Ryan Harden

I just watched the video That looks pretty impressive I'm willing to invest in that for communication just need a few more people to test it out with

Contrary to the advertising claims of practically all consumer radio manufacturers, under typical conditions 1-2 miles is the most range you can reasonably expect from a consumer grade radio like this. Manufacturers commonly make claims of "30 mile range" or more, and this is only achievable when there are no obstructions at all, such as when one person is on a mountaintop talking to someone in a valley below.

However the bluetooth connectivity to your cellphone makes this radio something interesting. Instead of using the cellular system, it uses the FRS radio. So you could conceivably be able to send text messages and GPS location information, but remember to expect only a few mile range. It would be something fun to try out on our next excursion.

At the last Camp Sinawa event, Regan was amazed at how far he could communicate to us on the trail while he was driving in. He was on both CB and FRS radio. Remember that there were no leaves on the trees, so there was nothing obstructing our signal. Radio range is dependent on many factors. Just because the box says so, doesn't make it true.

I believe the mesh network runs in the AMPS 800 or 900 MHz band like the Beartooth units do which is the old cellular network band. Unlike the current 1900 MHz cell bands, these have a longer range but more limited data capacity. It would be really neat to see if we can make repeaters for these frequencies but I'm sure that's not legal and I would have no idea how to do it haha.

I just ordered a set from<a target="_blank" href="http://www.twowayradiocenter.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.twowayradiocenter.com</a>. They are $99.00. If you enter code TW you get 10% off and free shipping! Total was only $89.10.

I've been playing with my new set of Talkabout T800 radios. I have 2 cell phones, so I have each radio paired to a different phone. The text messaging works great. I haven't been able to test the "send my location" feature, since each radio/phone combo is within feet of each other. I'm looking forward to trying these out on the trails. I have also downloaded the offline map for Camp Sinawa, so I am all set for our activity in January.

My only negative comment on the Talkabout T800's (other than their claim for up to 35 mile range) is their belt clips. They are GARBAGE. Cheap plastic clips that don't have a hinge in them. You just pry them open to insert over your belt or pocket. If you were able to get them clipped to your belt, you would never be able to get them off without breaking them.

Instead I ordered these radio cases from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108HOH2Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 These cases for the Talkabout T800's like they were made for them.

Donald Mascarella Louis Kelly and I got to test these last weekend. Needless to say, they're a little disappointing. 6 rigs back and it was having audio trouble, Don said it seemed like the speakers or something over the transmission... all I know is the sound should be perfectly clear 6 rigs back.

So ya, CB still wins in my opinion.