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Cherokee GR715 GMRS 15 Channel 2-Way Radio (Black)
Manufacturer: Cherokee ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  All Two-Way Radios
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ASIN: B000056SKN |
Product Description
GR-715 is the GRMS handheld unit. With two watts of transmitting power, the unit has a range of about 5 miles. For those families who already own FRS radios, the GR-1.5 channels 1-7 are compatible. Channels 8-15 transmit on the GMRS frequencies. It also uses all of the FRS-465 accessories, except that the GR-715 has an optional telescoping antenna. It comes with a rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery and wall charger. The unit has duel watch, memory, scan, private tone and ringer alert capabilities.Amazon.com Product Description
Whether it's a hiking trip or a day at an amusement park, sometimes you need more than a mile or so of range from a two-way radio. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you the power of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), plus lots of useful two-way features.Cell phones are great, but they don't always work in remote areas or enclosed spaces like malls or department stores. GMRS radios are especially useful in situations like hiking or skiing where a cell phone would be inconvenient and expensive. With a GMRS radio, just push the call button and your voice is heard instantly on a compatible radio.
General Mobile Radio Service gives radio users more flexibility and reach. The catch is that you need a $45 license from the FCC to use GMRS. However, one license covers the entire family, so it can be cost-effective in exchange for the greater range.
A GRMS radio operates on the UHF-FM spectrum with the same technology used by police, fire, and other agencies. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you access to 8 GMRS channels and 7 channels shared with Family Radio Service (FRS), a non-licensed, short-range service.
In addition to the basic 15 channels, the Cherokee GR-715 has 47 CTCSS subchannels, or privacy codes. CTCSS codes are actually tones that "code" and "decode" a signal, allowing the people in your group to transmit on the same channel without having to listen to other radio traffic on the same channel. Note that these privacy codes won't keep others from listening to you--FRS users without a CTCSS code-enabled radio can still hear your transmissions. (For more about privacy codes, see our Two-Way Radio Buying Guide.)
When using a GMRS radio, expect reception to be affected by the terrain--thick woods, buildings, and electrical sources will cut your range. However, if you're transmitting to another radio from a mountaintop or other high point, you could reach someone within a range of up to five miles away.
The Cherokee GR-715's channel scan feature allows you to search available frequencies for a clear channel and monitor activity from other transmitting radios. The channel lock guards against the accidental pressing of buttons, and the talk-confirmation tone lets you signal anyone in your party with a distinctive tone.
For hunting, biking, or other outdoor activities, a GMRS two-way radio like the Cherokee GR-715 can be a lifesaver. With its extended range, long-lasting battery, and handy features, the GR-715 is an excellent introduction to the fun and convenience of GRMS radios.
Customer Reviews:
Much better than FRS.......2001-12-10
The PR 900 had many features such as vox and scan and BIG lighted display. However, the range did not seem any better than my Ranger Plus FRS radios. Dissapointing. They were returned.
As to the Cherokee GR715 I performed the following tests. Bench testing with digital watt meter into a dummy load showed the GR715 putting out more than 4 times more power than one of my other 500 milliwatt radios. The GR715 battery pack consists of 6 Nickle Metal Hydroxide batteries which yeilds around 8 volts. Alkaline batteries would yield 9 volts. Frankly this is a BIG deal. What most people overlook is the fact that you cannot expect a full two watts out running on 3 or 4 AAA batteries. It is possible to get it but the trade off will be a huge drain on batteries. This is based on the flow of current formula P/E=I. So it is no shocker to read reviews of combo FRS/GMRS radios which sport tiny battery packs that don't live up to the range promises. There's just not enough voltage and current to deliver the wattage output ExI=P. Look at most commercial radios as well as amateur handhelds. The recharge power packs are BIG. That's no accident. The bigger the battery tank the more juice to transmit and longer standby time. I found the GR715 range increase over my FRS easily twice the distance. Also be aware there are other considerations when buying a GMRS. Is the antenna removable? (FRS radios are not allowed to have removable antennas) If you antenna does not unscrew then there is a good chance the radio was built for FRS not GMRS standards) Also there is a 500 MW power limit on FRS radios. Actually licensed GMRS users can legally run as much as 50 watts of transmit power. There are also some outstanding prices on this radio. I suggest looking around. For the money I could not pass this radio up. I spent the same amount on each one that I spent on my first Motorolla FRS when they first entered the market. I still have more field testing to do on this rig but so far I think it's a keeper. There are other GMRS radios that are reported to have slightly better range such as the Motorolla Distance Plus (2 watt) but for the price,features and ease of use the GR715 is hard to beat.
Good value when you need more range.......2001-08-24
An Appealing Design!.......2001-08-04
Great Range!.......2001-07-24
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