What two way radios do you like for range use?

[chkunz]

Cheap FRS radios are preferred because of compatibility. Anyone can, if they wish, buy a pair and be assured they'll work with the existing range radios. You can get them anywhere and if you shop yard sales, they're practically free. Even full retail they're inexpensive. The ones I've used seem plenty loud and have sufficient battery life to last for the entire match. What's not to like?

Thanks

 

[chkunz]

Many ranges are too far out in the woods for any or at least good cell phone coverage. Cherry Ridge in New Jersey and Williamsport are prime examples. Radio Shack has handheld radios that work in the Personal Radio Band and there are even older CB handhelds available.

For reliability, longevity etc. I use commercial hand held radios, Yaesu, Motorola, Kennwod or ICOM. For the best noise / volume, I prefer an ear bud with an over the ear light weight mike. Push To Talk on my belt.

As a pilot and Ham Radio operator I use a bench of different ones and there is no license necessary for the aviation handhelds and they can be used on frequencies that will not bother anyone.

Bob

Thanks

 

[rkittine]

One of the posters is correct about the FCC requiring licensing for some frequencies including the Ham Bands. Marine radios have certain channels for personal communication and do not require a license, but if you use them on the calling or emergency channel for non-maritime issues, you could be in trouble. Same if you use an Aviation Radio on at tower, nav aid or Unicom frequency, but there are Air to Air communications frequencies. Just jump up and down when you use them and you will be In The Air!

The store at the Cherry Ridge Range has Personal Communications Band radios for sale.

Bob

 

[timeout]

I've been in many states hunting and field trialing. Marine band radios are used almost exclusively. Most operator manuals supplied with the radio will detail which channels are for what use. In radios you get what you pay for. I like ICOM. Buy a model that has channel and volume lock. Nothing worse than having a radio and the channel switched/volume lowered unknowingly.

 

[DRNewcomb]

I've been in many states hunting and field trialing. Marine band radios are used almost exclusively. Most operator manuals supplied with the radio will detail which channels are for what use. In radios you get what you pay for. I like ICOM. Buy a model that has channel and volume lock. Nothing worse than having a radio and the channel switched/volume lowered unknowingly.

Under 47 CFR 80, Marine radios used on land are "land stations" and must be licensed and operated under those rules, which are quite restrictive. VHF marine radios for small craft are exempt under 47 CFR 80.13(c) from mandatory licensing but must explicitly follow the usage rules outlined in 47 CFR 80.89, which prohibit use while on land.

Now, if any club official has knowledge that VHF marine (or surplus police) radios are used at club events, that could make the club also liable for any fines levied by the FCC.

Of course, I wouldn't worry too much about this. The current Administration or a possible future Clinton Administration (heaven forfend) would be so gun friendly that they'd never want to risk their support base by making an example of a shooting club and would probably just give you a bye on it. Besides which, most shooting clubs have enough funds on hand that they can just pay a $20,000 fine out of petty cash.

 

[wwbrown]

these are the radios I use at the range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H056FE2/?tag=accuratescom-20
They have to be programmed to the correct frequencies and licensed to use and they can operate on the same freqs as the FRS radios. The licensing is just a matter of filling out a form online with the FCC. No more is there any confusion of commands between the line and pits at 1k, well worth the added time need at start up.

I set up 12 volt charging stands and installed them in the trunk of my car so they are always charged.

Works for me!

 

[timeout]

Under 47 CFR 80, Marine radios used on land are "land stations" and must be licensed and operated under those rules, which are quite restrictive. VHF marine radios for small craft are exempt under 47 CFR 80.13(c) from mandatory licensing but must explicitly follow the usage rules outlined in 47 CFR 80.89, which prohibit use while on land.

Now, if any club official has knowledge that VHF marine (or surplus police) radios are used at club events, that could make the club also liable for any fines levied by the FCC.

Of course, I wouldn't worry too much about this. The current Administration or a possible future Clinton Administration (heaven forfend) would be so gun friendly that they'd never want to risk their support base by making an example of a shooting club and would probably just give you a bye on it. Besides which, most shooting clubs have enough funds on hand that they can just pay a $20,000 fine out of petty cash.

Could all be. I don't travel the country anymore, but if they hand out $20,000.00 fines to everyone who uses them, it will be a good down payment on the National debt.

 

[chuckbuster243]

Guys just go the legal route. Buy a commercial radio with frs gmrs frequencies. Yes they make high quality ones. Or buy one of the Boefeng icom yaesu motorola etc... and program it for murs or the dot frequency's. Saves a possible headache yes you may never get caught but you should set a good example for the range your on. Just remember anyone could be monitoring the coms. Or just get a ham license. I have one and its allot of fun and not that hard. Matt

 

[savagedasher]

Under 47 CFR 80, Marine radios used on land are "land stations" and must be licensed and operated under those rules, which are quite restrictive. VHF marine radios for small craft are exempt under 47 CFR 80.13(c) from mandatory licensing but must explicitly follow the usage rules outlined in 47 CFR 80.89, which prohibit use while on land.

Now, if any club official has knowledge that VHF marine (or surplus police) radios are used at club events, that could make the club also liable for any fines levied by the FCC.

Of course, I wouldn't worry too much about this. The current Administration or a possible future Clinton Administration (heaven forfend) would be so gun friendly that they'd never want to risk their support base by making an example of a shooting club and would probably just give you a bye on it. Besides which, most shooting clubs have enough funds on hand that they can just pay a $20,000 fine out of petty cash.

Its against the law to speed And not used turn signal. Makes me worry about going to the range I do worry a bout Hillary .Larry

 

[DRNewcomb]

Its against the law to speed And not used turn signal. Makes me worry about going to the range I do worry a bout Hillary .Larry

I also know guys who have bought or swapped guns with out-of-state shooting buddies, without benefit of FFL. Mostly they don't get caught. Mostly they have the good sense to not go announcing it online that they've just committed a Federal felony. The way I look at it, shooters and shooting clubs have to be like Caesar's wife and need to carefully tread the straight and narrow.

 

[rkittine]

Legal is certainly best and there are plenty of quality Personal Communications Band hand held radios to choose from at various price points. Even with a Ham Radio license, both operators need to be licensed to legally use Hand Held Radios in the Ham Bands.

Bob

 

[gunnermhr]

Any professional series radio in vhf or UHF will work fine, Motorola and Kenwwod tops the list for reliability. Program an itinerant freq into it and you have nothing to worry about legally. Old HT 600's are good radios but have crystals and cannot be programmed. 700 and 800 will work also but you best served with lower frequencies. The FCC more than likely will not bother you until you interfere with air or marine, or someone files a complaint, however any freq that requires a license is subject to penalties, if you interfere with the prison or another law agency they might come looking, or if it's one of the local radio shops freq they'll find you, probably just ask to change channels but you never know