I have 4 of the Motorola radios and a license to boot. They are usually good for a couple of miles in the hill country. I haven't really tried them out on open ground though I'm sure someone on this list has.
It's possible the Midland radios have a greater range, they have a larger antenna. Depends on how well the length of the antenna is matched to the frequency. I'd sure question 36 miles however! Butch Fralia From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 12:49 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Texascavers] OT - walkie-talkies 11771 by: David "A few years ago, there was a post about walkie-talkies and how the package advertising was claiming 8 mile range and others claiming up to 16 mile range. Since then, the numbers have gradually increased. Now, similar radios are claiming 36 miles of range on their product advertising. Yet the wattage doesn't appear to be different. Has anything changed ? Here is an example: http://www.midlandradio.com/Two-Way-Radio.BS3/GXT1000VP4"; Yes, the promotional folks are very ambitious and have recently moved to Texas. At the bottom of the link above is the qualifications to their distance claims: *Maximum range can only be achieved over water or open rural areas under optimum conditions. FCC license required. Features and specifications subject to change without notice." The 400 MHZ frequency is generally line of sight. With a tiny antenna you will not get these maximum ranges for the average communication situation. Get on top of a high spot like a mountain, tall building or better yet be in outer space, then you will get good distance. Paul Johnston _____
