Features:
- 14 channels, 38 sub-band privacy codes
- Channel scanning for multiple groups
- Backlit LCD, push-to-talk button
- Microphone and headset jacks
- Auto power-off
Description:
For anyone who as a kid ever used a walkie-talkie, the V-Talk handheld person-to-person communicators feel refreshingly familiar. But even though they come in a variety of translucent colors and fit easily into the palm of your hand, V-Talk radios are by no means toys. With a 2-mile range, these devices offer some serious communication potential. Granted that our signal was relatively unobstructed, in our tests we could hear one another clearly from across department stores ("Honey, are we done shopping yet?"), on the other side of a large lake, and even for a while on commuter trains racing in opposite directions. For basic use, the V-Talk is quite simple to handle. Just turn it on, set both devices to the same communications channel, and then hold down the PTT (push to talk) button to transmit. The V-Talk is a fully equipped FRS (Family Radio Service) communicator with 14 channels. It allows you to monitor channels before transmission to ensure that you don't interrupt another conversation. And it offers 38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) sub-band codes, giving you more combinations to choose from to keep your conversations private. To prevent your discussions from being overhead the old-fashioned way (by anyone nearby curiously perking up their ears), the V-Talk contains a headphone output and microphone input port so you can hook up a headset for more discreet conversing. The V-Talk is powered by three AAA batteries instead of rechargeable battery packs that some other radios use, but it also offers some features designed to extend battery life. The automatic power-off attribute shuts down the radio after 30 minutes of inactivity. And a time-out timer stops the V-Talk from transmitting if the PTT button has been held down for either 30 seconds or 3 minutes (set by the user). The V-Talk FRS radio is a good choice--and a good price--for the number of valuable features included in the package. --J. Curtis Pros: - Compact design
- Easy to use
- Headset jacks
Cons: - Battery replacement can be costly
- Obstructions can make reception scratchy
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