Want to know why your friends stopped behind you in a national park? Or maybe your kids have charged ahead on a Drakensberg hiking trail? What you need is a decent two-way radio. We compare five popular models to find the one that will suit you best.
But first a quick glossary
Some two-way radio terminology can be a bit dense, so we’ve tried to clarify the basics. It’s not exhaustive, but should be enough to decode the back of the box.
CHANNEL: A pre-set radio frequency. Both handsets must be on the same channel to communicate.
CTCSS TONES/SUB-TONES: Interchangeable terms for allowing separate communication on a single channel. Tones do not change the frequency, but allow calls to be ignored unless the tones on both handsets match. CTCSS tones (CTCSS stands for ‘Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System’) are sometimes called ‘privacy codes’ which is misleading. While users on the same tone will hear only each other, a user on tone ‘0’ (i.e. with no tone selected) will hear all communication on that channel regardless of others’ tone selections.
DCS CODES: Similar to CTCSS tones, but uses a digital code instead of a tone to link handsets. Devices with a high number of tones usually combine CTCSS and DSC.
LICENSE-FREE: All the radios listed below operate on licence-free channels, meaning that they operate on pre-programmed public-access frequencies which anyone can use, and have a max output of 0.5W.
PTT: ‘Push to talk’ – the main button to depress for outgoing communication. Usually, but not always, on the side of the device.
HANDS-FREE/VOX: Voice-activated functionality. Allows transmission without pressing the PTT button.
Our signal quality test
When you’re shopping for a two-way radio you’ll generally see a maximum range – based on line of sight over open terrain. We’ve listed that maximum for each unit here. Some radios also give a minimum range for built-up areas, and of the units we tested that gave a minimum, the Midland has the shortest – between one and two kilometres. We wanted to put this to the test. Maximum range may differ, but if a device can’t make a basic minimum, that’s clearly a problem.
It was a lovely day, so we charged up each radio and headed down to Cape Town’s promenade for an afternoon beer, ahem, test. At 1,75km apart, and with a few tall buildings to block the line of sight, we cranked the volume and flipped between each unit, ranking the signal reception and quality of each. Our marks out of 10 are comparisons only – they all worked to some extent – but are meant to show how each fared against the others.
The results
In no particular order. (Although the Zartek was our favourite…)
1. Midland M24-S
R799 for two, Cape Union Mart
Midland M24-S.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 24
NUMBER OF TONES: 38 per channel (on 8 channels only)
MAX STATED RANGE: more than 10km
SIGNAL QUALITY TEST: 6/10
EASE OF USE: 8/10
EXTRA FEATURES: 6/10
BATTERY TYPE: 4 x AAA
BATTERY DISPLAY: Yes
HANDS-FREE: Yes
MIC JACK: Yes
HEADPHONE JACK: Yes
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: No
Pros
Simple and easy to use, the M24-S has all the features you need without being overcomplicated. There’s a channel scan function, and the hands-free option has a high/low sensitivity setting. Because it operates on AAA batteries, keeping a supply of spares will save you in an emergency, although the battery-level display should help to avoid that.
Cons
The M24-S doesn’t come with a charger kit (other models in the same series do) and the eight alkaline batteries provided won’t last forever. Standard rechargeables can be used, but you’ll have to buy your own, plus the charger. The display screen is simple and clear, but there’s no back light on this model so you can’t make it out in the dark.
Verdict
The M24-S is great value at R799 for two, although you do have to buy them in pairs. Great for close-quarter chats on a Kruger game drive.
2. Zartek ZA-758
R950 per radio, Outdoor Warehouse
Zartek ZA-758.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 16
NUMBER OF TONES: Requires programming
MAX STATED RANGE: 10 to 30km
SIGNAL QUALITY TEST: 10/10
EASE OF USE: 10/10
EXTRA FEATURES: 7/10
BATTERY TYPE: 4 x AAA
BATTERY DISPLAY: No
HANDS-FREE: Yes
MIC JACK: Yes
HEADPHONE JACK: Yes
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: No
Pros
By far the best range and sound quality of the radios we tested. A sturdy metal belt clip and optional lanyard keeps it handy, and there are simple knobs to change volume and channel. It’s the only radio here with an optional antenna extension.
Cons
The Li-ion battery pack needs 12V power to charge. There’s also no battery display, although the unit can be programmed to indicate battery level by way of a voice prompt. An extra programming cable (not included) allows custom tone programming via a PC, but out of the box the 16 pre-programmed channels (no tones) are all you get.
Verdict
Incredibly easy to use and with no unnecessary frills, the ZA-758 is our overall favourite. At R1900 for two it’s not the cheapest, but in this instance you do get what you pay for. It’s perfect if mains/inverter power isn’t a problem and range/quality is your top priority.
3. Motorola TLKR-T60 Twin Pack
R1099 for two, 2WayRadio.co.za
Motorola TLKR-T60.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 8
NUMBER OF TONES: 121 per channel
MAX STATED RANGE: Up to 8km
SIGNAL QUALITY TEST: 3/10
EASE OF USE: 7/10
EXTRA FEATURES: 5/10
BATTERY TYPE: 4 x AAA
BATTERY DISPLAY: Yes
HANDS-FREE: Yes
MIC JACK: No
HEADPHONE JACK: Yes
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: No
Pros
The T60 is easy to use and an affordable option for household use. It has all the main features you would expect, although without some of the fine-tuning available in the other units. It comes with a rechargeable battery pack and desk charger, and can also take regular AAA batteries.
Cons
The poorest signal quality of the radios tested here. At 1.75km in a built up area the signal was very weak and almost unintelligible. In line-of-sight use the radios worked well, but the sound quality was scratchy and occasionally distorted.
Verdict
For general use and a bit of fun over short distances, the T60 is adequate. But the poor signal quality could be a problem if intended for serious use.
4. Kenwood PKT03
R1130 per radio, 2WayRadio.co.za
Kenwood PKT03.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 4
NUMBER OF TONES: 0
MAX STATED RANGE: Up to 8km
SIGNAL QUALITY TEST: 7/10
EASE OF USE: 6/10
EXTRA FEATURES: 4/10
BATTERY TYPE: Li-ion internal battery pack
BATTERY DISPLAY: No
HANDS-FREE: No
MIC JACK: No
HEADPHONE JACK: Yes
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: Yes
Pros
Small, lightweight and relatively easy to use, the Kenwood impressed us with its sound quality. The handsets charge via a Micro USB connection and there’s a 3,5mm jack for standard headphones. It has a built-in torch and it’s the only radio here with a dust/water resistance certification.
Cons
The PTT button feels odd on the front of the unit and there was a slight lag between pushing and transmitting. The battery level is indicated by flashing lights when the function key is depressed and although charging via Micro USB is useful, there’s no cable or adaptor included. At R1130 per radio, it’s the most expensive tested here and with only four channels it’s not suited to busy areas. No belt clip included.
Verdict
Lightweight, weather-resistant, with good range and sound quality, the PKT03 is ideal for use in remote regions and multi-day hikes. It’s the only radio here with a USB charger which means you can power it with any portable power bank.
5. Cobra Micro-Talk MT975
R1199 for two, Trappers
Cobra Micro-Talk MT975.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 8
NUMBER OF TONES: 38 per channel (plus 83 DCS codes per channel)
MAX STATED RANGE: up to 12km
SIGNAL QUALITY TEST: 5/10
EASE OF USE: 4/10
EXTRA FEATURES: 9/10
BATTERY TYPE: 4 x AAA
BATTERY DISPLAY: Yes
HANDS-FREE: Yes
MIC JACK: Yes
HEADPHONE JACK: Yes
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: No
Pros
The Micro-Talk is all about the features. The hands-free function has five sensitivity settings, there’s a vibration alert for incoming calls, a baby monitor setting, an optional intercom adaptor and you can even set different call chimes for different tones. It comes with rechargeable AAAs and a desk-stand charger kit.
Cons
It’s complicated. Expect to spend a lot of time with the manual (which comes in 17 languages) and even once you know where you’re going, it’s 16 clicks on the ‘mode’ button to cycle through all the menu options. The signal quality was also poor compared with all except the Motorola.
Verdict
If you’re looking for all the bells and whistles this is the radio for you, but be prepared to sacrifice on sound quality.
Finally: your two-way radio shopping checklist
When you shop for a portable radio, look for these key features.
NUMBER OF CHANNELS/TONES: Having more is great for busy cities, but the more remote the area the fewer you’ll need.
RANGE: No manufacturer will guarantee range, but if they don’t state at least 10km over open terrain, you won’t get more than a kilometre or two in thick bush or in a city, especially if you’re inside a vehicle.
EASE OF USE: Channel and volume are the options you’ll use most. Make sure they’re simple to adjust.
EXTRA FEATURES: Sometimes you want a little more. Need a baby monitor? An external antenna mount? Some sets have more frills.
BATTERY TYPE: Going far from mains power? Standard rechargeables could be useful in a pinch.
BATTERY LEVEL DISPLAY: Because it’s so easy to forget to charge.
HANDS-FREE OPERATION: Rock climbing? Taking photos? A hands-free setting is very useful in these instances.
MIC AND/OR HEADPHONE JACKS: Great in noisy environments and if privacy is important.
SPLASH/DUST RESISTANT: Dust and rain are facts of travel, but full weather-proofing may be overkill for holiday use. Check the certification to be sure.
This review first appeared in the March 2015 issue of Getaway magazine. All prices correct at time of publication, but are subject to change at the distributor’s discretion.
