Are there any walkie-talkies that can text message out there

[bigbore442001]

My Dad and I contact each other on a pair of Motorola walkies. They are nice but there is an unfortunate situation with dad. After 42 years of working with sheet metal, he is almost legally deaf. He can misinterpret what is said on the walkie or outright not hear it.

I was thinking to myself," I wonder if there is some sort of walkie that can text message. That would be great. I could type in short messages like 'ALL OK' or "SAW THREE DEER" etc.

Anyone know of such a thing?

[Siskiyou]

Depending on the coverage in the area you hunt I suspect text messaging over a cell phone is your best option.  I can appreciate the problem your father is having.  The loss of hearing can be very confusing.  My Dad started showing signs of hearing loss in his early 50's.  I have a younger hunting partner who wears hearing aid in both ears.  

You have highlighted a concern that many older hunters have.  I am sure the average buyer of deer tags is now over fifty years old.  There can be a number of reasons behind hearing loss.  Studies have shown that 75 percent of men loss their hearing at the sound of their own voice saying two words, "I do."  Women do not appreciate the level of hearing loss in men and suspect it is selective.

An alternative would be electronic ear muffs such as Wolfs Ears.  The problem I have had with them is they are not directional.  They can drive you nuts.  Shift your foot and it sounds like a herd of something coming down you.  One needs to wear them around the house to adjust before wearing them in the woods.  Depending on the extent of your dad's hearing loss they might not work for him.

[Siskiyou]

Today I was checking out the Quick Start Manual for the Garmin 520 and 530 radio's.  They have a text (note) messaging mode that might fit your needs.  Great radio gps units but two at a time is rather pricy.

[NautiBuoys]

The Garmin 120 walkie-talkie/GPS combo can do it. One can text message or use pre-determined text messages (i think 15?) as well.

[Siskiyou]

NautiBuoys:  Do you have any idea how many characters can be sent by the 120 in a Note(message)?

I understand that the Peer to Peer Positioning, and Note mode on the Garmin radios are limited to the FRS channels.  The FRS channels are limited to .5 watt.  Point five watt (.5) does not get you very far in broke topography cover with heavy vegetation.  See the quote from the Garmin webpage.  So will there be a software up grade for old units that will allow them to do this in the GMRS mode.*
 
*(We are pleased to announce that the FCC has granted Garmin a waiver that allows the Rino series units to send position data on GMRS channels. In addition, Industry Canada has established a license-free GMRS service. Canadian Rino units now allow users access to GMRS channels. Position sending/polling is also allowed on Canadian GMRS channels.)

A very big price difference between the Rhino 120 and the Rhino 520/530.  But you do get more features.

[NautiBuoys]

Manual doesn't say if there is a limit but I did try a message with 25 letters total not including spaces and worked fine. Will try more and advise.

[Siskiyou]

NautiBouys:  Your imput as a user is appriciated.  Keep it coming.  There have been a number of inquires regarding the Garmin 120.  I know everybody wants the more expensive model, but what if you recieved most of the features without the price?  One must consider the option.

[victorcharlie]

At least I can wait and hope the price drops......