gmrs-frs two-way radios

After a Christmas-crazy visit with my two boys to the states, and repeated fears of losing them in the crowds (they seem to enjoy cutting more years off my life than my ex-wife) I saw some family's using FRS radios. As I work with similar items in the military, I thought 'let's give it a shot'. I have to admit, I bought by price first, features second. I was pretty certain the 7-mile range wasn't going to ever be seen, but it certainly beat standing at the mall information counter paging the family. However, we've found each and every feature to work as advertised. Honestly, I've only tested them out to 5 miles, on a holiday drive in separate cars, but they've worked perfectly. Given price, performance-as-advertised, and easy online warranty and FCC license registration, I can't argue. I'm certain there are better out there, but I doubt it at this price.

I recently purchased the AudioVox GMRS7001-2 2-way radios. I have had several 2-way radios in the past couple years. Motorolas, Cobras and a Garmin. I've found them very useful for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. The Cobras only had ½ watt of transmit power, the others had the 2-watt transmitters.

In transmission power, the Cobras are virtually tied with the 2-watt radios. This is a little disappointing, considering the 7001s are supposed to transmit at 3-watts. In a side-by-side comparison of my Garmin Rino 120 to the 7001s, they both transmitted the same distance through the same terrain.

In reception, I give an edge to the Rino. It's squelch feature was a bit more sophisticated than the 7001s. While on the very edge of reception range, the Rino would cut out less frequently than the 7001. Basically, 1-mile in a hilly, suburban area is the max of either radio. If you have a large will between transmitter and receiver, you'll only get about 6/10ths of a mile in range. From hilltop to hilltop, about 1.2 miles.

Feature-wise, the 7001 is just fine. It's interface is very similar to the Motorolas: press the mode button to scroll through some configuration options. The 7001s have a few less buttons than the Motorolas, which I actually found more straightforward. I rate the user-interface as good. Seeing as I'm comparing the Rino, though, the Rino kicks butt! Though such a comparison is unfair due to the Rino's price ($250) and it's GPS screen and click-stick cursor device.

One nice feature about the 7001s are their ability to use the GMRS and shared channels in low power mode (1/2-watt) which more than doubles the batter life and is all the power you need if within a ¼-mile of your receiver. I never found this feature on any of my other radios. I also thoght that the ability to charge the batteries using a base was a good feature, as well as the weather-band/weather alert. (I never liked the way the Motorolas worked). I wish the Rino had that feature.

The only complaint about the 7001 interface is it's transmit button. It sits a little too high up on the left side of the body, and a little too close to the Monitor/Backlight button. Kids with small hands tend to accidentally turn off the squelch by accident.

I bought this a few days ago, I'm going to get my money back. Because I can't communicate with it past a few blocks! It says 7 miles, but I can't even get close to a mile! What a waste of money. I got four for the family plus with a charger. I spent too much money for this to be not working like it says it should. I think motorola would be a better brand, or even pac bell! Stay away from this! Find a different brand.