Two-way radios, whether for personal or business use, are an easy way to maintain direct communication. They don't suffer from the problems that cell phones do, such as dropped calls and network outages. Not all two-way radios are created equal, though. When shopping around, it is important to take your needs and the broader market into consideration.
Band
Two-way radios are available in two different bands: the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). GMRS requires a special license to use, has a much longer transmission range (up to 25 miles) and has the option of a removable antenna. FRS radios do not require a license, but they only have a transmission range of up to a mile.
Privacy
Privacy can be an issue with two-way radios, because anyone who has the same channel numbers on their two-way radio can listen in on your communication. If privacy is important for you, look into radios with privacy features. People can still tune to the same channel as you, but privacy features scramble voices and make it impossible for unknown people to hear your conversation.
Power
Two-way radios operate on battery power. However, there are different kinds of batteries that power them. Some are powered by the alkaline batteries that you can buy in any store. Other two-way radios are powered by rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries that power up on a charging stand. Finally, some two-way radios operate on both. If you will be using your two-way radio for extended periods of time away from charging stands, the third option is probably your best bet.
Extra Features
Some of the more expensive two-way radios can do more than just transmit conversations. These radios might include digital clocks, compasses, thermometers, altimeters and even barometers. A back-lit display screen can be very helpful in allowing you to read such information in the dark. Some two-way radios automatically send you weather alerts via the local weather channel.
Price
The price of a two-way radio is a complex function of the different features. However, as of 2010 two-way radios generally run from about $50 for a basic model up to $250 for higher-end versions. Shop around and compare features before making your final purchase.
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