Cobra Microtalk Two Way Radios – Fun and Handy
Written: Apr 22 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works as advertised, are a convenient size.
Cons: Rebate takes forever.
The Bottom Line: These fill our needs for a simple means to communicate in the house and are an inexpensive alternative to a cell phone on occasions.
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| colleenmf's Full Review: Cobra Electronics microTALK® FRS 225 (14 Chan... |
Most of us Baby boomers grew up playing with some sort of walkie talkie. I was having a nostalgia moment and feeling flush with some Christmas money I decided to get an inexpensive pair at Best Buys. These cost $59.99 and came with a $20 rebate for a net cost of just over $40 with tax.
The Cobra Microtalk FRS 225 is in the low end of two way radios but certainly more than a toy. The features are
• Up to a 2 mile range
• 14 channels
• 38 subcodes
• Backlit LCD
• Roger beep confirmation tone
• Call feature
• Superflex TM antenna
• Water Resistant
• Speaker/Microphone jacks
• Belt clip
• Wrist strap
• Lock function
Feature Details
Since we live in a subdivision with a lot of closely spaced houses the best we have been able to do is to get these radios to work at about a mile apart. This is fine with us as we use these as an alternate to our cell phones when we take walks or go to a nearby store. Just for the record, we might be able to get these radios to work at a distance of two miles while visiting my in-law’s farm. The only thing in the way would be a few cows. The fewer items to interfere with transmission, the farther apart they will work.
Each of the 14 channels has 38 subcodes. Both radios must be set to the same channel and subcode in order to communicate but all this variety insures that you will find at least one clear channel for your conversations that others are not using. Actually, you can buy several radios and set them all to the same channel and subcode so more than two people can keep in touch.
The backlit LCD provides information on channel and subcode, strength of signal, and low battery. Once the unit is on, the LCD is visible. There is a button on the side to light the LCD for better visibility. Same button turns the light off.
The confirmation tone is received by the listening when the talker releases the talk button. This way the listen knows the talker has finished and the other person may now talk. If this is confusing, let me give a more thorough explanation. Both radios are on but there is no conversation. If person A wants to speak with person B, then A first presses the call button on the front. This rings the radio that B has and signals B that A wants to talk. This is called the call feature. B can press the talk button and speak to let A know he or she is ready to converse. Once B finishes speaking, he or she must release the talk button. (If you keep the talk button pressed you will never hear the other person.) When B releases the talk button, A hears a distinct signal and knows he or she can now talk and be heard.
The Superflex TM antenna is simply a bendable antenna and less likely to break off. It can survive a bit of wear and tear and banging around.
As for the unit being water resistant, well, a light rain is OK but I wouldn’t plan on taking it scuba diving.
There is an optional speaker/microphone available so that you may use the radio in “hands free” mode. We do not have them so I don’t know how well it works.
The belt clip and wrist strap should be self-explanatory.
The lock function allows you to lock the channel and mode buttons, thus preventing accidental channel and subcode changes. (Note: the mode button allows a user to switch from changing channels to changing subcodes.)
Other Information
The radios are about 4 inches tall by 2 inches wide by 1 ˝ inches deep. They weigh about 7 ounces with batteries and fit nicely in the palm of your hand. They are neither too big nor too bulky for every day use.
Each Radio takes three “AA” batteries (not included) and there is a low battery indicator on the LCD read out. Batteries are easily replaced by removing the back panel.
A knob on the top of the radio is the On/Off/Volume control. You will hear a click when you turn the knob off and on. The volume control is available only when the unit is on. Just continue turning the knob until you reach the desired volume. The sound is quite good, not much static, and the radios have an auto squelch feature blocking out random noise in the area.
My two radios came with a total of four interchangeable faceplates to mix and match. I have two silver, one gem tone blue, and one black. These are strictly decorative.
Operations Manual
These radios come with a small 20 page operations manual. The manual is well written, has good diagrams, is easy to understand, and provides all you need to know to properly use and care for the radios. In addition to the usual directions, the manual includes the two year warranty, service information, accessory descriptions and order form, electronic specifications, and suggested uses.
Creative Uses
Besides the obvious places to use the radios such as at fairs, shopping malls, sporting events, or another large gatherings, we use them around the house. Our house is big and all on one level. My husband is hard of hearing. These are great when we are in different rooms. These would also be great for a multi-level house with basement, living floors, and attic. Along a similar line, they are useful when someone is sick and wants to be left alone but wants to be able to call for assistance.
Some of the suggestions in the operations manual include taking the radios hiking or when you have a car caravan all traveling together. Call on the radio and make arrangements for the next pit stop.
Rebate
The rebate form clearly states it will take eight weeks. I mailed the rebate in on 12/31/01. On March 15 (10 weeks) I called wondering why I hadn’t received the rebate. I was told another 15 days (March 30) because so many people submitted rebates. That, to me, is a lame excuse. They know how many they manufactured. They should expect that many rebates. On April 10, I called again looking for my rebate. (At least they provide a telephone number to track the rebate down.) I was told it would be mailed on April 19. So eight weeks has turned into 16 weeks and still no rebate.
Summary
I feel like a kid again when I play with my radios and they have come in handy on several occasions.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
colleenmf
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Member: Colleen Farley
Location: Lubbock, TX
Reviews written: 146
Trusted by: 147 members
About Me:
Happily married, mostly retired, and addicted to the internet.
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