TK-360G for GMRS?

[DeoVindice]

I've just gotten started with GMRS; my "fleet" consists of two TK-390s with a third on the way, with a lot of OSTs, local repeaters, and RX-only 70cm ham repeaters and public safety frequencies programmed. These are for my better half and I to use; she and I are both familiar with radios so the options and features aren't confusing.

However, our other family members who are covered under my license are not so radio-savvy, and I would like one or two simpler GMRS handhelds for them to use while hiking, camping, etc. No channel groups or OSTs, just a dial with eight to sixteen frequencies programmed. The TK-360G in its 450-470 band split would look to be a good candidate, especially since it uses the same charger as my 390s and is incredibly affordable. Does anyone have any feedback on this particular model?

 

[mmckenna]

If you get used ones in good shape, no reason they will not work just fine.

Back when I was active on GMRS, I had a couple of Motorola HT1000's, some were 2 channel, some were 16. If you set up your buttons so they are either non-functional or otherwise "safe" and all the user has to do is turn the radio on/off and adjust the volume, it's a great solution. It's far too easy for complex radios to get their buttons bumped and off in some direction an inexperienced user can't get out of.

For some users/applications at work, I'll program all the channel slots exactly the same and lock out all the function keys. This prevents a lot of issues. Basically it comes down to "Is the battery charged?" and "Is it turned on?".

 

[kayn1n32008]

I have a TK-390. Love it.
Nothing wrong with giving them a ‘dumbed down’ TK-390. Don’t program OST, and have all the buttons programmed to not do anything.
I bought 6x TK-390’s for less than $300. They are for my in-laws, who are not remotely radio savvy at all, to use on their acreage. They have very poor cell service, and have about 2km of driveway to maintain. I programmed 16 channels with full PL, and all the buttons are disabled. The display is ‘CH-01’ through ‘CH-16’ They cycle their batteries like I taught them to, and don’t know much more than how to turn them on and off, PTT and RTL.
No need to maintain a different model type. Just mark the dumbed down radios so you know which is which.