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Newbie here, need help picking equipment

Lebowski

New Member
Oct 11, 2016
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I'm unsure if this is where I should be posting this question so sorry if I'm in the wrong place

I am going on a vacation soon to the Bahamas and wanted to get 4 radios to communicate with each other so I'm delving into the world of radios.

I am looking for something close to $100, no more than $120 that will meet our limited needs while having room to play with as a hobby afterwards.

Some of the information I have come accross pointed in the direction of WouXun KG-UV6D and since then I have discovered that they are all the way up to 9D at this point although the price jumps up to about $170 at the least as far as I could find.

I understand that a license may be required to use some features of these devices. I have complete confidence I can do the investigation required to properly operate any device as I have a technical background and am currently in the technical field however I feel I am a bit limited on time to research the ideal device to perform the appropriate usage research as I leave on 10/30 and figured I would go to what I would consider relative experts in the area.

I understand that a device like the WouXun KG-UV6D has features which I will not need but my primary concern really is should I purchase this device or has there since been a much better device released that is around the same price range. I would hate to purchase a set of devices equaling roughly $400 only to find out there was something better that as I grew would have been a much better choice.

Thanks in advance
 

Welcome to the forums.

Edit: These radio are essentially amateur radio dual band HT's. You can't just buy them and expect to be able to use them in a foreign country. If your entire party are licensed amateur radio operators then your fist step would be to check with the national communications office of the country your plan of using these radios in to see if it's even legal for you to do so and what permits might be needed. Otherwise the radios could be confiscated when you enter the other country. No point buying radios you may not be able to use legally in a foreign country.

Even as a licensed ham I have to check with whatever country I would be operating in to see if a permit was needed and that is with bilateral agreements already in place for licensed hams.

CB radios might be legal to use there but you still need to verify that.
 
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Bahamas, American territory, FCC rules should apply but I would DEFINATELY check to see, do not want to get put in jail for a simple violation
 
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Use cell phones and don't tempt fate.
If the radios require an amateur license and you don't have one, do not buy the equipment, go to a foreign country, and violate their laws and ours with equipment you have no authorization to operate in either country. Research what they have as far equipment that does not require a license in the Bahamas that you can purchase there.
England requires owners of television sets to have a license(at one time) so radio transmitters could be an interesting challenge.
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=about_4&id=amateur
 
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When did this happen? The Bahamas are, and have been for a long time, a British territory.

The Bahamas were a territory of the United Kingdom until 1973, when they were granted independence by the British. The country remains part of the British Commonwealth of Nations and recognizes the British monarch as the head of state. The official language of the Bahamas is English, and many citizens speak a Bahamian dialect.

google is a wonderful tool, still working on the first cup of coffee here, seems like the casino nation is independent.
 
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Yep a cell phone would be your best bet. Something from Walmart that is package bought and if lost not a big loss to your pockets. Also most plans cover the area you are going as part of the US. You just have to find which carrier works down there best and go with that. Verizon or ATT will most likely Be your best bets, but don't overlook sprint as well. Stay away from T-Mobile. That is JMHO, and from working on the equipment as well. The 2 carriers I named off first will most likely have the best coverage of your area. But don't rely on just me or anyone else. Find coverage maps and look for yourself as well. But yes, cell phones, even ones that don't do all the fancy stuff will work well. Carry them in waterproof bags made for cell phones and that float. This should help in case of a drop. But main thing is coverage!!
Next would be something like Robb posted. Which are 2 way radios that can be purchased again at Walmart or a sporting goods store. No they aren't as effective as a cell phone majority of the time. But there are some that will work for close comms. Those will all depend on the terrain and obstructions. And don't believe the ratings on the package as far as how far they will talk. Those are very misleading readings and are taken from a mountain top to mountain top or something along those lines. Those ate line of sight type radios and will only work so far. Some have reported less then a mile and I can attest to this as well depending on the height of one of the units versus the other.
This is just some food for thought before it gets too late. Look into a simple pre paid cell phone type deal with a plan that will cover the area you are traveling to. Again, these are all JMO's and many will have others as well. To me the cell phone is the easiest route taken without having to get licenses and the such.
 
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