Incidentally, if you’re new to FRS/GMRS radios remember that the lower channel numbers get more use due to them being quicker to scroll/access. Switch to low power if you want to yammer and chatter (which sucks up battery on the talking side, not the receiving side). As with all blister pack radios, for backcountry use we recommend running at high power and simply keeping your transmissions short to preserve battery life. Fairly user friendly, only remember that due to FCC regulations the high power option is only available for channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22. Sheeeze, at the least, let the lock function lock out the “Call” button! Or hey, when in the setup and scrolling through the amazing 10! options for call button cacophony, how about one that’s a big fat 0? Rant over.ĬXT545 has a high/low power option, in this case accessed with an obvious button on top of the screen. I mean, who thought up this “Call” button function? It is exactly the same thing as simply pressing the PTT (push to talk) and loudly saying something like “Hey, you there?” Or for that matter, just pressing PTT and slapping the radio against your leg, if you’d rather have non-verbal communication. This is one of those times I wish I could grab a radio designer and playfully wring their neck. As with other Cobra radios we’ve used, only solution for this is to razor blade the “Call” button down flush with the housing (memorize that it’s the Lock button if you do so!). All good, except the lock function doesn’t disable the flashlight, which turns on and remains on when you click a button on the side of the unit - a recipe for draining the unit while in your backpack.ĭitto, while the unit is “Locked” the obnoxious “Call” button remains unlocked all buttons are raised rather than protected by a bezel, so rest assured the “Call” button _will_ get pressed accidentally, thus prodding your partner with a blaring warble that she can’t turn OFF. Big one for us is the control lock function, invoked by holding the “Call” button down for about 5 seconds (same for unlocking). Considering the battery case on the CXT545 is not gasketed let’s just say that in this iteration the radio is nicely splash proof, meaning it’ll work in the rain and snow so long as you store it correctly once you’re done (dry it, in other words, don’t put away wet.)Ĭontrols are typical of most Cobra handhelds : A circle of rubber buttons around the LCD - easy to learn and use. Weather mode is intuitive, easily grabbing local NOAA broadcasts if in range.ĭuring testing we found the CXT545 to work reliably, though the stated “Waterproof” feature is actually only water resistance up to standard JIS4. Protruding buttons are easily triggered by accident, lock mode turns most off but leaves the Call and Range (power) buttons sadly functioning.
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