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

[DreamStreamr]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

We have it easy since we are both hams and there is a mobile in the truck. DW takes a handy talkie and guides me in after we do a survey first to decide how we want to park. I just listen on the mobile. If I need to talk I can pick up the microphone. . .
A consistent terminology is key. We use curbside, roadside instead of right, left - whose right, facing which way? Al

Same with us except we weren't that smart - still asking "whose left?" Thanks for the great idea on curbside/roadside terminology.

Love airforums!

[coasttocoast]

Motorola T605 H20 Two-Way Radio with Carrying Case

they work when needed.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...way_radio.html

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

Not sure if it applies to all, but with some, if you have the security feature enabled, i.e say channel 02-4 instead of straight 02, it seems to introduce a bit of a lag in functioing when you hit the press to talk button. In other words if you press "talk" and start speaking right away, the first couple of seconds of speech do not transmit - can be annoying. Just don't use the extra security channel code and transmiiting begins immediately

OK, I'd heard about this problem. Is it universal? Is it easy to turn off?

A talk delay ... that'd be nothing but trouble.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by WhereStream

OK, I'd heard about this problem. Is it universal? Is it easy to turn off?

A talk delay ... that'd be nothing but trouble.

Noise-cancelling microphones on marine VHF radios have the same problem, that the first syllable spoken gets cut off. The standard solution among boaters for that is to make sure the first syllable is "Uh…" or "Um…" and then say what you want to say.

[Mattirs]

Originally Posted by DreamStreamr

Same with us except we weren't that smart - still asking "whose left?" Thanks for the great idea on curbside/roadside terminology.

Love airforums!

wife and decided on driver side and passenger side, plus if I can't see her in the mirrors I stop until I do.

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

We use GMRS radios for parking the trailer - sort of!

Have used Motorola, Cobra, Midland, and all seem quite comparable.

Not sure if it applies to all, but with some, if you have the security feature enabled,
i.e say channel 02-4 instead of straight 02, it seems to introduce a bit of a lag in functioing when you hit the press to talk button. In other words if you press "talk" and start speaking right away, the first couple of seconds of speech do not transmit - can be annoying. Just don't use the extra security channel code and transmiiting begins immediately you press talk.


As well, in our case (luckily my wife doesn't follow this forum!) I have had and continue to have a lot of trouble getting my wife to comprehend how the radio is to be used.

Problems include:

- trying to talk to me without pressing talk! (I see her talking in my mirror but don't hear a thing!)

- pressing talk and asking me something but then not releasing the press to talk button! (frustrating!)

- shouting into the thing 1/2" away from the mic so I can't understand a word!


These things continue to plague our two way conversations! I probably should just give up on it after years of trying - but hope springs eternal!

I do ask her to always stand so that she can see the truck mirrors so I can observe any panic reactions from her even though I may not hear anything!

Probably good old hand signals are the best!

With my background in railroads, I like the good old method of swinging a lantern (or LED flashlight!) vertically to indicate keep coming back, and horizontally to indicate stop. (Rapid horizontal swinging means "Right now!") My wife is good at this method!

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Exactly the reason why boats have port, starboard, forward, aft.

I've tried that with the wife, she doesn't understand that any better than left and right . [Not everyone knows that in the automotive world, left and right are from the driver's seat.] Boat or AS, we just point. We haven't hit a spigot or power post yet. Almost hit a low hanging limb on a live oak, she wasn't watching the overhead. That's why I stop and walk back to check things out.

For us, the left/right confusion comes into play when we're trying to line up on the hitch ball, not so much on backing up. Now she just stands where I can see her (never between the TV and AS)and she points to the direction the ball needs to go. We still have the occasional problem but we eventually get hooked up.

[Rich Jenkins]

We use Motorola Talkabout radios. I think they were at Costco for around $50 a pair.

They have a useful built in LED, a switch to select the Weather frequencies, and charge off of a micro USB.

We use them every time we back in.

On approach to the site, I set up the trailer in an ‘S’ maneuver, then stop and listen to commands from my DW.

She uses ‘More to the driver’s side’ or ‘More to the passenger side’, depending on which direction she wants the back of the trailer to go. Then I just watch the trailer in the mirrors and move the bottom of the steering wheel in the commanded direction, while backing slowly.

Sometimes we put a set of Orange sports cones in a line in the site, to give me a visual cue to line up on. I can generally place the trailer within 3” or so of where my DW wants her main exit door.



This is here at our site in NC; uphill, on gravel, curved, between a wood deck and the utility box. I had to put the truck in 4WD but did it in one maneuver.

The radios really help us a lot, but CB, cell etc. all work. I think the key is to communicate, go slow, and don’t be afraid to get out and look.

A camera would be nice but I still think it’s a two person deal.

[Moflash]

Bought some when we were newbees and have never used them..........

[Mollysdad]

Finally, I discovered a money saving feature of traveling solo.
No need for radios.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by WhereStream

OK, I'd heard about this problem. Is it universal? Is it easy to turn off?

A talk delay ... that'd be nothing but trouble.

Exactly - talk delay was a big issue until someone told me about switching off the security code to eliminate it. very easy to do, but I can's say if all make of GMRS radios have the same issue and same solution. Worked for us.

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by GinaNBob

We use Motorola T4500s that are very small and are kept in the TV. We find them convenient and recommend the use of walkie talkies. We have watched other couples yell at each other during the backing in process and are convinced they work to help guide the driver and preserve domestic harmony.

Domestic harmony is the primary reason for my walkie-talkie quest ...

I see I could get a pair of those Motorola's for $25.

[Pat Pierce]

We bought Motorola brand small ones, replaceable batteries (AA or AAA?), and they work fine for us. Besides, if we hit Costco, Walmart or other large stores, we can use them to locate each other. I think we paid something like $30 for a pair from Amazon. Work fine.

When it is back up time, we turn them on, we inspect the backup area for any obstructions, I turn on the Pro Backup Assist (sometimes it doesn't connect, so then manually backup), while she tells me things like "a little driver's side", "turn hard passenger side", or "straight from there". We don't use a right and left in our communication. I seldom have to speak, just listen to what she says.

Our previous units were rechargeable, but too many times they needed charging when we wanted to use them. Thus, we can always easily replace batteries if needed. The batteries will last a long time.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by Pat Pierce

We bought Motorola brand small ones, replaceable batteries (AA or AAA?), and they work fine for us. Besides, if we hit Costco, Walmart or other large stores, we can use them to locate each other. I think we paid something like $30 for a pair from Amazon. Work fine.

When it is back up time, we turn them on, we inspect the backup area for any obstructions, I turn on the Pro Backup Assist (sometimes it doesn't connect, so then manually backup), while she tells me things like "a little driver's side", "turn hard passenger side", or "straight from there". We don't use a right and left in our communication. I seldom have to speak, just listen to what she says.

Our previous units were rechargeable, but too many times they needed charging when we wanted to use them. Thus, we can always easily replace batteries if needed. The batteries will last a long time.

Not sure which models your previous ones were but often the rechargeable packs can be replaced directly with AA or AAA batts.

We often use ours in malls too as we tend to go our own separate ways - works fine in one large store, Costco, WallyWorld, etc, but range may not be great within a mall.

[Rich Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Pat Pierce

I seldom have to speak, just listen to what she says.

I find this is true in most things with my DW.

[Scoutx]

I would always tend to consider a pair, or more, FRS walkie talkies. The range is reasonable, are small & light, run off one to 3 AA or AAA. If you break or lose one it's no big deal. They are all compatible with any other FRS W/T so replacements are ready available....and they are sold all over the place.

[Acheron2010]

It's very impressive to watch a couple navigate a large yacht into a pier or anchorage with just calm hand signals. Parking lot practice sessions with your trailer would be just as impressive when used in the campground.

[WhereStream]

I’m still considering walkie-talkies.

There are many different models ... I’m slipping into consumer paralysis.

I may just go to Best Buy and grab whatever is available.

[Johnnyooo]

I have a pair of Motorola wallow talkies which work well for parking...Better than cell phones or yelling at each other..

[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.

[VaTravelers]

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.

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