doddg

I have been negligent getting a radio for drives.
I have borrowed a radio from time to time when offered one. I only go on 1 or 2 drives per year.
After forgetting to return a borrowed radio from Tom in the last Marietta Tomcatt Drive , and having to ship it back to him, I thought I'd pick up one so I don't embarrass myself again.

Checked online, but ended up buying at Sams. Costco didn't have any.
I read online where people had problems with batteries or earphones not being covered under the warranty so I wanted to just buy from Sams or Costco where the return policy is no-hassle.

Sams had the Midland X-Talker T61VP3: $50. 30+ mile range (which I know is a joke), 36 channels, 121 privacy codes (which I'll never need), weather scan, rapid recharge, channel scan and more of the usual features.

I'm not happy with having to charge them with a USB cord hooked into my cmp, instead of from a house outlet, or even a car outlet.
I didn't see the small print, "charges via USB," and even smaller print, "wall charger not included."
I don't want to spend another $15 or $20 for another charger.

Anyone with experience with the inconvenience of having just a USB charger?
That means I have to take my cmp with me to use the radios.
Don't know whether to take them back and look for another with less features, but with proper charger.

I don't need radios except for the circumstance of the S2000 drives, and really only need 1 radio, not 2.
This radio has many more features that I need, so perhaps I should go to WalMart and get a less expensive model with a proper wall charger.

I don't know what minimum requirements are necessary to be functional.
I saw some Uniden models recommended online, and of course, Motorola, but I wanted to buy local.

Chuck S

I have a pair (someone always needs to borrow a radio!) of Midland GXT-1000P radios. Came with a wall wart as well as a 12v vehicle charger. Only "problem" is they need to be on the charging cradle to charge so that has to come along on any trips. They will use standard AA batteries (4 each) should the rechargeable batteries die with no access to the charger.

They work fine. Channel 4 seems to be a favorite in this area for some reason.

I considered a vehicle mounted version but they have many less features and there's nowhere to conveniently mount one. And we've only used the radios a couple of times since purchased last fall.

Not sure what a "cmp" might be but vehicle plug-in USB chargers are everywhere, including the local deli checkout counter. I have one with a Honda logo in the car.

-- Chuck

doddg

"cmp" =

I don't know what good a USB charger in our cars would do w/o a USB connection.
Duh, I just realized that you are referring to an adapter from the cigarette lighter to a USB, like I use with my iphone.

thanks for the input

doddg

I wonder if my 5c iphone car charger with USB would work?

jukngene

Yes

Chuck S

cmp ?

-- Chuck

jukngene

Gary uses that abbreviation for computer.

kgf3076

Yep. All USB chargers produce the same voltage. Works fine. I got a Monster cable lighter USB plug that has two USB ports. You can just plug it in and leave it and permanently connect the radio if you like. You can find it on Amazon for $13, Gary.


Monster Double USB Car Charger - Price $12.99,

Orne of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

SheDrivesIt

110V USB CHarger

skunkworks

This was posted on the "other" forum. I thought I would re-post it here for those who don't visit both sites.

"If you own an iPhone or Android cell phone you’re in luck! There are several two way communication apps, which are free, that allow your cell phone to become a two way radio transceiver. The apps allow for a local range settings and channel selection.

Zero cost is pretty close to cheap.

garyw"

gary