There has been discussion on TB 2000 about communications via ham radio or CB radio, but not much about hand-held, short-range communications.

For Christmas last year, I asked for a couple of walkie-talkies. Not the junior G-man type that kids used to play with, but good quality ones. Well, Santa delivered, and I think they will be invaluable if TSHTF.

With a range of nearly a mile, they can be useful if one family member is separated from the others ... out cutting down a tree, for instance ... or at the distant fishing hole and communication becomes very important very quickly.

I think the pair cost about $120. My wife, er, Santa, wouldn't say, but I look on it as a good investment.

-- Vic (Rdrunner@internetwork.net), July 08, 1999

Answers

This is something of personal interest to me, but we live in a very rural, hilly area and I have wondered how useful they would really be. Also, what about the higher-priced units with more distance ratings?

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), July 08, 1999.

What about batteries? Ideally, they'd run on something rechargeable, I'd think.

-- Dog Gone (layinglow@rollover.now), July 08, 1999.

Greetings Vic!

Could'nt agree with you more on this.I currently have a pair of the Motorola Talkabouts with the headsets.They are invaluable! Thinking about getting another set.We utilize these all the time,around the house ,hunting and fishing trips,trips on the road where there's more than one vehicle invovled.The range on these is 2 miles and even in hilly conditions range is still good.

What I like most about the Motorola's is the fact that no matter how many you have they're all on the same frequency band. I also contacted their company and asked if they were compliant,they are.

Take Care!

-- Ex-Marine (Digging In@Home.com), July 08, 1999.

Vic,

Re: Ex - Marine, thumbs up on Motorola Talkabouts #250 series. They have the features/options the others don't and you will find those options valuable down the road. Think also about extras for neighbors/patrolling da' hood!

-- watcher (on patrol@ready.com), July 08, 1999.

I saw on tv the other day,these people were stranded on an island and they actualy made walkietalkies out of coconuts!!just amazing!

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), July 11, 1999.