Birders,

We recently picked up one of the package of two FRS radios made by Cobra that
are currently being sold at Costco. It is Cobra's model 220. We were picking
up a second set of FRS radios so that we could listen to other birders in the
field and keep one set for private conversation (going to the bathroom, I am
in the bathroom, etc.) between Irma and me.

To our consternation, there is one feature that I have not figured out how to
turn off (I am waiting for a response from Cobra to an e-mail) that makes the
units unusable, in our opinion, for birding. The problem feature is called
"Roger Beep Confirmation Tone." When you complete transmission and release
the key button a ringing tone is sent to let the other party know that you
have completed your transmission and your unit is ready to receive a
response. The signal is received by ALL radios tuned to that channel no
matter what brand, not just another Cobra. At least, our Kenwood responds to
the tone, too, by ringing. So that means if one broadcasts while with a
large group of birders having FRS radios all tuned to the same channel there
will be one loud ringing sound each time you release your key button and I
believe one would find themselves being "stoned" for disturbing the peace,
the BIRD being searched for after a few minutes of this.

I do not know if this feature is a problem on other Cobra models, but based
on some other posts that I have seen about the use of FRS and ringing
features, I think before one buys a FRS it should be checked into to see if
it has this ringing feature and whether it can be turned off.

If I receive information on how to turn off this feature on the Cobra FRS 220
I will post it.

Great birding and find that next lifer,

John (One of Birders2)
John + Irma = 2, we are birders, too.

John C. LeVine Birders2 at aol.com Los Angeles, CA

-*-*-*-*-*--*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
A CONUNDRUM: If the Amazon holds the cures for the diseases affecting
humankind; Then will not the increased multitudes of humans doom the Amazon?
?Then humans? ?
___________________________________________________________
A thought on leaving a showing of IMAX's "Amazon" 11/03/97
-*-*-*-*-*--*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*