I love range tests. I'd like to see how the Baofeng BF H6/H7 10W radios fare when compared to the Retevis RT29 10W. I love both. The UHF is the band that seems to be the best performers with the10W. All of the high wattage radios make my LED bedside light go nuts! Weird.
just so you know, it’s not just the bay of fan you have to get licensed for you have to get licensed for all ham, radio, VHF, UHF, type radios, and GMRS
My hats off to you, takes a lot of work to do what you've done, knowing that most won't appreciate it. I'll be looking at your website when I'm considering future purchases
Great information. It is easy to tell how much work, time and money you put into discovering the best features of each radio. This helped so much. I'm using your links. Thank you.
Hello, Which is the best 2 radios to use in city, Range wise. City like London. I would like to get something which would give me up to a mile in the city. Not sure if/how to do this.
Is there an option to change vhf or uhf on the 2 way radio settings software. Also does the antenna has the option to change by switching the antennas to a vhf or uhf antenna
Would you recommend the midland handheld cb or the cobra handheld im looking to get two so I really want to know what one would be the best. I plan on using them for hunting with my father and if i am going camping or a road trip I can just give one two the person following so we can communicate
This might be the only video of yours I watch, but with as much work you've put into this, I'm subscribing purely on principle... but what about battery life?
Can you program the US coast guard frequency into the Tera tr-505 with the free programming software?And also can you program police and fire frequencies as well into the tera?
these radios only pick up and talk to each other thay are not scanners and the cost gard you wont get I can not pick up government channels and no one can eather
I live in Monee Ill.. what radio would you recommend... lots of farm land here I want to use it for emergency purposes long range 30 to 50 mile range. thank you
Hi MJ, I assume you've tested the Midland 75-822 with its standard antenna and not with an external car antenna or with a longer 'rubber duck' antenna? There are 25" 'rubber duck' antennas available, which will double the range as far as the reviews tell me. And well, with the car mounted antenna you can go as tall as you like... ;) Did you get a chance to test with any of those? Very curious to hear what your opinion is on that. Thanks! Ted
If you get the after market telescopic antenna, I found that at 2 miles it has 9db more signal strength than the include rubber ducky antenna. The radio shack trc-236 has another 3db (if you do not extend the fourth section of the antenna) over the Midland with the telescopic antenna. I have a canyon 3 miles from my house - the CBs make it home out of the hole with good understanding - the GRMS devices are silent.
the Midland has a fixed antenna under the F C C you cant do any thing to the antenna those radio's are only allowed to transmit 2 miles or line of sight per F C C rules
Lower frequencies in general just work better. More penetration. I fly fixwing RC and use 915mhz LR TX RX. I always wondered if the old 72mhz would actually be better for penetrating and range. I’m not to sure that 72mhz is still open frequency that consumers can use still. I no it was a popular RC frequency back in the 60’s to mid 80’s.
What do you recommend for a set (4) hand held radios for long range? We go dirt biking and need radios with huge long range like miles of range if that’s possible. Under $250.
Outstanding effort!! Thank you for making this video. I clicked on the link to view the results graphs / charts... Is there a reason why the TERA TR-505 data doesn't appear on most of the charts??? I'm really keen to purchase this radio (or its successor, the TR-590) but cannot review your findings in the charts.... thanks for a response.
Excelente test, i have a question, i need a low price radio for my vacations, i need a radio for my wife and my, for the resort i have a uniden 5095, butt dont work for the buildings i need a radio for building inside an 2 o 3 kms of range. please recomend me one.
What radio would work best in a town, from house to house about a 4 mile distance? Keep in mind I want a radio for my friend and I to talk to. But we like 4 miles away with town/houses in between each of us
If you are in any urban situation where there are tons of things in the way (houses, trees) that limit line of sight, I don't see any normal handheld radio to be able to do what you are asking. Only real way to get the ability to talk to each other at that distance and with those sort of limitations would be more realistic with bigger CB/ham radios with more dedicated bigger antennas. I'm not an expert in the field so really can't give you any more advice than that, if there are people out there that are more knowledgeable about this please correct me if i'm wrong.
vpsaline Radio to radio range is dependent on many factors. To answer your question cheaper radios GENERALLY = LESS range but not always. Did the users remember to recharge the radio's batteries? Weak batteries will spoil communication distance regardless of how much the radio costs. A BETTER radio with a better receiver may hear the cheaper radio at a greater distance as opposed to 2 cheaper radios attempting to talk to each.
Thanks for all the effort for this series, very interesting. The performance differential of the Tera UHF radio is surprising since the frequency since the range of the channel spread is only about 5MHz. Were those differences possibly the result of an inadvertent change between the 500mW and 5W power levels? 73 - Dino KL0S
Hi Dino, thanks for the feedback. The power settings on the Terra are 2 and 4 watts. You have to push a button to change it and there's an audio announcement of that change. I think electrocity2000 might right in terms of resonance playing a role.
Hello Dino, our system is Real PTT and our manufacturer has pushed out some models of the sim card radio/GSM radio, which can speak over the world if the network is covered. Would you like to know more of this radios? My skype ID: gracesolar029
This information is completely frying my mind. I don't understand any of this. All I wanted to know is which radio I should get when I go hunting in a area highly wooded and somewhat hilly area in case of emergency. I take it that about one mile is all I am going to get out of these?
Short answer… MURS. Do not expect miracles from 2-way handheld radios in terms of range. However, if you want a really strong option for hunting, go the MURS route. Do not buy something from a big box or sporting goods store as they are vastly inferior for your application. Take a look at the BTech MURS V-1 ($60) or a Wouxun KG-805M Basic Edition ($65). MURS radios are a much better fit for most activities in which an outdoorsman would typically engage than the FRS/GMRS that are typically marketed to outdoorsmen.
sorry no out side chapter CB is CB marine requires license V H F & UHF are ham. and the radio you menchend I don't know what it is so no comment from me.
Hi, can you help me out please. I want to buy a walkie talkie but i never used one. Can you tell me which one i should buy? Cobra or midland? Licence free Thx a lot
That's a lot of good info! I'm just wondering what you would recommend for my earthmoving company, various tractors and trucks that usually are within 3 km of each other but at times the trucks get farther away and many times there is the hill and trees issue, also I'm speaking mainly of base radios but a few of the hand radios also. So like VHF, UHF?
Rayburn, I am an Extra Class Amateur radio operator. I find that VHF can go a little farther, but only in the open. UHF comes up just a tiny bit shorter, but they have MUCH better foliage penetration. That means they transmit through leaves, houses, buildings, etc. I would put older Motorola mobile radios in the equipment. They are super rugged., Can be very cheap in bulk, and unity gain NMO antennas are only 6 inches long. Just an idea.
I'm seeing these maps, and i'm thinking to myself. This looks an awful like suburban cleveland. Turns out it is. Nice to see somebody local on youtube.
Please look into the camera the next video. This looking to the side is so annoying for people like me who always look at people eyes at communications
Everyone else on this link is much smarter than this 62 yr old, “C minus” science and math student 😒. I do have some children who have tech savvy abilities.. much of this to a new-by - never owned a 2-way radio guy, very intimidating. Can someone like me figure out how to program and run these? I need 5-10 miles range as we prepare for the next pandemic affect(might be the big one)? I can add an antenna ob my 3rd floor for the “home base” one.. live in Florida so just woods.. Want to be able to communicate to family, etc. Help.
Only guy on TH-cam who has gone in depth into these technologies. Good teacher
7 years later, love the in depth review. Thanks for helping me make my decision!!
This looks to be fantastic real world test. Thanks for the enormous effort you are putting into this project.
Hats off to you!
My pleasure, thanks for the post.
I know this is an old video but I just love how clearly you describe and teach your audience. Well done. I enjoyed this.
Finally someone has created a video like this thank you!!
Anyone who still uses a Simpson 260 has got my respect.
I love range tests.
I'd like to see how the Baofeng BF H6/H7 10W radios fare when compared to the Retevis RT29 10W. I love both. The UHF is the band that seems to be the best performers with the10W. All of the high wattage radios make my LED bedside light go nuts! Weird.
Very intelligent, sir. It is refreshing to watch your videos. Radio is a passion of mine.
just so you know, it’s not just the bay of fan you have to get licensed for you have to get licensed for all ham, radio, VHF, UHF, type radios, and GMRS
What would make the best radio for hunting? Anywhere from 2to 20 miles
That is a LOT of work - thank you.
My pleasure, thanks for the post.
@@mjlorton This seems to be the place for 2 way radios. Is this list still up-to-date?
Wow thanks for all the hard work you put into this .....I just checked out all your graphs on the radios . great job and great video !
That Tera GMRS/MURS radio looks suspiciously like a Baofeng BF-888. Same factory perhaps?
My hats off to you, takes a lot of work to do what you've done, knowing that most won't appreciate it. I'll be looking at your website when I'm considering future purchases
Fantastic work!!
Great information. It is easy to tell how much work, time and money you put into discovering the best features of each radio. This helped so much. I'm using your links. Thank you.
Hello, Which is the best 2 radios to use in city, Range wise. City like London. I would like to get something which would give me up to a mile in the city. Not sure if/how to do this.
Is there an option to change vhf or uhf on the 2 way radio settings software. Also does the antenna has the option to change by switching the antennas to a vhf or uhf antenna
I have yet to see someone test with the same antenna.
Have you ever thought about/do you share work with Miklor?
This is very very awesome thanks for your hard work
Mr. Lorton.
Hello Sir, have you "tested" the TERA 590 model of this unit? HIt is kinda pricey, however, how do you rate it?
Thank you, Sir.
Oscar
Would you recommend the midland handheld cb or the cobra handheld im looking to get two so I really want to know what one would be the best. I plan on using them for hunting with my father and if i am going camping or a road trip I can just give one two the person following so we can communicate
Very intersting,thanks for taking the time to do the tests and make the video.
This might be the only video of yours I watch, but with as much work you've put into this, I'm subscribing purely on principle... but what about battery life?
I t depends how much talking time you do and how many hours the radio is on monitoring
Can you program the US coast guard frequency into the Tera tr-505 with the free programming software?And also can you program police and fire frequencies as well into the tera?
Whose body did you dump at sea?
What?
You trying to figure how you can listen to the police and coast guard, so I am trying to figure out what investigation you are so eager to follow. 🤔🤔
No sir, just trying to see if there is a way I can program the Tera to be a marine radio, capable of emergency contact with the coast guard.
these radios only pick up and talk to each other thay are not scanners and the cost gard you wont get I can not pick up government channels and no one can eather
Thanks for the info, what about the FD 850 PLUS 10W ?
can you help me please I have kenwood tk-3207 do not transmit o retrieve and I try to programming it but the same
I have motorola cp200 radius can I use a UHF AND VHF Dual Antenna on my radios Thank you
I do not know as I do not Owen it sorry and what is acp200 any way
What is the best radio with high range and clear voice
Ham radio. The most expensive ones. Kenwood TH-D74A or Yaesu FT3RD. In my opinion for handheld radio.
I live in Monee Ill.. what radio would you recommend... lots of farm land here I want to use it for emergency purposes long range 30 to 50 mile range. thank you
small trucking ompany's use c b radio's there cheap and have a range at 10 miles
Hi MJ, I assume you've tested the Midland 75-822 with its standard antenna and not with an external car antenna or with a longer 'rubber duck' antenna? There are 25" 'rubber duck' antennas available, which will double the range as far as the reviews tell me. And well, with the car mounted antenna you can go as tall as you like... ;) Did you get a chance to test with any of those? Very curious to hear what your opinion is on that.
Thanks!
Ted
If you get the after market telescopic antenna, I found that at 2 miles it has 9db more signal strength than the include rubber ducky antenna. The radio shack trc-236 has another 3db (if you do not extend the fourth section of the antenna) over the Midland with the telescopic antenna. I have a canyon 3 miles from my house - the CBs make it home out of the hole with good understanding - the GRMS devices are silent.
the Midland has a fixed antenna under the F C C you cant do any thing to the antenna
those radio's are only allowed to transmit 2 miles or line of sight per F C C rules
Lower frequencies in general just work better. More penetration. I fly fixwing RC and use 915mhz LR TX RX. I always wondered if the old 72mhz would actually be better for penetrating and range. I’m not to sure that 72mhz is still open frequency that consumers can use still. I no it was a popular RC frequency back in the 60’s to mid 80’s.
What do you recommend for a set (4) hand held radios for long range? We go dirt biking and need radios with huge long range like miles of range if that’s possible. Under $250.
if you want Google RUGGED RADIOS thay have the same radios with no extra buttons
but to do that you need a license to do it
Outstanding effort!! Thank you for making this video.
I clicked on the link to view the results graphs / charts... Is there a reason why the TERA TR-505 data doesn't appear on most of the charts???
I'm really keen to purchase this radio (or its successor, the TR-590) but cannot review your findings in the charts....
thanks for a response.
your radio has a 2watt transmiter and will T X 2miles or line of sight that is what I get out of mine.
Excelente test, i have a question, i need a low price radio for my vacations, i need a radio for my wife and my, for the resort i have a uniden 5095, butt dont work for the buildings i need a radio for building inside an 2 o 3 kms of range. please recomend me one.
What radio would work best in a town, from house to house about a 4 mile distance? Keep in mind I want a radio for my friend and I to talk to. But we like 4 miles away with town/houses in between each of us
If you are in any urban situation where there are tons of things in the way (houses, trees) that limit line of sight, I don't see any normal handheld radio to be able to do what you are asking. Only real way to get the ability to talk to each other at that distance and with those sort of limitations would be more realistic with bigger CB/ham radios with more dedicated bigger antennas. I'm not an expert in the field so really can't give you any more advice than that, if there are people out there that are more knowledgeable about this please correct me if i'm wrong.
look at Motorola ones
baofeng uv-5R, or the new Baofeng F8HP
test results of midland?
Do a distance test on Motorola Cp200
Dumb question, if a radio does't get great range, do other better radios still hear you talking?
vpsaline Radio to radio range is dependent on many factors. To answer your question cheaper radios GENERALLY = LESS range but not always. Did the users remember to recharge the radio's batteries? Weak batteries will spoil communication distance regardless of how much the radio costs. A BETTER
radio with a better receiver may hear the cheaper radio at a greater distance as opposed to 2 cheaper radios attempting to talk to each.
Thanks for all the effort for this series, very interesting. The performance differential of the Tera UHF radio is surprising since the frequency since the range of the channel spread is only about 5MHz. Were those differences possibly the result of an inadvertent change between the 500mW and 5W power levels? 73 - Dino KL0S
+Dino Papas It could be that the antenna is much more resonant on the lower channels
+electrocity2000 I'd guess you're right, should have thought of that as well! ;-)
Hi Dino, thanks for the feedback. The power settings on the Terra are 2 and 4 watts. You have to push a button to change it and there's an audio announcement of that change. I think electrocity2000 might right in terms of resonance playing a role.
Hello Dino, our system is Real PTT and our manufacturer has pushed out some models of the sim card radio/GSM radio, which can speak over the world if the network is covered. Would you like to know more of this radios? My skype ID: gracesolar029
Were they all at the same bandwidth?
all channels will match
This information is completely frying my mind. I don't understand any of this. All I wanted to know is which radio I should get when I go hunting in a area highly wooded and somewhat hilly area in case of emergency. I take it that about one mile is all I am going to get out of these?
Short answer… MURS.
Do not expect miracles from 2-way handheld radios in terms of range. However, if you want a really strong option for hunting, go the MURS route. Do not buy something from a big box or sporting goods store as they are vastly inferior for your application. Take a look at the BTech MURS V-1 ($60) or a Wouxun KG-805M Basic Edition ($65).
MURS radios are a much better fit for most activities in which an outdoorsman would typically engage than the FRS/GMRS that are typically marketed to outdoorsmen.
what is this submersible vxa-710 good for? can I use it to communicate with CB, marine CB, walkies talkies, VhF, UHF and all others?
sorry no out side chapter CB is CB marine requires license V H F & UHF are ham.
and the radio you menchend I don't know what it is so no comment from me.
25:12 Legible or intelligible is I think what you mean't?
whats the cheapest and best walkie talkie
SamKool lego leger baofeng uv-5R
Cupping your hands and yelling as loud as you can
paul anthony bulao Why do you say that?
I have the Baofeng-5v and the Pofeng-5 work's great but the out put sound is weak for $37. US DOLLARS
whats the best long range two way radio? need one that can reach 1.5 miles. thanks, good video.
any F R S radio will do that but how much ground junk is between eather radio.
Hi, can you help me out please.
I want to buy a walkie talkie but i never used one. Can you tell me which one i should buy? Cobra or midland?
Licence free
Thx a lot
eather radio will work you have a 2 miles line of sight range on both radios or any FRS radio
on market today
That's a lot of good info! I'm just wondering what you would recommend for my earthmoving company, various tractors and trucks that usually are within 3 km of each other but at times the trucks get farther away and many times there is the hill and trees issue, also I'm speaking mainly of base radios but a few of the hand radios also. So like VHF, UHF?
Rayburn, I am an Extra Class Amateur radio operator. I find that VHF can go a little farther, but only in the open. UHF comes up just a tiny bit shorter, but they have MUCH better foliage penetration. That means they transmit through leaves, houses, buildings, etc. I would put older Motorola mobile radios in the equipment. They are super rugged., Can be very cheap in bulk, and unity gain NMO antennas are only 6 inches long. Just an idea.
my i use them withut priogramed?
you program G M R S family service need's no
programing
sir, what you recommend to us and im gonna buy it right now, please...🇵🇭 Philippines
these radios run under U S A F C C rules and my not work in the Philippines
can you teach us how to use it in talks
R E A D T H E B O O K
Radio is, in many ways "black magic."
I love it
That is excelent work.
Thank you
Can I use the tera with two motorola rdu2080d's?
No Yaesu product!?
This guy is such a telecommunications nerd
Which is cool.
Nice video mjlorton
I'm seeing these maps, and i'm thinking to myself. This looks an awful like suburban cleveland. Turns out it is. Nice to see somebody local on youtube.
uhf has always worked better indoors and vhf better outdoors and in distance. good video
You sound South African?
Thanks for the Vid.
Please look into the camera the next video. This looking to the side is so annoying for people like me who always look at people eyes at communications
computerjantje
Don't be a crybaby.
Thanks Martin.
My pleasure!
Nice equipment.
Thanks for info.
My pleasure, thanks for the post.
What?
very nice, as superman of radio
U can be a good teacher
cool 👌
Everyone else on this link is much smarter than this 62 yr old, “C minus” science and math student 😒. I do have some children who have tech savvy abilities.. much of this to a new-by - never owned a 2-way radio guy, very intimidating. Can someone like me figure out how to program and run these? I need 5-10 miles range as we prepare for the next pandemic affect(might be the big one)? I can add an antenna ob my 3rd floor for the “home base” one.. live in Florida so just woods..
Want to be able to communicate to family, etc.
Help.
dude i can't beat myself to watching you talk for 30 minutes. next video make it 3 minutes and focus on the main stuff..
tera tr500 tr505
get to it already,,, GET TO THE POINT....
This guy has the ex prison felon look to him