You just need a sim card. Buy a direct talk capable phone off eBay and it usually doesn't come with a sim. You can buy a sim online for about $5-$8. Put it in and you are good to go. No you don't need the phone activated by Nextel/Sprint.
The Nextel might be better in some situations, but the FRS is more common, uses common batteries that are easily replaceable, can talk to millions of other units, and can be encrypted (some models). Not trying to shoot down your assessment, but just pointing out some things. The Nextel might be cool for a few reasons, but it can't touch the FRS when it comes to interop and uniformity.
good comparison video. I have had a good experience using direct talk. I buy up any cheap direct talk phone I can find. got one for everyone in the house and have backup battery chargers for each phone.
It uses frequency hopping (90mS hop rate) and digital voice (VSELP). in fact when you key up your Nextel your recorder is picking up the frequency hopping signal (listen closely).
Ah, that makes sense.
christophercoop 2 months ago
Too bad you were using low power on the FRS...
christophercoop 2 months ago
@christophercoop to simulate the comparison of 500Mw or half a watt of power
xxradioguyxx 2 months ago
@xxradioguyxx dont they normally use 500mw on normal power for frs?
radiosification 1 week ago
@kyledoo44281
You just need a sim card. Buy a direct talk capable phone off eBay and it usually doesn't come with a sim. You can buy a sim online for about $5-$8. Put it in and you are good to go. No you don't need the phone activated by Nextel/Sprint.
RayAir1 8 months ago
The Nextel might be better in some situations, but the FRS is more common, uses common batteries that are easily replaceable, can talk to millions of other units, and can be encrypted (some models). Not trying to shoot down your assessment, but just pointing out some things. The Nextel might be cool for a few reasons, but it can't touch the FRS when it comes to interop and uniformity.
superserial1 1 year ago
good comparison video. I have had a good experience using direct talk. I buy up any cheap direct talk phone I can find. got one for everyone in the house and have backup battery chargers for each phone.
pillsbury151 1 year ago
@pillsbury151 yeah thats a good idea. they have the same range as FRS but the DT is Encrypted and digital as FRS's are not
xxradioguyxx 1 year ago
@xxradioguyxx
DT is not encrypted.
It uses frequency hopping (90mS hop rate) and digital voice (VSELP). in fact when you key up your Nextel your recorder is picking up the frequency hopping signal (listen closely).
RayAir1 1 year ago
@RayAir1 yes your right. what i ment was that nobody can listen in with a scanner
xxradioguyxx 1 year ago
@xxradioguyxx
right on!
RayAir1 1 year ago
@xxradioguyxx Yes you can listen
SanAntonio78210 4 months ago