Uniden GMRS680 5-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio

by Uniden

Product Details

Product Manual [568kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 2.2 x 4.1 inches ; 3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000093IKE
• Item model number: GMRS680
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Stay connected with other radio owners while hiking on the trail, riding the ski lift, or exploring other locations within a 5-mile range with the GMRS680 two-way radio. Also ideal as a neighborhood watch tool and workplace aid, the radio features 22 channels (8 GMRS and 14 FRS) and 38 CTCSS privacy codes, along with a voice-activated transmitter that enables hands-free communication when teamed with the optional HS 2467 headset and mic. The impressive range of channels and privacy codes gives you several communication options, ensuring that you can almost always talk with friends or family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal (radios must be set on the same channel and code to communicate).

It's easy to browse for channels thanks to the channel scan feature, which looks for active signals while you view the display, and the monitor function, which listens for weak signals on a given channel. And talking on the radio couldn't be simpler--just hit the PTT button when you're ready to transmit. It's important to note that the transmission range will vary depending on the channel and the surrounding terrain.

Additional features include a backlit LCD display with a battery strength meter, a keypad lock that keeps you from accidentally pressing buttons at the wrong time (such as when a radio is in your pocket), a headset jack, and your choice of five different call tones. And no worries about running out of power too quickly, as the radio runs for around 22 hours on four AAA batteries, and is also recharge-capable when teamed with an optional NiMH battery pack and charging cradle (sold separately). The entire bundle, which includes a belt clip for efficient transport, is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
One GMRS680 two-way radio, belt clip, user's manual.

Note: Use of the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies requires a Federal Communication Commission license. For information and application forms, visit the FCC at www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls or call the FCC hotline at 1-800-418-3676. For further questions, contact the FCC directly at 1-888-225-5322.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for Very Short Distances only, April 22, 2005

By 

C. Rodriguez "chrrodriguez" (WB) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Uniden GMRS680 5-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

I bought this "5 mile" radio, thinking that I could talk to my wife while on the highway going to work or for calling home from 5 miles away on my way back, but the distance it covers is rather dissapointing. While driving away from home, this unit doesn't even cover a half a mile before it fades out. And when on the highway (on a straight line) the most it covers before you get a high-static-hard-to-hear-noise is no more than 1 mile.
The radio itself has a neat design and has good features like 38 CTCSS codes per channel which gives you a "little more privacy" than using any of the given open channels. I was surprised to learn that as soon as I started to use my new radios, I was hearing all kinds of communications from other people on almost every channel. Fortunately I immediately set up a CTCSS code on my channel to filter the noise out and only be able to talk/listen to my other radio. After I bought these, I read on some site that ALL 2 way radios no matter what the advertised range says, have a maximum reach of no more than 2 miles. This is because they all work with the same amount of power, so it's not just a matter of building or trees being in the way.

My final advise is, if you'd like a 2 way radio to use in a car caravan, go shopping in a mall, go for a nearby hike, monitor the kids while in the park, or to just give the kids as a higher power walkie-talkie, get these. But don't expect anything near a 5 mile range. Stay within less than 2 miles and you should be ok.