Radioddity FS-T3

Overview The following is an objective review for presentation and performance of the Radioddity FS-T3 radio. The intent of the radio’s use is for basic communications between our users in a simplified format, not requiring an FCC license for either HAM or GMRS operations. Selection criteria The FS-T3 radio was selected due to its simple design, colorful presentation, basic and simple operation, and it’s capability to provide .5W / 2W of transmitting power. The criteria was established for our users to be able to have an inexpensive, yet good-quality radio in their emergency kits for communications during our monthly practice, and during any unforeseen emergencies. The ordering process Ordering was simple, available through Amazon or directly from Radioddity.The order was placed and the radios received within the week as advertised. The radios arrived in good condition and in appropriate packaging. First impression The radios were provided in boxes containing a pair each. Each box contained: 2 Radios 2 Batteries 2 Lanyards 2 Belt clips 2 Ear pieces 1 Charger with 1 dual cable. This was particularly useful for charging the 2 radios simultaneously with one charger 1 Manual We received 2 packages for a total of 4 radios. The first set of radios charged to full capacity within 2 hrs. The second set of radios was received with one defective battery that did not charge at all. Radioditty was notified, who promptly provided a replacement set that worked with no issues. Performance The radios include the ability to recharge using standard USB power. This makes them flexible for charging options, from standard home power to car chargers. The battery remains charged for a few days if they are being used, and a lot longer if they are stored and in the off position. Once the radios were fully charged, we proceeded to test them for clarity of sound and coverage distance with the following results: Test 1 - Indoors, between two buildings, approximately 100 feet (30 meters) appart. The radios performed well in all channels. Test 2 - Indoors, between two buildings, approximately 300 feet (90 meters) appart. The radios had static, however, this was cleared if the radios were moved outdoors. Test 3 - Outdoors, relatively clear of obstructions but with no line of sight, approximately 1000 ft. (300 meters). The radios performed well but with some static noticed, depending on the terrain and elevation. Test 4 - Outdoors, between 2 back yards, approximately 3000 ft. (1 km) appart. Although the radios could communicate with each other, the static made it difficult to maintain clear communications. Conclusion The Radioddity FT-3 radios are good quality transceivers that fit the purpose of back-up radios in an emergency kit, as well as practical radios for short-range communications. They are easy to use, they have a built-in flashlight, and are useful for smaller groups that require inexpensive devices in a compact package. The built-in antenna is short and does not require collapsing. The battery uses a USB charger, which is flexible in terms of charging options. The battery is light and efficient, and the color selections along with the excellent price point makes these fun radios to have in your emergency backup kit, not to mention their usability for hiking and other outdoor activities. Ratings Physical and ergonomic presentation - 5 Stars Technical performance - 4 Stars Customer Service - 5 Stars Would you recommend to others looking for a radio in this category? - YES

There are a lot of things to love about these radios. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and more rugged than I expected. Of course, there are a couple of aspects that can be improved, but none of them detract from what turned out to be a great FRS radio. First, the amazingly low price point was a point of hesitation for me. However, after a few days' use I found them to perform just as well as other "big name" radios that I have. It's worth noting that they won't compete with higher wattage licensed-required radios, but the range is still great. I've used them over an area of about 50 acres full of trees, fields, small hills, and ponds with no major issues. My normal usage range is within 200 meters, but they've been used successfully before dropping out at about 3/4 of a mile. Quite frankly, I'm impressed. In addition to the low price, the radios are dead easy to use. I did try to program one of the radios just to test it out and I found it to be comparable to other programming software. The best part is that it really isn’t needed unless you’re an advance user. For all intents and purposes, these radios are ready to go out of the box. The textured buttons on the side are easy to find without looking, and the front two buttons are prominent enough to easy access without accidentally hitting them. Finally, the build quality is great. The colors aren’t necessary, but they’re a nice perk for family use. They're rugged enough to give to my young children without worrying about breaking and small enough to be operated by little hands. Mine have been dropped, kicked, sat on, and otherwise abused without missing a beat. I do worry about the longevity of the belt clip since it seems too flexible. It could be a little studier, but I haven't had issues with any breaking. Of course, the price point allows me to replace the entire radio without crying about it. One awesome thing about the form factor is that there really aren’t any sharp angles. The rounded corners let this slips in and out of a pocket easily. I removed the belt clip entirely and found that I could carry the radio in my pocket for a couple hours rather comfortably. Another perk is that the microphone is somewhat directional. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it really helps filter out background noise and ensures that the receiving contact hears my intended audio clearly. A huge plus is the charging! The micro-USB charging is insanely convenient. This lets me charge it while I’m sitting at my desk or while I’m working near my barn…everywhere I already have a phone charger anyway. Being able to use existing charging infrastructure and not requiring me to have another drop in charger is a big win! Why don’t all radios incorporate this? To wrap up, it’s a great buy! They’re well-built radios at a great price that work great.

I grabbed this 4-pack for family camping and outings. I have 10 people in my family and they want to go do their own things. This allows everyone to still communicate. Used them across a couple acre lot with no problems. The kids love using them and playing games, they even discovered that a nearby friend has an FRS radio and they chat with each other! These don't support "privacy" or "sub" channels, but I feel that's a deceptive marketing twist. There really are no privacy or sub channels, just CTCSS tones to block out others. Everyone can still hear you every time you transmit. A huge bonus is the USB charging jack. USB is available and easy everywhere. FRS is rigidly defined on frequencies, power, and antenna so there is no legal "long-range" or "high power" between brands/models. Some have better slightly receivers than others, but expect all FRS radios to perform mostly the same. These are easy to use, lightweight, and long lasting.

I bought the Radioddity FS-T3 4pack FRS radio bundle, and I am quite happy with them so far. They are good radios although not perfect they do have some quirks that can be tweaked with a USB programming cable. I already had a cable with an FTDI chip that I used to tweak the radio up to my liking. They work well right out of the box and can be used as is without having to do anything to them. I bought these and I have used them around the property and hiking and more recently during the most recent Tropical Storm Laura to communicate with family that live nearby. These little radios are also ideal for little kids! My 7-year-old nephew LOVED them he quickly picked up his favorite color (BLUE) and had no issues working the radio. I mentioned at the beginning how these radios are good but not perfect and ill explain why. There seems to be an issue with the squelch configuration in which they are inverted. The squelch settings can be changed with the CPS (Computer Programming Software) that can be downloaded for free from Radioddity. These radios have a Squelch setting from 0-9 in which 0 turns it completely off and 9 should be the highest setting. Normally the higher level of squelch setting means you need a higher stronger signal strength to unmute the receiver. But on these radios the values are inverted and only 2 settings remain the same which is 0 (Which turns off squelch) and 5. Here is a little chart I made so that anyone can refer to it and easily understand which setting is the correct value. Squelch Chart: 0-0 1-9 2-8 3-7 4-6 5-5 6-4 7-3 8-2 9-1 The number on the left is the value you set it on the CPS and the number on the right is the correct level of squelch. If you wanted the HIGHEST level of squelch you would set the number to 1 on the CPS and if you want the lowest level of squelch you would select 9 in the CPS. You can also get a slight performance increase and range if you turn off the "Battery Save" mode OFF and if you turn off the "High Voltage Tx Disable" "Low Voltage Tx Disable" OFF. Please note that doing so will decrease the radios standby time significantly. I personally use them with the Battery Save mode off and the High/Low Tx Disables off. Radioddity FS-T3 PROS: 1- Easy to use. 2- USB rechargeable. 3- 22 Channels. 4- Programmable 5- Nice display screen that shows useful information like channel and battery level. 6- Light weight and small. 7- Monitor button. 8- Scan feature. 9- Long standby time with Battery Save mode ON. 10- Affordable. 11- Different colors. 12- Amazing Radioddity customer service. CONS: 1- Squelch setting is backwards. 2- The LED light is fairly dim and weak however I don't really use a radio as a lighting tool. It is better than nothing in an emergency. I highly recommend this radio for any family or camping trips or as emergency radios to keep in touch around the neighborhood in case of bad weather or even as play radios for kids. As I mentioned before they work well right out of the box and can be made better by tweaking some settings!

Very good for rated as Chikd item

Kids love them.

First, I want to say that these are not meant to be robust with tons of features. I understand that. I have other Radioddity radios that I love. These fall short because of a few reasons. PROS: 1. Price. It's a bargain for a family. 2. Software programmable with up to 99 channels. 3. Nice color options. 4. Range as expected. This FRS band is NOT good with urban areas and buildings. 1/2 mile is about average. Only 2Watts on some channels. Customers should understand the channel setting before jumping to conclusions. RF is not magic. There are limits. 5. USB-C charging. CONS: 1. The programming software is poor and these radios are not CHiRP compatible. So you have no other option but to use Radioddity software. No copy and paste range, really???? 2. Quality Control. I was shocked by this based on past positive experience. One radio has a faulty volume knob. It's extremely tight. I am fearful of breaking it. 3. USB ports should have dust covers. I highly advise you put some tape over them or they will get ruined. 4. No programming cable included. I knew this but I think it should come with at least one. Fortunately I have one already.

These are cool little radios that come with a nice group of accessories. A great feature is that they include Li-ion batteries, and two chargers (with y-cables) for the radios. They use a standard mico-USB connector so if you needed to separate them into three or four, most people would have what they need to use them. They also come with a earpiece/microphone, a lanyard, beltclip, etc They have a white LED so that can be used as a poor-person's flashlight in a pinch. They even talk to you and tell you audibly when the battery is low and other situations. I have not tried out the USB programming functions. We have not tested any claims about range. Over a range of about 0.75 miles in a pretty dense suburban environment the audio was probably 4/5. In a similar environment you might get a couple miles without issues. Out on a hike or somewhere less crowded, you might get a few miles.

Good product and works around our condo. Haven’t tried really long distance as yet, but clarity has been good around 100-200 metres.