June 2012 Archives
June 25, 2012
Severe Weather Alert - Tropical Depression Debby
| It is 2012 and hurricane season is here. Tropical Depression Debby is heading out to the Atlantic after hovering over the Florida coast for four days, flooding the peninsula with a seemingly endless barrage of rain. According to the National Weather Service, the flooding remains a threat. If you are located in or around these flood-prone areas, Are you ready?
Have you put together your Hurricane Preparedness Kit? For those who haven't, now is the time to prepare. Get the official FEMA checklist of Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit or purchase one of the ready-made Survival /Emergency Kits from Buy Two Way Radios. |
Of course, basic necessities such as food and water are critical to have available and are top items on any emergency list. However, there are a other items on FEMA's list that are also extremely important. The third and fourth items listed in order of importance are a Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. The next item? Extra batteries for both radios.
Below is a list of radios that meet the federal requirements suggested in FEMA's list:
Two Way Radios
Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger - A powerful 5 watt all-weather radio. Durable and water resistant, the GXT1000 VP4 features NOAA weather channels, NOAA weather alerts and a 3 year manufacturer warranty. This is our most popular GMRS radio.
Motorola TALKABOUT MS350R Two Way Radios - Built for performance and designed specifically for extreme weather conditions, this radio is ready. The MS350R has 11 weather channels, operates on either rechargeable or disposable batteries, is submersible and floats. It even includes a built-in flashlight! This pack also includes an Emergency Preparedness Checklist Sheet.
Motorola TALKABOUT T9680R-SAME Two Way Radios - One of the most powerful FRS/GMRS two way radios from Motorola, the T9680R is designed as a Hazard Alert radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, a system adopted by the National Weather Service to warn citizens of emergency situations within their immediate area. SAME monitors the NOAA weather stations in your region for emergency situations and hazardous conditions. The T9680R can operate on either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Midland XT511 Base Camp Two Way/Emergency Crank Radio - This powerful device is the "swiss army knife" of two way and emergency radios.It's an FRS/GMRS radio, AM/FM clock radio with an alarm, and NOAA weather radio with weather alerts. It's also a flashlight. The Midland XT511 has five power options: AC wall power, DC vehicle adapter, rechargeable battery pack, alkaline batteries and a Dynamo hand crank. The XT511 even has a built-in USB connector to charge a USB device such as a cell phone in the event of a power outage!
NOAA Weather Radios (receive only)
Midland ER102 Emergency Crank Radio - The ER102 has the key features of the XT511 without the built-in GMRS two-way radio, but with a temperature indicator and freeze warning alert.
Midland WR-120 Weather Radio - An All Hazards Alert weather radio that monitors the Public Alert system and features SAME technology to alert you to weather or civil emergencies in your area. It also includes an alarm clock with snooze and a blue backlit display. A battery backup, color coded alert light and external antenna jack round out the features.
Midland WR-300 Weather Radio - The WR-300 has all the features of the WR-120 - with an AM/FM radio and alarm clock with snooze to boot.
Midland HH54VP2 SAME Handheld Weather Radio - This compact, portable handheld radio is a great travel companion. It has NWS all hazard alerts with S.A.M.E. technology and other emergency alerts such as Amber Alerts, biological hazard warnings, civil emergency messages, nuclear power plant warnings, fire warnings and landslide warnings. But that's not all. The HH54VP2 also features a bulit-in alarm clock with snooze, user selectable alerts, color coded alert indicators, a large, backlit display with continuous backlighting option and battery backup.
Midland HH-50 Pocket Weather Alert Radio - The Midland HH-50 is a weather radio that is so compact it fits in your pocket. It instantly auto scans for emergency and weather alerts as soon as you turn it on. The HH-50 supports all hazard alerts, emergency alerts, messages and warnings. This is a great choice for the travel size emergency kit in the car.
There is no doubt communication is critical in any emergency, but when severe weather strikes, you need to be kept up to date on current, constantly changing weather conditions in your area. During such emergencies, power can go out, landlines can be lost and cell service can lose signals. In such situations, a radio may be your only means of communication and important weather alerts.
Don't wait for the next storm to hit before you prepare. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, get your Hurricane Preparedness Kit ready now.
For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.
Note:We carry a complete line of emergency preparedness and survival kits, including the Emergency Zone Severe Weather Emergency Kit. Add your choice of two way radio and be ready for severe weather now!
June 18, 2012
TWRS-37 - Radios For Dentists
We talk about using two way radios in dental offices. We also review the Icom IC-F4161 / F3161 Series two way radios.
Intro :00
Billboard 1:12
Topic Discussion 1:32
Today we'll talk about using two way radios in dental offices. We'll discuss how dentists use radios, the types of radios used, and recommend some popular radios used by dentists. Radios discussed include the Motorola CLS1110, Motorola CLS1410, CLP1010, CLP1040, CLP1060 and Kenwood ProTalk XLS (TK-3230) Business Two Way Radio. Hear our review on the Motorola CLP1060 in TWRS-35 - Radios For The Warehouse. For more information read our blog article Two Way Radios For Dental Offices.
Commercial Break 15:07
buytwowayradios.com 1:00
Product Review 16:05
Today we review the Icom F4161 / F3161 Two Way Radio Series. For more information about intrinsically safe two way radios listen to TWRS-18 - Intrinsically Safe Radios.
Questions and Answers 25:11
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. The Two Way Radio Show is now on Stitcher! Listen to us on your iPhone, Android Phone, BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Find it in your app store or at stitcher.com.
Wrap up and Close 30:07
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show(at)buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!
© 2012 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.
June 8, 2012
The Midland LXT560 is here!
We promised we would keep you up to date on the new Midland two way radios for 2012 as each new model comes out. Well, we have great news. The Midland LXT560VP3 has arrived, and we not only have the scoop on this new Midland radio, Buy Two Way Radios is one of the first to have it in stock!
The LXT560 features 22 FRS/GMRS channels, 14 extra channels, and 121 privacy codes. It's also a NOAA weather alert radio, which makes it a good choice for hiking, camping or your favorite family outdoor activity. It runs on 4 AAA alkaline batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries (included) and is drop-in charge capable for quick and easy charging.
It works with other FRS/GMRS radios and is water resistant for outdoor use. It comes in a solid case with a blue faceplate. In all, it is a rather attractive Midland radio.
The Midland LXT560VP3 is here now and available to ship with your order.
Using A Business Radio For GMRS
It's no big secret that most two way radios that are built specifically for the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are not of the same quality as typical business radios. There's a good reason for this. Most people who are shopping for GMRS radios need a radio for occasional use, such as a camping trip, and simply prefer a lower priced radio that will get the job done. Occasionally, however, we have customers that need a business quality radio for use on GMRS.
Who Needs A Business Quality Radio For GMRS
These customers typically use their radios often - not just for an occasional hike with the family. They are sometimes looking to become members of a local radio or repeater club, or are radio enthusiasts in general. Perhaps they've purchased "bubble pack" GMRS radios (as typical 2-pack consumer grade radios are sometimes called) in the past and are just looking for better range, better audio quality, or more durability.
There is a reason that business quality radios sell for 6-10 times more than consumer grade radios - they're better. Whatever the reason, we often hear from a potential customer who is looking for a high quality GMRS radio.
Business Radios That Work On GMRS
Most all programmable UHF business radios can be setup to work on the GMRS. This includes practically all 4 and 5 watt business radios that we sell, including models by Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Olympia, and Vertex Standard. Business radios that are two watts and less typically wouldn't work, as they have a built-in list of frequencies that do not include GMRS.
Is It Legal To Use A Business Radio For GMRS?
It is not entirely clear if it is legal to use a business radio for GMRS. Business radios that would be programmable to GMRS are going to be Part 90 type accepted (certified). This basically means that the FCC has found them to conform to the "Part 90" rules, which relate to land mobile or business radios.
The rules that apply to GMRS are in Part 95, and this is what "bubble pack" radios are type accepted for. While it is possible for business radio manufacturers to have their Part 90 radios also type accepted for Part 95, most do not. (Kenwood is the exception here and the TK3302 and TK3230 are certified for parts 90 and 95.)
The following is the specific section of the law that applies to GMRS equipment:
§ 95.129 Station equipment.
Every station in a GMRS system must use transmitters the FCC has certificated for use in the GMRS. Write to any FCC Field Office to find out if a particular transmitter has been certificated for the GMRS. All station equipment in a GMRS system must comply with the technical rules in part 95.
Many interpret that last sentence (our emphasis) to mean that as long as the radio is technically compliant with part 95, it is OK to use even if it wasn't specifically type accepted for it. Under this interpretation, Part 90 accepted UHF business radios would be allowed. (One caveat is scrambling. Some business radios support it but it cannot legally be used on GMRS.)
We Will Sell Business Radios For GMRS
We have never been made aware of anyone having a legal issue using a Part 90 radio for GMRS, and we will program a business radio for GMRS at a customer's request. Please understand, however, that the operator of the radio is ultimately responsible for using the device in compliance with the FCC regulations.
For an in-depth discussion on this topic, listen to The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-38 - Using Business Radios on the GMRS.
June 6, 2012
The Vertex Standard rebate promotion is back for Summer 2012
The Vertex Standard rebate promotion is back for the summer of 2012! When you buy at least six Vertex Standard VX-350 or VX-2200 Series radios, you qualify for a
$20 rebate per radio for a total of $120 cash back. Purchase at least six Vertex Standard VX-450 Series radios and get a $40 rebate per radio for a total of $240 cash back. This rebate is offered by Vertex Standard directly and is available until August 17, 2012 at Buy Two Way Radios.
The best part? There is no maximum limit to the number of radios you can buy for this rebate offer! The following radios qualify for the rebates:
| Model | Rebate |
| Vertex VX-351-AG (UHF) | $20 |
| Vertex VX-351-AD (VHF) | $20 |
| Vertex VX-354-AG (UHF) | $20 |
| Vertex VX-354-AD (VHF) | $20 |
| Vertex VX-2200-D0 Mobile Two Way Radio (VHF) | $20 |
| Vertex VX-451-G7 (UHF) | $40 |
| Vertex VX-451 (VHF) | $40 |
| Vertex VX-459-G7 (UHF) | $40 |
| Vertex VX-459 (VHF) | $40 |
This offer is direct from the manufacturer, so you will need to send your rebate redemption form to Vertex Standard after you purchase your radios and they will mail your rebate directly to you. This offer is valid on radios purchased through August 17, 2012. Although you can mix and match models within a series, all radios purchased must be within the same product series and must be ordered on a single order and on the same invoice. The Minimum rebate will be $120 (6 radios x $20) or $240 (6 radios x $40). Click here for full details. To redeem your rebate, go to www.vertexstandardrebate.com and follow the instructions.
All redemption requests must be postmarked on or before August 17, 2012. Redemption submissions received after that date will NOT be eligible. Redemptions cannot be sent to P.O. Boxes. Please allow 4-6 weeks from receipt of your submission for to receive your rebates. Offer good only in the U.S. and Canada and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law.
Note: All Vertex Standard radios on this list are narrowband compliant.
June 4, 2012
TWRS-36 - Common Features of FRS / GMRS Radios
We talk about some of the standard features found on a typical consumer two way radio and what they do. We also review the Midland LXT118 two way radio.
Intro :00
Billboard 1:13
Topic Discussion 1:32
We'll talk about some common features found on FRS/GMRS two way radios. We'll discuss what some of these features are, what they do and discover some special features found on some higher end models. For more information about the basic operation of consumer two way radios, listen to TWRS-01 - An Introduction to Consumer Radios Radios and TWRS-08 - Talking Publicly About Privacy Codes. For more information about specific common features of two way radios, check out our Two Way Radio Feature Guide.
Commercial Break 25:39
buytwowayradios.com 1:00
Product Review 26:37
Today we review the Midland LXT118 Two Way Radio and Midland LXT118VP Two Way Radios With Dual AC Wall Charger.
Questions and Answers 32:08
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. The Two Way Radio Show is now on Stitcher! Listen to us on your iPhone, Android Phone, BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Find it in your app store or at stitcher.com.
Wrap up and Close 43:44
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show(at)buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!
© 2012 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.
June 1, 2012
It's National Hurricane Preparedness Week - Get Ready!
This week - May 27th through June 2nd - is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. With the coincidental arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl, we've already had a taste of what this 2012 hurricane season could be like. Beryl was not even a category one hurricane, yet this storm packed a considerable punch with wind and rain, causing power outages and cancelling Memorial Day events along the Florida and Georgia coasts.
Tropical Storm Beryl is said to be the most powerful tropical storm in recorded history to hit the Atlantic coast of the US outside of hurricane season, which officially begins today, June 1. But it wasn't the first cyclone to jump the starting date. Tropical Storm Alberto, which formed off the coast of South Carolina, claimed that spot in mid May.
The National Weather Service advises everyone to be prepared for hurricane season this week. Develop an emergency plan of action and/or evacuation in case of an emergency. Prepare an emergency disaster kit with basic provisions, including:
- water
- food
- battery powered or hand crank radio
- NOAA weather radio
- flashlight
- extra batteries
- first-aid kit
- dust masks
- plastic sheathing
- duct tape
- moist towelettes
- garbage bags with plastic ties
- wrench or pliers (to turn off water, gas, etc.)
- manual can opener
- maps
- cell phone with charger
Collecting everything you need to build an emergency kit can be time consuming and even a bit daunting, especially if you are someone who is always busy or on the go. For those who want to be prepared but don't have the time or patience to go on a scavenger hunt for emergency supplies, you can get one already prepared for you. Buy Two Way Radios now carries a complete line of emergency and survival kits, from the Basic Necessities Emergency Kit to the Four Person Survivor Kit.
Of course, our specialty is radios. For the NWS Emergency Preparedness List posted above, we recommend the Midland ER102 Emergency Crank Radio or the Midland XT511 Base Camp Two Way / Emergency Crank Radio. The XT511 is also an FRS/GMRS two way radio, which could come in handy if land line or cell phone communications are out.
For a complete overview of these and other emergency/weather radios, read the Weather Radio Buyer's Guide. To help you choose the best weather radio for your situation, check out our Emergency Weather Radio Comparison Guide.
So far we've had two storms in one month, before the hurricane season has even begun. Is this just an anomaly, or a shadow of things to come? Does it really matter? The National Weather Service advises us all to get ready, always be ready, because you just never know until the next storm comes.
For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.
