs to talk, can give a wave.

[accordionman]

Originally Posted by Mattirs

One question, how does one teach one's better half to remember to push the button before she starts speaking or release it so I can speak?

I usually see her reacting before I get the verbal instructions.

Wow, did you hit that nail on the head. That's the biggest problem I have with them. I bought a nice pair of WT's ( don't remember the name right now ) , but I cannot get my better half to push the button before she starts speaking or conversely release it, so I can speak.

Sometimes, she'll ask me if I want to use them and I say, No, just leave them in the truck and wave to me ! LOL!

[Too tall]

Originally Posted by Mattirs

One question, how does one teach one's better half to remember to push the button before she starts speaking or release it so I can speak?

I usually see her reacting before I get the verbal instructions.

Stop everything you are doing. Turn off the truck. Walk calmly over. Give her a hug/kiss and say "I love our life".

Walk back to the truck and carry on.

Seriously, happy wife happy life.

[billrector]

Just received my "reconditioned" Cobra, waterproof, floating walkie talkies from an Amazon supplier. We are sailors so will use there also.

[UncleBad]

Originally Posted by Philip Jones

Has anyone tried the Baofeng Ham radios? Cheap on Amazon.

I think, because they are programmable, that they can do FRS and much, much more. I have no personal experience with them though.

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R...=baofeng+uv-5r

I have a few of these radios and they can be used for FRS. They do need to be programmed for those frequencies which is not a simple task for someone who has never done it before. But if you like gadgets, go for it! PM me if you would like to get started.

Be careful as they can also broadcast FRS over 1W which is against FAA regs.

Also you may want to just take a HAM class and get your license!

If not, as others have mentioned before, FRS (family radio service) radios are great as well and cheap!

[featherbedder]

I have pair of Cobra micro talk model # PR590WX, very small [fit in palm of hand] has 22 channels & 38 privacy codes, work well over 1 mile, have had several yrs. so don't no what cost but not exp. We use when I pull AS and wife follows with boat in tow. We have used for other things several times but I'm very satisfied w/them, also use 4 AAA batts.