Is the Motorola MJ270 a decent radio? From the last two runs it seems the vehicles farther away I couldn't hear too well. Which, given the small size of our group, I wouldn't think distance would be an issue.

 

I don't know about that particular model, Rainman, but I have the Motorola EM1000Rs, which seem pretty similar, and they work well. (Unless I was one of the ones you couldn't hear!) I always carry a set of NiMH batteries as backups to the battery packs. At least from what I've read, don't expect to get the advertised 20- or 27-mile range unless you're where it's flat and desolate. Being the diplomat I am, I'm not naming places in Nebraska that fit that description.

 

If you had trouble hearing me, Rainman, it's probably my radio not yours. I've had my Motorola's for 6 years and could stand an upgrade.

 

At the best, these radios will provide around 2-3 miles of range in perfect conditions. Normally, they average a mile or just over in range. Hills and valleys affect it's range and reception ranges.

We just bought a set of Cobra radios. I"m not happy with the volume level I hear, can't turn it up as high as I want to, and we don't like the transmit button on our radios, it's very small.

As long as our group can stay in contact down the line of cars, even if some of us miss the original comment the comment can be relayed by those that heard it to the rest of the group.

Motorola and Uniden are some of the top radios reviewed. Some of the Cobra models are good too.

 

Arkansas is going to play hell with radio reception. Those ridges and valleys can make roller coasters look tame!

 

FYI the upper range channels 15-22 are GMRS and will provide more range. Use of these channels as stated in your manual requires a license. However, on several long runs to and from the dragon we have used the GMRS range. Or logic has been that if we are causing interference for anyone we will be out of the area in a few minutes.