Retevis RB26 Long Range GMRS Two-Way Radios (5 Pack) - Rechargeable 2000mAh Walkie Talkies with Repeater Capability for Security, Church, Construction, School & Warehouse Use - Durable Communication Solution for Outdoor Activities, Emergency Response & Team Coordination

This is not a radio that is "good to go" straight out of the box for a novice radio operator. If all you want is to talk to the other radios in the box, then ignore everything else I have to say. If you want to communicate with other people in a group who have a mix of different radios, then read on.The programming software is available on Retevis' website and is easy to use. The cable from my UV-5R worked perfectly for programming the RB26. You'll need to use the programming software to get the full potential out of these radios because out of the box all channels are set to narrow band and have CTCSS/DCS tones set (this is described in the manual so it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone). The squelch is set way too high at 5 out of the factory. The programming software is the only way to change settings on this radio.Once this radio is set up how you want it, you can confidently hand it to anyone and know that they can't "mess up the settings". You can also add more RB26 units to the group at any time using the wireless copy function to set up a new out of the box unit with your settings. Even though the antenna is short, I can hit the local repeater and a more distant repeater that I can't normally raise with my GM-15 Pro that has a larger antenna. The RB26 isn't a "do all" GMRS radio for everyone, but it works well as a single-purpose radio for a fixed environment like an event or camp out or as part of a coordinated group. This is a very easy-to-use radio with good, clear audio.