Features:
- 2-way General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio
- Up to 5-mile range
- 15 selectable channels--8 GMRS channels and 7 shared FRS channels
- 47 privacy codes
- Backlit LCD display
Description:
Whether it's a hiking trip or a day at an amusement park, sometimes you need more than a mile or so of range from a two-way radio. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you the power of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), plus lots of useful two-way features. Cell phones are great, but they don't always work in remote areas or in enclosed spaces like malls or department stores. GMRS radios are especially useful in situations like hiking or skiing where a cell phone would be inconvenient and expensive. With a GMRS radio, just push the call button and your voice is heard instantly on a compatible radio. General Mobile Radio Service gives radio users more flexibility and reach. The catch is that you need a $45 license from the FCC to use GMRS. However, one license covers the entire family, so it can be cost-effective in exchange for the greater range. A GRMS radio operates on the UHF-FM spectrum with the same technology used by police, fire, and other agencies. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you access to 8 GMRS channels and 7 channels shared with Family Radio Service (FRS), a non-licensed, short-range service. In addition to the basic 15 channels, the Cherokee GR-715 has 47 CTCSS subchannels, or privacy codes. CTCSS codes are actually tones that "code" and "decode" a signal, allowing the people in your group to transmit on the same channel without having to listen to other radio traffic on the same channel. Note that these privacy codes won't keep others from listening to you--FRS users without a CTCSS code-enabled radio can still hear your transmissions. (For more about privacy codes, see our Two-Way Radio Buying Guide.) When using a GMRS radio, expect reception to be affected by the terrain--thick woods, buildings, and electrical sources will cut your range. However, if you're transmitting to another radio from a mountaintop or other high point, you could reach someone within a range of up to five miles away. The Cherokee GR-715's channel scan feature allows you to search available frequencies for a clear channel and monitor activity from other transmitting radios. The channel lock guards against the accidental pressing of buttons, and the talk-confirmation tone lets you signal anyone in your party with a distinctive tone. For hunting, biking, or other outdoor activities, a GMRS two-way radio like the Cherokee GR-715 can be a lifesaver. With its extended range, long-lasting battery, and handy features, the GR-715 is an excellent introduction to the fun and convenience of GRMS radios.
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