Samcom FPCN30A 5 Watt Walkie Talkie Radio Review and Distance Test
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- We run a large national trade show and we've been through all the name brand business walkie talkies and hesitated to take a chance on this no-name radio. Unfortunately, we sometimes need to work with a bunch of people who don't care about our property so we wanted something durable yet affordable. We thought about trying the Baofeng (?) 8 Watt radios, but they require a USB cable, a connection to a computer, some downloaded software, and frequency programming. I needed something that worked out of the box. A friend who does concert promotions recommended the Samcom FPCN30A 2-way radio (company is Samcon?). They're sold in sets of 2 or more. We took the 2 pack for a test drive and liked what we saw. They're sized perfectly for my meaty hands and fit the lady boss well too. They came packaged with a spring-loaded belt clip and installation screws, and a combo headset with a microphone that was surprisingly clear. There's a charger for each unit. The instructions are adequate yet lacking. There was no indication how to change the power from low to high. Batteries charged in about two hours, and lasted well past 24 hours with a little testing and mostly standby. The cool thing is the group message button. This is the only set of talkies I've ever seen that will broadcast to ALL the channels on this series with the press of one button. It's perfect if you need to page the entire team all at once, even if they're on separate channels. That in itself is the best feature. They're super loud, which is great for crowded environments, and the range is more than adequate. I drove about 1.3 miles in a flat, crowded neighborhood before the signal started to tank (see the video). Overall, these Samcoms look like winners. Picked them up here: amzn.to/3hRISsp
Can't believe you took the trouble to drive to measure the distance. Three thumbs up for the effort.
Right?
I know, right? The things we do.
PERFECT walkie talkies for our next cruise!
We just got another set of six. Will review those too soon.
Excellent review. My husband and I used Samcoms in our RV. Very impressive range and very durable. Did you know they are waterproof?
I did hear they are water resistant (as long as you're not using the headset, and the rubber cover thingy stays secured). But that's cool in itself. Great to know if they're inadvertently dropped in a sink or puddle somewheres. Thanks Molly!
Loved your video! Very funny. Ya might have just sold me on them. Thanks!
You put a a good gain antenna and it will double to triple the power
PERFECT! Need a set of these when we start promoting concerts in 2021. Do they have a 10 pack?
They do sell multiples!
I sometimes wonder how many people know that they must have a GMRS license to transmit at anything greater than 2 watts on those frequencies. Radio makers don’t always make that clear to buyers.
With the open borders and the f up in Afghanistan......GMRS license is the least of the worries or our idiots in charge.....Let IT EAT!!!!!!
💯!! In addition, some of these frequencies that are pre-programmed on these radios are illegal. Some people think this is a game, however, if FCC were to find out you were operating a part 90 radio without a license, you will receive a huge fine and possible imprisonment.
If no one believes that’s true, look at the UA-camrs who operated a drone without proper certification and see what happened when FCC called them
If anything, it’s best for people to invest in MURS radios
@@kainoaliu they don't find out bro chill.
@@megaman010391 🤣 Not true.. but, okay, bro
Wondering why these 2-ways don't use usb-c charging. You can charge them anywhere and use battery banks like we do with phones.
Great question. USB-C can charge laptops!
The distance rating is always line of sight. (without obstacles)
We're interested in using these for a church security team. It seems that the license is issued for a "family". That being the case am I right to assume that the church couldn't get the lic. and allow any security team member to use them?
Not sure how the licensing works to be honest. But we've hear peeps use them in a church setting with a FRS license. I'm not an attorney, but I have to think you'd be OK as long as you're not interfering with some local HAM snob.
@@RKingis FRS. Check it out here: www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/personal-radio-services-prs-keeping-touch
GMRS licenses are $35 for ten years. You could use FRS, which doesn't need a license. Each person in the team would need their own license.
@@FreshandFelicia Legally speaking, you would need a GMRS license, since they have removable antennas, are over 2watts, and can access repeater inputs. Legally speaking, in Part 95 R&R's say that if your only crime is using a Part 90 in the GMRS, then they won't go after you.
I don't use walkie talkies much but was given one of these for work. It doesn't seem to have the same frequencies as the others my coworkers use, so it's unusable. From what I understand the only way to add frequencies to it is to use the programming cable and software, is that correct?
Correct
This is an excellent review and very concise without getting too overly detailed. I also like the "real world" test from your mobile to your office. There's one tiny problem. The default frequencies for that radio are 100% illegal to use for business for two reasons:
1) Any radio transmitting on the FRS (Family Radio Service) Interstitial Frequencies (which I know these radios are on, because that is what came up on the screen in your video - FRS Channel one - 462.5625 MHz) is illegal to use for business because FRS is limited to 2 watts power and radios used on those frequencies must be FCC Type Accepted for Part 95, have a non-detachable antenna and be designed to not exceed 2-watts. If this radio met those conditions, then it would be permissible to use for any purpose allowed in the FCC rules for FRS.
2) Transmitting with 5 Watts of Power on the interstitial FRS/GMRS dual-use frequencies using a radio having a detachable antenna, automatically changes the Service one is using from FRS to GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). On GMRS, only "individuals" may be licensed, not "entities" like businesses. Also, EACH AND EVERY PERSON using radios must have their own FCC License (unless they all belong to one family, then one license covers everyone). Lastly, for GMRS use of those frequencies a license is REQUIRED. It is not optional.
So I would not recommend this radio for Business use UNLESS it was re-programmed to a business band frequency for which the user possesses a license. FCC licenses for business are easy to obtain and the cost to get one is less than the cost of two Starbucks Grande Lattes per month (or a Personal Pan Pizza, An Arby's Double Ham and Cheddar or a Subway sandwich once a month). An FCC License for trade show operators and other kinds of promotional entities (like concerts, expositions, etc) can be obtained as an "Itinerant" license, allowing legal operations all over the United States.
Contact a local, reputable Land Mobile Radio dealer (a dealer who sells 2-eay radio brands like Kenwood, Maxon, Motorola or Icom) and they should be able to help you. If you can't find one, get in touch with me and I will be happy to help you get legal.
Get out of the car and you could hear her at 2 miles!
Sitting in a metal container, "car" will choke the transmission waves. If you were outside, you could probably get 2.5 miles.
True fact!
Looks like solid radios for the price, you might mention licensing is a must to stay legal. These transmit in the UHF range, covering the GMRS, ham and business bands. Is anyone going to care? Doubtful, unless you are accidently interfering with another licensed user, like a business license holder.
Highly doubt it. We've used these no issues. Pretty good and no interference either. Our cheap retevis were annoying, we can hear every body in the neighborhood chatting.
@@megaman010391That's why you use talk codes!!!
1.3 miles is quite impressive for a walkie.
It's insane! Works indoors across several floors and rooms as well. These are NICE.
Not for a 5 watt this is actually pretty bad, most walkie talkies are 0.5-1watt so that's why this seems like a good range, but 5 watts usually do waaaay better than this.
I would like to know how you can change the power level from low to high. My manual doesn't mention it anywhere
Someone else asked this and the answer was in the comments. Had to long-press one of the buttons, but I don’t remember which one now.
I wish to this model has 3000 mah battery like the previous model has.
LOL "can you hear me now"
WHAT? LOL
Can I make a repeater whit this radios and how?
unclear
did you test it on high or low?
Always high!
Is 5 watts legal without a license in the US?
No, these aren't legal for anything but licensed amateurs and LMR business licensees. They come pre-programmed for GMRS(illegally) which these radios aren't FCC approved for.
The GMRS license is easy to get but you gotta read the rules as they are kinda convoluted even more so on handhelds. Factors like Removable antenna, power rating, what color shirt you are wearing or if your name is Chuck all factors in if the radio is legal. I think if you were to really break down the rules you would find that no one is legal and that gives the FCC the upper hand if they ever want to go after anyone.
@@bryanmanx Even with a GMRS license, these radios don't carry an FCC part 95 Type acceptance though which makes them illegal for use on those frequencies.
The rules aren't really all that convoluted. It all breaks down to-
Have the license.
Use a 'Type accepted' radio.
No profanity, criminal activity or advertising.
No intentional interference.
Put your call sign out at the beginning or end or every 15 minutes during a conversation.
Do not exceed the authorized power or bandwidth for a given channel.
Share all the channels.
Unless you live near the Canadian or Mexican border, where I believe max power limits differ, that's about it. The FCC will Type accept a radio for GMRS whether it has a fixed or removable antenna. The fixed antenna restriction applies FRS radios only. It's the same with wide vs narrow bandwidth. A legal GMRS radio can transmit either on all but channels 8-14 while an FRS radio(besides not being allowed to transmit on repeater inputs) can only transmit narrowband.
If your radio is Part 95 Type accepted for GMRS with a corresponding FCC ID number, and you didn't modify it, as long as you have a license and follow the rules the FCC really can't do anything to you. It's not like amateur radio where hams 'self certify' their equipment. If your radio has a Part 95 ID, it will(or at least should) only operate within the legal power and bandwidth parameters. That's the whole point of restricting the service to Type accepted radios.
As far as power limits for HT's go, that's actually restricted by safe RF exposure limits that also apply to Part 90 business radios and public safety radios. It's technically legal to transmit at the full 50W on channels 15-22 or repeater inputs with an HT, they just won't type accept an HT with that much power because 50W of UHF next to your noggin isn't safe.
@@CzechSixTv my condensed version for all that is "only buy a radio that has the correct fcc certification, don't be an arse on the radio" sound good?
@@bryanmanx Yeah, that pretty much covers it 😉
Have you ran into any issues with the FCC? If I remember right 5watts UHF is legal on a handheld without a permit now
Since COVID, all our shows and concerts have been cancelled. Applied for a permit.
You would need a Part 90 business license, GMRS, or ham license.
Part 90 business band certified only. Requires a business band license. Not Part95 E GMRS or Part 97 Ham certified.
these things rock
Mine is different channels somehow one is Channel D an one is Channel B 😭
YIKES! Should be able to change them in the menu. Or, just call everyone!
Is this a HAM radio
Technically, no. But there are some similarities.
Technically yes, as ham radios can use Part 90, and any other radio service that can transmit on ham frequencies.
Are license laws really enforced or is this just something HAM guys get butthurt over?
They aren't enforced unless enough complaints are generated. This radio covers the UHF ham, GMRS and business bands so depending on how it's programmed out of the box, it's possible to interfere with someone. Since they are short range, it's doubtful interference will occur. Most radio type people are getting the programming cable and setting them up for their particular bands that they are licensed for.
UHF Part 90 is In the 462 range as well as GMRS.