radios

[dirtnapper73]

Hey just wondering if anyone could recommend a decent radio, not sure if a 2 way would work ok or not. What i need is an inexpensive radio that can pick up platoon channels and squad channels, easy to use and can except i mic or ear piece. Also something small and light weight that can be hooked to web belt is a must. Was wondering if something like this would let me pick up multiple users or just only let me talk to the other person on the other radio.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... Id=3244403

Im just not to familiar with what is needed to pick up group radio chatter. Thanks for any recommendations!

[Joslyn]

In Michigan the majority of the players use some model of the Motorola Talkabout. As I haven't had a chance to play in AZ yet, i'm not sure what the norm. is when it comes to radios.

If you decided to go with a high end radios, you could go the Icom IC-F21GM route. However, if you do purchase that model I do recommend buying a better battery and charger, since the set that come with the radio are pretty wimpy.

http://www.rahq.com/ - they'll have everything you'll need.

With the high end radios you'll need a GMRS license (unless that is not the case in AZ, as it is in MI). You can get/apply for the license online from the FCC.

Another helpful link- http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index. ... ral_mobile

[dirtnapper73]

Cool thank you very much for the info, not sure if i need a high end but i will look into them thanks again

[Joslyn]

Like I said, you cant really go wrong with a Motorolla TalkAbout model. For the money, I think its the best route to go. Unless you have lots of cash to "throw away" on a high end radio, that sometimes has problems being compatible with other lower end radios.

[deathbydanish]

The motorollas should be fine for the games we have here. But if you do intend to go to something big like Lion Claws, you may as well get an Icom.

[Joslyn]

In no way am I attempting to jack the thread, but how often are the Lions Claw events hosted? And how many players there use an ICOM "high end" type radio versus the middle range TalkAbout?

[KOBO]

In no way am I attempting to jack the thread, but how often are the Lions Claw events hosted? And how many players there use an ICOM "high end" type radio versus the middle range TalkAbout?

No idea what the number is but there is a lot of ICOMs and a lot of Motorolas. There was some complaints about comms going down.

For most the places here Motorolas will work, you will find spots when are separated with a mountain in the way but its not to terrible.

[deathbydanish]

Most of the games that take place out here probably won't have extreme distances or anything. But if you read one of the post game threads on the LC forum, you will see how bad it got with inter-platoon communications. Someone had to relay messages from platoon to platoon just to get the word across the company. Logistically speaking it was easier for my squad to use Icoms, the batteries and antennas are interchangeable, so there was no issue regarding spare parts. We also didn't have any issues with training or programming our Icoms since Mikey was kind enough to provide both on the field.

[Toast]

Icoms are less of a "toy" radio than Talkabouts. They are programable (thanks Mikey), rebuildable and are pretty tough for what they are.
Performance wise yes they are better than Talkabouts.You can just happen to program them for FRS/GMRS use and alot of good accesories are available. Range is limited by power output and then you get into FCC regulations. I'm not that knowlegable about that. For what we use them for, they work fine.
Also they're are alot of used ones out there that are retired from public service. You can pick them up pretty cheap though you need to program them.
Keep your eye on the classified section here too, they pop up all the time.

[Airsofter1]

Hey just wondering if anyone could recommend a decent radio, not sure if a 2 way would work ok or not. What i need is an inexpensive radio that can pick up platoon channels and squad channels, easy to use and can except i mic or ear piece. Also something small and light weight that can be hooked to web belt is a must. Was wondering if something like this would let me pick up multiple users or just only let me talk to the other person on the other radio.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... Id=3244403

Im just not to familiar with what is needed to pick up group radio chatter. Thanks for any recommendations!

Those radios look like they would work fine for what you are asking.  But so would a cheap Moto, Midland, etc.
The answer to the latter part of your question is different, however.  You can set your radio to scan several channels yes, or you can have multiple radios set to their own channels.

The Icoms a lot of people use are nice, but there are far more features and capabilities then most of will ever use let alone need to use in a game.  Ever.  I am constantly amazed at how many people drop money on an Icom and never learn how to use even the most basic functions.  Of course this is not limited to just Icoms.  

For intra squad talk, if everyone has the same radio that is good enough - all your equipment will be compatible still, and you will be less likely to experience rx/tx problems within your group.

A couple of tips from the pros:
-Never use VOX, ever.  I just doesn't work.
-If your radio has call tones, turn them off and never use them.
-Don't forget to lock your buttons/keypad.
-Throat mics suck.
-Read the instruction manual and know how to use it.

And one last thing - wearing your radio on your back looks cool, but from my experience keep it where its handy and where your PTT isn't going to get hit by your weapon stock.

[AddoAduro]

A couple of tips from the pros:
-Never use VOX, ever.  I just doesn't work.
-If your radio has call tones, turn them off and never use them.
-Don't forget to lock your buttons/keypad.
-Throat mics suck.
-Read the instruction manual and know how to use it.

And one last thing - wearing your radio on your back looks cool, but from my experience keep it where its handy and where your PTT isn't going to get hit by your weapon stock.

Best communications-related post I've ever read!  However, I must say that at the moment, I prefer having my radio on my back.  That said, I had an earbud/mic with a PTT button inline, so I never really needed to touch the radio once it was set up...  Maybe I'll change when I get "real" gear, we'll see.

[dirtnapper73]

Great thanks for all the tips and advice, i ended up getting these
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/ ... age=family
Think they will due for now, if i start hitting the bigger games (which i fully intend to do)i will upgrade to a better radio. But for now these should work ok right? I should be able to tune in to everyone elses radios i mean. Sorry for all the newb questions, ive just never used these hand helds before. When i was in the army we had these big ass sinc or seal radios (unsure of the name), man were they a bitch to configure. Just hoping i dont have to upgrade that much just to hear platoon orders

[dirtnapper73]

Hey just wondering if anyone could recommend a decent radio, not sure if a 2 way would work ok or not. What i need is an inexpensive radio that can pick up platoon channels and squad channels, easy to use and can except i mic or ear piece. Also something small and light weight that can be hooked to web belt is a must. Was wondering if something like this would let me pick up multiple users or just only let me talk to the other person on the other radio.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... Id=3244403

Im just not to familiar with what is needed to pick up group radio chatter. Thanks for any recommendations!

Those radios look like they would work fine for what you are asking.  But so would a cheap Moto, Midland, etc.
The answer to the latter part of your question is different, however.  You can set your radio to scan several channels yes, or you can have multiple radios set to their own channels.

The Icoms a lot of people use are nice, but there are far more features and capabilities then most of will ever use let alone need to use in a game.  Ever.  I am constantly amazed at how many people drop money on an Icom and never learn how to use even the most basic functions.  Of course this is not limited to just Icoms.  

For intra squad talk, if everyone has the same radio that is good enough - all your equipment will be compatible still, and you will be less likely to experience rx/tx problems within your group.

A couple of tips from the pros:
-Never use VOX, ever.  I just doesn't work.
-If your radio has call tones, turn them off and never use them.
-Don't forget to lock your buttons/keypad.
-Throat mics suck.
-Read the instruction manual and know how to use it.

And one last thing - wearing your radio on your back looks cool, but from my experience keep it where its handy and where your PTT isn't going to get hit by your weapon stock.

Damn and i was looking forward to getting a throat mic to :-P

[Polie]

At the game last weekend I has having trouble hearing command who was in the rear while I was up near the action.  The ICOM is the best way to go since it has an output of 4watts vs. 1/2 watt.  Bite the bullet and pay a little more for the ICOM, it will last you.

[yammie r6s]

+1 icoms ftw

every time i've ever used a midland or moto radio. i've always ended up saying screw it and shoving somewhere in a pouch. whether its battery life or lack of range its always such a dissapointment for me and personally a waste of money for the cheap ones.

i was at that same game polie was referring to and my guys were all on icoms and not once did i nor anyone else miss a communication/order or anything they are awesome.