*UPDATE: The range what was I expected, about a mile in town depending on how many buildings and homes there are. In optimal conditions, like an open field, you could get probably 5+ miles.
Communication devices are an important part of anyone's survival kit. There are many different options to choose, such as HAM, GMRS/FRS, CB...ect. I opted to go for the GMRS/FRS 2-way radios. They are popular, inexpensive, and easy to use. First off I have the Midland XT511 Base Camp radio. This is a great emergency radio with a ton of features. The one thing that sold me on the radio is the Dynamo Hand Crank. This allows the user to charge the power pack with the hand crank for use when the power goes out.
Other features include:
-Built In Alarm Clock
-AM/FM Radio
-All 10 NOAA Weather Channels with Alert Function
-22 GMRS/FRS Channels
-3 LED Flashlight
-Voice-Activated Operation (VOX)
-Water Resistant
-USB Port for Charging Electronic Devices (iPod, Cell Phone)
-Accepts AA Batteries along with Rechargeable Battery Pack
-121 Privacy Codes
If you're looking for an all in one weather radio, GMRS communicator, flashlight, alarm clock with a built in crank charger, this is the best unit on the market. It is durable, and the range isn't all that bad on it. It can be charged with DC adapter for home use, AC adapter for car charging, Dynamo hand crank, or AA batteries. This helped me out a whole lot when we were hit with the Ice Storm early this year.
The main reason I chose this radio is because of the Dynamo hand crank on it. The battery packs that it charges, are the same packs in some of the hand-held radios, and by having the Base Camp, and a couple hand-helds, you could essentially charge all the radios with the one Base Camp.
I went with the Midland GXT800VP4 2-way radios. These accept the same battery pack as the Base Camp, and also match the color and style. The hand-helds include most of the same features as the Base Camp, and mate with it perfectly. The hand-helds are also water proof.
Other features include:
-22 GMRS/FRS Channels
-All 10 NOAA Weather Channels with Alert Function
-Voice-Activated Operation (VOX)with Vibrating Alert
-Accepts AA Batteries along with Rechargeable Battery Pack
-121 Privacy Codes
-Keypad Lock
These radios work great together, and give you three communication devices. The privacy codes allow you to keep transmissions private, and have a low power setting to conserve battery life. These are a great addition to your hunting, camping, or survival gear and will provide you with years of use.
