Articles

If you’ve been shopping around for a new two way radio lately, you may have noticed something missing when it comes to the battery. Not too long ago, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs were common on handheld radios. Today, nearly every new model ships with a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery instead. So, what happened? There […]

The Wouxun KG-XS30G is a compact base/mobile GMRS radio designed specifically for users who need powerful mobile radio with simple operation while on the road. Although somewhat similar to the KG-XS20G in size, this radio is quite different in many ways. This radio is configured to transmit on the 15 high powered GMRS simplex channels, […]

The new Wouxun KG-XS30G Mobile GMRS Radio is here, bringing a redesigned front panel and some new, exciting feature upgrades to the Wouxun XS series mobile lineup. Designed for GMRS operators who want strong performance, flexible customization, and easier everyday operation, the KG-XS30G takes many of the popular features of the KG-XS20G Plus and packages […]

Spend enough time around CB radio and you’ll eventually hear all sorts of general “rules of thumb” from old timers about it. One such saying recently posted in our Two Way Radio Forum is the claim that every foot of CB antenna adds another mile of communication range. It sounds simple enough. But is it […]

Attic antennas can be a clever way to stay on the air without attracting attention from the HOA. But could that hidden ham or GMRS aerial also discourage unwanted attic tenants like squirrels, raccoons, rats, and mice? Unfortunately, the science says probably not. The idea sounds plausible at first. Radios radiate electromagnetic energy, and some […]

One of the most common misconceptions about two-way radios is the notion that more power automatically means greater range or better performance. It’s understandable. Manufacturers advertise radios by wattage, users compare power levels, and many people assume a 10 watt radio must always outperform a 5 watt model. But that’s not necessarily true. In reality, […]

It’s a situation that comes up more often than it should. You’re using your radio legally, within the rules, and suddenly a voice cuts in with “You need to get off this channel. This is our frequency.” For many users of FRS, MURS, GMRS, and even CB, that moment is confusing at best and frustrating […]

Recently, an inquiry was posted in The Two Way Radio Forum regarding handheld CB radios. The poster lamented the fact that the handheld CB radios she found do not have single side band, or SSB. This is a standard feature on many mobile CB radios, so why is it that handheld models do not have […]

The Multi-Use Radio Service, or MURS, is still the quiet professional of the personal radio world in 2026. It does not generate the same excitement as GMRS, and it does not offer the experimentation and technical range of Amateur Radio. Even so, MURS continues to hold a unique place for users who want simple, license-free […]

NXDN is a popular digital two-way radio protocol used in commercial, industrial, and public safety communications. If you’re programming or operating an Icom IDAS or Kenwood NXDN digital radio, one setting you’ll almost certainly encounter is the RAN code. Understanding what RAN codes are and when to use them can help you get cleaner communications […]