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Monthly Archives: December 2018

  • TWRS-132 - Should You Be Licensed to Buy a Radio?

    Two Way Radio Show
    We discuss the question of whether or not sellers of two way radios should require customers to be licensed before they can buy a transceiver.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:13

    Discussion Topic 1:32
    Should ham radio dealers require their customers to have a license before shipping transceivers? We tell you the results of a recent Twitter poll on the question, read feedback from respondents to the poll, and discuss the pros and cons of such a requirement.

    Questions and Answers 45:24
    Comments and questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 47:34
    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!

    © 2018 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.


  • How to set up repeater channels on the Midland MXT400

    Midland MXT400 Micromobile GMRS Two Way RadioThe Midland MXT400 Micromobile radio is quite popular for several reasons. It's a high wattage GMRS radio, it has NOAA weather channels, and it's mobile. One feature stands out from all the rest. This GMRS radio is also repeater capable.

    The support for repeater channels is important, because there are few radios around today with repeater capability that are also FCC Part 95 type accepted for the GMRS. In fact, at the time this article was published, there are only three, and all of them are manufactured by Midland.

    So, now you have a new Midland MXT400, and you want to connect to local GMRS repeaters. Only one question remains. How do you set up repeater channels on the Midland MXT400?

    It's actually quite simple and can be done very quickly, once you know how to access the repeater channels. The trick is how to find and activate them.

    The General Mobile Radio Service, or GMRS, consists of 30 frequencies that include 22 GMRS and 8 GMRS repeater frequencies. As a general rule, these frequencies are pre-programmed to specific channels by the manufacturer, which are standard across the industry. The frequencies on repeater channels RP15-RP22 are preset, as they are pre-assigned frequencies for all repeaters operating on the GMRS. To put it simply, they are already programmed into the the MXT400. All you need to do is activate them.

    How to activate the repeater channels

    • Step 1. Press and hold [Menu] for 3 seconds to enter Menu Mode.
    • Step 2. Press [Call] or [Plvl] to navigate the menu options until REP appears on the display.
    • Step 3. Turn the Channel Knob to choose REP--ON.
    • Step 4. Press [Select] to confirm.
    • Step 5. Press [Scn/Mon] to exit the Repeater Channel option.

    Some GMRS repeaters are open, and do not require Tone Squelch (T/SQ) codes to access them. However, others do. If you need to enter CTCSS/DCS codes used by individual repeater systems, these can be easily set by assigning the specific code to each repeater channel on the MXT400. Simply go to the channel and assign the code according to the instructions in the MXT400 user manual. GMRS repeaters generally use the same CTCSS code for both RX and TX frequencies, so you should be able to assign just one code to the channel. The user manual includes a table of the CTCSS codes along with the corresponding code frequency in Hz for each. For instance, Code 12 is 100.0 Hz, so if the repeater is Output 462.6750 MHz, Input 467.6750, MHz 100.0 Hz, set code 12 into the channel RP 20 to access the repeater.

    You can set a different CTCSS/DCS code for each channel on the radio, including the repeater channels.

    How to set a CTCSS code for a repeater channel

    • Step 1. Turn the Channel Knob to the desired repeater channel.
    • Step 2. Press [TS/DCS] once to access the CTCSS Privacy Code settings.
    • Step 3. Turn the Channel Knob to until the desired CTCSS code appears on the display.
    • Step 4. Press [Select] to confirm.
      The T/SQ icon will appear on the display to confirm your selection.
    • Step 5. Press [Scn/Mon] to exit the Privacy Code option.

    How to set a DCS code for a repeater channel

    • Step 1. Turn the Channel Knob to the desired repeater channel.
    • Step 2. Press [TS/DCS] twice to access the DCS Privacy Code settings.
    • Step 3. Turn the Channel Knob to until the desired DCS code appears on the display.
    • Step 4. Press [Select] to confirm.
      The DCS icon will appear on the display to confirm your selection.
    • Step 5. Press [Scn/Mon] to exit the Privacy Code option.

    There you have it! That's all you need to do to set up repeater channels on the Midland MXT400. For reference, a chart of GMRS repeater channels and frequencies is listed below.

    GMRS Repeater Channels and Frequencies

    GMRS Repeater Channels and Frequencies
    Channel Type RX Frequency TX Frequency
    RPT15 GMRS 462.5500 467.5500
    RPT16 GMRS 462.5750 467.5750
    RPT17 GMRS 462.6000 467.6000
    RPT18 GMRS 462.6250 467.6250
    RPT19 GMRS 462.6500 467.6500
    RPT20 GMRS 462.6750 467.6750
    PRT21 GMRS 462.7000 467.7000
    RPT22 GMRS 462.7250 467.7250
  • The Motorola Talkabout T800 radio video

    A new era of portable radio communication is upon us, and Motorola is leading the way with the new Motorola Talkabout T800 FRS Two Way Radio with app support. This license-free radio features messaging, location sharing and a unique, futuristic style display. Plus, it connects to its own app, available for iPhone and Android smartphones!

    How does it pair with a smartphone? How do you change settings through the app? In this video, Danny introduces the new T800 and shows off some of its impressive features. The Motorola Talkabout T800 is available now from Buy Two Way Radios.

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

  • Introducing the Motorola Talkabout T800 FRS two way radio!

    Motorola Talkabout T800 FrontIf you watch our videos or listen to our podcast, you probably hear us comment from time to time on the lack of innovation when it comes to FRS or GMRS radios. If you rewind the clock 10 years, you would find the radios that were for sale then were really similar to the radios that are for sale now. With the introduction of the new Motorola Talkabout T800, there is finally some new and original functionality with FRS radios for us to talk about.

    The T800 is a very different FRS radio. Although it is similar in function to the Motorola TalkAbout T460, it adds bluetooth app support and a visually impressive design that is a completely new look for the Talkabout line. However, the most notable aesthetic feature is the display.

    The T800 display is uniquely different. Motorola calls it a hidden display, and with good reason. This is the same display concept used for the Motorola SL300 commercial radio, but with more graphics. Simply put, it's just plain cool. This new display is invisible when the T800 is off, undetectable behind the one piece T800 faceplate. Turn the radio on, and the blue LCD display appears, viewable through the now translucent faceplate!

    Sure, the T800 display looks great and is easy to read when the radio is on, but that's not the only new upgrade to the design of this radio. The front panel buttons are now raised icons, which should be easier to find and identify when the radio is out of site, such as when it’s clipped to your belt. Towards the bottom, the radio narrows and turns into a loop. This appears to be intended for a carabiner clip, and is quite different from the traditional loops found on other Motorola Talkabout series radios. While this larger loop can be useful for connecting a clip or lanyard, it also makes the radio a little harder to balance on a flat surface.

    Motorola Talkabout T800 RightThe rest of the buttons are lined on one side of the radio for easy, instant access. These controls include a button to active the built-in flashlight, high and low power push-to-talk (PTT) buttons, a bluetooth pairing button, and an emergency alert. On the other side of the radio is a micro USB charging port.

    The T800 connects to a smartphone via bluetooth and will integrate with Motorola's new TalkAbout app, which is available as a free download for iphone and android mobile devices. The app basically uses the radio as a modem, to enable and manage features such as message and location sharing. These features even work when you're off the grid, as long as the radios are connected and in range.

    Motorola Talkabout AppWhen you launch the app for the first time, you'll be asked to pair it with the radio. This is very simple and doesn't even require you to press the Bluetooth® button on the radio. Just make sure the only radio that is on is the one that you want to pair. The final step of the setup process is the creation of an account that is linked to your phone number. You can skip this, but it does make a few of the features on the app work better if you are linked.

    Most of the Motorola Talkabout App is centered around maps and location sharing. You can download maps offline and share your location, or view the location of your group members even if you don't have cell phone service. The app allows you to add members to your group using their username or phone number, if they created an account during setup. Once you have your group, an easy pairing option is available which sets all radios to match the channel and sub code of the leader radio.

    The radio settings option is a nice feature of the app. The screens are kind of limited on most FRS radios, so navigating the menu is usually a guessing game of which icon matches what setting. Having all options laid out in a way that is easy to navigate is fantastic. When you change a setting or activate a feature in the app, it immediately updates the radio!

    The T800 is definitely a step forward for FRS radios and its a positive direction for Motorola. There is nothing specific to the T800 model in the Motorola Talkabout App, so it would come as no surprise if app support is added to other Talkabout models in the future. The Motorola Talkabout T800 is now available for purchase from our web site at buytwowayradios.com.

    UPDATE: Watch our video and see the Motorola Talkabout T800 in action!

  • December holiday sale on select Midland radios!

    December Holiday Sale on Select Midland RadiosStill need to find that perfect gift for the holidays? Midland radios are a a great way to go! For two weeks only, buy a pair of T31X3VP3 or T71VP3 radios and save $10 on your purchase. Buy a Midland WR400 Emergency Weather Radio radio and save $10!

    • Midland T31X3VP3 Two Way Radio Triple Pack for $59.99 only $49.99!
      This isn't a two pack, it's a three pack of radios, at a traditional 2-pack price. The T31 has all 22 FRS/GMRS channels, NOAA weather channels, weather alert, 38 privacy codes, and is license free, for essentially anyone to use.
    • Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Two Way Radios for $79.99 only $69.99!
      This higher end X-Talker radio features all 22 FRS/GMRS channels plus 14 extra channels, advanced weather technology with weather scan, weather alert, 121 privacy codes and vibrate alert.
    • Midland WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio w/Alarm Clock for $69.99 only $59.99!
      This weather radio is a perfect gift for family, friends, or anyone to show you care about their safety. The WR 400 features S.A.M.E. digital technology, a loud 85dB siren alarm, voice alerts and tri-color alert level indicators. The WR400 supports all 7 NOAA and Environment Canada weather channels. It allows you to customize alerts and has 25 programmable locations. It also features an AM-FM radio, a time and dual alarm clock with snooze, and a USB port for charging a cell phone or other device. The WR400 is your early warning system against severe weather and civil emergencies 24/7.

    This offer expires midnight December 29, 2018. We have a limited supply, so buy now while we have yours in stock.

  • TWRS-131 - An Old Wouxun Radio Gets a New Face

    Two Way Radio Show
    We discuss the upgrade of the Wouxun KG-UV950P quad band mobile radio into the new Wouxun KG-UV980P, tell you which Wouxun radios are FCC type accepted, and announce some new TYT DMR radio bundles for your ham shack.

    Intro :00
    Billboard 1:16

    Discussion Topic 1:35
    The Wouxun KG-UV950P is a popular mobile radio among hams, and for good reason. It's a quad bander, with reception and transmission on 2m, 6m, 10m and 70cm frequencies, twin band simultaneous reception, cross-band repeat capability and all at a great low price. Now, Wouxun is giving this mobile a makeover, with a new front panel, new controls, a new display and a new model number. The new model is the Wouxun KG-UV980P.

    FCC IDs for Wouxun Radios 10:25
    Is your Wouxun radio FCC type accepted for business, amateur or anything? Check out our Wouxun Radio FCC ID and Type Acceptance Chart!

    New TYT DMR Radio Bundles 15:15
    We introduce the TYT MD-9600 Digital Ham Radio Base Station Kit and TYT Digital Ham Shack Mega Bundle.

    Questions and Answers 18:35
    Comments and questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

    Wrap up and Close 21:05
    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!

    © 2018 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.


  • TYT Radio FCC ID and Type Acceptance Chart

    TYT MD-380 DMR Digital Two Way RadioAs a result of the recent FCC enforcement advisory on import radios and the subsequent discussions on the topic in episodes TWRS-128 and TWRS-129 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, we checked the FCC IDs on all affected products in our warehouse to ensure full compliance. As a result, we posted our Wouxun Radio FCC ID and Type Acceptance Reference Chart to assure our Wouxun customers the products we sell meet FCC requirements. Since we are also an authorized US dealer for TYT, we decided to create one for TYT radios as well.

    The following chart lists the TYT radios on our web site with FCC IDs and FCC type acceptance.

    TYT Radio FCC ID and Type Acceptance Chart
    Model Radio Type FCC ID FCC Standard Approved Frequency Range
    MD-380 (UHF) Commercial PODMD-380 Part 90 400-480MHz RX/TX
    MD-380 (VHF) Commercial PODMD-380​V Part 90 136-174MHz RX/TX
    MD-390 (UHF) Commercial PODMD-38 Part 90 400-480MHz RX/TX
    MD-390 (VHF) Commercial PODMD-380​V Part 90 136-174MHz RX/TX
    MD-UV380 Commercial POD-MDUV380 Part 90/22 136-174/406.1-480MHz RX/TX
    MD-2017 Commercial POD-DMR2 Part 90/22 136-174/406.1-480MHz RX/TX
    MD-9600 Commercial POD-DMR3 Part 90 136-174/400-480MHz RX/TX
    TH-7800 Amateur 136-174/400-480MHz TX/RX
    TH-9800 Amateur PODTH-9800 Part 15B 28-29.7/50-54/144-148/420-450MHz RX/TX

    Of course, if you have any questions, please contact us or leave a comment below.

  • The Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 radio video

    The Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 is a small and lightweight UHF business radio with two watts of transmit power. It's a digital ProTalk option for users of the PKT-23 and very popular TK-3230DX analog business radios.

    The question is, should businesses that are currently using these small analog radios switch to the NX-P500? Watch the video and find out! The Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 is available now from Buy Two Way Radios.

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

  • The Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 Digital Radio makes NXDN more affordable

    Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 Digital Business Two Way RadioThe prospect of migrating an entire fleet of two way radios from analog to digital was once a rather intimidating one, and involved a considerable investment in a new and very expensive technology. Not anymore. As seems to be the trend, prices on high quality digital radios continue to fall. More evidence for this is the recently released Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 Digital Radio, which retails for only $219. Once limited to the domain of DMR, the cost of choosing NXDN digital technology is finally coming down. Thanks to the NX-P500, NXDN is now a very affordable option.

    The NX-P500 is a small and lightweight UHF radio with two watts of transmit power. Its small footprint aside, this is a powerful little transceiver. It uses a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to 15.5 hours of uptime on a single charge. Its built-in 750mW speaker belts out loud and clear audio and its LCD display is bright with easy to read icons and channel ID. It is also equipped with a 7 color LED indicator for call alerts and color coding groups.

    Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 Digital Business Two Way RadioThe NX-P500 operates on 450-470 MHz UHF frequencies and has 99 user programmable memory bank frequencies. It supports both analog and digital mixed mode operation, so it can communicate with your existing fleet of UHF radios. The NXDN digital scrambler adds a layer of security to your digital communications. It also features Fleetsync® paging, VOX functionality and companding. It's repeater capable and supports wireless cloning. It's also waterproof and even submersible.

    The NX-P500 is a ProTalk® series digital radio. With this model, Kenwood is clearly providing a digital option for users of their PKT-23 and the very popular TK-3230DX. Those analog models are great for many shorter range business applications, such as restaurants, retail stores, event management, or medical and dental offices. With the NX-P500, those businesses can now choose a radio that is similar in size that also offers digital sound and features.

    Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 in holster with charger and AC adapterThe question is, should businesses that were using these small analog radios switch to the NX-P500? This is without a doubt a superior radio, but is it worth the money? First of all, even if your business isn't using any of the advanced digital features, you will take advantage of the improved audio clarity. Second, the FCC has established a mandate that any new radios over two watts must be digital. While analog radios such as the TK-3230DX and PKT-23 are under this wattage, it's clear that digital is the direction that the FCC is pushing the industry.

    It seems logical to think that if you're eventually going to have to replace your fleet with digital radios, a good strategy is to start buying digital models like the NX-P500 now. Why buy another analog radio that you're going to have to replace later? The NX-P500 also supports analog, so it will work with your old radios now, and once you've replaced them all with digital models you can flip the switch and activate digital mode. Of course, if your business is currently not using radios at all, it definitely makes sense to start with digital. Either way, it's an easy, economical, and sensible route to digital two way radios.

    If you have any questions about the Kenwood NX-P500 or moving to digital radios, don't hesitate to contact us!

  • Buy 5 Olympia P324 radios, get one FREE!

    Olympia P324 Two Way RadioSpecial Offer! - To celebrate the holidays, we're giving our business customers a value added bonus. Buy 5 Olympia P324 business two way radios and get one more radio, FREE!

    The Olympia P324 is a powerful FOUR watt UHF radio with good range and great reliability. It has 32 channels, 131 interference eliminator codes, and a backlit LCD display. The P324 is fully programmable, but comes pre-programmed with 10 channels set to standard frequencies. It's compact, lightweight, water resistant and comes with a two year manufacturer warranty.

    The P324 is certainly a great value, and now it's even better, because when you buy 5, you get one free!

    The Olympia P324 offer is an overstock special - Only $69.99 each and includes Free Shipping! The offer is also valid on the P324R. This is a limited time offer for the holidays, and only while they are currently in stock. We can't guarantee this special will last to the end of the year, so if you want to take advantage of it, do it now.

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