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Monthly Archives: January 2017

  • TWRS-109 - Comparing Small and Lightweight Business Radios

    Two Way Radio Show
    We compare some popular small and lightweight radios commonly used by service industries. We also review the Kenwood ProTalk TK-3230DX Business Two Way Radio.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:19

    Discussion Topic 1:38
    We compare some popular makes and models of small and lightweight radios commonly used in hospitality, restaurant, retail and other service industries. We'll tell you where and how these radios are used, list the typical feature requirements of this product type, and compare some key features and specifications of each make and model.

    Commercial Break 26:47
    buytwowayradios.com 1:00

    Product Review 27:43
    We review the Kenwood ProTalk TK-3230DX Business Two Way Radio.

    Questions and Answers 36:35
    Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 41:18
    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!

    © 2017 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.


  • Spare parts for TYT MD-380 and MD-UV380 radios

    TYT-MD-380-front-cover-2.jpgThe TYT MD-380 is one of the most popular DMR radios on the market and one of our best selling digital handheld models at Buy Two Way Radios. Considering this, we are not at all surprised to receive inquiries about replacement parts for it. As an authorized TYT dealer for the US, Buy Two Way Radios now carries a selection of spare parts for the TYT MD-380 and MD-UV380 Plus two way radios.

    If you need a specific part for your MD-380, such as a channel knob or accessory port cover, the specific item may be purchased individually. If multiple parts are needed, an entire kit of replacement parts is also available. This kit consists of all MD-380 parts currently sold on our web site at a substantial savings.

    Of course, if you need another spare or replacement part for your radio, give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or enter our live chat and ask.

    We also carry spare parts for select Wouxun, Kenwood and Ritron two way radios. If we don't have it, we'll try to get it. Just let us know what you need.

  • Can I use the Kenwood TK-2320 rapid charger with the TK-3230DX?

    KSC-37.jpgThe new Kenwood TK-3230DX is almost the same as the old TK-3230 and uses the same KNB-46L 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery pack. So naturally one would assume both radios use the same charger as well. However, the two chargers are slightly different. The original TK-3230 uses the KSC-37, and the DX uses the KSC-37S. The question is, are they interchangeable with the radios?

    There were only two differences we could find between the two chargers. The old KSC37 charger draws 1.0A and the new KSC37S draws 0.8A. This slight difference does not seem to affect charging of either radio. Both output the same 1.05 amps to the radio/battery.

    We also noticed the two plastic tabs between the contacts in the pocket of the KSC37 were eliminated in the KSC37S, and this change allows both radios to sit more firmly in the new charger. Other than those two minor changes, there seemed to be no indication the changes prevent the use of old and new chargers with old and new radios in a mixed fleet.

    Can both chargers be used to charge the DX? If not, is there another reason, other than the slight differences mentioned above, that would prevent this, even though both radios fit in both chargers and use the same battery?

    We asked officials at Kenwood these very questions. The official answer? The changes are purely cosmetic. Both the KSC-37 and KSC-37S chargers are indeed cross-compatible with the TK-3230 and TK-3230DX radios and may be used with either one.

  • Midland MXT MicroMobile radios unboxing video

    In 2015 Midland Introduced the MXT100 Micro Mobile GMRS Radio. Now the company is launching three new models, the 5 watt MXT105, the 15 watt MXT115 and the full 40 watt MXT400!

    In this video, Rick Savoia from Buy Two Way Radios unboxes all three models and gives you a preview of what these exciting new radios offer to the GMRS.

  • New Midland MXT MicroMobile GMRS two way radios

    When Midland first announced the introduction of the MXT100 in early 2015, it was met with much anticipation. After all, This wasn't just another GMRS two way radio, it was a GMRS mobile radio, the first to enter the market in years, and a micro mobile at that. When the MXT100 finally arrived in the late autumn, it quickly became a popular item at Buy Two Way Radios and was generally well received.

    Yet, some reviews were mixed. Many users liked the overall design and performance of this tiny mobile, but also wanted the addition of weather channels for use in off-road or recreational vehicles. Some GMRS operators needed repeater capability to truly maximize its use as a mobile. Many thought it lacked the higher wattage generally expected from a typical mobile radio.

    Midland heard the feedback, listened, and took notes.

    Now, Midland is introducing not one, not two, but three new mobiles in the MXT series, and all for the GMRS.

    MXT105.jpgMXT105 - This model is the next generation of the now retired MXT100, and effectively replaces it. The 105 is essentially the same as the original, with 5 watts of power, 15 GMRS channels, 142 CTCSS/DCS codes, channel scan, adjustable squelch, signal strength meter, monitor function, keypad lock and 3.5mm external speaker jack. It also keeps the built-in internal speaker and the front panel backlit LCD display with 5 levels of adjustable brightness.

    One of the best features of the old 100 was Display Flip, which allowed the unit to be installed upside down with an option to flip the readout on the screen around to keep it readable. The MXT105 kept this feature, as well as the flip frame detachable mount to accommodate either horizontal or vertical mounting on or under the dash.

    In addition to the GMRS functionality of its predecessor, the MXT105 adds 10 NOAA weather channels and weather scan to the mix. It does all this at a lower price point than the original, taking the MXT series to a new level. The entire package includes a detachable hand microphone with a coiled cord, 12V power cable with vehicle adapter, flip frame detachable mount, microphone hanger, mounting hardware and a mobile magnetic mount antenna with 19 feet of cable. Price: $99.99.

    MXT115.jpgMXT115 - The 115 has most of the same basic features found on the MXT105 and adds more power to take it to a full 15 watts. It has 15 GMRS channels, 10 NOAA weather channels and weather alert. Additional features include 5 selectable call tones, roger beep, tone alert and a USB charger port for charging other devices such as a handheld radio or cell phone. It does not include the Display Flip feature of the MXT105 but the display can be backlit in one of 8 selectable colors. The best part, it's repeater capable, with 8 GMRS repeater channels pre-programmed and ready to go.

    The package includes a hand microphone, 12V power cable with vehicle adapter, flip frame detachable mount, mounting hardware, microphone hanger and mobile mag mount antenna with a 19 foot cable. Price: $149.99.

    MXT400.jpgMXT400 - This powerful micromobile transmits at a full 40 watts on the GMRS and is the top of the MXT line. It doesn't have the weather channels included in the other models, but it does have the 8 repeater channels. It also has some features found on many business and amateur mobile two way radios, such as a voice compander, power and transmit LEDs, talk around function, and a timeout timer. The MXT400 comes with a hand microphone, 12V hard wire cord, flip frame detachable mount, microphone hanger and mounting hardware. Antenna not included. Price: $249.99.

    For more details and an in-depth discussion on the new Midland mobile GMRS radios, listen to Episode 108 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast!

  • Kenwood ProTalk TK-3230DX unboxing video

    The Kenwood TK-3230 XLS was popular for its small size, light weight and ease of operation. Now the next generation is here, the Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230DX!

    What's new and different about the DX? Is it any better than its predecessor? Watch as Rick Savoia from Buy Two Way Radios opens the box and gives you a brief first look at this new radio from Kenwood.

    Want more videos? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

  • The new Kenwood TK-3230DX is here!

    TK-3230DX.jpgKenwood has a well established reputation with their line of business two way radios, and the TK-3230 XLS has long been a favourite choice among small businesses. First introduced in 2007, it's considered one of the smallest portable handheld UHF business radios on the market. The TK-3230 is well known for its lightweight ergonomic design, tiny footprint and ease of use. Now, after nearly a decade of popularity, this tiny two way is being retired. Its replacement? The Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230DX!

    For fans of the original 3230, don't worry. Kenwood didn't really take their iconic ProTalk away. The new TK-3230 DX is almost exactly the same as the original TK-3230, only different. It's better.

    These two radios essentially share the same model number, so the striking similarities between them are not surprising at all. Of course, the radios are essentially the same in both form and function.

    Like it's predecessor, the TK-3230DX maxes out at 1.5 watts with a 0.5W minimum of user selectable power. Kenwood claims it has a maximum range of up to 5 miles or 250,000 square feet in open areas with no obstructions. Depending on your specific setting and situation, your mileage may vary.

    Like the original, the DX weights only 5.5 ounces, surpassed only by the ProTalk LT PKT-23 as one of smallest and lightest Kenwood handheld business radios currently available. It's compact footprint puts the DX head-to-head with other tiny UHF business radios such as the Motorola CLS1410, CLP1040 and the Hytera HYT TC-310.

    TK-3230DX-2.jpgAll the popular features of the old 3230 are in the DX too, such as 6 modifiable pre-set channels, FleetSync® PTT ID and caller ID display, channel scan, built-in VOX functionality, Privacy Talk voice scrambling, the compander, 10-call alert tone, busy channel lockout, and, yes, even the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Super Lock. The DX also has individual call, direct call and group call selective calling features. Add in the 7 segmeng backlit LCD display, and you've got a next gen Kenwood made just like the original.

    But with all these similarities, there are some important differences. The original TK-3230 had 56 built-in frequencies. The TK-3230DX gives you an additional 35 for a total of 99 pre-stored selectable frequencies. The original TK-3230 had 39 QT and 83 DQT privacy codes for a total of 122 codes. The TK-3230 DX added 85 more digital codes, for a grand total of 207 privacy codes.

    But that's not all. In addition to the extra codes, the TK-3230DX also has the capability to choose a different QT or DQT code for each individual channel. This feature alone adds important flexibility and control over business communications.

    Kenwood also updated the face of the radio. The DX still sports the 4 digit, 7-segment backlit LCD display, but the buttons are slightly different and the front speaker grille is a new design. It's all for the better, though. The DX looks and feels a little more comfortable to grip.

    It still has the power. The DX uses the same KNB-46L battery pack, with 2000mAh for up to 18 hours of uptime when the battery saver is on.

    As for accessories, it's share and share alike. The TK-3230 DX has the same standard Kenwood (K1) two pin audio connector as the old 3230, so all of the earpieces, headsets and speaker mics with a K1 connector will work just fine. It even uses the same KBH-14 belt clip.

    There is one exception, the drop-in desktop charger. The TK-3230 used a KSC-37 fast charger. The TK-3230DX uses a different charger, the KSC-37S. It's also a rapid charger, capable of charging the battery pack in only 2.5 hours, so when it comes to charging time, the DX is still on par.

    The Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230DX is here and available now at Buy Two Way Radios.

    TK-3230/TK-3230DX Comparison Chart

    Kenwood ProTalk® TK-3230/TK-3230DX Comparison
    Item TK-3230 TK-3230DX
    Business Band UHF UHF
    Weight (ounces/grams) 5.5/155 5.5/155
    Transmit Power 1.5W 1.5W
    Preset Channels 6 6
    Frequencies 56 99
    Privacy Codes 39 QT/83 DQT 39 QT/168 DQT
    FleetSync®
    Power On Tone
    Channel Scan
    VOX
    Privacy Talk
    Compander
    Key Lock/Super Lock
    10-Call Alert Tone
    Assign Privacy Code to Channel
    Busy Channel Lockout
    Battery Saver
    Backlit LCD Display
    Keystroke Tone Signal
    IP54
    Mil-STD MIL 810C, D, E, F MIL 810C, D, E, F, G
    Selective Calling
    2-pin Audio Connector (K1)
    Lithium-ion Battery KNB-46L 2000 mAh KNB-46L 2000 mAh
    Battery Power Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
    Drop-in Charger KSC-37 KSC-37S

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