Audiovox FR540 Ultra Compact 14 Channel LCD 2-Way Radio (Single)

Rating:
Summary: Update from previous
Review: Finally had chance to really use the 540. First of all, they work wonderfully w/ the Motorola 289's I have. I can communicate w/ the kids, no problem. Only realy problem is keeping the kids from playing w/ them, oh well.

Here's some afterthoughts........the 540's work good w/ the antenna folded down, you can walk some distance while in the down position. But, you need to have the antenna upright if you want to have a strong signal, so you can't have the antenna down when you are far apart.

Reception is good, a bit of static comes in when the battery wears down, don't know if this is apparent w/ other FRS. As stated it's very easy for kids to use, I channel locked their 540's, so all they have to do is press the talk key to communicate.

Fairly durable, one of my kids went tumbling down a hill w/ the radio around her neck. It took the punishment, works well, but have some minor scratches. The radios almost got soaked when the kids went to pet the dolphins.

I did find a couple carry cases w/ neck straps. Amazon.com sells a Case Logic carry case in their radio accessories section that fit the 540 nicely. Only gripe is, it's not a real snug/secure fit, but it works. I really needed a carry case w/ a neck strap & this model you can cinch them some, so the radios are not dangling low on your kids.

I still think that the 540 is a good radio. If it just had the same performance as the Motorola 289, I would give it 5 stars. I did get the extended warranty on the radios, I just don't know how durable or long lasting the 540's are.

Rating:
Summary: Update from previous
Review: Finally had chance to really use the 540. First of all, they work wonderfully w/ the Motorola 289's I have. I can communicate w/ the kids, no problem. Only realy problem is keeping the kids from playing w/ them, oh well.

Here's some afterthoughts........the 540's work good w/ the antenna folded down, you can walk some distance while in the down position. But, you need to have the antenna upright if you want to have a strong signal, so you can't have the antenna down when you are far apart.

Reception is good, a bit of static comes in when the battery wears down, don't know if this is apparent w/ other FRS. As stated it's very easy for kids to use, I channel locked their 540's, so all they have to do is press the talk key to communicate.

Fairly durable, one of my kids went tumbling down a hill w/ the radio around her neck. It took the punishment, works well, but have some minor scratches. The radios almost got soaked when the kids went to pet the dolphins.

I did find a couple carry cases w/ neck straps. Amazon.com sells a Case Logic carry case in their radio accessories section that fit the 540 nicely. Only gripe is, it's not a real snug/secure fit, but it works. I really needed a carry case w/ a neck strap & this model you can cinch them some, so the radios are not dangling low on your kids.

I still think that the 540 is a good radio. If it just had the same performance as the Motorola 289, I would give it 5 stars. I did get the extended warranty on the radios, I just don't know how durable or long lasting the 540's are.

Rating:
Summary: Nice FRS for kids
Review: I already own a couple FRS, the Motorola 289, & these are the best available.

I bought the FR540 for my kids. I like the fact that I can communicate w/ my wife where ever we go someplace. But I started thinking that when we go to amusement parks or anywhere there are large crowds, that I can't communicate w/ my kids. At one time, we lost track of them & let me tell you how nerve racking that was.

I've looked at most models of FRS here on Amazon.com, that I considered would be perfect for kids. I decided & bought the 540's since they are very compact units. Not too heavy for the kids to carry around. They are also very easy to use, I set them to the channel(s) I want to use, channel lock them, & viola, we can keep in contact.

Only real gripe I have about the FR540, I can't seem to find carry cases for them, like the Body Glove cases I have for the 289's. What's nice about having a case is, they usually supply them w/ neck straps. I don't feel comfortable having the kids just clip them to there packs or shorts. It seems that it would be easily lost. I've rigged my own carry strap, but it doesn't protect the FRS, which is another reason I like having carry cases for them. So if you use this item, & have a carry case that fits the 540, please let me know. Last gripe is these take 3 AAA batteries, compared to the 3 AA the 289 uses. It would be nice to have just one type of battery to buy. Oh well, can't have everything, can we? Lastly, I am a bit concerned about the fold down antenna. It doesn't seem as sturdy as some other models, I hope I am wrong about this.

I am only giving these FRS a 3, since they have not been field tested as of yet. Audiovox claims a 2 mile range, that I would like to check out. Even if it's just a mile or so, that is fine w/ me. As long as I can stay in contact w/ my kids in an amusement park or similar situation, then my money was well spent. But it sure is nice that I can use a different brand of FRS, set the channels, & we are all in contact.

These are very nice FRS, if you are looking for a pair that are very compact, easily carried, & have many features found in the more expensive models, then this is for you. Sound quality is also good, now I need to test its distance.

Rating:
Summary: Nice FRS for kids
Review: I already own a couple FRS, the Motorola 289, & these are the best available.

I bought the FR540 for my kids. I like the fact that I can communicate w/ my wife where ever we go someplace. But I started thinking that when we go to amusement parks or anywhere there are large crowds, that I can't communicate w/ my kids. At one time, we lost track of them & let me tell you how nerve racking that was.

I've looked at most models of FRS here on Amazon.com, that I considered would be perfect for kids. I decided & bought the 540's since they are very compact units. Not too heavy for the kids to carry around. They are also very easy to use, I set them to the channel(s) I want to use, channel lock them, & viola, we can keep in contact.

Only real gripe I have about the FR540, I can't seem to find carry cases for them, like the Body Glove cases I have for the 289's. What's nice about having a case is, they usually supply them w/ neck straps. I don't feel comfortable having the kids just clip them to there packs or shorts. It seems that it would be easily lost. I've rigged my own carry strap, but it doesn't protect the FRS, which is another reason I like having carry cases for them. So if you use this item, & have a carry case that fits the 540, please let me know. Last gripe is these take 3 AAA batteries, compared to the 3 AA the 289 uses. It would be nice to have just one type of battery to buy. Oh well, can't have everything, can we? Lastly, I am a bit concerned about the fold down antenna. It doesn't seem as sturdy as some other models, I hope I am wrong about this.

I am only giving these FRS a 3, since they have not been field tested as of yet. Audiovox claims a 2 mile range, that I would like to check out. Even if it's just a mile or so, that is fine w/ me. As long as I can stay in contact w/ my kids in an amusement park or similar situation, then my money was well spent. But it sure is nice that I can use a different brand of FRS, set the channels, & we are all in contact.

These are very nice FRS, if you are looking for a pair that are very compact, easily carried, & have many features found in the more expensive models, then this is for you. Sound quality is also good, now I need to test its distance.

Rating:
Summary: Nice FRS for kids
Review: I already own a couple FRS, the Motorola 289, & these are the best available.

I bought the FR540 for my kids. I like the fact that I can communicate w/ my wife where ever we go someplace. But I started thinking that when we go to amusement parks or anywhere there are large crowds, that I can't communicate w/ my kids. At one time, we lost track of them & let me tell you how nerve racking that was.

I've looked at most models of FRS here on Amazon.com, that I considered would be perfect for kids. I decided & bought the 540's since they are very compact units. Not too heavy for the kids to carry around. They are also very easy to use, I set them to the channel(s) I want to use, channel lock them, & viola, we can keep in contact.

Only real gripe I have about the FR540, I can't seem to find carry cases for them, like the Body Glove cases I have for the 289's. What's nice about having a case is, they usually supply them w/ neck straps. I don't feel comfortable having the kids just clip them to there packs or shorts. It seems that it would be easily lost. I've rigged my own carry strap, but it doesn't protect the FRS, which is another reason I like having carry cases for them. So if you use this item, & have a carry case that fits the 540, please let me know. Last gripe is these take 3 AAA batteries, compared to the 3 AA the 289 uses. It would be nice to have just one type of battery to buy. Oh well, can't have everything, can we? Lastly, I am a bit concerned about the fold down antenna. It doesn't seem as sturdy as some other models, I hope I am wrong about this.

I am only giving these FRS a 3, since they have not been field tested as of yet. Audiovox claims a 2 mile range, that I would like to check out. Even if it's just a mile or so, that is fine w/ me. As long as I can stay in contact w/ my kids in an amusement park or similar situation, then my money was well spent. But it sure is nice that I can use a different brand of FRS, set the channels, & we are all in contact.

These are very nice FRS, if you are looking for a pair that are very compact, easily carried, & have many features found in the more expensive models, then this is for you. Sound quality is also good, now I need to test its distance.

Rating:
Summary: 2-way radio
Review: I like this product because it is very useful. THis could help anyone for working in the yard or skiing or snowbaording when you are on the mountain so you dont get lost.