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Survival and Preparations Long and short term survival and 'prepping'.

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  #41  
Old 07-09-2013, 11:48 AM
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How are these working out? I just bought 5 of them to test out.
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  #42  
Old 07-09-2013, 5:52 PM
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Thanks for the info! I just picked these up at work, Motorola i580. Not liking that they are flip phones but they just cost me a favor in trade.

Direct talk works well enough down the hall. I'll try them out over the weekend.
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  #43  
Old 07-10-2013, 1:24 PM
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I just picked up 2 old i365's and the direct talk feature works like a charm. Will definitely add a few more for when we go out camping or to the desert.
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  #44  
Old 07-10-2013, 7:05 PM
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What I love about them is zero static if they are in range they work 100%. Out if range they just say user unavailable
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  #45  
Old 07-10-2013, 7:39 PM
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Used to use these at work.. I liked them.. they are built solid.. meant to be dropped from a high distance and still perform.. dropped from 25ft and no problems.. many times.

If that bin plays out I'd like to grab a couple as well.. we just bought some boefang radios that work pretty well..
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  #46  
Old 07-11-2013, 11:35 AM
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Do the phones needs to be the same model in order for it to work?
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  #47  
Old 07-11-2013, 1:45 PM
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No they do not. Just need to have direct talk
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  #48  
Old 07-11-2013, 3:35 PM
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Quote:
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No they do not. Just need to have direct talk
Thanks! I'm going to swapmeet this weekend.
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  #49  
Old 07-11-2013, 3:37 PM
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Count me in....sounds like I need a few of these!
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  #50  
Old 07-11-2013, 4:38 PM
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huh are the 580 milspec too? Doing the boost mobile thing with the PTT may be a good inexpensive emergency cellphone option for the kids and family outings. Looking at the i570s on ebay, I like flips better in form factor.
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  #51  
Old 07-11-2013, 5:09 PM
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The i580 is a mil spec phone.

I drove down the street in my car while my daughter was at home and we were able to PTT clearly at the 1 mile mark. At around 1.25 miles it was starting to break up. I'll try it again in the open, I imagine it will be better.
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  #52  
Old 07-12-2013, 3:51 AM
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I guess the next thing to look into is if they have those longer fised antenna for these flip models. i570 on order ($10 shipped on ebay) and will have to get the USB cable to activate the PTT feature. Now I'll be on the prowl for a few more cus just one aint no fun. My kids are just getting to the age where I was going to get a FRS/GMRS, this seems a lot more useful especially if you want to activate boost mobile. Emergency cell phone for $40 bux a year aint bad.
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  #53  
Old 07-15-2013, 10:23 PM
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Tagging for any other really cool info that pops up on these between now and when mine arrive.
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  #54  
Old 07-16-2013, 8:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by john67elco View Post
Sorry, I bought mine off eBay he was selling 5 for $125 but I talked him down to 100. They come with a rigded antennae, larger battery, and holster. For 25 each shipped I couldn't beat it he said he has 60 left.


http://bit.ly/167cBqT

Also on that survival forum I seen people modifying a 3 triple A battery holder to fit these phones so you wont ever have to worry about these batteries not being manufactured anymore. Also there is a video of a guy that cut his charger cord and hooking up a cut usb cord which allows you to charge of a usb. I have the newer f150 so I can keep one charged off the truck this way also. Another thing is the accessories are cheap as heck right now. I bought a couple of car chargers for like $4 shipped for 2 of them off ebay. They also have the motorola handsets you can hook to these like the cops roll with. Im definitely looking into a larger antennae for the home and making 1 of these stationary.
OP, dumb question...you don't need to pay for a monthly service to use these phones?
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  #55  
Old 07-16-2013, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emil77 View Post
OP, dumb question...you don't need to pay for a monthly service to use these phones?
Watch the videos. You can use the PTT with no network. You just are limited to local range.
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  #56  
Old 07-18-2013, 9:00 AM
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Thanks for the post. Told my buddy about this and his wife has some i335s at her office. So he got 4 for free. COME UP!! He already has them working. Makes me sad on how many I got rid of from my old office. 10-15 ruggedized ones. Such is life.
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  #57  
Old 07-18-2013, 9:26 AM
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soooo FINALLY gonna get mine in today... but work calls....
i shall update tommarow
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  #58  
Old 07-18-2013, 3:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Datdarkness View Post
soooo FINALLY gonna get mine in today... but work calls....
i shall update tommarow
Please do keep us updated... I just got mine today too, but no SIM cards. Not sure if there is a specific kind I need or not.

I've noticed the "really used" ones are dirt cheap on ebay... but the buttons in the pictures look like they are practically all worn off.
I've bought a really bad condition one for dirt cheap to take apart and experiment with. If it's possible to change out the number pad, I'll see about getting a bunch of the ****ty ones and just changing out the dial pads.

(Yes, if this all works out, I'll post up everything here)
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  #59  
Old 07-19-2013, 2:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason_2111 View Post
Please do keep us updated... I just got mine today too, but no SIM cards. Not sure if there is a specific kind I need or not.

I've noticed the "really used" ones are dirt cheap on ebay... but the buttons in the pictures look like they are practically all worn off.
I've bought a really bad condition one for dirt cheap to take apart and experiment with. If it's possible to change out the number pad, I'll see about getting a bunch of the ****ty ones and just changing out the dial pads.

(Yes, if this all works out, I'll post up everything here)
What model? When I got mine, I spied a drawer full of parts from Nextel phones that broke down over the years. I might be able to find odds and ends for you.
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  #60  
Old 07-19-2013, 2:44 PM
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Didnt watch the video, are these operating radio to radio or on the network?
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  #61  
Old 07-20-2013, 8:22 PM
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Any fellow members bought a couple of these recently? If so, from where...ebay or??? Also do you need the sim card to use the PTT function?
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Last edited by emil77; 07-20-2013 at 8:24 PM..
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  #62  
Old 07-20-2013, 8:34 PM
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I found that the range isn't that great with these. They are great between cars if you have groups going to the same place but can't be too far apart.

I tried about a mile away from my house they they don't work.

Again, great for a neighborhood watch type set up but won't work from a mile away.

Yes, you need sim cards to make them work.
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  #63  
Old 07-21-2013, 10:11 AM
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iDen created this option as a sales point for municipal government, when the hurricane hits and the towers are down, PS could talk to each other locally. Those using the fixed antenna, not collapsing ones, should get FRS range.
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  #64  
Old 07-21-2013, 6:53 PM
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Watch the videos... the info is in there.
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  #65  
Old 07-21-2013, 8:01 PM
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SO I FINALLY GOT MINE IN... ( try not to deal with first time sellers on ebay )

I received 15 phones with sim cards and 6 chargers (supposed to get 15)

Only have gotten to test with a few so far with the charging, work, and school schedule right now.. i will try to get more updates in as i play with them
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  #66  
Old 07-21-2013, 8:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Datdarkness View Post
SO I FINALLY GOT MINE IN... ( try not to deal with first time sellers on ebay )

I received 15 phones with sim cards and 6 chargers (supposed to get 15)

Only have gotten to test with a few so far with the charging, work, and school schedule right now.. i will try to get more updates in as i play with them
Which buyer did you purchase from on ebay?
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  #67  
Old 07-21-2013, 8:14 PM
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I guess for cheap and LOTS of hand helds these are ok, but why not go with GMRS and utilize the numerous repeaters and be able to talk all across all of SoCal or NorCal? Or for that matter just take the technicians test and then you could utilize all the 2M or 70CM repeaters?
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  #68  
Old 07-21-2013, 8:19 PM
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I guess for cheap and LOTS of hand helds these are ok, but why not go with GMRS and utilize the numerous repeaters and be able to talk all across all of SoCal or NorCal? Or for that matter just take the technicians test and then you could utilize all the 2M or 70CM repeaters?
Do we need to pay to use gmrs services? Can I buy 2 gmrs phones off eBay and use them out of the box?
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  #69  
Old 07-21-2013, 10:16 PM
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A GMRS license fee is $85 I believe. It covers one's immediate family. Most GMRS walkies do not work with repeaters; if that's what you want make sure you look for that feature before you buy. Two-Way Radio Communications.
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Old 07-24-2013, 9:51 AM
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After playing with them, and git'n em figger'd out...

You do not need an activated SIM (dead SIM is fine) to use PVT mode. Some of the vids were a little fuzzy on that.
I haven't tested out the range yet, (waiting on new antennas) but getting them set up and such works... plus I dial plan set up, and used the iDEN phonebook program thing to copy the contact list into each of my SIM cards.

One thing I've noticed is that unlike my regular "smart" phone, there's hardly anything running on these things. They are simple... so that means less power. My current Droid Bionic would be dead as a doornail if not charged every 6 to 8 hours.

I've ordered some brand new batteries for a few of these, and I'll do a side-by-side test for battery life between the i355 and the i570. (To answer the question, will these easily last an entire day walking around at Disneyland with the fam. )
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  #71  
Old 07-24-2013, 9:55 AM
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Also... "Heavily Used" on ebay, means it looks like a prison phone. I got one for 5 bucks to take apart and tinker with (see if I can replace the number pad). The bad condition would be fine if you can replace the number pad and battery door (has water seal), and the charging cable socket door (again, water seal).

I'm still trying to find the replacement part for the number pad, but I'm sure with a bit more google-fu, I'll be able to get them.
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  #72  
Old 07-24-2013, 7:24 PM
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In case anyone needs them... I've got 10 extra antennas (the fixed antennas) for the i355. I accidentally bought 20 when I only needed 10.

$4 a piece and I'll mail them on my dime.

PM if anyone wants any.
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  #73  
Old 07-24-2013, 8:58 PM
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Anyone know a source for the extended-battery door?
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  #74  
Old 07-24-2013, 9:07 PM
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Amazon has them from 2 different places.

http://www.amazon.com/Nextel-i355-Ex...d+battery+door

http://www.amazon.com/Nextel-i355-Ex...d+battery+door
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  #75  
Old 07-24-2013, 9:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emil77 View Post
Do we need to pay to use gmrs services? Can I buy 2 gmrs phones off eBay and use them out of the box?
Are you supposed to pay for a license to operate GMRS radios? Yes, but are the radio police running around looking for big time criminal non licensed GMRS radio operators? Hardly.

$45 gets you a Baofeng handheld capable of hitting all the repeaters in So Cal with coverage from Oceanside to Oxnard - and that's just GMRS. Its also capable of hitting the 2m/70cm HAM repeaters so if you decide to take the test for a Tech license you 'd be able to use it as well.

If you want to get more info pm me.

Bill
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  #76  
Old 07-24-2013, 9:23 PM
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link?
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  #77  
Old 07-25-2013, 7:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason_2111 View Post
Amazon has them from 2 different places.
Wow, I googled all over creation last night and can't figure how I missed those, thank you!
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  #78  
Old 07-25-2013, 8:42 AM
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Confirmed test... GPS does in fact work on these when they are off-network using a dead SIM card. Woot!

As soon as I tried it outside, it worked, coordinates confirmed using google maps.

Took about 1 cigarette to get a lock, you gotta be patient to get GPS.

Also, since so many people PM'd me for antennas, I'm going ahead and grabbing like 100 off of ebay. I'm in the middle of talking the dude down right now, and will hopefully be selling them to hook us up for around $3.75 a piece.
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  #79  
Old 07-25-2013, 8:45 AM
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Awsome info in here!
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  #80  
Old 07-25-2013, 10:34 AM
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So all the talk of using these during SHTF, and otherwise. Why would I want to buy a couple used cell phones versus a 40 mile GMRS radio off of Amazon for $65 bucks shipped? Is there a benefit I'm not seeing to these, or oblivious somehow.

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-GMR-Cha...s=50+mile+gmrs

These are "50" mile radios but the 40 mile radios are only 65 bucks. 50 mile is closer to 100 bucks or so.

Anyway, I just want to check if I'm missing something here other than the tinkering factor and doing something cool with electronics is fun.
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