Buying Walkie Talkie set; help?

[Justin Anderson]

I'm looking to buy a set of walkie talkies w/ headsets for an upcoming film I'm producing.

I want to be able to use these on my next films too, so I'm looking for something good.
-What features should I be looking for?
-Any brands I can trust?
-Should I buy used?


http://tinyurl.com/9fjn4q
^^^I found this. Thoughts?

thanks,
-Justin

 

[Pawel Achtel]

The set you found is a marine radio. You probably need UHF, not VHF. You may also like to check the power output. Better hand held units have switchable 1W/5W, which you may need for longer distances. Most major brands are OK. You may like a solid, metal-cased model. I use a pair of marine (because I mostly operate in the ocean) submersible Uniden MHS450 and I like them very much. Very clear and reliable reception. They have equivalent UHF terrestial units.

 

[Richard Andrewski]

In the USA, walkie talkies that will transmit to a distance of 5m or more need an FCC license, and they apparently do levy fines occasionally. Either take your chances, get the license or buy a less powerful walkie talkie.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkie-talkie

Apparently its the ones in the 900mhz and 49mhz ranges that don't require a license.

 

[Kevin Olsen]

Motorola, digital two-way radios are good. We use them for our on-site projects in developing areas. Great range and rock solid audio.

http://business.motorola.com/mototrbo/US/microsite2.html

 

[Liana]

Uniden have good reputation in wireless stuff

Uniden have good reputation in wireless stuff

Uniden.

 

[chuck colburn]

Kenwood or Icom

 

[Justin Anderson]

So I've got uniden, motorola, kenwood, icom. Which one should I go with?

-I'm looking to buy a set of 5-7
-I need in-ear headsets for all of them

I don't know enough about walkies to know which features should be important to me. Anyone have anymore advice?

thank you,
-J

 

[Larry Gebhardt]

Hi Justin. I have a set of Motorolas that I bought new from an on-line dealer. Google and a lot come up. I think I paid about 2k for a set of 6 of them. The important thing for me and you may want to consider ...before buying, I called an LA rental shop and they faxed me the frequencies and PL codes that they use. I then had the dealer program my radios to match with those from the rental company and now when I want to add radios for larger shoots, I just rent some more and the Freqs etc. match. very handy.

Larry

 

[Justin Anderson]

Hi Justin. I have a set of Motorolas that I bought new from an on-line dealer. Google and a lot come up. I think I paid about 2k for a set of 6 of them. The important thing for me and you may want to consider ...before buying, I called an LA rental shop and they faxed me the frequencies and PL codes that they use. I then had the dealer program my radios to match with those from the rental company and now when I want to add radios for larger shoots, I just rent some more and the Freqs etc. match. very handy.

Larry

Hey, thanks!

 

[Justin Anderson]

What's the functional difference going to be between buying VHF or UHF?

 

[Howard Bunn]

What do you think about Spy Gear - Ultra Range Walkie Talkie. I have found them on reviews of Walkie Talkie for kids at https://themybuy.com/best-walkie-talkies-for-kids/ but they look professional)