In addition, these radios can use 4AA alkaline batteries, so if the rechrgeable battery runs out, just carry 4 AA cells with you. The batteries actually last longer than the rechargeable battery.
Yes, you will need a FCC liscense for the GMRS portion of these radios. You can go to FCC.GOV and apply online, and within 10-13 days you will get your license (80.00 for 5 years).
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First let me say I have extensive experience with handheld FRS/GMRS radios. I've owned them for years, and have the opportunity to test frequently as I live in a warm weather state and camp/fish/kayak/hike often.
Right off the bat, I will say most of my familiarity has been with smaller AAA sized units, and these Motorola T7400 units are far and away the BEST I HAVE EVER TOUCHED. The clarity of transmission REALLY impressed me very clear when compared side to side with other units.
As an editorial comment I'd just like to say how really fraudulent it is that the government allows these radio manufacturers to make outlandish claims as to the range of their units. It seems like each company and each new model tries to one-up the previous. 8 miles, 12 miles, 18 miles!! Pure unadulterated b.s., and the problem with that is that people set their expectations unreasonably high, and are invariably disappointed with their purchases. What marketing GENIUS (sarcasm) decided to be the first to make an unsubstatiated claim of range? Hang him by his toes! Imagine if we allowed car manufacturers to advertise their vehicles as having a 0-60 speed of 2.9 seconds and then found out the 3,000 pound car has a 2 cylinder engine? Sure, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds when dropped from a helicopter!! ** end rant
Now on to my opinion of these units. Really really stellar. Again, with the above in mind, remember not to set your expectations too high. These units are big, measuring 9" from bottom of the unit to the tip of the antenna. BUT THAT IS A GOOD THING. It allows three things that IMHO really help these to have better transmission and reception downrange. 1. AA batteries put out more power than AAA batteries, and will allow more usage per charge, 2. The larger antenna allows a better 'throw' of the 2w of generated transmission power. 3. A larger speaker than smaller AAA models, allowing for plenty of volume upside.
You'll notice I said AA batteries, and didn't mention the NIMH charging pack...I believe that will put out good power and will ease charging of these units, but personally, I prefer a good set of NIMH rechargeable AA batteries with a fresh top-off for best results.
Now to range this was a very informal test, but it was as controlled as I could make it. The first night I received these units, I tested them vs. a pair of Midland AAA radios with an advertised range of 16 miles. Freshly charged Rayovac Hybrid NIMH rechargeables went into each, and I set both sets of units to GMRS channel 21. My 'test' here was done in my neigborhood, a densely populated area in Phoenix where 80+% of the households have WiFi internet systems, Cordless Home phones, etc. Not that they should interfere with this frequency, but it is a lot of a electronic 'noise' to burn through. Long story short, the Midlands were static-filled by the end of my street about 200yds away, but the Motorolas stayed crystal clear. I was really impressed with the CLARITY of these units, and continued further and further away.
I ended the test @1.5 miles due to my tester getting cold from the high winds we were having. At 1.5 miles in a dense neighborhood, with high winds, and me inside a vehicle, these things were only beginning to get any static whatsoever, but transmissions were more than readable. When I stepped out of the Xterra, the signal regained clarity, and there was only the slightest hint of static induced by the range. What this means to me, is in a true outdoor application, I am sure to get all the range I need. 12 miles? Hmmm, probably not, but unless I'm in a crag in some canyon, I'm sure these will throw good signal a few miles, and in an open water situation or two vehicles road-tripping, I'll bet the range will be that much further.
As far as features, this has all I can foresee needing. Voice activated transmission and Weather Band are great reasons to keep these around when out in the bush or on the water. The belt clip, meh...I haven't put it to any stress, but I could see how it might be susceptible to breakage due to its high profile. If mine break, I'll call Motorola and have them send me the new lower profile ones others here have mentioned.
As for the person who said they are incompatible with other radios, due respect, but that is completely false. The problem lies in that the channel security code on these is set to '1' initially from the factory, which if changed to '0' will allow complete compatibility. Let me explain. Yes, this radio has 22 channels, but within each channel you can select any of 99 'security codes' which is a misnomer. These do not make your conversations more secure, rather what they do is screen out other conversations on the same channel. Your transmissions will still be received by all other radios on that channel, you just will not be able to hear their conversations. Word of advice when selecting a channel to use, listen first...if anyone else in your immediate area is using that channel, PICK ANOTHER CHANNEL. Now, if your buddy has a radio from another make and you both want to be compatible, set all units to the desired channel, then simply push your menu button the number of times required to change the security code (2 times I think), and when it highlights that little security code number (smaller number in the top right of the display), hit your down arrow and change that to 0. When on 0, you are disabling the feature and can hear all transmissions on that channel.
Well I hope this helps some. Remember there generally is a trade off on unit size vs. range, so if you want a radio that's the size of your thumbnail, don't expect it to throw signal 32 miles downrange. These units are sizeable, but still not unweildy at all, still pocketable and the larger batteries will allow you to have better reception and longer usage per charge.
Don't shy away from buying these units with reasonable expectations of range, you will be very pleased.
Best Deals for Motorola T7400R 12-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
The T7400R works great. No, I did not get 12 miles of range, but I have not been out on the open plains or mountain tops with them yet.What you do get is crystal clear reception of about 1.0 to 2.5 miles in areas of hills, homes, telephone poles and lots of trees.
In urban areas, you get about a 0.5 to 1.0 miles of clear static free reception and transmission. Both examples I was using the QT(Quick Talk)feature.
For the price of $69.99 or less and the additional purchase of the PTT (Push to Talk) from Motorola earbuds you receive a pair of durable and excellent walkie talkies for the bucks. If, you are going to use them in high noise areas, you may want to look for upgraded microphone and ear piece combinations.
Battery life is more than acceptable with a standby time of 14 to 20 hours depending on how much (transmission/receiving) use. The batteries were cycled completely 4 times to maximize battery life. I purchased twelve sets of these radios for security work.
You will need an FCC license because of the GMRS channels, which you can get online especially if the radios are being used for business. Better safe than sorry, the fee is $80.00 for five years.
Dilip Nandi
Honest reviews on Motorola T7400R 12-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
pros: can communicate at least 2 miles in city;speaker is bigger, so volume is higher.
cons: too big (heavy);
the belt clip is easy to break;
didn't communicate well with other brand products;
battery didn't last long even it's so heavy;
one adapter was defective when I received it. But amazon replaced one for me pretty quickly.
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