-> This may not be exactly on topic but I'm sure you all can answer my
-> question.  I'm looking for a couple or three basic walkie talkies wit
-> a decent range to use between myself and my family such as keeping
-> tabs on a teen or wifein the mall.  What frequencies can I use and
-> what radios are good for this?  I've seen Motorolas advertised in
-> hunting catalogs but tend to run about $300 each which is *way* outa
-> my price range.
Well, it depends upon how great a range you want the radios to work. If
you only need something good for about 1/2-1 a mile, then you can go to
Radio Shack and get thier "Family Radio Service" radios. They are made
by Motorola and cost about $180-$200 apiece and you DO NOT need a
license to operate them.
If you need something with greater range, then you can get GMRS radios,
which stands for "General Mobile Radio Sevice."  These radios require a
license which is pretty easy to get that will cost you $60.00 for 5
years license.  It is good for all family members living in the
same residence.  Repeater use is allowed, expanding your range to 50+
miles, depending upon the site of the repeater, terrain conditions,
wattage of radios, etc.
Netmail me if you want anymore info.  Hope I helped ya out.
Tony
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