Recycled Radio Series
Goodmans GMPR117 PMR 446 Walkie-Talkie
Price: £12.95 with shipping
Sold As: Used
Manufacturer: Goodmans
Model: GPMR116/117
Power: 0.5W
Stated Max Range: 2 Miles
Antenna: Fixed standard PMR
Run By: 4x AAA (in each)
Noteable Features: 10 Preset memory slots, out-of-range alert system, extra sensitive Reciever
Approx Age: ? 2002-2011?
True Condition: Handsets almost New, Box is knackered, Power adapter in good condition
*✅ Note:
Despite the Radio having GPMR116 on the front. This set is actually the GPMR117 twin pack. 116 is only designated for single handset packs?! confused?
The kit came complete - including the instructions
First Impressions
I first saw these a number of years ago in Argos (I think?) retailing for around £99 for the pair which seemed quite expensive at the time. I never bothered. Instead I opted for the much cheaper Aldi Silvercrest specials which were doing the rounds at the time. The silvercrests were boasting bags of features and only cost £20 a set which seemed tremendous value. Time passed and the next time I would come across these was in some youtube videos posted by Gary104. Using the Goodmans Gary managed to make some impressive long distance QSO (contacts) with only half a Watt of power.. quite remarkable.
See videos below..
89 Mile contact
30+ Mile Contact
I have found that buying PMR Walkie-Talkies is a bit of a gamble if I haven't seen them working beforehand. Most manufacturers will overstate the effective distance range giving much disappointment when you get them home and try them out. My best PMR set so far are the Binatone action 1100s which have proved to be quite long range when standing on top of a hill.
Despite every PMR radio being built to a specific standard, required to have fixed antennas and limited to half a Watt, the guts of each radio can differ quite a bit. Some are more sensitive or have better modulation than others.
Despite every PMR radio being built to a specific standard, required to have fixed antennas and limited to half a Watt, the guts of each radio can differ quite a bit. Some are more sensitive or have better modulation than others.
Having seen Gary get some outrageous distances from these Goodmans on half a Watt I thought it was time to get a set.
Some of the features of the GPMR117
After paying £12.95 for a second hand set I was hoping these would be every bit as good as Gary's.
The Goodmans arrived fully working and intact. Inside the box was both handsets, belt clips and split power charger. The original retail box is a bit tatty but im not that bothered about cardboard to be honest.
The two Transceivers are in really good condition with only one small blemish on one of the facias.
These radios are reknown for their somewhat flimsy construction so the first job on my list was to check the antennas and PTT buttons for damaged or wear. Everything checked out OK with nothing bad to report.
When comparing the features of these radios against similar more modern sets there really isnt much in the way of new features. These old handsets pretty much do everything that a brand new Motorola set would do - although there are a couple of features not normally seen on retail Walkie-talkies.
1. Out-Of-Range Alert system
I don't think I have ever seen this feature on any twin pack of walkie-talkies?
When both handsets have this feature enabled they constantly monitor the distance between each other and send an alert message once one goes out of range.
It's not very clear from the manual how this actually works but there does appear to be two different range alerts. One for short out of range and one for quite a lot out of range I presume.
On the face of it this could be a really good safety feature.
6V Charging port and recharge slider switch
2. 10 Channel Memory
Another feature not normally seen is memory storage.
If you happen to have lots of different channel and ctcss code combinations this handy feature will make life much easier.
Have to say I havent tried programming any in yet.
PTT button and the Monitor button
3. Adjustable Squelch
Most consumer PMR446 radios don't have the ability to alter the squelch sensitivity. These Goodmans have three levels of sensitivity to adjust. A simple option in the menu is all that's required. A handy extra feature.
As PMR radios go, these perform just as well as anything else I have tried if not a bit better.
On transmit the signal is both clear and loud. Recieving is even better. These handset seem super sensitive, much more than any of my other sets! When set to scan the goodmans can pull in way more signals than both my binatone and Motorola rigs. I'm really impressed.
There is no need to discuss the maximum range of these radios having seen what can be done in the videos. At short range (under 2 miles) these performs well.
Despite the GPMR117 looking like kids toys, these radios are fantastic.
You don't need to spend a fortune on good PMR radios when you can get some of these. These may be old but there is life in em yet!
Definitely one for the collection.