The radio uses three AA alkaline batteries (sold separately) and requires an FCC license for operation. You can upgrade your device with the optional NiMH rechargeable battery upgrade kit.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
Excellent so far. 5 stars withheld pending reliability., February 9, 2003

Reviewer: An electronics fan from Schaumburg, Illinois United States

I preface this review by stating that I purchased this radio primarily for its weather radio feature (not many others have it) and I use it only on FRS channels so far. This radio has an unparalleled wealth of useful features for its price. I have found the following features useful, and you'll have to pay more to get them on another radio. --Voice scrambling: Good but it takes time to adapt to it. --Scanning: An awesome feature; scans all 22 channels quickly. --Weather radio: Excellent. I get three channels in the Chicago area. --Range (FRS): In an outer-suburb setting you do get 2 miles. --Vox: Hands free does work but it takes time to adapt to it. --Batteries: Uses 3 AA batteries. Other manufacturer's comparable radios take 4 AAA, thus representing a bigger expense over time for batteries. --Size: Comparable radios from other manufacturers are much larger than this unit. --Shortcomings. Battery case does not seal totally, but it has not fallen off during my use. The PTT button is on the front, though it has not been as much of an inconvenience as I thought it would be. I upgraded to this from the Motrola 5420 (sold in pairs), itself an excellent FRS radio. I have found this unit to be equal or superior in all comparable respects (except for the PTT button on the front, and battery lid sealing), and I have yet to upgrade its use to GMRS--the license costs $75.00 per household for five years.