March 12, 2010
Find Replacement Belt Clips at Buy Two Way Radios
Two Way Radios these days are rather tough devices, but the belt clips sometimes, not so much. For those of you, ok us, that keep breaking them we have good news. In addition to the many two way radio accessories we carry here at our warehouse we have plenty of replacement belt clips!
- Icom MB-98 Standard Alligator Clip for F50 and F60 series radios.
- Icom MB-94 Standard Alligator Belt Clip for F14, F24, F3011, F4011, F3021, and F4021 series radios.
- Kenwood Belt Clip (KBH-10) for TK-2118, TK-3118, TK260G, TK-270G, TK-272G, TK278G, TK-360G, TK-370G, TK-372G, TK-373G, TK-378G, TK-388G, TK-280, TK-285, TK-380, TK-385, TK-480S, TK-481S, TK-190, TK-290, TK-390, TK-2100, TK-2102A, TK-2106Z, TK-2107, TK-3100, TK-3101, TK-3102A, TK-3106Z, TK-3107, TK-2200, TK-2202, TK-2206, TK-2207, TK-3200, TK-3201, TK-3202, TK-3206, TK-3207, TK-2207G, TK-2212, TK-TK3202L, and TK-3212L series radios.
- Motorola RDX Series Belt Clip (RLN6307) for RDX series radios.
- Olympia P324 Belt Clip for Olympia P324 series radios.
These are just a few of the belt clips we have in stock. Check out our walkie talkie accessory page for more belt clips, antennas, port covers, cases, and everything else you might need for your two way radio!
March 5, 2010
The Cobra microTALK CXR925 Two Way Radio is Here!
One of the new radios we just got in stock is the Cobra microTALK CXR925 GMRS two way radio. Not only is the design original compared to most two way radios, it also uses lithium ion batteries. Most consumer radios use nickel cadmium batteries which honestly are just not as good. Li-Ion batteries last longer and also do not suffer from "memory effects" when charging.
The CXR925 is the "big brother" model to the popular Cobra CXR700. The CXR700 is another GMRS radio that we like a lot. So many radio are copy cat designs of each other, we like the originality in the two Cobra models.
The CXR925 is relatively compact and has all the features you would expect form a top of the line GMRS radio (142 privacy codes, VOX, NOAA channels, silent alerts, and key lock). It also has the Rewind-Say-Again® feature. You can replay calls and record messages for playback.
We have them in stock and ready to go for $74.99. The CXR925 value pack comes with two radios, Li-Ion batteries, desktop charger, and wall adapter.
February 26, 2010
The Midland GXT740, One of Our Favorite Two Way Radios!
The Midland GXT740VP3 FRS/GMRS radio is not just a favorite here on our two way radio blog, it is also one that is very popular with many of our customers and friends. Midland makes quality, all-purpose consumer radios that are also budget friendly. We have been able to have special sale on the Midland GXT740 for a while now, and honestly they are great deal at $39.99. They are some of the best general use FRS/GMRS radios you will ever find.
The Midland GXT740VP3 value pack includes two Midland GXT740 radios, two NiMH rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger, and two belt clips
I may have some very interesting news next week, so check back here on our walkie talkie blog. Until then, everyone have a great weekend!
February 17, 2010
The Motorola CLP1010 and Motorola CLP1040 Radios Arriving in April
We are still very excited about the Motorola CLP1010 and Motorola CLP1040 business two way radios and the Motorola RPU2160 Portable Repeater. We have already covered them here on our two way radio blog, but we have some bad news. They are going to show up a bit later than expected. Many of you have shown interest in these amazing radios and very cool repeater, and we are now planning to have them here in stock in April. As always, keep checking our walkie talkie blog for updates!
February 12, 2010
A Compact GMRS Radio with Li-ion Batteries
Now and then we get asked if we have a good, compact, long-lasting GMRS radio. Here at Buy Two Way Radios we are fans of the Cobra microTALK CXR700 two way radio. They have good range, are VOX capable, have silent paging, and best of all they use lithium ion batteries.
Li-ion batteries last longer than the more traditional Ni-MH batteries, and the CXR700 is one of the few GMRS radios to have them standard.
If you have been looking for a small size, long-lasting two way radio, give the Cobra microTALK CXR700 a look. Call us at 1-800-584-1445 if you have any questions or leave a comment here on our two way radio blog.
February 4, 2010
Rebate Offers on Select Kenwood Radios
Kenwood has just launched a great new promotion through April 30th, 2010. Purchase at least six Kenwood TK3230 XLS radios and you qualify for a $25 rebate per radio or a free TK3230 radio. Purchase at least six Kenwood TK2300 or Kenwood TK3300 radios and you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio or a FREE Radio! The cash rebate will be awarded for every radio purchased, and the free radio will be awarded for every six radios. Click here for full details and redemption form.
January 28, 2010
Looking for a MURS Compatible Radio?
We have a new radio that some of you might be interested in. Our Motorola RDX RDV2020 (MURS Edition) two way radio operates on VHF MURS frequencies used by many VHF radios, including MURS, Kenwood TK-2200, and Motorola XTN XV1100, XTN XV2100, and XTN VX2600 series radios. This means it does not require a license as long as you use MURS frequencies! The RDV-2020 MURS edition radio comes with 27 (including all five MURS) of the most common VHF frequencies already programmed.
The Motorola RDV2020 MURS edition has 2 watts of power, 2 channels, and comes with a lithium-ion battery. The RDV2020 is a though, and reliable commercial grade radio. The fact that it also uses MURS frequencies makes this the perfect choice for those looking for a VHF radio that does not require a license to operate. We have it set to the two most common MURS frequencies (154.570, and 154.600), but they are very easy to change.
MURS compatible radios are getting rather hard to find, so we are very excited about this model. It is ready to go, right out of the box. If you have any questions, then send us an email or call us!
January 22, 2010
Orders for Radios for Organizations and Individuals in Haiti
We would like to ask that any orders being placed for communication equipment that is to be sent to help with relief efforts in Haiti to be placed by phone if possible (1-800-584-1445 ). That way we can ensure that your order will be expedited in processing and shipping. We are also offering discounts on priority shipping for aid efforts.
Two way radios are essential to efforts underway in Haiti. Cell phone coverage is currently irregular and unpredictable. We are pleased to note that many radio manufacturers such as Motorola have responded. If you would like to provide assistance in buying or donating radios we ask that you contact the American Red Cross.
Again, please call us so we can work with you directly in order to have the radios you need shipped as fast as possible. If you place an order on our website, please make a comment that is for Haiti relief efforts. For donations, and other aid please contact the American Red Cross.
January 14, 2010
Midland's 2010 FRS/GMRS Radio Lineup
Buy Two Way Radios is pleased to announce the 2010 lineup of Midland two way radios. This year, Midland has made some minor refinements to previous models. We don't have all the details yet, but we decided to go ahead and post what we do know for now. We will continue to make updates here at our two way radio blog as we get more details and prices.
Channels and Privacy Codes
In 2008 Midland added extra "channels". While we were skeptical originally about what these channels were, the added privacy, or more accurately filtering, feature was an interesting addition. In 2009 some models then had up to 8 more privacy channels (for a total of 28 privacy channels). They also upped the number of privacy codes on some models (all of the way up to 387 privacy codes on the GXT1000). This year though it appears that the number of channels and privacy codes stay unchanged.
Not a Surprise
Readers of this site know that for years now there has been a steady increase in the claimed effective communication range of radios being made by many of the manufacturers. While the stated maximum range is technically accurate, we were very impressed last year by Midland's decision of keeping the advertised range unchanged. Well, this year they added two more miles to the claimed range on most models. Regular readers of this blog know how we feel about that.
Not Many Changes to How They Look
The backlit LCD screen for all of the radios is now the hunter orange color introduced last year. The GXT760 and LXT385 have new faceplates, but otherwise there are very few cosmetic changes.
New Model Specifics
Here is a look at the highlights of each new GMRS model. The new models should available in May/June (subject to change). Pricing information is not yet finalized. Of note, the popular GXT1000 and GXT1050 models stay unchanged this year.
GXT795 - Camouflage, "42" Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, 10 Call Alerts, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Vibrate Alert, VOX, 5 Animal Calls.
GXT760 - "42" Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, 10 Call Alerts, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Vibrate Alert, VOX
LXT490 - "36" Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 5 Call Alerts, NOAA Channels/Alerts, VOX
LXT385 - Camouflage Faceplate Section, "22" Channels Hi/Lo Power Settings
LXT380 - "22" Channels, Hi/Lo Power Settings
LXT114 - "22" Channels
January 8, 2010
Motorola CLP Radios, Changing How You Will Look At and Use Two Way Radios
UPDATED (2/17/10): We are now expecting to have the radios and repeater in stock in April!
Now and then here at Buy Two Way Radios we find out about a new radio that is truly innovative. The new Motorola CLP1010 and Motorola CLP1040 two way radios may lead to a rethinking about how radios look and function.
The CLP 1010 and CLP 1040 are designed for restaurants, hospitality, and retail businesses. They are 1 watt radios and have 1 and 4 channels respectively. They are designed to be stylish, and easy to use.
They are also rather small. The CLP series uses a compact (3.5 x 2.0 x 0.75 inches) and light (2.38 ounces with battery) design. So, how do they get a business radio that small? They changed around some things, and just made the rest more compact. They have removed the speaker, you will have to use a headset and one comes with each radio standard. They also have an internal antenna and very few exterior buttons. Instead there are just a few side buttons, with many functions using voice driven menus. There is an LED ring indicator around the top logo will glow to indicate the current channel, transmitting and receiving, scan, and battery level. Also gone is the traditional side PTT switch. There is just a single large PTT button.
Oh, and they are also repeater capable. They are specifically designed to work with the new Motorola RPU2160 Portable Repeater. Combined together, the radios and repeaters create a very affordable option. The radios are very easy to use, and the repeaters are simple to setup. This means you can easily transport an entire communication system.
With a very nontraditional look and approach, the CLP radios will be great for businesses that want their staff to carry around something besides traditional walkie talkies. If you want your staff to look as high tech and knowledgeable as the products they sell and company they work for, then you want to give these radio a serious look.
If you want to learn more about these radios, or have any questions, please give us a call at 1-800-584-1445
December 30, 2009
Two Way Radio Contracts and Bids
Well it will soon be the start of a new year. We take in a lot of bids from government agencies, private companies, and other organizations at this time of year. For those that have not worked with us, we keep our process simple, just give us a call at 1-800-584-1445. That is correct, no special forms or anything like that. You are busy and we want to keep the process as simple as possible.
We offer a full range of commercial class radios. We have everything from traditional walkie talkies, to repeaters, to mobile radios, to intrinsically safe and P25 two way radios. So the next time you need a bid for two way radios, contact us. We work with everyone from large government agencies, to utility companies, to police and fire departments. We operate with no hassles or hidden surprises, and deliver on time, on budget.
December 22, 2009
We are Shipping Orders to the Last Minute!
We are still taking orders and will continue to ship them out until 6pm EST tomorrow. So no more waiting to place that order! This is your last chance to order Cobra LI-7200-2WXVP Two Way Radios for $49.99 or Midland GXT740VP3 Radios with Charger for $39.99.
We will then be closed for the holidays and we will be back on Monday the 28th. We want to wish all of our friends and customers a great Christmas!
We Are Now Offering Motorola XTN Radio Repairs
That is correct. For a while now we have been doing basic repairs on Motorola XTN radios, and we have decided to expand the service a bit. We are able to repair: broken antennas, damaged speakers, cracked cases, broken battery connectors, worn/damaged keypads, worn/damaged PTT buttons, and other basic parts.
Most repairs are less than $50, though pricing depends on the complexity and number of parts needed of course. You will need to give us a call (1-800-584-1445) to schedule the service and also to see if what you need done is covered. We want to expand this service to more radios models and manufacturers, but for now it is just for Motorola XTN series radios (XU1100, XU2100, XU2600, XV1100, XV2100, XV2600, etc...).
December 21, 2009
Lots of Radios, Small Car
Here is a fun article about a car that has just about every radio you can imagine installed in it. I know a lot of us keep several radios around, but we have all been beat. I think.
December 18, 2009
A Walkie Talkie Gift Great for Everyone!
The Cobra LI-7200-2WXVP two way radio is a full-featured FRS/GMRS radio. It has 5 watts of power (the maximum allowed by law), 10 NOAA weather channels, silent paging, 10 channel memory, and a lithium battery (They can be used up to 12 hours without needing to be recharged).
We have them in stock and ready to ship out for a special price of $49.99. For a limited time we are also offering $5.00 shipping!
The LI-7200-2WXVP two way radios have great range, features, and a great price. Each pack comes with two Cobra LI-7200 WX two way radios, two belt clips, one dual pocket desktop charger, and lithium rechargeable batteries.
December 15, 2009
Another Christmas Gift Idea: Motorola SX600R Two Way Radios
Are you looking for radios that are a bit advanced, but still easy and fun to use? Give the TALKABOUT SX600R Two Way Radios ($39.99) a look. They are GMRS walkie talkies and have a range of about one mile. One great feature, you can recharge them using a mini USB cable. For a limited time, they even come with a free XLT earbud! The radios come as a set of two SX600R walkie talkies, with belt clips, rechargeable battery packs, and a dual desktop charger.
December 11, 2009
Don't Get Lost! We Have Garmin Two Way Radios with GPS!
Many experienced hikers and campers just will not head out without a set of radios or a GPS device. They are great for keeping everyone safe, and out of trouble. Garmin has radios that combine an FRS/GMRS radio with a GPS device. They are also water proof and repeater capable.
The Garmin Rino 520 HCx Two-way Radio with GPS (349.99) is a full-feature 5 watt GMRS radio and has a full color map screen. The TracBack feature that allows you to retrace your path. You are also able to share your position with other Rino users.
The Garmin Rino 120 Two Way Radio with GPS ($199.99) is a great entry level GMRS radio and GPS device. It features a two tone map screen and has 1 watt of transmit power. Like the 520 you can share your position with other Rino users.
Check out our entire line of Garmin Radios with GPS, and let us know if you have any questions.
December 4, 2009
Midland GXT740VP3 Radios for $39.99!
This is a great deal on a great set of radios. The Midland GXT740VP3 is a favorite around here. It has 5 watts of power (the maximum allowed in a GMRS radio), NOAA weather channels and alerts, water resistant, and has 22 standard FRS/GMRS channels. This radio is loaded with features for the price, is very durable, and has some of the best range available in a GMRS radio.
For the holidays we have them here and ready to ship for $39.99 and $5.00 shipping! This a special $20.00 reduction in price, for one of the most popular two way radios around.
December 1, 2009
Motorola CLS1410 Improvements!
We now have the updated and improved Motorola CLS1410 radios in stock. They are almost identical to the original version except for some minor refinements. They now have a 1200mAh lithium battery instead of the old 1100mAh along with an improved antenna design. This means they will have a bit more range and clarity. The CLS1410 also has a new exterior that is textured for better grip and is also now milspec. These are some welcome improvements to what is already one of the best budget radios around.
November 24, 2009
A Fun Stocking Stuffer Idea!
Scrambling for gift ideas this gift buying season? Well, we have something that kids of all ages will like. The Midland LXT-112VP Two Way Radios are compact, easy to use walkie talkies. They come as a set of two radios with an AC wall adapter and rechargeable batteries. At $28.99 they are priced just right to use as a stocking stuffer or just a fun gift.
November 23, 2009
A Christmas Gift Idea for the Radio Nut with Everything!
This Christmas, a lot of you probably find yourself shopping for a friend or family member that loves radios. They have just about everything, however they might not have a set of TriSquare radios. We have a lot of customers that are huge fans of the TriSquare TSX100-2VP and the TriSquare TSX300-2VP series radios. These are not GMRS radios. The TSX series radios operate in the 900 Mhz frequency range, which means it can be used by individuals or businesses without purchasing a license from the FCC.
TriSquare radios are also a great alternative to traditional radios. The 900 Mhz frequencies, along with TriSquare's frequency hopping technology, offer better privacy and much more secure communications than radios operating on UHF or VHF frequencies.
They have even been reviewed on our two way radio forums. So if you know someone that just cannot have enough radios, or you have been looking for a new set for yourself, give these a look!
November 20, 2009
How to Shop for an Icom Business Radio
I know a lot of you have often found yourself in the position at work where you are responsible for buying some new two way radios. There are a lot of potential candidates out there to choose from, so how do you even start, how do you stay on budget, and what do you even look for?
Well there are a few easy questions you can ask yourself that may make the process a lot faster, simpler, and also save you a bit of money. In this post, we are going to look at shopping for Icom business radios. Icom has a great line of radios, and they are very rugged and durable. You can use this guide to shop for any business radio though, and we hope it will save you some time and frustration.
Before you start reading all of the features for every Icom business radio, let us first answer some questions.
1. Where are you going to use the radios? Are they for use inside or outside (or both). If you need some radios to use at a golf course, or other open outdoor settings, then you want VHF radios. They will give you the most range and clarity. If you are indoors, or outside around a lot of structures and buildings, then you want UHF since they will work better inside since it is better at transmitting through obstructions. Many of you are in both situations, UHF will be the best solution most of the time. We list if an Icom radio is VHF like the IC-F3011 or UHF like the IC-F24 in several places in the description to help find the right one.
2. Do you need that feature? Today's two way radios have a lot of features. However, which ones do you really need? Are the radios going to be used by just a few people? Then you do not need custom banks and group calling. Are you in an area where only a few radios are used, then 4 channels is probably all you will ever need. So try to narrow down the features to only what you know you need. Icom has radios that go from the basic such as the IC-F4011 to the loaded like the IC-F60V.
3. How many radios? Many times you do not need to get a radio for every single person. If there are multiple shifts, you might want to just get rapid chargers like the Icom BC-119N and have them share radios instead. You can save a lot of your budget by buying just the radios you need, and then getting extra batteries and chargers.
4. Why bother about how tough they are? Some radios are able to take a lot of abuse, others are meant to be treated a bit less rough. If you know that where you work, the radios will be subjected to a lot, then look for tough milspec radios. They will last longer than others, and while you pay a bit more for them, they will not need replacing very often. Every Icom business radio is milspec and tough. They are made to last a long time, even in very hostile environments.
5. What range do you need? Icom radios are mostly 4-5 watts, and have great range. With Icom radios you can change the antenna, so you can use a smaller one for short range use and make it a bit more ergonomic. If you need more than 2-3 miles of range you can set up a repeater system. A repeater system is what is used by law enforcement, emergency services, large construction crews, etc... to get 10-20 miles of range. Every Icom radio we carry is repeater capable, from the IC-F11S to the IC-F60.
6. What accessories will people need? Headsets, spare batteries, and speaker mics are often a necessity. Try to list out what accessories people will need, or may ask for. Many brands such as Icom have a lot of two way radio accessories to fit a lot of job situations (even spare belt clips!).
7. How much do you have budgeted? You notice this is not the first question. Once you have all of the rest figured out, then look to see what model fits the description. Often you will find that the radios you actually need are much more affordable than those you might have fist looked at. One thing we like about Icom, they have a very comprehensive selection at all price levels while still having the same quality. The only difference in how they are constructed is in the features.
We hope this makes looking for new radios a lot easier. If you have any questions about Icom business radios, or well anything at all, please call or email us!
November 12, 2009
Uniden in Trouble with the FCC, Stop the Scramble!
Oh FCC, how you tease us with wanting to be all nice and open, then turn around and start handing out fines for something that is honestly, not that important - or even work the way many would have you think. It would seem that Uniden is now in the same trouble Midland found themselves in for selling GMRS radios with voice scrambling. Every now and then there are rumors that the GMRS radio market is just not that attractive anymore to many radio manufacturers. I wonder why...
November 9, 2009
Extended Holidays Return Policy
Now that the holidays are here, almost here, uhm, here. We have extended our return policy. If you are already doing a bit of shopping, don't worry. As long as the item is returned by January 24th, 2010 you are covered. The rest of our return policy still applies. As always, contact us with any questions or even help picking a gift!
November 5, 2009
Walkie Talkies for Kids of all Ages
Here at Buy Two Way Radios we have already started to get some questions about holiday gift ideas. I know, it is a bit soon! So for those that like to enjoy the holidays a bit later, feel free to check out the rest of our two way radio blog.
Are they gone? Ok, great! Anyway, some of you have been asking what two way radios we would suggest to give as gifts. We carry a lot of different walkie talkies, so I am going to just talk about a few that are very budget friendly, easy to use, and also very durable:
Midland LXT-112 two way radios are very inexpensive ($21.99), basic radios. They are compact in size (perfect for small hands) and include two radios a pack.
A slight upgrade would be the Midland LXT360VP3 two way radios. They come with a charger, but are still a nice compact, easy to use walkie talkie for $34.99.
If you are looking for radios with a bit more power and a few more features, give the Midland LXT480VP3 two way radios a look. They even have NOAA weather alerts! We have them ready to go for $44.95.
These are just a few of the two way radios we have here in stock and ready to ship. They are compact, and perfect for everyday use and great for kids of all ages. If you have any questions just contact us.
October 29, 2009
Your Turn With the FCC!
Everyone involved with two way radios has their own unique relationship with the FCC. Very simple rulings can have a cascading impact on the radios that are designed and sold, and how people use them. There is a lot of debate out there about licensing, GMRS, and even the future of digital radio communications.
There are a lot of areas that have different effects on all of us. To keep this straight, the FCC not so long ago, promised to be more open and transparent. Well, it would seem for now they are keeping this promise. As detailed in this article, the FCC has a new search engine for researching filings and also for sending them your own comments about a proceeding. You can even set up an RSS feed.
This is a very small step though. The FCC has a lot of things to address in the world of two way radios. Making their website into a more useful tool is a move in the right direction.
October 23, 2009
New Icom Two Way Radios, the F3011 and F4011!
We have two new radios now in stock at Buy Two Way Radios. The Icom F3011 and F4011 are brand new radios with some great features and a great price! Icom has made an affordable, very easy to use, 16 channel radio. These are perfect for a wide variety of businesses: warehouses, restaurants, hotels, construction, amusement parks, grounds keeping, schools. Ok, anywhere that could use reliable, tough radios that are also simple to operate.
The Icom IC-F3011-41-RC two way radio is a 5 watt 136-174 MHz VHF radio that is milspec and has 16 channels. The Icom IC-F4011-41-RC two way radio is a 4 watt 400-470 MHz UHF radio and is also milspec with 16 channels. They are also repeater capable, and come with everything you need in one box, including a long-lasting Li-ion battery and charger.
You noticed the 16 channel feature, right? Most radios in this price range tend to have 2 or 4 channels. While this is plenty of channels for many businesses, often construction teams, event staff, and other location independent workers, have to be a bit more flexible in case they need to work where a lot of frequencies are in use. Easy to operate, they require little training, and they are designed to take a lot of abuse.
By keeping all of the quality and toughness found in the rest of the Icom radios, adding 16 channels, and keeping them easy to use for a very low price, Icom is offering one of the best budget commercial quality radios available.
We have them here on our shelves waiting to ship out. Both radios are $169.95 each, and we might even have a few Icom radio accessories available as well.
October 15, 2009
A Basic CB Radio
Sometimes you just do need the top of the line item, you just need a reliable tool for a simple job. The Cobra 19DX IV CB Radio is a good, basic CB radio that is just that. It does not have all of the features of the Cobra 148 GTL SSB CB Radio, but is a very affordable, quality CB.
If you drive a lot, or have always been interested in CB radios, you may want to check the 19DX out.
The 19DX IV CB is great for use as an entry-level CB, or for a second CB for emergencies. It is also compact, and very easy to use. We have them in stock and ready to ship for $44.95. Compact size, compact price!
Also, with the holidays rapidly headed our way, these are great gifts! Check back soon for more holiday gift ideas here at Buy Two Way Radios.
October 9, 2009
Kenwood ProTalk TK3300 and TK2300 Business Radios are Here!
We just received some new business walkie talkies here at Buy Two Way Radios. The new Kenwood TK3300 and TK2300 ProTalk radios. These are great, versatile, and reliable business radios. Based off of previous two way radios in Kenwood's popular ProTalk series. These radios are a further refinement to what are already some very affordable and tough radios.
The TK3300 are UHF radios with 2 watts of power. The radio relatively light and compact, while still being water and dust resistant and mil spec tough. It features wireless cloning, channel scan, key lock, and call alerts. The TK3300 is ideal for everything from restaurants, to a construction site. We now have the 4 channel Kenwood TK3300U4P ($179.95) and the 16 channel Kenwood TK3300U16P ($189.95) ready to ship!
The TK2300 are VHF radios with 2 watts of power. Like the 3300 it is also relatively light and compact, while still being water and dust resistant and mil spec tough. It features wireless cloning, channel scan, key lock, and call alerts. The 2300 is great for use outdoors at large construction sites, for event staff, or grounds keepers / maintenance personel. We now have the 4 channel Kenwood TK2300V4P ($169.95) and the 16 channel Kenwood TK2300V16P ($179.95) ready to ship!
To learn more about these radios just give us a call or leave a message on our walkie talkie forums.
October 1, 2009
GPS Tracking Using Icom SimpleTrack AVL
We really like Icom here at Buy Two Way Radios. Their radios are tough, reliable, and they have models for every type of business. They also have a lot of accessories, and several products and features that are not offered by a lot of other brands. One of the new products Icom has is the SimpleTrack AVL using Icom's EMDC signaling system.
SimpleTrack AVL uses a card that plugs into a F121/F121S/F521/F621 radio. Attached to the plug is a GPS antenna. Once connected, you can then set up a system with a base station to "poll" all of the radios that have the card and receive their coordinates. You can then track them on a PC (connected to a base station) using many of the popular third party mapping applications available (OziFleet, RASTRAC).
This means you will be able to track the location of any radio that is connected in real time. The SimpleTrack AVL system is great for companies with fleets of radio equipped vehicles, such as law enforcement, emergency services, construction teams, HVAC repair companies, city workers, utility crews, etc...
If you would like to know more about SimpleTrack, just give us a call. We can get you everything you will need, and help set it up for you, including installing the cards in the radios. At Buy Two Way Radios, we carry a lot more items than you see available on our website, and we have yet to encounter something a customer needs that we can not get! From repeaters, to digital systems, to all-purpose walike talkies, we are here to help you solve your personal and business communication problems.
September 25, 2009
The Midland Radio You All May Want
We have a Midland radio that you all might be interested in. The Midland Base Camp XT511 combines a NOAA weather radio, AM/FM radio, and FRS/GMRS radio. The XT511 is perfect for campers and other outdoors enthusiast to use as a base station / weather radio.
One great feature is that is can also operate on battery power, you can plug it into a power source, or by turning the Dynamo crank. It is a smart idea to have a crank powered radio for emergency use, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. And since this a GMRS radio, just add a set of Midland GXT740VP3 Radios, and you will have the communications part of a home emergency kit covered.
The XT511 and a set of GMRS radios is also great for a small home business since you family members can use the GMRS radios. They could even work as a base station and radio set for a small farm, or outdoor business that needs to stay informed of the weather.
September 15, 2009
Motorola Business Radio Offer, Buy Five Get One Free!
Motorola Rebate
September 3, 2009
Icom M34 Marine Radio: Now Shipping!
A new radio just showed up here at Buy Two Way Radios, the Icom M-34 Marine Radio. This a great addition to the other marine walkie talkies we carry. The M34 is what you would expect from Icom, a tough radio that is made to last. In a marine enviroment, having a reliable radio is one of the most important items on your boat.
The IC-M34 is a 5 watt VHF radio that is very water resistant (1m depth for up to 30 minutes). The radio has what Icom calls the AquaQuake feature. It uses a vibrating sound to help remove water from the speaker grill.
The radio will even float, making it great for a ditch bag.
It has a large, easy to read backlight display and large buttons so it should be easy to use on a moving boat. The IC-M34 has the ability to set a favorite channels for quick channel changes, and also has instant access to channel 16 or 9.
The Icom M34 is light weight and compact for a marine radio. This makes it ideal for use as a backup radio, or even for use on craft that do not go far from shore. The M34 has a removable antenna so you can connect it to a larger fix mounted one as well to increase its range.
If you have been looking for an Icom marine radio, give this one a look. Please contact us if you have any questions.
September 1, 2009
Rebate on Select Kenwood Radios
Kenwood has just launched a great new promotion! Through December 31st, 2009, you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio when you purchase six or more Kenwood ProTalk TK-2200L-V2P, TK-2200L-V8P, TK-3200L-U2P, and TK-3200L-U15P radios!
In addition there is also a $25 rebate per radio on six or more Kenwood TK-3230 radios.
Kenwood is known for having some great rebate offers, and with all of the models included in this rebate, this is no exception. These are some great business radios, and with these savings now may be a very good time to place an order!
Click here for full details and redemption form.
August 27, 2009
We Love Customer Reviews
Here at Buy Two Way Radios we get to learn about all kinds of great walkie talkies and other communication items. Sadly we often do not have the time to play with every item as much as we would like. Ahem, I mean to properly test each product in a laboratory setting adhering to strict engineering standards. That is why we love it when all of you let us know what you think. It has a direct impact on what we carry and what we recommend to people.
Since we are not some large chain store, or part of a mega-industrial conglomerate, we have a lot of freedom in the products we provide to our friends and customers. The feedback we get from all of you helps us carry the two way radios and accessories all of you like. This in turn keeps our inventory current, full of exciting items, and also helps to keep our prices down since we do not buy things people do not want.
Over on our two way radio forums, we have a great bunch of folks. They let us know real quick about what they think about the radios we carry. Today I am just going to link to you some reviews done by forum member jwilkers:
Midland GXT1000 Review
Motorola MR355R Review
Cobra CXR900 Review
We love unbiased reviews like these. If you have feedback on an item, leave a comment here on our two way radio blog, over on our walkie talkie forums, or just give us a call. Everyone here at Buy Two Way Radios looks forward to hearing from you! You may even be mentioned here on the blog.
August 19, 2009
I Blog about the FCC, They Blog Back!
Ok, regular readers of our two way radio blog know that now and then I pick on the FCC. Well it would seem they got tired of this behavior, and are now according to this news story going to blog back. So next time I mention that they may be bloated and obsolete, they are going to counter with the fact that I need a haircut and should get more exercise. That should keep me in line.
This would be interesting news, the FCC having a blog and all, if it were say, uhm 1999. I like that the FCC wants to be relevant and open, but this is a bit late. They should be involved in social networking in about 10 years at this rate. I am also not sure what they plan to accomplish with any of this. All news stories will be heavily edited and all comments carefully screened.
If they want to be truly open, then they should have forums with very mild moderation. I do not think an FCC blog will help solve the number of problems the agency faces, and may make them look even more backwards and confused.
Not Two Motorola Two Way Radios but Three!
We now have in stock the Motorola TALKABOUT T5000TPR two way radio three pack. If you have been looking for a set of radios, but two is not enough and four is just way too many, then we have the item for you.
The T5000TPR three pack includes three Motorola T5000 two way radios, one desktop dual charger, and NiCD rechargeable batteries for each radio. The T5000R two way has all 22 FRS and GMRS channels with 38 interference eliminator codes. This is a great deal on an affordable set of weather resistant, rugged walkie talkies. We have them here and ready to ship out today for $45.99
August 7, 2009
More Midland Camo Radios Now Infiltrating Our Warehouse!
The new Midland GXT-785-VP3 Two Way Radios are now in stock. These walkie talkies are made with the outdoors enthusiast in mind with vibrating alert, NOAA alerts, and even animal call sounds. They are water resistant and have a Mossy Oak camo pattern. The GXT785 radios also have 42 "channels", 142 privacy codes, and a 3 year warranty. We have then ready to ship out for $64.99!
August 4, 2009
How To Get in Trouble With a Kenwood Radio in Chicago
A news story just popped up about a person in Chicago using a radio to impersonate transit workers and causing bit of trouble for people using Chicago trains. No one was hurt by his pranks, but this could have been a much more serious story very easily.
Now some may try to use this as a reason to have radio licensing more heavily enforced, but that would not have stopped any of this. However, if you wonder why two way radios are often limited in broadcasting power, this is one of them.
There are always going to be people like the one in the story. If you misuse radios in this manner you probably will be caught eventually. When someone does something like this it does have ramifications on everyone in the radio community. So people, use some sense when you operate a radio.
July 28, 2009
Rugged Business Radios That May Be Tougher Than You
Are you looking for two way radios that are loaded with features such as a display screen, CTCSS/DCTS tone filtering, MDC signaling capabilities, 128 channels and 8 memory banks, and are mil spec and very tough. Then you might want to look at these two way Icom radios:
The Icom IC-F3021S-41-DTC two way radio is a VHF radio that is 5 watts and meets IP54 dust and water resistance. The F3021S is mils pec tough, and comes with a large capacity 2000mAh Li-Ion battery pack for an average of 15 hours of operational time. Ready for the demanding job site, we have them ready to ship for $256.99
The Icom IC-F4021S-41-RC two way radio is UHF, 4 watts, and also meets IP54 dust and water resistance. The F4021S is also mil spec and includes a large capacity 2000mAh Li-Ion battery pack for an average of 15 hours of operational time. These radios are great for just about anyone, and we have them for $266.99
So, if you have been looking for some very durable radios, with a lot of features not to mention long battery life, you may have found what you need. Call us with any questions, we look forward to hearing from you!
July 22, 2009
How Can You Replace Midland GXT720VP3? With a Better Radio, the Midland GXT740VP3!
We now have the replacement for the near venerable Midland GXT720VP3 here at Buy Two Way Radios. We like the 720, a lot, and will miss it. There was a going away party and everything! But times change, and the new Midland GXT740VP3 Two Way Radio is a nice upgrade.
The Midland GXT740VP3 keeps the all of the things we liked about the GXT720, but adds some minor refinements such as a new display, and a few more channels. While it claims to have more range, who cares! It is a 5 watt radio, that is reliable and loaded with features for a very nice price.
The Midland GXT740VP3 value pack includes two Midland GXT740 radios, two NiMH rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger, and two belt clips. We have them here, ready to ship out for $59.99
Do you have stories you would like to share about the GXT720? Give us a call, or leave a comment. I was never good at goodbyes. Sorry, I am a bit choked up. Sniff.
The FCC Wants To Know What You Think, Just Not Yet
Things recently have been are all exciting over at the FCC. Now that they have some new people in charge, they want to improve how the agency works. According to this article, the FCC is implementing a new website that will be used for receiving feedback. For now it is internal, but they want to make it available to everyone. So what are you going to tell the FCC if given the chance? Will they even care, or is this just some hand waving distraction?
The Midland GXT1050VP4 Two Way Radio is Wearing Camouflage, The Midland LXT480VP3 is Wearing Nothing!
We now have the Midland GXT1050VP4 Two Way Radio in stock and ready to ship out. The GXT1000 has 5 watts of power, 50 Channels (22 Standard, 28 Extra), NOAA weather alerts and more! the GXT-1050 also has "Mossy Oak" camouflage and 5 animal call alerts. This Midland GXT-1050-VP4 value pack includes two Midland headsets with boom microphones, a two pocket desktop charger, two rechargeable batteries, two belt clips, and both home and vehicle charging adapters! Get it now for $79.95.
Next up, the Midland LXT480VP3 Two Way Radio has 36 Channels (22 Standard, 14 Extra), NOAA weather channels, and high and low power modes. The LXT480VP3 value pack includes two Midland LXT-480 two way radios, two belt clips, a two pocket desktop charger, and rechargeable batteries for each radio. Get them for $44.95.
July 20, 2009
Stop Lying About Range!
Ok, many of you by now have noticed that then new Midland radios are saying they have a 36 mile range. That leads many to believe that you can give one to a friend, jump in your car, drive straight down the road across a large city for one hour, stop, and still be able to talk with them.
We all know that two way radios are typically only usable for 1-2 miles without using a repeater. Then, you might get 20 miles or more. So why are many of the manufacturers such as Midland, Cobra, Garmin, Uniden and Motorola telling people they will work for 10, 15, 20, 36 miles? Look on the box, in giant print, they say something like 36 MILE RANGE! If they could put blinking lights around it they would.
They are misleading you.
They place (often in small print or with a misleading diagram) on the box something about "maximum range achieved only under certain conditions". Those conditions involve being at the top of a mile high dormant volcano in the middle of the ocean, and sending a burst of static to a person on a deserted bare island 30 miles away. I know we have a lot of customers who need radios for just that situation! In equally small print, something is stated that in most cases the radio only has about one mile of usable range.
So they want to deceive you about the range, and they are creating a false or misleading impression as to the capability of the radio. Then we get stuck having to put that in the description of the radio, and then explaining to customers the truth. Thanks. The only manufacturer that is honest about range it would seem is Trisquare.
The sad thing is, they make perfectly good radios for the money. They have no need to do this. If you buy a set of FRS/GRMS radios from Midland, Cobra, Garmin, Uniden or Motorola, they will give you years of affordable and reliable use. They only work for about one mile, but they will do so consistently.
If they think they have to do this to compete with each other, all they are doing is making themselves look like idiots. How many repeat customers have they lost from this? The best kind of advertising is word of mouth, way to ruin that guys! You would rather insult your customers just to try and stand out on a store shelf.
July 17, 2009
The Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios Are Here!
We now have the Midland GXT1000VP4 two way radios in stock and shipping. For those that preordered one, you will have it very soon. If you have been looking for a good all-purpose GMRS radio, with 5 watts, chargers, and headsets for $69.99 we have a radio you may like! If you have any questions, just give us a call.
July 16, 2009
The Kenwood TK3230 Has Been Updated!
We have been getting an interesting type of question about two way radios lately and I thought I would do a quick post here about it. People have been calling looking for a radio with 4 channels, and 1 watt of power for their businesses. They are a bit surprised that Kenwood now has a very affordable radio that is even better than the ones they were thinking about!
The Kenwood TK3230 two way radio has just been updated and now has 6 channels. The TK3230 has 1.5 watts of power, a two year warranty, and is mil spec, with an 18 hour battery life. It also still uses the same compact case that many of you like so much. We have them in stock for $159.99 each!
If you have been looking for a radio that is compact but still is tough, powerful, with 6 channels, and a great warranty, you should give the Kenwood TK3230 a look. As always, call us with any questions you may have.
July 10, 2009
Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla
It seems we just remembered Guglielmo Marconi, and now it is the birthday of Nikola Tesla. Telsa's research into sending messages wirelessly helped to create modern communications. Inventor and all around interesting fellow, Tesla made the world a lot more fun.
July 7, 2009
Getting the Police, Fire, and Rescue All Together with Radios
There are a lot of changes going on out there in the world of wireless communications. Some things we wonder about, some we make fun of, and some we think are great. Many people do not realize that emergency responders often can not even communicate with one another. They tend to use "closed" networks and incompatible equipment. They knew this was not an ideal situation, but until recently it was a daunting challenge to even attempt to correct.
With the introduction of digital communication equipment though, it is a bit easier. Now part of this is because if people are going to buy new equipment, you can set some standards that everyone can use. In a prudent move, it was also decided that communications equipment should also be able to be more flexible and work with a large number of frequencies. The new radios are currently referred to as Multi-band Radios (MBR).
I plan to do some more post soon about digital radio communications. It may be a while before we are all using digital radios, but for now I am glad to see that new technology is being so quickly adopted by emergency responder agencies. We are all going to benefit from police, fire and rescue departments being able to work together more effectively.
July 2, 2009
Speaking of the FCC, Who is the New Boss?
Besides going after Midland Radio, they are also getting all settled in with a bunch of new people over at the FCC. So besides being all grumpy and giving out fines, the new Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski wants to make the FCC more open and efficient. The folks over on ars technica have a good write-up on all of the new people at the FCC.
The new FCC administration now wants to be open, and "smart about technology"? A lot of people feel that it is one agency we should just get rid of. They can be more focused on fines and petty agendas than doing honest regulatory work. One could argue that the FCC has been more of an impediment to implementing new technology than a help. Perhaps they will get rid of GMRS licenses, or even streamline the process for a business radio license. This should be interesting.
Need Reliable Business Radios? Check Out These Icoms!
I have already talked a bit about some of the Icom radios we now carry. We have two radios that if you are looking for affordable, quality commercial grade radios you will like.
First is the Icom IC-F24-01-RC Two Way Radio. It is a tough, 4 watt 400-470 MHz UHF radio designed for daily use, easy to use, and a radio you can count on to work. The IC-F24 is a mil spec, and very rugged 16 channel radio ready for use in a number of business. The Icom IC-F24 is ideal for hotels, movie theatres, mall, warehouses, and manufacturing.
Next is the Icom IC-F14-01-RC Two Way Radio. This is a 5 watt 136 -174MHz VHF version of the F24. If you need radios with range, clarity, and still stand up to a daily abuse, give this one a look! The F14 is great for everyone that works outdoors, from construction to park services.
We have both radios for $199.99 and we even carry all of the Icom accessories you could ever want. Give us a call to learn more, we look forward to talking with you!
June 30, 2009
Midland Attracts Attention from the FCC! Send Lawyers, Guns and Money!
Every now and then someone annoys the FCC. While we may joke a bit about how removing an antenna, or taking off the back of a radio is illegal and the FCC will come and get you! Well, sometimes they do go after people or even companies. This time it is Midland Radios.
As you can read in this document, the FCC has fined Midland for selling radios with voice scrambling. You had no idea that was some kind of violation? Well, it turns out it is a rather gray area. You are not supposed to be able to do this with a GMRS radio it would seem.
Section 95.183(a)(4) of the Rules3 prohibits GMRS operators from transmitting coded messages and messages with hidden meanings. The Enforcement Bureau's Spectrum Enforcement Division ("Division") received information indicating that Midland was marketing GMRS transmitters that have a voice scrambling feature. After its receipt of this information, the Division began an investigation. In pursuance of the investigation, the Division conducted internet research on February 24, 2009, on the website www.midlandradio.com. During the internet research, Division personnel observed that Midland was offering for sale the following GMRS transmitter models described as having a "Voice Privacy Scramble" feature: GXT900VP4 and GXT950VP4.
In simple terms: You may not have voice scrambling on a GMRS radio. Someone turned in Midland to the FCC, they were in a bad mood that day, the FCC decided to punish them.
Now some of you are thinking about all of the radios out there with this feature, and not just Midland's! We could sit here all day and try to figure out why the FCC has targeted Midland. One of the better opinions I have read feels that this is a warning to everyone! Midland got turned in, an investigation was started, so Midland is being used as an example to everyone else. We do not have all of the facts on this. Midland may have even been warned first to stop selling the radios that had voice scrambling.
Midland has been fined a very small amount (from their perspective) and told to stop selling the radios with voice scrambling. Now if other manufacturers follow, or decide to take on the FCC and challenge the ruling... it should be interesting. Kenwood probably has enough lawyers and money to throw at this just for fun.
This all may also be a knee-jerk reaction by the FCC. "Someone is selling radios with voice scrambling, we must stop this now! Civilization may collapse if we do not act!"
Personally, I think the FCC had little idea about any of this until Midland was turned in. They are now being used as a warning by the current FCC administration as to who is in charge. No more Mr. Nice Government Agency. So stop taking those radios apart and fiddling with the antennas you crazy kids! And don't walk on the grass!
Feel free to talk about this on our two way radio forums or just post a quick comment here on our two way radio blog. Tin foil hat optional!
June 18, 2009
The History of the Walkie-Talkie and the Handie-Talkie
Recently here at the office we were talking about the development of two way radios, and how they used to always be called Walkie Talkies. I mentioned that the correct term was Handie-Talkie from radios used in World War 2. I thought it would be fun to blog a bit on what we turned up as we talked about this (though I know a lot of you probably know all about their history and development!)
The first two way radios were called Walkie-Talkies and were made by Gavin Manufacturing Company (They later became Motorola) in 1940. They were backpack radios made for the allied forces in World War 2. Also, Alfred J.Gross developed a lot of the same ideas in 1934 through 1941, and created a small two way radio for the U.S. Office of Strategic Services. Another inventor working in radios at the same time named Donald Hings developed several portable two way radios he called packsets.
What most people would call a Walkie Talkie was developed at about the same time as its larger backpack cousin. They were portable, handheld units called Handie-Talkies. Motorola eventually trademarked Handie-Talkie and "HT". This is where the term "HT" for portable radios came from.
After the war, surplus radios made their way into the civilian market. The common civilian term for hand held two way radios term changed to Walkie Talkie. Check back in a few days for another look at the development and history of the Walkie-Talkie!
(Updated 6/24: Read the rest of the article on the development of the walkie-talkie!)
May 11, 2009
A CB Radio for my Truck
That is correct, truck. Not a radio for your boat. This time we are going to talk about a radio for your truck (or car). For many of us, a hand held two way radio meets most of our needs, but a CB radio is what we want in our vehicle. CB radios are usually capable of connecting to external antennas, which dramatically increase outdoor range. They are also useful if you like the idea of communicating with other travelers outside of your immediate group. Here at Buy Two Way Radios we carry a nice selection of CB radios for serious drivers and mobile radio enthusiast.
If you are looking for a classic CB radio with modern updates, give the Cobra 148 GTL SSB CB Radio a look. It may look like an old CB on the exterior, but inside it is a very modern radio. This one is popular with professional drivers for a reason, great performance and features in a functional design.
Looking for a CB with the same classic styling and modern updates but don't quite need all of the features of the 148? Then check out the Cobra 25 LTD Classic CB Radio.
Want a handheld CB radio? You will want to look at the Cobra HH-Roadtrip CB Radio. It even has a detachable antenna for longer range.
So go and give our CB Radio Section a look.
February 6, 2008
Battery Type Differences: NiCd vs. NiMH vs. Li-Ion
A vast majority of the two way radios that we sell come standard with rechargeable batteries. These rechargeable batteries fall into three categories (NiCd, NiMH, Lithium), and we are often asked to explain the difference.
I recently found some information on Motorola's web site that does a great job of explaining the difference. This page also provides links to material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for Motorola batteries, and battery recycling and safety information.
Here's an excerpt that discusses the differences.
Motorola makes many different models of batteries, with the majority of them falling into three major types: Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion).Motorola Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries are currently one of the most cost effective chemistries on the market. NiCd batteries give you more watt-hours of operation per shift than other battery chemistries. They are ideal for a user who needs a high-performance battery and who communicates under extreme conditions of cold and heat (-30C to +50C) Historically, a NiCd battery's major drawback has been its susceptibility to memory effect, or its propensity to "forget" and not utilize its full capacity. Today, this remains to be a serious tradeoff, but can be minimized with proper charging/reconditioning practices.
Motorola Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries can offer superior operation life between charges. This battery chemistry provides 30-40% longer operation time than NiCd, but does not operate as efficiently in extreme temperatures. In addition, NiMH is less susceptible to "memory effect" compared to NiCd batteries.
One of the major advantages of Motorola Lithium Ion (Li Ion) batteries is their power to weight ratio, which easily exceeds that of NiMH for a lighter, smaller power supply. These batteries tend to be the industry's most expensive chemistry, and they offer a major advantage of not experiencing "memory effect".
July 7, 2006
Check It Out - A Two Way Radio Blog!
Hi, this is Danny Feemster, owner of BuyTwoWayRadios.com. Thanks for checking out our new weblog!
There's several reasons that we decided to start this blog. Most importantly, there's tons of great information and advice that we provide to our customers on a daily basis via the telephone and email that simply doesn't exist on our web site. A blog will provide us with an easy way to make this information available. It's also going to give us a great place to make new product announcements and post other industry news.
Over the next few days I hope to provide a few posts to address some of our more frequently asked questions, and to talk about some of our more popular products. Check back soon!
