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Monthly Archives: December 2014

  • Midland changes power options for the GXT2000

    GXT1000-GXT2000-compare.jpgThe Midland GXT2000 is a very capable GMRS radio. It is based on the extremely popular GXT1000 with a few improvements, tweaks and upgrades. One important upgrade was the battery pack. The GXT1000 uses a BATT-5R Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The GXT2000 uses a BATT12Li Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery pack, boasting a faster recharge time of about two hours. In its initial launch, the GXT2000 Series, which included the GXT2000 and GXT2050, was designed to also accommodate four disposable AA alkaline batteries as an alternate power source. This was big news, as a dual Li-Po/Alkaline power option was considered a rare feat.

    However, after the initial introduction of the GXT2000 Series, Midland made a change to this radio that was not widely advertised or reported, yet it was a very important modification that affected its overall versatility, particularly when it is used for some extended activities. The GXT2000 Series can no longer be powered by disposable alkaline batteries.

    Soon after it was launched, users of the GXT2000 began to experience power problems related to the LiPo battery pack. The issues became so pervasive the radio was quickly pulled off the market. After some tweaking, the GXT2000 went back into production with assurance from Midland the problems were solved. Then something mysterious happened.

    GXT1000-GXT2000-compare_02.pngOn re-launch, Midland changed the design of the battery chamber so the radios could no longer accept four AA alkalines, as the slot that previously held the fourth battery was now permanently blocked, and although the additional AA battery contacts were still there, they no longer functioned. The radio was reconfigured to accept the LiPo battery pack alone, and a sticker plastered inside the chamber confirmed this in large, silver print.

    There was only one complication with this change. Apparently Midland didn't tell anyone about it. They certainly didn't tell us, an authorized Midland dealer. The change wasn't specifically noted in their marketing, either. Customers who purchased the new radios found out about the design change when they opened up the back of their radios for the first time. We found out when customers began to notify us. In fact, the online version of the GXT2000 Owner's Manual on Midland's own web site still claimed the radio would accept both Lithium Polymer and disposable alkaline batteries. To their credit, Midland did change the online manual to instruct users to only use the BATT12Li Lithium Polymer battery pack after we contacted them and requested an update.

    At this time, we have received no official notification whatsoever from Midland that disposable AA alkaline batteries cannot be used in the original version of the GXT2000 Series radios that can accommodate them. If you have the original version of the GXT2000 or GXT2050 with the ability to accept all four alkalines in the battery chamber and your radio is working, swapping the BATT12Li battery pack with AA disposable alkaline batteries is solely at your risk and discretion.

    However, if you have the newer version of the Midland GXT2000 or GXT2050 and it contains a sticker with the words Only use Midland BATT12Li Li-Polymer battery pack, your radio will not accommodate the alkalines and you should not attempt to use them with the radio.

  • Don't Let Your Two Way Radio Dealer Hold You Hostage

    When a two way radio dealer can't earn his customer's loyalty by offering great prices and service, he's often got a different tool at his disposal: locking the radio so that it's difficult for other dealers to read. Some manufacturers have an option in their programming software that allows a dealer to mark a radio as unreadable, preventing other dealers from easily determining the frequencies and other setup information. The goal could only be to hold the customer hostage, preventing them from taking their business elsewhere. This is a terrible practice and is unethical. On top of that it doesn't work, so I'd like to encourage all of our competitors to join us in leaving radios unlocked.

    I probably shouldn't be giving advice to the competition, but in this case I can't help myself: This tactic does not retain customers! Therefore, speaking to other dealers, I ask that you consider the consequences and put the customer first. Once a customer finds out that you've locked their radio, they've already gone to another dealer! Maybe they thought they really liked you, and they only went to a different dealer just this once because you were out of stock, or out of town, or some other reason that makes a lot of sense. What do you think are your chances of seeing this customer again after the new dealer tells them you locked their radio and are trying to hold them hostage? Locking the radio doesn't accomplish what you would like it to, anyway! We've been in business since 2002 and have never had a situation in which we were not able to eventually determine how a radio is programmed; you just make it more difficult and further inconvenience your former customer.

    Speaking directly to our customers, let me assure you on this. Here at Buy Two Way Radios, we will never prevent you from reading a radio that you have purchased from us. In most cases we will even include a printout of your programming information when we ship your radios, which makes it even easier for you to go to a competitor. We do our best to offer great products at great prices with great service, but if we haven't earned your repeat business then we don't deserve it.

  • Choosing the right NOAA weather channel

    Weather channels and weather alerts are considered standard features in many makes and models of consumer FRS, GMRS and CB radios available today. Cobra, Garmin, Midland, Motorola, Olympia and Uniden all offer NOAA weather channels in many of their FRS/GMRS products, and a couple even offer them in a few models on the low end.

    These are no doubt useful and potentially life saving features in portable handheld two way radios. But how do they work? How do you use NOAA weather channels on a two way radio or, for that matter, on a dedicated handheld or desktop emergency weather radio?

    There are seven radio frequencies on the VHF band designated specifically for NOAA weather broadcasts. These frequencies are used by a network of transmitters across the US to broadcast weather information, warnings and alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Some two way radios even have three additional weather channels, two of which are used by Canada for marine weather broadcasts. The seven NOAA frequencies are listed as follows:

    • 162.400
    • 162.425
    • 162.450
    • 162.475
    • 162.500
    • 162.525
    • 162.550

    There is no standard channel assignment for weather frequencies on two way radios. For instance, The weather frequency 162.400 MHz may be assigned to Channel 1 on one make and model radio and assigned to Channel 4 on other one. Radio manufacturers program channel assignments with weather frequencies at their discretion. While it may seem confusing, the question of which frequency is on which channel can usually be resolved by referring to the owners manual for your particular radio. The manufacturer will typically print a list or table of the weather frequency channels in the manual, along with instructions on how to access them.

    The real trick is to find out what frequency is most relevant to your area of operation. That's where the National Weather Service comes in. The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards web site provides a complete listing of all weather station broadcast frequencies in the US.

    There are two ways to search for the NWS transmitter most relevant for your area. The first option is to search the NWS Nationwide Station Listing Using Broadcast Frequencies. Simply click on your state, locate the name of the area closest to you on the list, and note the call sign and its corresponding frequency. Clicking on the call sign will take you to another page with additional details about the transmitter and a geographical map with a graphic depiction of its broadcast coverage.

    The second option is to go to NWR Transmitter Search, enter the name of an area or state in the search box, and click on the icon displayed on the map for information and details about the transmitter.

    Once you know the frequency of the transmitter in your area, it's just a matter of locating the channel on your radio programmed to that frequency and then activating it according to the instructions in your manual. That's really all there is to it.

    For an example of how to activate weather channels on a handheld walkie talkie, watch our Radio 101 video How to activate weather alerts on Motorola Talkabout MS Series radios. While the video is specific to some Motorola Talkabout FRS/GMRS radios, it may provide a general overview of how the process works on other radios as well. Consult your owner's manual for the specific steps required to activate weather channels and alerts on your make and model of radio.

  • Ham Radio Starter Kits make great gifts

    Need to find a gift for that special ham? Searching for the perfect present to help a new amateur radio operator get on the air? Our Ham Radio Starter Kits may be the answer!

    These starter kits are great for amateur radio classes or ham club programs, new hams searching for a first transceiver, or even an old ham who wants a handy handheld or new mobile radio that's already complete and ready to use.

    hrst-ht.pngHam Radio Starter Kit HT ($74.99) - This is a complete handheld radio package with a few extra accessories for optimal operation. It features a Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHV/VHF radio, one of the most popular portable handheld transceivers in world. It comes with an antenna, standard 1700 mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, PTT earbud, belt clip, desktop charger, AC power supply and wrist strap. But that's just the standard stuff. It also includes a second, 3800mAh high capacity battery pack for extended operation, a Nagoya NA-701 dual band antenna for greater performance, a battery eliminator for powering in a vehicle, a USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

    hrst-mb.pngHam Radio Starter Kit Mobile/Base ($349.99) - This is a great setup for mobile hams or a first ham shack! It features a Wouxun KG-UV920P-A Dual Band UHF/VHF Base/Mobile two way radio with cross band repeat capability and DTMF speaker microphone. It has two front panel plates, 12VDC power cable and panel extension cable for custom installation in a vehicle, plus a Wouxun SPS30WIN switching power supply for operation as a base station. It also includes a Tram 1185 mobile magnet mount antenna, USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

    These kits are ready made for any amateur who just wants to Get On The Air. Add an optional ARRL Amateur Radio Technician License Manual for an additional $25 (when purchased as part of the kit) and the starter kit becomes a complete beginning course for amateur operators in training!

    These kits make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, Ham Radio Field Days or any other time of the year.

    Holiday Special! - For a limited time, get 10% off these Ham Radio Starter Kits with the Promo Code HOLIDAYHAM. This code is valid until December 31, 2014.

  • What is SAME technology?

    Updated April 4, 2022

    If you own or have ever shopped around for an emergency or weather radio, you may have heard the acronym S.A.M.E, or the term SAME. It's often thrown around in product descriptions and mentioned in marketing brochures for NOAA weather radios or even some consumer two way radios with weather channels and alerts. But what is SAME? What does this technology do? How does it work, and why is it considered such an important feature in a weather radio?

    What is SAME?
    SAME is an acronym for Specific Area Message Encoding. It is a digital protocol or code used to send a 1050 Hz warning alarm tone and encoded alert message for audible and/or visual reception on radios equipped to receive and decode such messages. It was originally developed by the National Weather Service in the late 1980's and was eventually adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in 1997 as part of the EAS (Emergency Alert System). Today the SAME protocol is used in both the United States and Canada as a standard component of national emergency weather alert broadcasts in these countries. It is used as part of the NWR All Hazards Alert network of weather radio stations that broadcast weather and other emergency information across the United States.

    How SAME works
    A SAME alert message includes a digital header with a SAME code designating the type of alert being sent and the affected area (or county) to which it is being sent. A radio equipped with SAME technology receives the code, decodes it, activates a 1050Hz warning tone to get the attention of the listener, and proceeds to activate and/or display the message being broadcast.

    The NWS emergency broadcast transmitters typically cover about a 40 mile radius, although coverage may be considerably less in more remote or mountainous areas. Each area or county in the NWR network is assigned a six digit SAME code unique to that specific area. To receive warnings and alerts for a designated area or county, the proper SAME code must be programmed into the radio. Some radios may allow the user to program multiple SAME codes to allow the radio to receive warnings and alerts for more than one area. This can be quite a handy feature, especially when traveling to other areas outside your primary location.

    Once the SAME code for a specific area is programmed into the radio, an emergency or alert broadcast from an NWS office with that code can activate the SAME receiver and transmit the alert message through the radio.

    Why SAME is important
    There are many radios on the market today equipped with weather channels and alerts, and that's a good thing. Whether you're indoors or out, you need to stay informed of changing weather conditions, especially when things become potentially hazardous.

    It isn't just weather, either. Other emergency situations can arise, and you need to be alerted to them, as well. In such situations, an emergency radio isn't just handy, it can potentially become a lifesaver.

    However, every emergency situation or alert does not affect everyone, and a sweeping radio broadcast over a broader area may not even apply to yours. Just because you hear the message doesn't mean it is intended specifically for you. But how can you know?

    That is where SAME technology comes in. With a specific code designated for a specific area, SAME aims specific alerts directly to their intended audience. Those 3 AM weather and other emergency alerts intended for your area can wake you, keep you informed and at the ready, while alarms and alerts intended for other areas won't interrupt, annoy or disturb you.

    Of course, to program the SAME radio, it is necessary to know the correct code for your area. It's easy. All you need to do is visit the NWS NOAA web site and look it up. You can search for County Coverage Listings by State or download a complete list of same codes for all states and counties in simple text.

    Weather Radios with SAME
    Here is a chart of popular radios equipped with SAME technology:

    Make/Model Type Band SAME Two Way
    Radio
    Midland WR400 Deluxe
    NOAA Weather Radio
    base station AM/FM/Weather YES No
    Midland WR-120
    Weather Radio
    base station Weather YES No
    Uniden BCT15X
    Beartracker Scanner
    base/mobile Multiple YES No
    Uniden Oceanus D UM415
    Submersible VHF Marine Radio
    fixed mount VHF Marine YES YES
    Uniden UM385 Fixed Mount
    VHF Marine Radio
    fixed mount VHF Marine YES YES
    Uniden UM435 Fixed Mount
    VHF Marine Radio
    fixed mount VHF Marine YES YES
    Cobra Marine MR-F45-D
    Class-D VHF Marine Radio
    fixed mount VHF Marine YES YES

    Want a more in-depth discussion about weather radios, including those with SAME technology? Listen to The Two Way Radio Show Podcast episode TWRS-13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.

  • What is the difference between walkie talkies and two way radios?

    business-consumer.pngRecently we received a comment from a customer who took issue with our use of the terms two way radio and walkie talkie in one of our older posts. Apparently the customer was searching for a two way radio but after locating radios listed as walkie talkies, considered it a misdirection to another line of products, presumably perceiving that an item labeled as a walkie talkie was inferior to another item labeled as a two way radio. According to the customer, walkie talkies and two way radios are not the same.

    In reality, the terms walkie talkie and two way radio are often considered interchangeable, at least here in the US, and are sometimes even used together in the same conversation to reference the same thing. As a US based company, our use of these terms is based on their common accepted usage within our country. These terms may be used differently in other countries, so it is, by no means, an absolute.

    Of course, there is a difference between a two way radio and a walkie talkie that is somewhat universal. Technically speaking, the two are not the same thing, although in some cases, they can be. To understand the difference, we need to define the terms.

    A two way radio is a radio that can operate two ways, that is, it has the ability to both transmit and receive a radio signal, as opposed to a radio that can only receive. A two way radio can either operate in a half-duplex or full duplex mode. Half-duplex allows the radio to transmit or receive in turn but not both simultaneously. Full-duplex allows the radio to transmit and receive at the same time. A two way radio is also commonly called a transceiver, because it can both transmit and receive radio communications. In either case, the radio operates two ways; it can send and it can receive.

    A walkie talkie is a portable two way radio, particularly one that can be held in the hand. This type of radio, also known as a handy talkie, handheld transceiver or HT, allows you to talk on the radio while walking around, hence the name walkie talkie.

    Now that we've defined the terms, let's consider the argument. Are these terms interchangeable? Well, yes and no.

    According to the definition, a walkie talkie is a two way radio, but a two way radio is not always a walkie talkie. This is because there are types of radios that are not portable handhelds, such as a mobile radio mounted in a vehicle or a desk or wall mounted base station.

    But, it can be one. In fact, most, if not all manufacturers of business, CB, FRS, GMRS, marine, airband and amateur portable handheld radios or walkie talkies do not usually refer to their products as "Walkie Talkies", but as "Two Way Radios".

    This is understandable, considering the history of the walkie talkie. It originally referred to the portable backpack transceivers used in the military during World War II. More recently it became associated with consumer grade FRS radios. The term has also long been used to refer to extremely low power radios sold as toys and that stigma, while misdirected, still exists today. Given that, it's no wonder some folks shun products labeled as walkie talkies in search of a "real" two way radio.

    Do you consider walkie talkies and two way radios different or the same things? How and why? It's a great topic and we'd like to know what you think. We will be discussing it in a January 2015 episode of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast and we want your comments. From now until December 31, 2014, for everyone who comments on the topic below, tweets a response @2WayRadios, or posts it on our Facebook or Google + pages, if we read it on the podcast, we will send you a FREE T-shirt!

    We have plenty of shirts to give away, so send in your comments now.

  • Small and Discreet Radios For Hard-To-Install Vehicles

    Effective communications while on the road is important to a radio operator, which is why there are so many mobile radios on the market today. However, as newer vehicles become more compact, the installation of a full-featured mobile radio is becoming more of a challenge. Large RVs or trucks usually offer more room to install a mobile unit without too much trouble, but many modern sedans and small compact cars offer little room and few options for adding another device to the dash. If you want to put a mobile radio in your car, but space on or under the dash is very limited or almost non-existent, what can you do?

    Fortunately, there are options, and they are not only sensible, they are often more affordable, as well.

    The most obvious choice, of course, is to find a mobile radio that is small enough to fit within the confines of your vehicle. This is easier said than done, since the radio needs to be large enough to provide the range, wattage and full feature set most radio operators generally expect from a typical mobile transceiver. Mobile radios come in different sizes, but even the smaller models may still be too big to mount in some newer vehicles. However, there is now one radio that may resolve the issue for many mobile users - the Leixen VV-898.

    The Leixen VV-898 is an ultra-compact dual band UHF/VHF radio that can fit inside almost any small vehicle. It's tiny, about the size of a handheld, and is very lightweight compared to other mobiles, which also makes it easier to mount. It's so small and light weight, it may even be possible to mount the VV-898 with hook-and-loop strips if necessary, although the included lightweight mounting bracket is recommended. (we haven't yet tried to use hook-and-loop to mount it, so we don't currently recommend it). It includes many features found on most standard mobile radios, plus one or two that aren't, such as the ability to change frequencies wirelessly.

    The VV-898 uses a standard SO-239 (UHF female) antenna connector for easy compatibility with many dual band mobile radio antennas and is powered with the standard 12 volts provided by most vehicles. It operates on up to 10 watts of transmit power. Of course, 10W is considerably lower than your standard 40w to 50w mobile radio, however it is still sufficient to reach local repeaters in many cities and suburban areas across the US, and is double the wattage of the typical amateur or business handheld radio. Considering the increased popularity of using handheld radios as mobile transceivers in vehicles today, the VV-898 is a definite upgrade.

    The best part is the price. At around $150 MSRP, The VV-898 costs considerably less than other mobile radios and is comparable to the cost of a decent handheld.

    If size matters but wattage is critical, another option is to find a full size mobile radio that can operate from the dash but install somewhere else. Some radio manufacturers, aware of the space issue in modern vehicles, are now using this method as a primary solution. An increasing number of mobile two way radios are now manufactured with a detachable front panel. The chassis of the radio can be discreetly installed somewhere else in the vehicle, such as under the dash or under a seat where there is more room, and the front panel can be mounted on the front of the dash or anywhere else more convenient for the driver.

    The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV950P offer this option and go even further, providing not one, but two front panel mounting plates, one angled and one straight. Both models also include an extension cable so the radio can connect to the front panel from almost anywhere inside the vehicle. Some Icom and Vertex business mobile radios offer such an option as well. This split installation allows you to find more space to mount your radio more securely and still be within your reach while driving.

    Whether you choose a tiny transceiver or a unit that can be split in two, there are ways to effectively install a mobile two way radio into a vehicle with very limited available space. We're always searching for more options. Any other ideas? Post a comment below!

  • T-Reign ProHolster Case video

    This video produced by T-Reign demonstrates how the T-Reign ProHolster Case with Retractable Tether, can help you keep your two way radio safely by your side and securely in your hand when you need it. The ProHolster is available to purchase online from Buy Two Way Radios.

  • TWRS-83 - New Olympia FRS/GMRS Radios

    We tell you about a new line of FRS/GMRS radios from an old company in the business. We also review the XLT EB120 Earbud with PTT Microphone.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:22

    Discussion Topic 1:42
    We talk about the new Olympia FRS/GMRS Two Way Radios. We'll give you the inside story about these new radios, introduce you to the models, and discuss the key features and the differences between them and similar models produced by the same manufacturer under another well-known and popular brand.

    Commercial Break 18:41
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 19:37
    We review the XLT EB120 Earbud with PTT Microphone.

    Questions and Answers 26:02
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 31:54
    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!

    © 2014 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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