67 out of 67 people found this review helpful.
Stay in touch with the Uniden GMRS680-2 ~ 2-way Radio set
Date of Review: Oct 3, 2003
The Bottom Line: These are GREAT walkies to use! The long range and rechargeable batteries make the Uniden GMRS680-2 a terrific family choice!
On the way down to the Oregon Coast, one of the kids noticed we had forgotten four of the walkie talkies. Of course, we were about 4 and a half hours into the drive! This prompted a stop at the next Target where we were able to pick up the Uniden GMRS680-2 2-way Radios on sale for $39.00. These turned out to be even better than the ones we normally use.
THE GREAT
*~* The Uniden GMRS680-2 radios can transmit up to 5 miles! There are 22 channels with channels 1-14 having a 2 mile ranges and channels 15-22 having a five mile range.
Note: We have not tested the five mile limit but were able to use them at 3 miles without a problem.
*~* There are 38 CTCSS codes for extra privacy. what this means is that if you set two (or more) of the radios to the SAME CTCSS code, those radios will be able to talk to each othe without ANY other radios listening or coming through. This can be a big advantage when using the walkies in a highly tourist area where other radios are being used ~ such as Disneyland and other amusement parks.
Note: In MY family, this can also be put in the bad area when older siblings use this feature to make sure the younger ones aren't able to be involved in the conversations! This is an okay thing WHEN they are out alone but NOT an okay thing when they are to keep in contact with all of the family.
*~* The Uniden GMRS680-2 can be used with regular or rechargeable batteries. It comes with a rechargeable battery (one for each of the two radios) and a charging cradle. You can also use 3 AAA batteries which are NOT included.
I LOVE the fact that it comes with a recharging unit and a battery level indicator! No more running out of fuel unexpectedly!!
Note: We were able to use the radios right out of the box ~ no waiting for the batteries to charge! Not only that, we didn't even put them on the recharger until day 4 and in 9 days, that was the ONLY charging we did!
*~* These walkie talkies are really easy to use. To LISTEN, you simply have to have your radio on the same channel as the person who is talking. You can adjust the volume so it comes over only as loud as you want it to. To TALK, you hold in the big press to talk button and talk, letting go of the button when you are done talking. How easy it that?
Note: The press to talk button is located on the left top side (when facing you)of the radio. It is ridged and long (about 1/3 of the length) so it is very easy to locate and use.
*~* I love the fact it has an automatic power saver feature! If there is no transmission or incoming calls within 3 seconds, the Uniden GMRS680-2 automatically switches over to the power save mode. The great thing is that all incoming calls still come over and you can still transmit on this mode.
note: ANYTHING that extends the life of the batteries, is a BIG bonus to me!
THE GOOD
*~* These are nice sized radios ~ small enough to cart around but big enough they are easy to use. The Uniden GMRS680-2 is 4-1/4" long, 1-1/4" in wide and 2" thick.
The radio only weighs 6.0 ounces and comes with a belt clip.
Note: The belt clip hooks into the radio firmly and we never had one get lose or fall off. It also is small enough to carry in a pocket.
*~* The Warranty Terms are 1 year for both parts and labor.
Note: We have used walkie talkies since I can remember, and have never had to use the warranty but you never know. Most of the time, the radios are so cheap, that it is just less trouble to buy another than go through the time and shipping to get it replaced. I guess if the recharging unit was faulty, I might use the warranty on that.
*~* There are five call tones to choose from. This means that you can choose whichever tone you fine the the least irritating! These don't have to be used as you can just talk and be heard but if you want to ring the person first, you have 5 choices.
Note:Kids pick up REAL quick on how to change the tones, so each time you may get a different tone! Of course this is true with the cell phone too!
*~* There are a lot of extra features including the keypad lock, the ability to scan different channels, a LCD backlight, an earphone jack and the ability to adjust the key beep sounds. None of these are hard to and are all explained step by step in the instruction sheet.
Note: While the features are nice, I just use the radios to monitor the kids and never do more than listen and/or talk. My kids will muck around with all of the features and set them to their preference, but I am just a one click (the talk button) user!
THE BAD
*~* There really wasn't anything bad to say about the Uniden GMRS680-2 other than there is three parts to keep track of. BUT there is one bad thing about ALL walkie talkies in my family ~ my kids LOVE to PLAY with these. You'd think they'd have been using them for so long that the novelty would be wore of but NO, they still love to play with them.
Example ~ When one of the kids is walking by a group of people, another kid can't help but make some smart remark which of course the people will assume is coming from the innocent kid whose radio is on! These range from "Wow, look at the butt on that one" to "You sure are cute, want to go out some time" to "I'm okay, really I'm okay, just don't get too close" Oh there are more, but you get the idea! It would help of course if their father didn't crack up ~ although, the face of the poor child who has the radio is priceless!
Note: So you know that we are not terrible parents, we have taken radios away for a day, which means that person can't go out, which will stop it ~ FOR A DAY OR TWO :-)
