my twelve mile radios barely go a mile. Whats up?

[HAWG]

Iv got two motorola sx700 radios that claim to 12 miles but the barely go a mile what is the deal? Does anybody have them.

[OJR]

It depends on the terrain for any radio! If there are hills between, you might not get out very far!

[HAWG]

Well its really flat around here but theres lots of timber. I figured they would do better than that.

[OJR]

I have a couple of Midlands and they get out pretty good! We have a lot of canyons and timber here and we were able to talk about 4 miles with them! I didn't think we would make it that far!

[HAWG]

Ive heard that some channels are stronger than others. What do you think?

[OJR]

I have used several channels, but the ones that seem to work the best are 7 and 10!

I don't know why!!

[HAWG]

Cool. thanks we do lots of predator hunting and figured these would would be a good asset.

[OJR]

They should work pretty good back in IA! My wife is from Iowa. Monona, in the NE corner of the state!!!

[Mirage]

i think the tree cover affects the range of the radio
still you would think 12 mile would get you a little better signal. maybe bthey are defective. try them in an area that is more open

[HAWG]

I figured they wouldnt go real far but i thought they would go farther than that. But yeah ill have to try some open terrain.

[VermontHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
I have used several channels, but the ones that seem to work the best are 7 and 10!

I don't know why!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Certian frequencies bands transmit and receive with higher wattages than others...

[toddyboman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have used several channels, but the ones that seem to work the best are 7 and 10!

I don't know why!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Certian frequencies bands transmit and receive with higher wattages than others...

[/ QUOTE ]

does that vary from area to area or the same everywhere???

[wtnhunt]

Our cobras are supposed to have a 7 mile range. Think they will reach every bit of it. Certain channels do transmit at higher wattages, those channels will reach out further. I dont remember without looking which ones are for the longest distance, but we usually use our radios on the lower wattage channels.

[LifeNRA]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a couple of Midlands and they get out pretty good! We have a lot of canyons and timber here and we were able to talk about 4 miles with them! I didn't think we would make it that far!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah I have a pair of Midlands and Motorola DPS radios. My father and I get a good 4-5 miles. But drop over the opposite side of a mountain, forget it! You have to remember this, these radios get tested at sea level, with nothing to block the frequencies!

[VTbowman]

Use the higher channels as they will use a higher freq and travel further, BUT (therees always a big BUT) that higher freq is also more apt to be interfered with any obstructions like tree vs just hills and mountains.
You kinda have to find a balance...
I have an older Motorola thatis rated for 1.5 miles.
ome spots I am lucky to get 1/2 mile, other times I have been almost 3 miles away and have gotten threw..
In your case I would think something is wrong if your rated for 12 miles and hardly get 1...
Especially in semi flat areas...
JMO