Does anyone have any suggestions for two-way radios that actually have some decent range. I have Motorola talkabouts that boast a two mile range...not even close, maybe 1/2 mile if we are on a lake with no islands between us.

What I'm looking for is something that will go 5-10 miles without line of sight. Think multiple lakes/portages away from each other. Motorola has some two ways on REI that say 35 mile range but some reviews say they're only good for a mile or so.

Anyone know if this unicorn exists?

Probably not without a repeater.

Might as well break out the generator and HAM radio or business band if those are your requirements. Handheld 2-way that run on AA batteries don't typically do what you're wanting

Or I've got satellite messengers from Garmin & Spot for sale in the classifieds. Text back and forth if you're a couple lakes away for have a buddy on Mt Everest and another in the Amazon.

line of sight doesnt go that far. 2-3 miles max. maybe smooth water it can stretch. the only way your going farther is getting up in the air .i'd just get a few metal whistles.

Some of the Motorola radios have a High Medium and Low power setting for transmitting.

There are several YouTube videos on how to set up your radio.

As others have pointed out, not without a repeater or bigger radio. If you are looking at some of the radios that have better output, they may require a GMRS license. I have the Motorola Talkabout T631 radios that does FRS and GMRS.

I've never tested the two different modes but that would be a good test this summer. I'm sure somebody already has a youtube video testing it.

2 sat phones. Or wait a few years and your cell phones will work everywhere.

The Retevis RT29 GMRS radio is probably as good as it gets without external power, serious antennas, or a repeater. 10 real watts on applicable frequencies, and waterproof. Pricier than blister packs, but well worth it.

https://www.retevis.com/rt29-long-range-waterproof-uhf-radio-us

Something I just came across:

UHF vs. VHF - 5 Differences Between Two Way Radios
When it comes to buying two way radios, one of the most important things to consider is whether you want UHF two way radios or VHF two way radios. Different businesses need different frequency ranges depending on the size of their operation, their budget, and their team’s location.

But what’s the difference and what does your company need?

The main difference between these two options is in the range of frequencies that they use. But there’s more…

1. UHF vs VHF - what’s the difference?
VHF radio (Very High Frequency)
VHF radios offer a larger broadcast range, using radio waves from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. Unfortunately, they have fewer channels, which can lead to congestion and interference from other nearby two way radios.

Generally, VHF radios are less expensive and have been around for much longer than UHF radios and.

Very High Frequency two way radios are ideal for the outdoors and across large areas because they have a tendency for signal degradation in urban areas where there are many obstacles like tall buildings. They’re also ideal in areas where there are not a lot of people, so they can operate with reduced interference. Broadly speaking, VHF radios are better suited for industries such as agriculture and recreation.

UHF radio (Ultra High Frequency)
UHF two way radio waves don’t travel as far as VHF radio waves, so they have a reduced range. However, they have a wider frequency spectrum, so they afford great coverage with little interference from other users.

Due to the higher frequency that they operate on, UHF radios use up battery power more quickly so they’re not ideal if workers don’t have easy access to a charging station.

One of the biggest pros of UHF radios is that they do a much better job of penetrating barriers in urban locations, like concrete, steel, and wood. So this kind of radio is best suited for use indoors, including buildings with multiple floors, in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, education, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. They also work well for businesses that function in both indoor and outdoor settings, where there are a lot of surrounding buildings.

Summary:

Radios with lower frequencies (VHF) have longer wavelengths, making them ideal for work across wide areas free from obstruction, as well as outdoor use.
UHF radios operate at a higher frequency, which is ideally suited for wireless communications that need to penetrate buildings, walls, concrete, or other barriers. For this reason, UHF radios are best for indoor communication where obstacles, such as walls, are present.


My buddy and I use VHF handheld waterproof marine radios. Not that expensive and range seems to be good. Like one lake apart...maybe 5 miles no problem.In larger marine environments, also monitored by Coast Guard on Channel 16.
From the above info, it would appear that VHF is a better band to be using in rural areas.

walleyevision: "Does anyone have any suggestions for two-way radios that actually have some decent range. I have Motorola talkabouts that boast a two mile range...not even close, maybe 1/2 mile if we are on a lake with no islands between us.

What I'm looking for is something that will go 5-10 miles without line of sight. Think multiple lakes/portages away from each other. Motorola has some two ways on REI that say 35 mile range but some reviews say they're only good for a mile or so.

Anyone know if this unicorn exists?"

I have the T600s you're referring to. They're good- but not 35 miles good. I'd say more like 2-4 miles in canoe country. I really like them and we've gotten good use out of them. They're inexpensive, and in our experience, durable and reliable. I will say the rechargeable batteries that came with them suck. I just use AAs and they last pretty long. The weather radio feature is very nice as well for checking forecasts.

Blackdogyak: "My buddy and I use VHF handheld waterproof marine radios. Not that expensive and range seems to be good. Like one lake apart...maybe 5 miles no problem.In larger marine environments, also monitored by Coast Guard on Channel 16.
From the above info, it would appear that VHF is a better band to be using in rural areas."

Using marine VHF radios in the inland situation you describe is prohibited by federal law.

gravelroad:


Using marine VHF radios in the inland situation you describe is prohibited by federal law."

If they are both on the water, they are good to go. Land use is prohibited.

Tryin: "

gravelroad:



Using marine VHF radios in the inland situation you describe is prohibited by federal law."

If they are both on the water, they are good to go. Land use is prohibited."

Wrong.









In the Matter of Amendment of the Commission’s Rules Regarding Maritime Radio Equipment and Related Matters

Duplicate.

gravelroad:


Wrong.

I read your entire linked document, and I may be ignorant, but the only applicable equipment reference bolsters my statement. The Commission was asked to review the rule concerning associated shore stations and declined to expand authorized use parameters. The current rulings on vessel to vessel communications stand as of the date of publication.

The FCC guide book is silent on the issue of utilizing VHF marine bands for point to point communication between vessels on disconnected bodies of water. The lack of prohibition is lack of prohibition. The FCC guidebook then goes out of its way to describe the usefulness of marine band radios in wilderness waterway environments, again with no mention of water to water communications being prohibited due to a land boundary.

I'm happy to be wrong, but what you posted ain't it.

Tryin: "

gravelroad:



Wrong.

I read your entire linked document, and I may be ignorant, but the only applicable equipment reference bolsters my statement. The Commission was asked to review the rule concerning associated shore stations and declined to expand authorized use parameters. The current rulings on vessel to vessel communications stand as of the date of publication.


The FCC guide book is silent on the issue of utilizing VHF marine bands for point to point communication between vessels on disconnected bodies of water. The lack of prohibition is lack of prohibition. The FCC guidebook then goes out of its way to describe the usefulness of marine band radios in wilderness waterway environments, again with no mention of water to water communications being prohibited due to a land boundary.


I'm happy to be wrong, but what you posted ain't it.


"

You can actually infer it from what I posted, but here's the reg the Assistant US Attorney will beat you over the head with:

§80.115 Operational conditions for use of associated ship units.

You can fill in the gaps in your knowledge by reading this:

PART 80—STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES

The plain English version:

"Using Hand-Held Marine VHF Radios on Land

You must have a special license, called a marine utility station license, in addition to a ship station license, to operate a hand-held marine radio from land -- a ship station license IS NOT sufficient. You may apply for this license by filing electronically in ULS with the FCC. To be eligible for a marine utility station license, you must generally provide some sort of service to ships or have control over a bridge or waterway. Additionally, you must show a need to communicate using hand-held portable equipment from both a ship and from coast locations. Each unit must be capable of operation while being hand-carried by an individual. The station operates under the rules applicable to ship stations when the unit is aboard a ship, and under the rules applicable to private coast stations when the unit is on land."

Ship Radio Stations Operations

I guess I'm just too dense... everything in there is talking about station use on/from land. I am talking about water to water only.

None of my statements should be taken to mean that I think this is a wise use scenario for VHF, merely that it would be legal from water to water.

GMRS on a 5 watt channel with a transceiver capable of 5 true watts would be the route I would suggest.

Walleyevision, just an out in left field suggestion here. If both of the two party’s had Garmin InReach units you can text the other unit and get a text message back, email works the same way. My plan gets up to 40 free messages a month, then 50 cents after for each message. Unlimited preset messages if set up before hand at home on your computer. If you are just checking in with another person on a day trip this would work. It works world wide. I have used this trick with my buddy who also has one of these units in the back country where there is no cell service. Of course you both would need a Garmin and a service plan. I’m not sure of your needs but this could be an option. Some outfitters also rent these units.

To your question, I have a pair of Motorola radios that go up to 10 miles, but that is line of sight. You also need to get a special license to operate them. Get behind an island or over a hill and it is not very good.