Two Way Radio-gr8 to keep track of kids

alanobrien

These aren't bad for the price;

http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=311&storeId=91&productId=20544&langId=-1&cache_entry=-1&parent_category_rn=&parents_parent_category_rn=&top_category_rn=&showSubCategory=&top=Y&fromPage=SearchResults

noelt

A note on these types of radio.

I've used them for years when skiing, saves a fortune on texting and calling people to see which pub to meet in!!

Be careful of the 8 channel ones. Better to go for the 8 channel with 38 sub channels. 304 in total.

If you only get the 8 basic channels then you will pick up the cross chatter for all 38 sub channels, someone had these last time we went and they were picking up so much erroneous chatter that they became a pain and people were turning them off. Not ideal!

Also, I was after one for the wife the other day for our next trip, popped into Maplin and got a pair in the sale for £14.99 (304 channels) not rechargable, but I have found the batteries last a fair while anyways. Worth getting rechargeables anyway though (not just for these), save a lot of money in the long run.

TokyoJoe

We brought a pair from Costco just before Christmas for £19.99 . These were rechargeable, and very solid being ruberised all over. The pack said up to 5KM range . So far we are very happy with these.

oldandhappy

We have so far failed in our attempt to buy a set of walkie talkies that you can actually understand the audio to 'each other'. Purchased a set on E.Bay suppose to have come from Boots. They really looked good but the batteries would not hold a charge however long we kept them in the charger. Price for a replayment battery was £20.00 so we sent then back to the ebayer...Next we tried Tesco's...One worked one did not...back they went for a second lot..worked but the audio was mostly unreadable. We took them into Tescos for a demo and the CS agreed they where not up to the task and refunded us.I notice they have gone from £14.99 to under a tenner now.....mmmm
So would love a set at a reasonable price...but want to know the audio is understandable...any reports please? Mrs Happy


Thanks for info noelt and I had seen the maplin ones... how was the audio ?

TokyoJoe

The audio on the Costco model is excellent . They also have an automatic power save mode so we have had them out for several hours at a time and tey were still going strong.

Mooogie

here are the Tesco ones I mentioned ealier for under a tenner.
Reduced from £14.88 to £9.92

They had them instore (so no delivery charge.)

They are 8 channel and have 2 mile range.

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-1049.aspx

elaine373

Looks like the ones on the original post are the better ones as they have 38 sub channels.

neilcaldwell

Had the Tesco ones for about 6 months now and used them a few times - great for exhibitions etc. when I kept losing my Dad! Put rechargeables in them and they last all day. Saves a fortune on mobile phone bills and texts.

If you're gonna spend some time on a walkie talkie or want something slightly more professional then yeah maybe spend £30+, but to be honest for a ten spot plus about 1/2 again on a set of NiMH's you really, really can't go wrong with these - they even have a nice blue LED torch built in. The kids love playing with them also.

I've used them for aligning aerials when stuck up on a roof and I know a few electricians who's toolbox wouldn't be without a pair. They even work fairly well in the car (as long as the other car is somewhere "reasonably" close). A lot of older kids in the theme parks use them and parents can keep in touch accordingly.

As I say when I bought the Tesco ones they were £15, bargain IMHO. Mine work fine. With Tesco's return policy, just bag another set, risk free.

biglugs

These type of walkie talkies are great, especially in the summer when the kids are out and about.
One top tip though - don't let your dog eat them. Ours stopped working after she did that!

johnydeath

The bits to look out for, some mentioned already:

The 8 channel ones are fine in non busy areas - I find it's difficult finding a clear channnel with all the other kids on. If you find a good set with more channels go for that one.

Batteries will be of concern if you have to buy, go for rechargeables - consider a battery charger such as the Uniross Sprint 15 which charges the better batteries in, yup you guessed it, 15 mins (or so). This ranges between £10-£40, but is a fantastic charger and comes with 2x or 4x AA batteries.

If your radios take AAA batteries get them off thiefbay - go for at least 1000mAh and a good make, normally less than £1 each. The charge normally lasts me several days.

My radios take 2x AAAs. I bought 8 extra batteries, that way I ensure that I have spare ready charged ones at all times. The AA ones supplied with the charger keep Mrs Death happy (toothbrush and radio - stop it you lot!!)