If you are new to GMRS, the Talkpod A36 plus GMRS should be at the top of your shortlist for your first handheld.
It’s a quality design with an interface that is intended for the first time or casual user. It is programmed and ready to go right out of the box including the GMRS repeater channels. With a couple of 2-pack radios, you are ready for a family or group outing without fumbling around with settings or being intimidating for a non-experienced user.
Should you choose to dive into the settings, the flexibility is there to accommodate a custom configuration. For one example, there are two side buttons that can be programmed for different functions. You can program the “privacy” tones, label channels, program receive-only airband frequencies, etc.
It has all the features that are becoming mandatory in a handheld: USB-C charging, longer life battery, and CHIRP-compatible programming.
The reception with the supplied antenna is excellent - including NOAA and FM Broadcast band. This is not always true of the radios that are available in this price class.
The full-range speaker is also excellent.
With lots of GMRS handhelds on the market, the Talkpod reflects that the company put a lot of thought into manufacture, materials, and performance. It feels right in the hand and has a tough (but not P67 waterproof) case. The next step up would be the heterodyne radios by Motorola or Wouxan, which would double or triple the per-unit cost.
It’s a quality design with an interface that is intended for the first time or casual user. It is programmed and ready to go right out of the box including the GMRS repeater channels. With a couple of 2-pack radios, you are ready for a family or group outing without fumbling around with settings or being intimidating for a non-experienced user.
Should you choose to dive into the settings, the flexibility is there to accommodate a custom configuration. For one example, there are two side buttons that can be programmed for different functions. You can program the “privacy” tones, label channels, program receive-only airband frequencies, etc.
It has all the features that are becoming mandatory in a handheld: USB-C charging, longer life battery, and CHIRP-compatible programming.
The reception with the supplied antenna is excellent - including NOAA and FM Broadcast band. This is not always true of the radios that are available in this price class.
The full-range speaker is also excellent.
With lots of GMRS handhelds on the market, the Talkpod reflects that the company put a lot of thought into manufacture, materials, and performance. It feels right in the hand and has a tough (but not P67 waterproof) case. The next step up would be the heterodyne radios by Motorola or Wouxan, which would double or triple the per-unit cost.
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