Review on Enhanced Communication: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios - Reliable 2 Pack in Striking Black/Blue Design by Souly Buddy

First I would like to point out that I am a licensed radio amateur. I am not mentioning this fact to impress you, but to convey the fact that I have better means of communication than a pair of FRS/GMRS radios. So why should I? Easy. Not everyone is licensed, and sometimes I might want to hang out with my spouse or someone else in a more relaxed environment. For example, hiking, camping, etc. Disclaimer: The FCC requires a license to use the GMRS frequencies on this radio. What is that? Motorola T800 has a total of 22 channels. These 22 channels are divided into FRS (Family Radio Service) channels 8-14 and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels 1-7 and 15-22. No license is required to operate the radio on FRS channels. However, to be completely legal - and to use more powerful GMRS frequencies - the FCC will happily sell you a GMRS license for about $65 over a 10-year period. The good news is that the GMRS driver's license does not require you to take any exams and is valid not only for you but also for other family members. So from that point of view, the license fee isn't bad at all. Enough legalization - now about the characteristics of this radio. Furnished. So why spend extra money? Light. These radios can transmit text and location data from a smartphone to the radio via a Bluetooth connection. This feature is fairly new and is great for hiking or other situations where cellular coverage might not be available. All you need to do is download the Talkabout app from the appropriate Android or iOS app store, pair your mobile phone with the radio via Bluetooth and create an account (optional). And the whole process is quite easy as the app walks you through every step of the way. Please note that the Bluetooth function must first be activated on the radio before attempting to connect it to a mobile phone. The phone app can also be used to view individual/group location on a map, record routes and track stats. Set limits and manage radio settings. The total radio range is limited by the terrain. The package lists a range of up to 35 miles peak-to-valley, up to 6 miles over open water and up to 2 miles local. Your mileage will vary. For me, the blue LCD is easy to read. It dims and disappears after about 20 seconds, with just a tiny blinking blue light and/or blinking Bluetooth icon. This is done to save battery power. The radio is weatherproof to IPX4 standards but not fully waterproof. In other words, it can easily get wet when all ports (battery cover, headphone cover) are closed. It also includes a NOAA weather radio and a built-in flashlight (LED). Another great feature that I really appreciate is the dual power capability. These radios come with a rechargeable NiMH battery for each radio or can be powered by 3 AA batteries. The kit also includes a USB charger with a Y adapter that allows you to charge both radios at the same time. Function to alert other users on the same frequency, vibration alert and hands-free operation of VOX. In other words, these radios are feature-packed! In addition, Motorola has been making two-way radios for many years. You get great hardware, amazing features, at a great price. Plus a 2-year warranty, which is really outstanding! They wholeheartedly recommend these radios if you want to go beyond the same "Bubble FRS radios" you find in big stores. And the last. interested in any kind of emergency communication. I think a good set of FRS/GMRS radios is perfect for interfacing with more sophisticated communications such as ham radio. In addition, you can use them just for fun.