Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP Micotalk GMRS/FRS 22-Channel 27-Mile Range 2-Way Radio with 10-Channel NOAA Weather Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had reasonable expectations for two-way radios like the consumer-grade Cobra Li7200 when I bought them.Based on my research, I knew that the whimsical claims on the bubble packs of 10's of miles of range (27 miles in the case of these radios) were pure fantasy.In urban areas, a mile or maybe two of range is the best you get; in more open areas, a little more.I also had a good idea of how the "privacy" codes work (they don't keep other people from hearing your broadcasts - they allow you to tune out other people), the GMRS licensing requirements ($85/five years to the FCC to use the higher power GMRS frequencies, and the basic operation of two-way radios in general (they aren't cell phones - you can't listen and talk at the same time, you have to pause after pressing the transmit key, the voice quality varies with transmitter power, distance, and intervening obstacles/terrain).

Based on my limited experience with these radios, I'm not disappointed.They worked fine on a recent vacation to a remote lake area.We used them to communicate between our rental house and the beach, whilehiking on trails in the mountains [big kids and little kids move at different paces], between vehicles while caravanning to/from an off-road park, and to keep in touch while off-roading.While off-roading, one of the other vehicles had Motorola consumer-grade GMRS radios, and the Cobras and the Motorolas interoperated just fine, including both channel numbers (same channel number to frequency assignments) and CTCSS "privacy" codes.We probably never used them more than 1 to 2 miles apart, but we weren't going for any distance records.

The NOAA weather radio capability of the Cobra LI7200s was a key item for me.I wanted to be able to listen to NOAA weather service broadcasts because the area we were in was known for rapidly changing weather, and we needed to plan trips (hikes and beaching) without resorting to television news or non-existent Internet service.About the only weather radio features not found on these units is a weather radio "scan" (so I manually ploughed through the 10 weather frequencies until I found the local station, which wasn't hard because they broadcast continuously), and a "NOAA Weather Alert" (automatically monitors for NOAA WX ALERT signals) - this last feature is appealing but wasn't available on the Cobras.

There seem to be two different approaches to batteries for consumer-grade GMRS radios; some take "AA" size batteries that can be rechargables or non-rechargables, others (such as the Cobra) use proprietary Lithium-Ion rechargables.If you know you can stick the radios in the charging cradle every day or two, the proprietary rechargables seem to be a good option - they hold lots of power but are very lightweight.If you want the ability to go to non-rechargable backups when you are away from civilization, get a radio that takes them instead.

There appear to be three top-brand consumer-grade FRS/GMRS radios - Motorola (actually made by a company called GIANT who license the Motorola name for this product), Midland, and Cobra.All three offer several models, mostly varying in size/output power (bigger size generally more power) and a few other features such as the NOAA weather radio capability.The Cobra LI7200s are the biggest/most powerful Cobras I found; I didn't find the size to be inconvenient nor the weight to be too much, and I wanted the maximum power I could get.If the Midland GXT900 had been shipping back in June 2008, I might very well have gotten those instead, as they have a higher rated power output registered with the FCC and they have the NOAA WX ALERT function, but I'm not unhappy with the Cobras.Some folks like the Motorola, others pan them.I wasn't sure I would like them because despite Motorola's excellent reputation with business radios the consumer-grade GMRS radios aren't really Motorolas.

For anyone thinking of using the Cobra with an external microphone/speaker, I will point out the the manual says "When using an external speaker/microphone accessory on channels 1-7 or 15-22, your microTALK radio will only operate on medium or low power."Since channels 8-14 are FRS channels that operate exclusively on low power, this means that these radios won't operate on high power with an external speaker/microphone accessory.This isn't a concern for me.

I didn't use the VOX (voice-activated transmit) or memory functions.I did use the channel scan functions to find clear channels (not a problem where we were located).

If you get a GMRS radio and you plan to use the GMRS frequencies, please go ahead and get properly licensed, then follow the radio rules about sharing channels.Have fun and save money on your cell phone bill!

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Product Description:
This ultra-compact GMRS/FRS two-way radio value pack offers radios with a range of up to 27 miles. Also included are rechargeable ultra high capacity (1500 mAh) lithium ion batteries and a two port desktop charger. The desktop charger wall adapter can also charge one radio through its speaker/microphone/charge jack. Other features include 10-Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio, Vibralert silent paging, VOX hands free operation, 10-channel memory, and a scan feature. You can save as many as 10 channels in the memory and then scan as many as you would like. These radios offer the maximum power output allowed by law, and include the highest capacity batteries in the industry in order to support the RF (radio frequency) output.


This ultra-compact GMRS/FRS two-way radio value pack offers radios with a range of up to 27 miles.Click to enlarge.
Kit includes two radios, rechargeable ultra high capacity (1500 mAh) lithium ion batteries and a two port desktop charger.Click to enlarge.
View control diagram. Click to enlarge.
Scan Channels/Privacy Codes/Memory
Allows the user to scan either channels, privacy codes within a channel, or memory locations, to locate conversations in progress.
Key Lock
When activated, provides key pad security eliminating accidental channel changes.
10 Call Tones
Allows the user to differentiate between up to 10 different parties on incoming calls.
10 NOAA Channels
Full coverage of all government operated NOAA broadcasts.
Maximum Range Extender
Overrides Auto Squelch to provide extended range reception.
10 Channel Memory
Allows the user to program up to 10 channel or channel/privacy code combinations for easy retrieval.
2 Lithium Ion Batteries
Ultra compact, high-capacity rechargeable batteries.
Two-Port Desktop Charger
Charges supplied Lithium Ion batteries inside radios. Charger accommodates 1 or 2 radios.
Up to 27 Mile Range
Extended range capability provides up to 27 Mile Range. (Range will vary depending on terrain and conditions.)
142 Privacy Codes
38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) codes and 104 DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) codes provide a total of 142 privacy codes. 3,124 privacy combinations are possible when the 22 channels are combined with the 142 privacy codes
Selectable Hi/Med/Low Power Output
Choose between High Power to maximize range, Medium or Low Power to conserve battery life (in GMRS).
Time-Out Timer
Limits transmit time to 3 continuous minutes to extend battery life, and prevent accidental transmission.
VibrAlert
Provides a silent alert for incoming calls. Ideal for noisy or all-quiet environments.
UHF/FM
Ultra-clear long distance reception.
22 Channels
Front panel push buttons provide easy access to all 22 channels (7 GMRS/FRS, 7 FRS, 8 GMRS).
Roger Beep Tone (selectable)
Confirmation tone indicates the completion of the user's transmission, and signals to others it is clear to talk. This feature is selectable and can be turned on or off.
Auto Squelch
Automatically shuts off weak transmissions or unwanted noise due to terrain or range constraints.
Speaker/Microphone/Charger Jack
Allows use of wall charger, or earphone speaker/microphones (not included) for "hands-free" operation.
Belt Clip
Secures your microTALK radio while on the go.
1 Year Warranty
On radios. For products sold in the USA.
VOX
The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks. Several VOX sensitivity levels allow the user to select at which point the radio will detect their voice.
Battery Saver Circuitry
A unique circuit extends the life of the batteries. If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the unit will automatically switch to battery saver mode.
Illuminated LCD Display
Provides maximum ease of use even at night.
Keystroke Tone Signal (Selectable)
Confirms key activation. This feature is selectable and can be turned ON or OFF.
What's in the Box
Pair of LI 7200-2 WX radios with Litihium Ion Batteries, Desktop Charger, AC Adapter, User's Manual

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