Any recommendations for car-to-car walkie talkies?

BeatMaster · 13 May 2012 at 22:29

After a pair of walkie talkies to use while convoying to car shows for keeping in touch. Would be also useful if they can be used abroad while on holiday, in particular Las Vegas as heading out there later in the year.

Currently looking at the Binatone Action 950 but struggling to find PTT headsets? Any other recommendations?

An alternative I was thinking about was a HAM radio, the BaoFeng UV-5R which includes a headset. However, I'm not sure on the difference between one of these and the latter? Range?

Any help greatly appreciated

FakeSnake · 13 May 2012 at 22:59

I have used these on many occasions, used them at Le Mans, Goodwood... (and on the way there and back)

http://www.cordless-phones.uk.com/two-way-radios/two-way-radios/doro-wt87-walkie-talkie

never had a problem, and they come with the 'hands free' kit.. so a prefect for the car!!

Vonhelmet · 13 May 2012 at 23:07

FakeSnake said:
never had a problem, and they come with the 'hands free' kit.. so a prefect for the car!!

Technically they don't even need to be hands free... The "no mobiles while driving" legislation has a specific exception for two way radios. I think it's worded around it having to be push to talk, or something.

One imagines they didn't want legislation that would, at a stroke, criminalise all police drivers and all taxi drivers.

FakeSnake · 13 May 2012 at 23:10

you have the option of VOX as well

so are hands free!
so dont even remotely dodge the current legislation

Dogbreath · 14 May 2012 at 11:06

My recommendation is whatever talkies you get, don't leave them resting on the dashboard with the front windows open, and then watch in horror as you go around a bend and see the talkie fly out of the window and over a bridge into a river. This is why I only have three of a set of four after lending them to various people on our trip to Le Mans a few years back

Firestar_3x · 14 May 2012 at 11:08

Dogbreath said:
don't leave them resting on the dashboard with the front windows open, and then watch in horror as you go around a bend and see the talkie fly out of the window and over a bridge into a river.

Priceless

Matt82 · 14 May 2012 at 12:18

i got some el cheapo ones from maplines years back, used them on loads of road trips, a few AAA batteries, good range.

BeatMaster · 17 May 2012 at 12:18

Dogbreath said:
My recommendation is whatever talkies you get, don't leave them resting on the dashboard with the front windows open, and then watch in horror as you go around a bend and see the talkie fly out of the window and over a bridge into a river. This is why I only have three of a set of four after lending them to various people on our trip to Le Mans a few years back

Brilliant! Will endeavour to ensure they remain away from the dashboard

I've started to look a bit more into it and now come across 'Chinese Clones' which allow programming. There appears to be quite a bit of info. on forums about what can be done. Anyone had any experience?

The DORO WT87's do look quite good but your looking about ~£82 for a pair including headsets