Hahaha, these are awesome. I know a couple uses for them...

If they turn out to be crap.. I am only out $20 :P

Does anyone know the battery life on this item?

wileecoyote wrote:
FWIW: My guess is that volunteer moderators delete most of the posts, not woot staffers. Or at least I hope this is the case since I think the moderators have been way out of line lately so I would like to think it is some left coast liberal that is pro-censorship rather than the woot staff doing this. :-)

It's an aside, but a valid point. Would our fine crew of volunteer moderators please use more of a "think three times, press delete once" philosophy? While not every post is going to be on-topic for a given w00t, sometimes the humor value or side thread is worthwhile enough to keep on it's own. There has been a rather unusually heavy hand on the side of deletions lately.

Now, again, for an on-topic snippet about the batteries:

In case your batteries go bad, or the one in the radio you get simply won't charge the first time, there are a couple things you should try.

First, flip the battery over. They are rectangular, and completely symmetrical. There are a lot of people who simply have inserted the battery backwards, upside down, and such.

XAct communications will happily send you a replacement battery if the one you have is dead. In order to get a replacement, you can :

Go to the website, and email tech support:

http://www.xactcommunication.com
info@xactcommunication.com

Give them a call :

1.866.466.XACT (9228)

This radio is basically the x32x, and they have plenty of practice replacing the batteries if need be. They have a good warranty.

KoiKeeper wrote:Does anyone know the battery life on this item?

I think someone posted earlier that they lasted a day and a half on VOX.....

KoiKeeper wrote:Does anyone know the battery life on this item?

From experience? About 200 charge cycles or so, and a given charge has lasted me about 2 days, when using VOX, max. The minimum amount of time I've had a radio last was about two hours, but that was basicaly a non-stop constant two hour conversation using a headset while on a motorcycle road trip.

The moderators are definitely censor happy tonight....as one of my posts was just erased.........but anyways....the batteries will last longer if you do not use the aptional headset that comes with it.....they deplete the batteries much faster than using the built in mic and speaker.....which usually last about a day for me when skiing with them.....I always recharge them at night

greatest podcast ever

I do find that it is confusing if not just downright bad that these are sold as only two on a two fer night.....when these are always sold as a pair in the stores......oh well....no worries.....watch and see though these will inevitably so up in a Bandolier of Carrots with only one being there......LOL.......goodnight woot

The folks at http://www.nationalsos.com/ are suggesting that every FRS owner assume there'll be useful stuff, or at least a bunch of neighbors, on channel 1 in an emergency. Their forums have some good info on FRS and GMRS.

Wow. The fluff text is better than the item BY FAR. I want this story.

wooty is poopyie! damn you woot and your xbox & ipod accessories, crappy binoculars, and groovy-pooey talkie-walkies. i hate you - i am german, ya? i am sleepy and german and your talkies are more crappy than even you woot, yes, ya damn you. goodnight then. stop selling me quality merchandise and start selling me more crap! bags that is.

[size=30]MY FIRST WOOT[/size]

this is way too awesome not to buy.

I have one of these, except it says it's made by Act. I don't recommend getting them, They're pretty bulky.

Im here to b o o and to hiss.

I just dont think these things would work well with rugged terrain. maybe on a golf course or a fair or something but youd be screwed if you were in the mountains. my .02

martinbogo wrote:

It's an aside, but a valid point. Would our fine crew of volunteer moderators please use more of a "think three times, press delete once" philosophy? While not every post is going to be on-topic for a given w00t, sometimes the humor value or side thread is worthwhile enough to keep on it's own. There has been a rather unusually heavy hand on the side of deletions lately.

They may have come under pressure because they were virtually absent during the last Woot-off.

rookedone wrote:greatest podcast ever

WOW!

Even though I bought today's w00t, staying-up JUST FOR THIS PODCAST was really worth it (although, maybe staying-up 'till almost 3AM @ work had something to do with it).

Oh, well, one only needs to wait a day or so to figure-out if both turn-out to be a good decision!

jbuccola wrote:compatibility warning -- got the no name red ones last month from woot. They work great, except not very compatible with standard FRS radios (i believe we tried with Motorola classic FRS walkies).

other than that, very nice. lithium ion batts (non-exploding, i hope), plug-in charger, great range. used them at lego land in san diego recently and they worked all over the park.

Here's an important piece of information regarding 2-way radios such as these: even though two radios operate in the same brand, if they are made by different manufacturers the channel numbers do not necessarily correspond to the same frequencies!

For example, my Xact and Bellsouth radios use the exact same frequencies (462.5625-462.7125MHz) for channels 1-7, but Bellsouth's channel 8 corresponds to Xact's Channel 16, both operating at 462.5750MHz.

It's not the case that the radios you buy are incompatible with one another, it's just that the channel numbers may be different between different radios. The frequency information can be found in each radio's manual, and I suggest doing what I did: I made a chart listing the frequencies and the channel numbers that each type of radio used for them.

jbuccola wrote:

i thought so, too... i had to charge the "dead" one overnight and it worked fine. the other one powered right up, right out of the box.

The manual for the Xact radios specifically stated that you must charge the battery first (for up to 12 hours). These instructions are actually usually found with any type of rechargeable cell. The cells usually have a partial charge, but should be prepared for use with a full charge for the first time.

zionchild wrote:Then why not just say, "license required"? When I go shopping for stoves and see "self-cleaning", I don't think "this must mean I need to clean it myself".

Well the point of the term "self-licensing" is that it's different from a normal licensing process. Usually you have to take a test, prepare, pay a fee, obtain a license from a professional or municipal body, etc., but the "self-license" implies that you take care of everything on your own (although you still have to pay).

It's not quite the same thing to compare it to "self-cleaning", just as another improper analogy would be, "ability" is to "inability" as "flammable" is to "inflammable."

Io wrote:Anyone know if these have some kind of VOX function, and is the mic one of those standard mini-plug jobs?

These have built in microphones and speakers, and the headset is a simple one without a button. On my Xact models, they have a 3-pole, 3.5mm miniplug connector. I would assume any headset fitting that description would work, however all of my headsets are 2.5mm and I don't have any socket adapters.

markzero wrote:

Do you have to replace batteries often? The description says they are rechargeable, and they come with chargers.

And thanks for the warning about fat wrists I will stick to the Cobras I got from Woot last month, or wait for more carabiners like from the last Woot-off. But I might get a couple of these for others.

The Lithium cells should last for a few years as long as they are cared for properly (do not deep cycle, etc.).

I also have the Cobra radios, although I haven't tried them yet because I have other radios in use at the moment. I'm assuming they work as well as my earlier Bellsouth ones, because they are both normal-sized handheld units as opposed to these compact wrist-mounted ones. (I'll post details about the wristwatch ones in an upcoming post.)

I was thinking about getting those radios on the carabiners, but then realized they wouldn't really do any good. It's not more convenient to have them on the carabiner, since you can take other radios and strap them around your neck or clip them to your belt anyway. Also, they were Xact units that are most likely the same as the wristwatch ones in a different housing (which, again, I already have.)

martinbogo wrote:
W00t staffers.. could we get a clarification on the 2-for-tuesday for this item?

Is this TWO packages with TWO radios each? (i.e. four radios for $19) or is this ONE box with TWO radios in it?

Thanks!

We get these questions every week. I'm getting sick of Tuesday specifically for that reason (although I often like the items, I just can't stand the same questions over and over.)

Here's a simple test: how many objects do you see in the picture? You know, the one on the main page that illustrates the exact item for sale? THAT's what you get in any given WOOT.

markzero wrote:

Technically, or legally?
You should Google frequencies for the countries you plan to visit.

Actually, if I remember correctly, you CANNOT use FRS or GMRS radios in any other countries (possibly Canada or Mexico, but not likely). Frequencies used and licensing varies, so you must assume that it is not legal to use 2-way radios in any other country. It's not likely that you'd get caught and prosecuted, but don't press your luck, especially in a foreign country.

martinbogo wrote:

That sounds reasonable then. Of course, then that means that this w00t is not a particularly great deal, especially compared to the previous w00t for the x32x ones.

Pricing at $19 + 5 shipping, means that you really can go to CompUSA, and some online retailers, and generally get a better price on two of these radios.

Poot Woot.

Keep in mind, if you try to buy these from a retailer or e-tailer, you may have to pay for shipping, and tax if they reside in your state, so you're not likely to find a better price for this exact same item after you calculate the total.

"Poot" Woot?

True story: I was working one day (in a retail store) and I was checking out a woman with a young boy. He had one of these wristwatch radios (except it had orange accent), and I had to chuckle to myself. I had just received, a week or two earlier, the Xact wristwatch radios from Woot. It's nice to know I have the same interests as a little boy a fraction of my age.

Ok, so here's my full "review" of these and other 2-way FRS/GMRS radios.

I have the Bellsouth 5 mile handheld radios from a few months ago. They work very well, although a couple of them have questionable build quality: the volume knob and backlight on one don't appear to work properly, and the clip holding secure the battery door on another broke off (although the cells are in there so tightly that there's no chance of them falling out). Otherwise, they have great audio quality and battery life (although I recharge them frequently).

I have the Cobra handheld units from a month or so ago, and I'm assuming they're similar to the Bellsouth ones, although I haven't had the need to use them yet.

I purchased the Xact wristwatch radios from a couple of months ago. I like them (I've only used one of them), although my main complaint is that the speaker is not quite clear enough; you really have to listen closely to make out the other person. Otherwise, the battery life is fine. I bought several of the units because they cost less than buying new battery packs, and I wouldn't have to worry about damaging the one unit that I would be using since I could just replace it.



Here is the info specific to today's WOOT:

First of all, these are US Electronics BellSouth Communicators. The exact model on the manufacturer's Web page is here:
http://www.uselectronics.info/items.asp?item_id=194&variation_id=239
Another similar radio from the same manufacturer is here:
http://www.uselectronics.info/items.asp?item_id=202&variation_id=257
I point this out because I want you to look closely at the displays: the one difference is that the screen on the latter has a section to display a 2-digit number, and this display is identical to that of the similar Xact radios. This is significant because the radios in today's WOOT do not have the 38 CTCSS "privacy codes." These radios do not have the "subchannels" or squelch tones. This may or may not be important to you, but keep it in mind if you're thinking of making a purchase.

I still think these are a good deal because besides each wristwatch, you get a rechargeable battery, headset, and AC adaptor, each of which cost about $10 (MSRP). This means that, for my purposes, I could spend a little over $10 and get headsets, extra batteries, and extra chargers for my existing Xact wristwatch radios. I was just wishing I had a headset for my wristwatch unit, and was going to have to pay $10-15 anyways for one. This looks like a great deal, even if I buy the WOOTs for everything in the package BUT the actual wristwatches themselves. Also, if the headsets work with any of my other radios then that's just an added bonus.

jmcachran wrote:OK, pretending to be James Bond at 8 was cool, but at 36, it would just be creepy.

Wow.. good thing I bought them for my 8 year old and his friend. And, what does that make James Bond? I always thought he was just sexy, not creepy. At least when Sean Connery was portraying him. hehehehe

Didn't Wonder Woman wear these on her wrists to deflect bullets?

1.5 mile range.... if "mile" means "block"

Out my 3rd floor apartment window in a straight unobstructed line, my son couldnt hear me at 2 blocks. just "PSSSSSSSHHHHHHTTTT" staticalicious.

3 pairs of these, we were gonna be the Geek Family Robinson at Summerfest/State Fair.

Oh well, at least they are filling up that extra space i had in my closet.

at least the wootcast was good

Bought a pair on my very first Woot.
Two issues:
They are not very kid friendly and
Good luck finding a replacement battery.

I bought the non-branded version of these and have had terrible luck with the batteries. I bought three sets (6 total communicators): one came with a defective watch (thanks Woot! for replacing that so easily); three now no longer work due to batteries that will not charge.

Cheap, yes; but you get what you pay for: In addition to lazy batteries, the watches are bulky; the bands are short (I don't have a big wrist, but had trouble getting them to fit me -- OK for me, as they are really for the kids); the range is equally short; the antenae pop off easily; menus are hard to use. In all, I was disappointed and not very impressed by this product.

atomizer wrote:Well the point of the term "self-licensing" is that it's different from a normal licensing process.

No, the point of "self licensing" is that it covers the manufacturer's butt while sounding, from a marketing standpoint, better than, "You need a ripoff FCC license to legally use the GMRS frequencies. Or maybe to use the radios at all. Or maybe to own the radios. Or maybe to think about owning the radios. We're not sure."

$16.99 at Fry's electronics.

I see circuit city is now selling 2-ways with 16 mile range. Never heard of more than 5 previousely.

aoviss wrote:

You have like 43 posts in a row...I wonder if that hints at the disinterest in this product. Thanks for the input though, thats one reason I like Wooting so much.

/predicting this will be in the next Bushnell Optical Corneas

I really wish these things worked, and that they werent so darned big. The plastic is unconfortable after 20 seconds or so

Heh, you're not the first person to notice that. In truth, I typically end up posting a few hours after the item has been up, and the frenzy of new posts has subsided. I end up posting relatively quickly, so several of mine end up in sequence. Consequently, you shouldn't take that to mean that there isn't much interest in the item; I just have a lot to say. I do love sharing information with you guys, though, and am very happy to help. I wouldn't mind being a moderator or administrator of some sort, but I'm just happy to help out where I can.

As far as these radios are concerned, I have had great luck with the first and only one I've used. They are quite huge, and I wouldn't wear them in public (not out of embarassment, though, it's just that I don't like having to explain the same thing over and over to different people.) My wristwatch radio is comfortable to me over long periods of time, so your mileage may vary.

shask wrote:I see circuit city is now selling 2-ways with 16 mile range. Never heard of more than 5 previousely.

The range is largely dependent on antenna height/length, and much less so on power output. Terrain is another huge factor. My advice is not to rely on advertised range at all; use the terrain and environment to judge the actual range you will get.

nomone2spn wrote:Bought a pair on my very first Woot.
Two issues:
They are not very kid friendly and
Good luck finding a replacement battery.

Xact and US Electronics both sell replacement batteries for these wristwatches, although since they end up costing $15 or so I thought it was much cheaper to get 6 of these things (last time) just for the extra batteries; I just use one of the actual radios for myself. As I wrote earlier, if it breaks, I have 5 spares!

Again, I suggest that if you're worried about battery life or replacement, just buy an extra pack or two; each radio works out to cost less than buying a new battery pack separately, and you get a spare of everything (headset, handset, AC adapter).

3.8 out of 5 on comp usa

one reviewer stated
"Let's talk distance. 1.5 miles? Well, maybe in a flat area. I knew the distance would probably be lacking of it's advertised goal, so I wasn't upset when it didn't pull a full 1.5 miles. I went for a walk, I got about 1/4th a mile where things began to get a little staticy."

jwhite6114 wrote:I bought the non-branded version of these and have had terrible luck with the batteries. I bought three sets (6 total communicators): one came with a defective watch (thanks Woot! for replacing that so easily); three now no longer work due to batteries that will not charge.

Cheap, yes; but you get what you pay for: In addition to lazy batteries, the watches are bulky; the bands are short (I don't have a big wrist, but had trouble getting them to fit me -- OK for me, as they are really for the kids); the range is equally short; the antenae pop off easily; menus are hard to use. In all, I was disappointed and not very impressed by this product.

I believe you and a recent poster that these things are not very kid-friendly; I don't doubt that they'll fall apart from rough treatment from kids. That doesn't mean that well-behaved (and well-taught) children can't use these; read my little anecdote in a previous post about a little kid (maybe 4-6 years old) who had one of these in great condition.

As far as the batteries are concerned, I did read somewhere (I believe it was in the forum for the Xact wristwatch radios a couple of months ago) that the batteries would die if you left them charging for too long. It may be that these are not "smart" cells, meaning they do not have regulating and maintaining circuitry. If this is the case then simply leaving them plugged in will overheat, overcharge, and damage the cells. The radios have a charge icon on the display; it will be visible when the radio is plugged in and charging; as soon as the battery pack is full the icon will disappear. My advice is to simply pay attention and disconnect the radio from the transformer without too much delay.

Depending on how much you use the radios, you could let them charge during the day and check up on them every few hours to disconnect them when they're full. Alternately, you can simply plug them in when convenient and disconnect one when it is needed, even if it has not been fully charged; as long as you don't deep cycle (fully discharge) a Lithium-based cell, it will be fine.

I think that if everyone who had these things followed the advice above, there would be no reports of issues with the battery packs. I don't believe that so many of the packs are defective or become that way after a short period of time.