A very capable radio
Written: Aug 05 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Voice scrambling, volume control/on-off knob, key lock
Cons: Possible flimsy antenna connection, discontinued model
The Bottom Line: A very good radio, with a possibly weak antenna mount. It provides water resistance, voice scrambling, and beep disabling. Recommended.
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| paiged's Full Review: Cobra Electronics FRS 310 WX Two Way Radio |
I first entered the FRS realm with the purchase of some Cobra 110 radios. These were very basic. I upgraded later to Cobra 220, which provided me with the privacy codes. Looking at the available models, I always wanted the 310wx. Now that I have it, here is my experience.
First, the model has been discontinued. Some places no longer have it in stock. Cobra currently has a $20 rebate through the end of 2001 for up to three radios.
I like that the antenna can be folded away. It makes it easier to fit into a pocket or a bag. However, it seems to me that the antenna connection might be a bit flimsy. I haven't read anyone else say that, so it might turn out to be the case. I'll still be very careful with it.
The sound quality is very good, and I have been able to get a reasonably good range with it. Of course, that varies with the terrain.
I do like the voice scrambling option. I tried it with my other radios, and I wasn't able to understand anything when I turned on the feature. However, transmissions sent without the scrambling feature sound scrambled on my radio. It's on or off. You can't turn it on and understand unscrambled transmissions.
The most important feature I've found is the dial knob. My other radios used to turn on easily in pockets or bags. This knob has to be rotated to turn the radio on or off.
The keylock button is slightly depressed on the case, so that you won't accidentally toggle it.
Inclusion of the weather channels is nice, but I'm not sure how often I'd use it. I certainly wouldn't let it play for an extended length of time. That would be a powerful drain on the batteries. I guess it's there so you can get an update if the weather starts to turn bad.
The only other possible negative is the number of steps required to perform some of the functions. I guess they'll be second nature once I've used them for a while. There are a lot more features than on most radios, and only the same number of buttons.
One thing I've noticed. When I use the call button from my 110 or 220 radios, I don't get it on my 310wx. When I call from the 310wx, I hear it on my other radios.
Most of the beeps, the key beeps, roger beep, can be turned off if they are annoying. I haven't tried the vibrate feature yet. I'll do that soon.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
paiged
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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