Cobra ACT220B Review & Specs | walkie-talkie-guide.com

Who doesn’t love a good adventure? Traveling with your friends, off to that one great adventure, may it be hiking or camping under the stars. Who wouldn’t love enjoying everything the world has to offer, right? Fun as it may, journeys like this need thorough preparation.

To make sure you don’t lose track of your friends or your colleagues—who may hike at a different speed than you do, a good dependable walkie-talkie can help you stay connected no matter what. If you fit the description above, this walkie talkie might be for you – the Cobra ACT220b (Adventure Series).

The Cobra Chat Tag ACT220b is Cobra’s latest addition to their adventure series and is considered one of the smallest wearable walkie talkies which can be found in the market nowadays. It boasts of a small yet compact design that can easily be clipped on the user for better convenience and comfort. It also has crystal clear sound and internal antennas with a range of up to 12 miles.

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Specs

Brand: Cobra
Range: 12 miles
Power output: not stated
Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
Battery: rechargeable battery
Size: 2.39 x 2.36 x 1.22 inches
Weight: 0.58 lb
Waterproof: yes (IPX4)
License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)

Scope of Delivery

The COBRA ACT220b will be delivered in a set of two. It includes 2 radios, 2 belt clips, a Micro-USB charger, and 2 batteries. Also, you can find a user manual in the package.

Setup

The Cobra Chat Tag ACT220b is extremely easy to use. Please see below for better familiarity with the device’s controls and functions:

To start up the device, press and hold the Power/Menu button for at least 4seconds. The LED indicator will flash green once every 5 seconds to show that the device is turned on.
To communicate with others on the same channel, press and hold the Talk Release the talk button once finished talking to receive responses from other people.
The device’s volume can be controlled using the Volume/Channel buttons found on the right side of the device. Doing this will control the loudness of the sound you will be receiving on your radio.
The channel can be changed by pressing the Power/menu button. The current channel being used will be indicated via voice prompt. After this, you can change the channel by pressing the Volume/Channel button (press the (+) button if you wish to move the channel forward and the (-) button if you wish to go back to the previous channel).

Note: Upon purchase, a manual will be included. Please refer to the manual for the placement of the buttons aforementioned above.

Waterproof

The Cobra ACT220b has an IPX4 water-resistant rating. This means that the device is only rated for small water drops, water sprays, and water splashes. It is not advised to submerge the unit underwater or expose it to heavy rain showers. Although the design looks like it can survive for a short amount of time underwater or any water exposure due to its rubber build and protection around the charging port and audio port, to be on the safe side, it is better not to do so.

Power Source

This walkie talkie device can last for up to 10-hours on a full battery charge. It takes approximately 5 hours to charge it from an empty bat fully. It is also recommended to turn off the device while charging to prevent temperature increases and damaging the battery permanently.

Range

This device has a range of up to 12 miles, according to the manufacturer’s product information. However, this range is upon the assumption that it is being used in an open field. The device’s maximum range may vary depending on the obstructions present on the location the device is being used (e.g., infrastructures if used in cities or urban places.)

Frequencies

The device’s frequency was not stated on the manufacturer’s product information online or on the box itself. However, given that it is an FRS device that does not require a license to use, I expect its frequency to be around 462 and 467 MHz in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band. This walkie talkie also has access to up to 22 channels. As mentioned above, you can use this device even without a license as this device is compliant with the ISEDC license-exempt standards.

Features

Supports UHM/FM:
- This means that the Cobra ACT220b can provide ultra-clear reception even on a long-distance range. As long as it is within the device’s range, it is sure to pick up your reception without any problem.
Can cover up to 12 miles of distance:
- Cobra ACT220b can cover up to 20 miles of distance between radios. This is extremely useful when both parties have to be separated but need to stay connected.
Voice Prompts:
- This device provides audio feedback during operation. This means that you don’t have to keep on checking the device. When it is turned on, it will inform you that the device is on, or when changing channels, it will prompt you of the current channel and inform you of the channels it is tuned to upon changing. This is extremely useful when you have to change the settings on a hike, making things more convenient for the user.
Roger Beep Tone feedback:
- Another feature of this device is the Beep feature. This feature will allow the receiving party to know when the opposing party has finished talking. It does this by transmitting a signal to the receiving party when it is clear to talk through a beep tone.
Has Keystroke Tone Signal:
- This confirms key activation.
Has Speaker/Microphone/Charger Jack:
- One of the best things about this radio device is this feature. The Cobra ACT220b has a Speaker/Microphone Jack, which you can connect your headphones to. This is extremely beneficial when wanting to perform a “hands-free” operation.
Rechargeable batteries:
- The device comes with a rechargeable battery. Meaning, you won’t need to go through the hassle of replacing the battery once every often. All you need to do is connect the device to the micro-USB charger and connect it to the outlet. Low battery? No problem. Charge it.
Has Turn-abled Belt Clips:
- These clips attach to the lapel, allowing you to talk and communicate with other users without holding the radio. You can clip the device somewhere accessible, and this will enable you to communicate without having to bring the unit closer to your mouth.
Uses Lithium Polymer Batteries:
- Use the device for up to 10 hours with no interruptions due to zero battery issues. This long battery life allows you to last a day with no problems easily.

Price

The Cobra ACT220b can be purchased directly at their website for around $59.99. However, if you wish to save a bit, you may also purchase it from other sources such as Amazon for a slightly lower amount.

Pros

Portability. With its small shape and design, the Cobra ACT220b can easily be transported due to its size.
Has a promising ultra-clear long-distance reception
Does not need a license to use
Has an earphone/ microphone jack
Supports 22 channels
Works with other GMRS/FRS walkie talkie radios available in the market

Cons

Can be a bit pricey for its capabilities
No charging brick inside the box
It has an internal antenna, which means it cannot be attached to another pair of external antennas to improve its range and others.

Conclusion – COBRA ACT220b Review

The Cobra Chat Tag ACT220b is certainly one of the walkie talkies in the market to consider. It has a good design and an affordable price range. If you are someone looking for a walkie talkie that you can use for your next adventure, this might be just it.

With its long-range and ultra-clear reception, your trip will surely proceed without a hitch. It can last for as long as 10 hours of uninterrupted use, which is certainly good and will last you a day. Its portability and small size are certainly a plus. If you are looking for a good two-way radio for personal use, I will certainly recommend the Cobra Chat Tag Act220b.

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