Bought this for my son for his birthday so we can keep an eye on him while he plays outside with his friends. I was thrilled that walkie talkies would allow me to communicate with him when you need him to check in or when it's time to get home. I'm very disappointed that this doesn't work in residential areas, houses are blocking the signal and everything you get is static even if it's only 3 houses away. In an open field about a block or two away, it works great and is very clear. Again, this does not work in residential areas. I would have sent it back but he excitedly ripped open the box. π