Today I am reviewing the Topsung 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies, a set with two FRS (Family Radio Service) two-way radios offering 22 channels and 142 CTCSS sub-audios.
These radios come with a lanyard and comes with three AA batteries (6 total) and a multiport cable. While Amazon mentions 4500mAh rechargeable batteries, these are green generics and not sure if the 4500mAh is definitely correct.
So, the Topsung 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies has one PTT button, adjustable volume, backlit LCD screen, battery status indicator, auto memory scan, power-saving, and access to NOAA Weather Scan & Alert.
The FRS is authorized 22 channels in the 462 MHz and 467 MHz range, all of which are shared with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) which requires an individual license for use.
To avoid any confusion, it’s important to note the differences are Watts and that GMRS requires an FCC license, FRS does not.
On channels 1-7, FRS utilizes 2 watts, GMRS can use 5 watts. Channels 8-14 are 0.5 watts (and is used for close proximity). Channels 15-22, FRS can get up to 2 watts and GMRS gets 50 Watts.
FRS also utilizes narrow banded signals on all channels, GMRS can use wide (except channels 8-14).
And FRS has permanent antennas, GMRS have interchangeable antennas.
1 462.5625
2 462.5875
3 462.6125
4 462.6375
5 462.6625
6 462.6875
7 462.7125
8 467.5625
9 467.5875
10 467.6125
11 467.6375
12 467.6625
13 467.6875
14 467.7125
15 462.5500
16 462.5750
17 462.6000
18 462.6250
19 462.6500
20 462.6750
21 462.7000
22 462.7250
As for the CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), these are sub-audible tones that act as filters to eliminate interference from unwanted transmissions originated by other individuals or groups who are operating on the same channel. Called as “privacy codes”, it’s important to note that for FRS or GMRS, there is no “privacy”, what you say can be heard by everyone.
So, for those wondering if you can listen to GMRS repeaters on FRS radios, if the repeater allows it and you know it’s tone, you maybe able to listen to it. But if you want to access repeaters, GMRS handheld transceivers are best for this.
FRS is primarily for families and friends who need to communicate up to 3 miles in open areas. But bare in mind, if you have houses, trees, mountains and obstacles, ideally you will get 0.6-1 mile with an FRS radio.
Also, while the radio does have a flashlight (by press of a small button), the radio has 11 NOAA channels but due to the small antenna, it may not be strong enough to pickup the NOAA weather channel, so you would have to hold the radio higher to listen to it.
So, for FRS walkie talkies, these walkie talkies work great with each other and I was able to do tests to see if I can hear clearly with my GMRS radios and it worked.
Although, while listening to the NOAA weather channel, while it’s loud, I turned down the volume knob which didn’t seem to work at all. Not sure why I wasn’t able to lower the volume.
But one thing that other walkie talkie brands of this pricepoint offers, which this doesn’t unfortunately, is the emergency flashlight. That would have been useful to incorporate on these two radios, especially for emergencies.
But for the most part, these are good radios. I do like the fact that they are colored in orange and red. I do like the ease of use as well.
But for those who are wondering if this is great for survivalist SHFT, for communications with family members under a mile is ideal but GMRS radios are much better because you can change the antenna, have better power (granted, you pay $35 for ten years which covers your household for GMRS). GMRS offers much power and more bang for your buck. FRS is free for families to use, are much cheaper but they do work and no test or license required.
Overall, for $29, you get two very good radios but it’s a competitive market and you may want to do your due diligence before buying, as others may offer more for a similar pricepoint.
