Recommendations on multi-purpose budget walkie talkies?
Looking to get my son some for his birthday and there are lots of options and lots of features. I know I want a locking feature so that he can't change the channel. I'm sure they will get used mostly to talk between bedrooms, but could be used to talk between the house and community pool (guestimate of 3/4 mile).
Color: I don't really care about color, but something bright would be best. Both from a finding it standpoint and also because it will be primarily for the kids.
Screen Lock: definitely want this.
VOX: either a really good or really bad thing depending on use. I get the sense that it can be turned on/off, so probably prefer to have it.
NOAA alerts: from an out camping standpoint, I think this would be good. However, I don't want them randomly going off if they leave them on and fall asleep. I'm on the fence about NOAA alerts and leaning toward not having them.
FRS/GMRS: I get the sense they all work in both FRS and GMRS, but not all of them advertise that. True?
Range: I'm seeing stuff anywhere from 1 to 32 miles. The budget ones seem to advertise up to 3 miles. If accurate, that should be plenty sufficient.
Battery saving and/or TOT (Time out Timer): definitely prefer this, as I assume they will get left on regularly.
Privacy codes: I can see benefit
Nothing says I can't just get them ones to play with and upgrade later for more functional use, but I'd prefer to kill 2 birds if possible.
Cheap-o just play comms:
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Buy Walkie Talkie for Kids Toys, Girls Toys Age 4-12 Outdoor Toys for Kids Walkie Talkies, Best Gifts for 3-12 Year Old (3 Pack): Walkie Talkies - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Slightly less junky:
Buy Retevis RA15 Walkie Talkies, Small Long Range Walkie Talkies for Adults, Portable Two Way Radios with NOAA Weather Alert for Family Outdoor Travel(Green, 2 Pack): Two-Way Radios - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com
Probably reasonable quality:
Buy Midland - LXT118, FRS Walkie Talkies with Channel Scan - Extended Range Two Way Radios, Hands-Free VOX, (Pair Pack) (Black): Two-Way Radios - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com
FRS and GMRS:
Amazon.com: Motorola T100TP Talkabout Radio, 3 Pack: Electronics
About as nice as I think I'd care to buy:
I assume that all FRS radios will communicate with other FRS radios as long as you have the same channel and privacy code. If that is the case, I could get the kids the cheap-o ones and get a slightly nicer radio for myself so that I can listen in if needed.
www.cbadventuresupply.com
They do work pretty good though, haven't really tried to see how far they would go though. They do have a similar model that has been reduced to 3-5 watts. Doesn't have a screen though.
