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Old 06-11-2020, 12:47 PM   #1
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2020 30' International
Ingleside , Illinois
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Walkie Talkies 2020

We pick up our new Airstream next Wednesday. Looking for feedback on walkie talkies for backing into sites and general campground communication when there is no cell signal. Last thread is a couple of years old so I am starting this new one. Figure equipment and features have probably changed. Love to hear what experiences and recommendations people have!
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Old 06-11-2020, 12:52 PM   #2
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We tried using them a couple of times, but found they weren't worth it. With the windows open I can hear fine if necessary, and I've gotten to the point where I can back into sites without much help. I sometimes just need to be told when to stop.
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Old 06-11-2020, 01:57 PM   #3
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FRS Radios

Not to start a political fight on the forums, but there are cheap Chinese made FRS radios under the brand of Baofeng. I got a GMRS radio when I got my Ham license and the designs/operations are simple, but built well. Since they are relatively cheap in price, its not a huge investment on them and not a punch in the stomach if they get dropped in water while either hiking.....well, you know how things happen when you go camping.....sudden rain storm, squall, leaving them too close the camp stove or grill, and of course when they get used by kids who don't know what they did it.
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Old 06-11-2020, 02:17 PM   #4
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I turn up the volume on the rear camera and can hear my wife when she's not in my mirror. Only a one-way conversation but that works for us.
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Old 06-11-2020, 02:27 PM   #5
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With cell phones, radios are redundant.
The one's that advertise, "Up to five mile range and use two AA batteries, I have to laugh.
Either way, work out that words like "go", "whoa", "slow", "no", will be misunderstood, as well as "left", "right". Who's left?
Substitute "driver's side" or "passenger side",
Better yet, have the spotter stand where he/she can see you in the mirrors.
The spotter should understand their job is to talk, not watch.

Don't be shy to accept help from other campers. I love to assist, if asked, but I don't take over.

As always, there no substitute for get out and look. GOAL
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Old 06-11-2020, 02:49 PM   #6
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look for Baofeng or motorola GMRS radio

much better than a cell, especially in a sparse cell coverage area

all, if you loose one , opps just lost $20

cheap good investment.

also, learn a common langeuage

Wrong - correct
============
left - road side
right - curb side
turn left - turn towards the road

etc etc
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Old 09-26-2020, 06:15 AM   #7
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Get your ham radio license and use 2 meter hand held radios. VERY easy to get your license, go to QRZ.com, study the test questions, go to ARRL web site and check your area testing sites.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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Old 09-26-2020, 10:43 AM   #8
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We tried the walkie-talkies but the DW couldn't get the hang of it. Now I just roll down some windows and tell her to stand where I can see her and keep an eye on the roof and back of the AS, yell STOP if I get close to anything. Then I get out and see where I need to be. Better than phones or W-Ts for us. YMMV
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:11 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
With cell phones, radios are redundant. NOT WITH NO CELL SERVICE
The one's that advertise, "Up to five mile range and use two AA batteries, I have to laugh.
Either way, work out that words like "go", "whoa", "slow", "no", will be misunderstood, as well as "left", "right". Who's left?
Substitute "driver's side" or "passenger side", AGREE
Better yet, have the spotter stand where he/she can see you in the mirrors. I DON'T MOVE IF I CAN'T SEE HER
The spotter should understand their job is to talk, not watch.

Don't be shy to accept help from other campers. I love to assist, if asked, but I don't take over.

As always, there no substitute for get out and look. GOAL
Caps reply, sorry in advance
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Old 09-26-2020, 11:44 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
With cell phones, radios are redundant.
. . .
Original post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnandDonna View Post
. . .
. . . when there is no cell signal.
. . .
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Old 09-26-2020, 04:11 PM   #11
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In California the first thing that goes out in a decent earthquake is all cell phones. They automatically switch over to first responder use only.

I’ll keep my ‘redundant’ radios that need no cell phone network...
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Old 09-26-2020, 04:13 PM   #12
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I might get a hand-crank LP player too . . . and dig out the box of albums from storage . . .

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Old 09-26-2020, 11:36 PM   #13
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Walkie Talkies 2020

I’m a ham radio operator. My setup lets me talk around the world with no infrastructure required. All I need is 12 volt power and an antenna.

Try that with a cell phone when the towers are down...[emoji3]...crickets!
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Old 09-27-2020, 08:22 AM   #14
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I'm going back to the walkie talkies. Cell phones don't work where I camp. The window open didn't work so well this summer where the campsite entrance was so narrow and the road as well. I couldn't hear the DW. Not worth the damage to the AS and the the relationship.
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Old 09-27-2020, 09:13 AM   #15
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FRS walkie talkies are your friend

A cheap pair of FRS (Family Radio System) walkie talkies are great to have in your rig. They're low powered, require no licensing, no repeater service or cellular service required and they're available everywhere for under $40/pair. You can talk around the campground with ease.
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Old 09-27-2020, 09:27 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmkrum View Post
I’m a ham radio operator. My setup lets me talk around the world with no infrastructure required. All I need is 12 volt power and an antenna.

Try that with a cell phone when the towers are down...[emoji3]...crickets!
You can use CB radios too, same principle. There are hand held versions too.

During the cold war you could change your AM radio to 640 or 1240 Conelrad stations. Don't forget to duck and cover. Old AM radios had a triangle on the dial at these 2 frequencies

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Old 09-27-2020, 09:42 AM   #17
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We bought Motorola T100. Very cheap. Just use them for backing where there is no cell coverage so the short range is irrelevant. Replaceable batteries so don't have to worry about keeping them charged.
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