Copper Talk » Open Forum » Archived Messages » 2002 » Archived Messages 02/01/2002 to 04/31/2002 » 2.5 or 4 watt walkie « Previous Next »

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Kurt
Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Probably a dumb question but I'll ask anyways. I have the option of buying a 2.5 watt walkie or a 4 watt. Is there a big difference in range between the two? I know the 4 watt should be at least a little better. The difference for me is paying an extra $100 for the 4 watt. Is it worth it? Thanks.
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Bigbob
Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 5:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If it's one of the newer ones probably not,unless it comes with a bunch more goody's.
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ChillyDog
Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 11:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Kurt,

Overall, the range of walkie-talkies is more limited by the antenna than the power.

That said, and all else being equal, the 4 watt unit is (approximately) almost twice the power of the 2.5 watt unit. In technical radio language, that's close to a 3dB increase.

On the receiving end, 3dB is just barely perceptible. It takes 6dB to double the range. In other words it takes four times the power the double the range. On a walkie-talkie the difference between 2.5 watts and 4 watts is not too significant.

If your choice is between 2.5 watts and having a radio and 4 watts and not having a radio, I'd pick 2.5 watts. You have to judge for yourself the value of another 1.5 watts vs. $100!

Bob
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Kurt
Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 3:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the replies! I think I'll buy the 2.5 watt.
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707
Posted on Monday, February 11, 2002 - 11:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

ummm...'scuse me, but for just $109 bucks you could buy a Titan AM/FM/SSB talkie with 8w P.E.P SSB and 4w AM/FM with over 400 "channels"
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707
Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 2:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WHoOPS!! My bad... I just noticed the Eagle Spitfire 454 (same as Titan) is once again available from our fine friends at Copper for only $149. I have one. It rocks.
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bruce
Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 7:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the tytan rspy-485 on 10 meters is a radio-shack clone i have one it is vety clean nice sounding radio hard to beat for 99 bucks... worked holland, canada and the lesser antilles from the car... not bad 4 watts... all on fm I measured the reciver sens at .2 UV FM for 10 db snad it is just as good on ssb and .5 on am which again with 4 watts worked a dozen stations in the north central us.... it dont take much.
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Forummaster
Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 8:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

707,

Eagle Spitfires are not available at this time. We are negotiating with the manufacturer but I don't expect any for at least three months. This is why I let your post go through about the Titan.
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bruce
Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i have a 454 bought from copper and worked costa rica from my frount lawn .. enough said ONE complaint no drop in charger......
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707
Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 9:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bruce- I have the drop-in charger that works with the Eagle 454 and clones. It is the Cherokee model that was sold with their SSB handheld. It has an 18v power supply and will run the radio on low power no prob. You might try calling Cherokee Electronics to see if they still have one. I was also able to secure the Mobile-Com adaptor from them. Anyone interested should see my website http://www.dxring.net for a review of the radio

BTW... I will be anxiously awaiting the first shipment of 454's!