Good Performance For The Price
Written: Apr 02 '04 (Updated Apr 02 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap, good performer
Cons: Needs 4 AAA batteries. Runs battery down even when turned off
The Bottom Line: Good radios if you don't mind feeding them batteries.
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| ejunkie1958's Full Review: Columbia Telecommunications Group FRS22-SPR (22 Ch... |
The saying "You Get What You Pay For" could not have been more true regarding the Columbia FRS22-SPR-2 radio. You get an adequate pair of radios without much frills.
What Do You Get:
The 2 radios are packaged in a clear plastic package. 8 non-rechargeable (disposable) AAA batteries are also included. That is a good deal for $20. The unit is roughly 3" L x 2" W x 1" D without the antenna. With the antenna (non-retractable), 5.5"L. It has a sturdy belt clip.
Unit Features:
1. The unit has 22 channels. It is compatible (can be used to talk with)with any brands of radios that broadcast FRS frequencies. I have used it with friends' Motorolas and Cobras FRS radios.
2. It has a small LCD display showing the channel you have selected and other miscellaneous info.
3. Built-in flashlight - the radio has a tiny flashlight, powered by a blue Light Emitting Diode (LED). It is bright enough to read maps and find keys in the dark.
4. It has a plug for an optional speaker/microphone (not included).
5. Batteries: The radio takes 4 AAA batteries. The batteries are easy to install but hard to remove.
OPERATION:
The unit is easy to operate with a Push to talk button that clicks when depressed. Volume is of course adjustable. The reception is very good, even in hills and trees. We took them camping and had no problem communicating. The maximum range we used them was about 1 mile. On the way back from the camping trip and we used the two in 2 of a 4-car convoy down the Pacific Coast Highway. The 2 other cars used Motorolas. The operating range was exceeding the 2-mile specification. On the way, we stopped at a huge outlet mall shopping and like dorks we communicated with each others while inside the stores (volume turned down low -- we are civilized dorks :-)). They worked great.
COMPLAINT:
The only complaint I have is about the battery usage. It uses up the 4 AAA battery rather quickly (in about 2 hours of continuous operation). There is no low-battery warning except that the speech becomes consistently garbled.
The worst thing about it was that it WILL drain the batteries when the unit is turned off. Do not leave the batteries in the radio.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ejunkie1958
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Member: Hank
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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