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Product Specifications
Technical Details
- 2-way General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio
- Up to 5-mile range
- 15 selectable channels--8 GMRS channels and 7 shared FRS channels
- 47 privacy codes
- Backlit LCD display
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Whether it's a hiking trip or a day at an amusement park, sometimes you need more than a mile or so of range from a two-way radio. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you the power of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), plus lots of useful two-way features.
Cell phones are great, but they don't always work in remote areas or enclosed spaces like malls or department stores. GMRS radios are especially useful in situations like hiking or skiing where a cell phone would be inconvenient and expensive. With a GMRS radio, just push the call button and your voice is heard instantly on a compatible radio.
General Mobile Radio Service gives radio users more flexibility and reach. The catch is that you need a $45 license from the FCC to use GMRS. However, one license covers the entire family, so it can be cost-effective in exchange for the greater range.
A GRMS radio operates on the UHF-FM spectrum with the same technology used by police, fire, and other agencies. The Cherokee GR-715 gives you access to 8 GMRS channels and 7 channels shared with Family Radio Service (FRS), a non-licensed, short-range service.
In addition to the basic 15 channels, the Cherokee GR-715 has 47 CTCSS subchannels, or privacy codes. CTCSS codes are actually tones that "code" and "decode" a signal, allowing the people in your group to transmit on the same channel without having to listen to other radio traffic on the same channel. Note that these privacy codes won't keep others from listening to you--FRS users without a CTCSS code-enabled radio can still hear your transmissions. (For more about privacy codes, see our Two-Way Radio Buying Guide.)
When using a GMRS radio, expect reception to be affected by the terrain--thick woods, buildings, and electrical sources will cut your range. However, if you're transmitting to another radio from a mountaintop or other high point, you could reach someone within a range of up to five miles away.
The Cherokee GR-715's channel scan feature allows you to search available frequencies for a clear channel and monitor activity from other transmitting radios. The channel lock guards against the accidental pressing of buttons, and the talk-confirmation tone lets you signal anyone in your party with a distinctive tone.
For hunting, biking, or other outdoor activities, a GMRS two-way radio like the Cherokee GR-715 can be a lifesaver. With its extended range, long-lasting battery, and handy features, the GR-715 is an excellent introduction to the fun and convenience of GRMS radios.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much better than FRS,
By A Customer
This review is from: Cherokee GR715 5-Mile 15-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Black) (Electronics)
I've been comparing FRS radios for some time now and found that what the manufacturer touts as five mile range is not always so. I am also an amateur radio operator and have been curious about how well the GMRS radios perform in the field. So far I have tried three kinds. The Motorola Spirit (1 watt) the Cobra PR 900 and now the Cherokee GR715. The Motorola Spirit has a good range for 1 watt as well as some handy features. I do think that this one will provide at least twice the range as FRS radios. I've been able to talk to a friend while in the country as they were driving in town say (3-4 miles). The Spirit is GMRS only so don't expect to chat with your FRS buddies. The PR 900 had many features such as vox and scan and BIG lighted display. However, the range did not seem any better than my Ranger Plus FRS radios. Dissapointing. They were returned. As to the Cherokee GR715 I performed the following tests. Bench testing with digital watt meter into a dummy load showed the GR715 putting out more than 4 times more power than one of my other 500 milliwatt radios. The GR715 battery pack consists of 6 Nickle Metal Hydroxide batteries which yeilds around 8 volts. Alkaline batteries would yield 9 volts. Frankly this is a BIG deal. What most people overlook is the fact that you cannot expect a full two watts out running on 3 or 4 AAA batteries. It is possible to get it but the trade off will be a huge drain on batteries. This is based on the flow of current formula P/E=I. So it is no shocker to read reviews of combo FRS/GMRS radios which sport tiny battery packs that don't live up to the range promises. There's just not enough voltage and current to deliver the wattage output ExI=P. Look at most commercial radios as well as amateur handhelds. The recharge power packs are BIG. That's no accident. The bigger the battery tank the more juice to transmit and longer standby time. I found the GR715 range increase over my FRS easily twice the distance. Also be aware there are other considerations when buying a GMRS. Is the antenna removable? (FRS radios are not allowed to have removable antennas) If you antenna does not unscrew then there is a good chance the radio was built for FRS not GMRS standards) Also there is a 500 MW power limit on FRS radios. Actually licensed GMRS users can legally run as much as 50 watts of transmit power. There are also some outstanding prices on this radio. I suggest looking around. For the money I could not pass this radio up. I spent the same amount on each one that I spent on my first Motorolla FRS when they first entered the market. I still have more field testing to do on this rig but so far I think it's a keeper. There are other GMRS radios that are reported to have slightly better range such as the Motorolla Distance Plus (2 watt) but for the price,features and ease of use the GR715 is hard to beat.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good value when you need more range,
By A Customer
This review is from: Cherokee GR715 5-Mile 15-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Black) (Electronics)
I have used the product for about one month. Range is better than standard FRS units but not as good as professional GMRS models. Build quality so far is good and the features are nice. I tried a few add-on antennas (Pryme RD-9 was one)to see if I could increase the range. So far, the antenna that comes with the unit does the best job (I am no radio engineer so don't take my results too seriously!). I also have the Audiovox GMRS 1525. The Cherokee is the much better choice (but I would still recommend the Audiovox over a FRS-only model as the range is better). It has better range, better batteries and offers more features and build quality. Remember, your 2-way is only as good as the weakest 2-way in the group so be sure to buy two!The GMRS frequencies are the way to go as the FRS-only ones get too crowded. However, be sure to follow the FCC rules when broadcasting to keep the frequencies uncluttered.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Appealing Design!,
By A. Bitenas (Elizabeth, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cherokee GR715 5-Mile 15-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Black) (Electronics)
The GR715 is a very appealing, compact and solid-designed radio! External buttoms easy to use and set. Transmission performance, is limited to about 1 mile. In the city the range was about one mile, very clear up to that point, then static and choppy audio. In the field (Liberty State Park, Jersey City NJ) the range was somewhat greater! However, reading most ads-"range up to 5 miles"- is an exaggeration! Would an extended range antenna be a solution?
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