Monthly Archives: December 2015

Updated September 21, 2021.
We often receive questions about the range limitations of consumer FRS and GMRS two way radios. In fact, it is probably one of the most commonly asked questions about them, and for many, it seems to be one of the most important considerations when shopping for a handheld radio. This is certainly understandable, of course. Everyone wants the ability to communicate with others across great distances, and certainly more than just across their front yard.

However, since radios communicate line-of-sight, and given the power and other limitations of the typical FRS/GMRS handheld walkie talkie, coupled with the uncertainty of weather conditions, location and terrain, the average range of direct radio-to-radio communications with the typical consumer radio may not meet some applications.

In such a scenario, one may need more than just a standard walkie-talkie. One may need a handheld radio with the ability to operate through a repeater.

Although the FCC does not allow the use of a repeater on FRS frequencies (and given the 1/2 watt limitation of channels 8-14 on the FRS and GMRS services, it isn't practical anyway), it does allow the use of repeaters on the GMRS. Yes, there are GMRS repeaters out there, not too many, but they do exist. But what about repeater ready GMRS radios?

Yes, they do exist as well. We receive frequent inquiries and requests from customers who are searching for GMRS radios with the ability to operate through GMRS repeaters. While they aren't common, they certainly are out there, and they aren't too hard to find.

This chart lists brand name portable handheld GMRS radios currently available with repeater capability. Click on the name or image of each model for details and more specifications on each radio. All models listed in the chart are available from Buy Two Way Radios.

FRS/GMRS Two Way Radio Comparison Chart

	Model	Interference Eliminator Codes	FRS/GMRS Channels	Weather Channels	Repeater Capable	Repeater Channels
	Motorola Talkabout MR355R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Motorola Talkabout MS350R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Motorola Talkabout MS355R	121	22	11	✔	8
	Olympia R500	121	50*	11	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-805G	155	30	-	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-905G	155	30	-	✔	8
	Wouxun KG-935G	155	30	7	✔	8

Additional resources:
TWRS-68 - An Introduction to Repeaters
Radio 101 - How To activate repeater channels on a Motorola Talkabout radio

*According to Olympia, the 50 channels consist of 22 FRS/GMRS and 28 "extra" channels.

Giant International manufactures FRS and GMRS two way radios under the Olympia brand. There are three models in the current line, and although they may vary in features, they all include three important attributes: durability, funtionality and value. As an Authorized Olympia Dealer, Buy Two Way Radios proudly carries them all.

This quick chart compares all three Olympia models and some commonly searched features. Of course, there are too many features to list them all in this chart, but you can click on the name or image of each radio for an entire list. In addition, we also have a Two Way Radio Product Comparison tool so you can choose between any two specific Olympia models (or any other two way radios on our site) for a full, comprehensive comparison.

Olympia FRS/GMRS Two Way Radio Comparison Chart

Olympia	Model	USB	Vibrate Alert	VOX	Call Tones	Display	Weather Channels	Repeater Capable
	R100				10	✔	✔
	R300	✔	✔	✔	20	✔	✔
	R500	✔	✔	✔	10	✔	✔	✔

Want a first look at the Wouxun KG-UV9D PLUS LE Dual Band Two Way Radio - Limited Edition? Want to know what comes in the special Limited Edition box? Watch as Danny Feemster opens it up and gives you a quick look at the entire package in this unboxing video from Buy Two Way Radios.

The Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus is essentially a KG-UV9D with the added feature of cross-band repeat. However, the manual that comes with the KG-UV9D Plus Limited Edition is the same manual packed with the regular 9D, which doesn't support the feature. Therefore, the manual doesn't cover or even mention it. So, how do you enable cross-band repeater functionality on the KG-UV9D Plus?

Configuring the Plus for cross-band functionality will depend somewhat on whether you want to set it up as a directional cross band repeater or a two way cross band repeater. Once you have that sorted out, the rest is a matter of configuring the options in the menu. However, without the manual, some of the menu options may seem somewhat cryptic, and this particular one may be difficult to even find.

The process isn't really that complicated, once you know where to look in the menu. The key menu item is called TYPE-SET, listed as item number 43. Entering this menu item will take you to a sub-menu. The items in the sub-menu are:

• TALKIE
• DIR-RPT
• TW-RPT

TALKIE mode allows the radio to be used as a normal two way radio, or "handy talkie".
DIR-PRT mode sets the radio as a directional cross-band repeater. When this mode is enabled, a small "repeat" icon will appear in the upper left corner of the display and the speaker icon will have an "X" over it in the upper left portion of the B slot on the dual display.
TW-RPT mode sets the radio as a two way cross band repeater. When this mode is enabled, the "repeat" icon will appear in the upper left corner of the display and both speaker icons will show as enabled in the upper left portion of the A the B slots on the dual display.

To set up cross-band repeat:

• Turn on the radio
• Enter VFO (frequency) mode
• Press the MENU button
• Input the number 43 or scroll to TYPE-SET in the menu.
• Press MENU again
• Scroll through the menu and select either DIR-RPT (Directional Cross Band Repeater) or TW-RPT (Two Way Cross Band Repeater)
• Set the desired frequencies in the corresponding slots A and B

Your Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus radio is now set up as either a directional cross band repeater or a two way cross band repeater.

The Two Way Radio Show Podcast will celebrate it's 100th episode this month, and you're invited - to win!

On February 21, 2011, Buy Two Way Radios launched The Two Way Radio Show, a podcast dedicated to radio related equipment and communications. Hosted by Danny Feemster, Anthony Roque and Rick Savoia, TWRS covers topics related to many radio services and types of radios, including FRS, GMRS, business, CB, amateur, air band, and marine.

Nearly five years and 99 episodes later, the TWRS podcast is going strong, with subscribers and dedicated listeners from the US, Canada, Australia, The UK and many other countries around the world. The show can be heard from many podcast directories across the web, and is available to hear on demand 24/7 on iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher Radio, and on our blog at The Two Way Radio Show.

Now, with episode 100 approaching, we want to do something special to celebrate, and our listeners will be a part of it all - with a chance to win!

All you need to do is send us a comment listing your favorite episode of the podcast and you'll be entered in a drawing to win one of the following:

One lucky winner will receive a Motorola MWR839 AM/FM Weather Alert Radio valued at $90!

Ten winners will receive an official Buy Two Way Radios Swag Bag filled with - you guessed it - swag!

To Enter:
Send your comments / entries via e-mail to [email protected], tweet them to us @2WayRadios or post it on our Facebook page. You can also leave comments in the Two Way Radio Show 100th episode Enter your comments to win! discussion thread in the Two Way Radio Forum or enter them in the comments box below.

Hint:
A complete list of episodes is located on the Two Way Radio Show blog page.

Comment entries must be submitted by midnight Monday, December 21, 2015 to qualify for the drawing. Winners will be announced on the podcast and notified by e-mail after release of the 100th episode.

The odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Winning comments will be selected randomly in a drawing and the winners announced on the show. These and other selected comments may also be read on the 100th episode of show.

Limit one entry per person. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

We tell you about the first new digital two way radio coming soon from Wouxun. We also review the Tytera TH-7800 Dual Band Mobile Two Way Radio.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:18

Discussion Topic 1:37
we talk about the new Wouxun KG-D901 DMR Digital Radio. We'll give you an overview of its features and specifications and compare its overall look to the popular analog Wouxun KG-UV9D.

Commercial Break 16:01
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 16:56
We review the Tytera TH-7800 Dual Band Mobile Two Way Radio.

Questions and Answers 27:46
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 34:17
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!

© 2015 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:07 — ) | Embed

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One look at the Leixen VV-898 and you can tell it isn't just another mobile radio. It's less than half the size of a conventional mobile two way radio and at just over 11 ounces, it's also lightweight, but don't let its tiny footprint fool you. This little radio packs a punch on both UHF and VHF bands with only 10W of operation. It's a solid solution for densely packed dashes. You can even install the VV-898 without drilling any holes. All things considered, the VV-898 is a great choice for those who want a small and discreet radio on the road or in vehicles in which installation of a full size mobile is difficult or out of the question.

Sure, it's easy to put in your vehicle, but what can you do with it, and what can it do? Is it difficult to program? is it easy to operate? Let's take a closer look.

The Leixen VV-898 - what is it good for?
For starters, this little radio is handy for hams who cruise around town while on the local nets or a ragchew in the 2 meter (144-148MHz) or 70cm (420-450MHz) amateur radio bands. But that's not all it does. The Leixen VV-898 is also Part 90 type accepted as a full fledged business radio, which means businesses can also it as mobile transceiver or even a base station radio when connected to an AC power source and mounted to a wall or desk. The typical mobile business radio can cost hundreds each. Investing in the VV-898 for an entire mobile fleet can save a company a lot of money on two way communications. Type accepted for business use? Really? If you don't believe me, look it up. FCC ID: 2AC2Z-898UV.

Key features - what can it do?
Okay, so it's somewhat versatile and can be used in more than one radio service. But what can it do? Plenty. Although it may be light in weight, it is not light on features.

• Dual Band UHF/VHF transmit and receive
• 200-260MHz/87.5-108MHz (Receive Only)
• 4W/10W Transmit Power
• 199 Channels
• Voice Scramble - Configurable per channel
• Emergency Alarm
• Channel Scan
• Skip Channel
• Dual Watch
• Companding - Configurable per channel
• Busy Channel Lockout
• CTCSS/DCS Codes
• Backlit LCD Display
• Backlit Keypad
• User Customizable Power-On Display Message
• Power Save Feature (Auto Power Off)
• Timeout Timer
• VOX
• Keypad Lock
• English Voice Prompts
• Wireless Frequency Change (Wireless Cloning Capable)
• PC Programmable
• Built-in Speaker
• DTMF Code
• Supports 2.5k Step
• Reset
• Individual Call
• Group Call
• Remote TX/TX Inhibition
• Adjustable Squelch
• Adjustable Display Font Size (No kidding!)
• PTT ID - Send a code that IDs your transceiver
• Roger Beep Enable/Disable
• Reverse - Swaps out the offset frequency for simplex operation
• Tail Elimination
• Talk around
• Wideband/Narrowband operation

Programming the VV-898 - how difficult is it?
As with many mobile two way radios, the VV-898 can be programmed in one of two ways, either direct from the console and/or keypad, or through a computer via programming software. Let's take a quick look at both.

Direct from the radio
At first glance, programming the radio directly through the console seems complicated and foreboding, but not because there are a lot of buttons, knobs and dials, but because there aren't. In fact, there are no knobs or dials on this radio at all. There are only 9 buttons on the face of the radio itself, four of which are function keys, and a rather plain looking keypad on the hand microphone consisting of sixteen keys, four of which are labeled with the letters A, B, C, and D, respectively. Although the keys are marked, there is nothing intuitive at all about them in regards to actually programming the radio. In addition, the user manual, at only 55 pages, seems rather basic, providing the essentials of operation without much detail. In other words, the simplicity in design of the radio itself and within the pages of its user guide may give the user a sense it is a complicated device to program.

However, it isn't complicated at all. You just need to read the manual before you start, and not necessarily in page order. That is the key. You will also need to use the buttons on the console and the keypad on the hand microphone combined to do it efficiently. It takes longer at first, but once you understand the sequence needed to enter a frequency, assign it to a channel and save it to the radio, the entire procedure makes sense. I personally think setting up frequencies and channels on the VV-898 is easier than programming a Baofeng UV-5R, but then, so are many other radios.

The menu consists of 51 items. Default settings are bold.

Programming with software
The VV-898 programming software is a lot more intuitive, of course, and generally easier than manually programming through the physical interface of the radio itself. Although the VV-898 does have a nice feature set, its full capabilities become more noticeable once you run the software. It's not complicated, but the software is more comprehensive and offers more programming options than you may expect from such tiny, simple looking radio. Considering its size and price, the VV-898 can do quite a lot more than just transmit and receive.

The USB programming cable is proprietary to this radio, so it isn't like you can mix and match them like you can with, say, Baofeng and Wouxun handheld transceivers. The programming software is also specific to the radio. However, the software is available as a free download, and for the most part it is self-explanatory, so unless you have never programmed a two way radio before, it should not be difficult to master. The USB cable driver needs to be installed, the programming software is available for Windows PCs only, and you do need a username and password to run the program, but once it's all set up, you are ready to program the radio. Oh, yes, in case you need it, the username is ham (all lower case) and the password is 89812345.

Operation - is it easy?
Once programmed, the VV-898 is fairly simple to operate. To turn it on, simply hold the power button down for a second or two, and release. Use the CHA+ and CHA- buttons on the console (or the * and # buttons on the hand mic) to change channels, adjust volume with the VOX+ and VOL- buttons on the console (or the UP and DN buttons on the side and top of the hand mic), and of course, the PTT on the mic to transmit, and your pretty much good to go. There are three buttons on the console that are user programmable to your needs. The A, B, C, and D buttons on the hand mic are preset for functions according the the chart below:

The Leixen VV-898 seems like a plain, low power, unimpressive little radio, but it really does have a lot to offer. Is it a 125W PEP powerhouse Icom mobile or a feature rich Wouxun KG-UV920P-A? Of course not! Considering its small size, weight and unassuming looks, when you take a closer look at the Leixen VV-898, in some ways it seems even better.

The Leixen VV-898 is an extremely compact, dual band mobile radio designed to fit smaller vehicles and cabs with limited room on or under the dash. At just over eleven ounces, the VV-898 is also very lightweight. It's not only a handy transceiver for your vehicle, it also makes a nice little go box.

The VV-898 package includes a mounting bracket and hardware for secure installation in a vehicle, but what if you don't want to drill holes in your interior to do it?

In this video, Rick Savoia from Buy Two Way Radios shows you a quick and easy way to install the Leixen VV-898 in your vehicle without defacing your dash and that, when used with the optional Leixen DC Power Cord with T connector, makes this mobile radio even quicker and easier to remove.

The Wouxun KG-UV8D is powerful dual band amateur radio that is also well liked among hams, and no wonder. There is a lot about the 8D to like. It's solidly constructed, it has a nice, large color display and it's loaded with features, including true simultaneous dual band receive and cross-band repeat capability.

Now there is even more to like: the price! The standard KG-UV8D regularly sells for $159.99, but for a limited time, Buy Two Way Radios is offering the standard Wouxun KG-UV8D for a special holiday sale price of only $99.99!

That's right, the 8D is now available at just under $100! This package includes the Wouxun KG-UV8D with black buttons and all the standard accessories in the box, such as dual band antenna, 1700mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, belt clip, wrist strap, charger tray, AC cable and owner's manual. This is a one-time offer and there are a limited number of units in stock at this price, so if you want an 8D for $99.99, you may want to get it while you can. This special offer is only available during the 2015 holiday season while supplies last.