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Monthly Archives: April 2016

  • Tytera changes product brand name to TYT

    Tytera announced plans this week to change the brand name on their line of two way radios from Tytera to TYT next month. According to an official spokesperson from Tytera, starting May 2016 the company will begin to replace the Tytera brand on their entire product line with the name TYT.

    Products such as the MD-280, the extremely popular MD-380, the mobile TH-7800 and the new waterproof MD-390 digital radio will be re-branded as TYT. The new label will likely appear this summer as existing Tytera inventory is exhausted and products are replenished. New Tytera products due this summer will likely carry the TYT brand at launch.

    Details are sketchy, but according to TYT the name change is due to a complaint from rival radio manufacturer Hytera. This is possibly related to the similarities between the two names.

    The company said all products manufactured by Tytera will be affected by the change. Buy Two Way Radios is an authorized Tytera dealer.

  • TWRS-103 - Too Much Tech in Two Way Radios?

    Two Way Radio Show
    We look at how two way radios have advanced during the last ten years. We also review the Midland HH54VP SAME Portable Emergency Alert Radio.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:21

    Discussion Topic 1:40
    We discuss how two way radios have advanced during the last decade. We debate whether technology has really improved radio communications or just made it more complicated, and tell you how you can sort through the maze of features and functionality to find the radio that is the best fit for you.

    Commercial Break 29:59
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 30:54
    We review the Midland HH54VP SAME Portable Emergency Alert Radio. Get a $15 Mail-in Rebate from Midland when you purchase the HH54VP from Buy Two Way Radios! Offer expires April 30, 2016.

    Questions and Answers 38:12
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 49:40
    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!

    © 2016 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.


  • Introducing the Leixen VV-898 Backpack Two Way Radios

    Leixen-VV-898P.jpgA couple of years ago, Leixen introduced the VV-898, an ultra-compact, dual band VHF/UHF radio. It's about the size of a typical handheld and can fit inside almost any small vehicle with quick and easy installation. recently, Leixen released a new backpack version of this tiny mobile radio that you can carry around with you. It's almost as portable as a handheld radio and it's a lot more powerful.

    The original VV-898 is a 10 watt micro mobile dual band radio for amateur and business use. While adequate for connecting to local repeaters around town, some users wanted higher wattage for other mobile applications. To satisfy the demand for more power, Leixen recently introduced a 25 watt version, the VV-898S. It is exactly the same radio as the original with more than twice the watts. Each model transmits and receives on both VHF (136-174MHz) and UHF (400-480MHz) and can receive on 400-520MHz and 200-260MHz. They also have a built-in 87.5-108MHz FM radio receiver so you can listen to your favorite commercial radios stations.

    The VV-898 and VV-898S feature 199 programmable channels with channel scanning, dual watch, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, DTMF, and 1750 Hz burst tone. Both models have individual call, group call, user-defined channel names, VOX capability and an emergency alarm. Each model is also equipped with a built-in 400mW speaker, backlit front panel LCD display, two front panel LEDs and a hand mic with a backlit DTMF keypad. These radios are repeater capable and Part 90 type accepted, which means they are FCC approved for commercial business users as well as hams. Read A closer look at the Leixen VV-898 for more specs and a look at its menu options.

    Of course, one of the best features of the VV-898 is its small size, which makes it even more mobile than a typical mobile radio. The VV-898 is so small and light, it is even possible to mount it in a vehicle with Velcro® and other hook and loop fasteners, as depicted in our Leixen VV-898 Quick and Easy Mobile Mount video.

    From the beginning, many hams suggested using the VV-898 in a go-box. Apparently Leixen caught wind of this idea, because they did just that, with the launch of two new variations of this micro mobile, the Leixen VV-898P and VV-898SP UHF/VHF Dual Band Mobile Backpack Two Way Radio.

    Leixen-VV-898SP.jpgNew variations of the Leixen VV-898

    The VV-898 Backpack Radio is mounted in an enclosure with everything needed to function as a battery powered mobile device capable of instant-on operation virtually anytime, anywhere. It has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery designed for extended periods of operation and a radiator fan with an on/off switch to keep it cool while transmitting out in the field. While it does use the 400mW speaker already built into the radio, a speaker jack is located on the side of the unit for more flexibility and external audio configurations. It includes a 13.8v AC adapter to recharge the battery or to power the radio when used as a base station.

    Two backpack models

    Like the stand alone mobile versions, the VV-898 backpack radios are available in two models.

    Leixen VV-898P - This is the 10W model. It has a 6A Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Price: $159.99.
    Leixen VV-898SP - This is the 25W model. It has a 10A Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Price: $179.99

    Thumbnail image for Leixen-VV-898SP-side.jpgPotential uses

    The VV-898 backpack radio is designed to sit upright on its end. This allows you to slip the radio vertically into a backpack or sling bag and operate it while walking around town or along the trail on a hike. The SO-239 (UHF Female) antenna connector is located on the front face of the radio so a whip antenna such as the Nagoya NL-R2 will also orient vertically when attached to the unit.

    Some advantages and potential uses of this radio include:

    • Sits vertically in a pack so you can use it while hiking or walking
    • Perfect for use as an instant, ready-made ham radio go-box
    • Can also be set on a desk and used as a base station
    • Can be easily converted back to a mobile rig for use in a vehicle

    The chassis is designed for easy disassembly, so you can take the radio itself out of the backpack box and mount it in your vehicle. To add value, Leixen included a mounting bracket and 12v DC power cord with T connector in the package, just in case. While not specifically recommended by Leixen, the package does include instructions for proper backpack to mobile conversion.

    There is one caveat to its portability outdoors. Although the VV-898P and VV-898SP Backpack radios are designed with field communications in mind, these units are not designated as waterproof, or even weatherproof. It isn't dust proof for the trail and isn't designed for high humidity or moisture saturated environments. It is important to keep that in mind when taking it along on a hiking or camping trip. However, for many applications in stable environments, the VV-898 Backpack radios offer a lot of options and versatility.

    All four models of the Leixen VV-898 are available from Buy Two Way Radios. For an in-depth discussion of the backpack models, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Podcast TWRS-101 - Leixen Mobile Backpack Radios.
    For a closer look at the VV-898 radio, watch our Leixen VV-898 Unboxing Video.Leixen-VV-898P-with-accessories.jpg

  • Rebates on Midland LXT118VP and GXT1000VP4 radios!

    Note: This promotion expired April 16, 2016 and is no longer available.

    Midland-Rebate-Q2-2016.png

    Save on your outdoor adventures this spring with rebates on select Midland FRS and GMRS radios!

    Buy a set of Midland LXT118VP Two Way Radios With Dual AC Wall Charger and get a $5 rebate! Purchase a set of Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger and get a $10 rebate! This mail-in offer direct from Midland is available exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios for a limited time only.

    This mail-in offer is fulfilled by the manufacturer and will be mailed to you after Midland receives your rebate redemption form. Offer valid on up to 2 sets of radios purchased through April 16, 2016. Limit of two rebate redemptions per household. Click here for the rebate form. Rebate must be mailed by May 16, 2016. To track your rebate, visit www.reward-central.com/Midland and follow the instructions on the site.

    The following models qualify for this special rebate offer:

    Model Max Purchase Option
    Midland-LXT118VP Midland LXT118VP Two Way Radios With Dual AC Wall Charger 2 packs $5 Rebate per pack
    Midland-GXT1000VP4 Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger 2 packs $10 rebate per pack

    NOTE: Radios must be purchased between April 3, 2016 and April 16, 2016 to qualify. Offer valid for U.S. residents only. Rebate will be issued in U.S. funds.

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