News

Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish everyone a great and safe Labor Day weekend! Our offices will be closed for the day on Monday, September 3, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EDT Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 1-800-584-1445. From all of us at Buy Two Way Radios have a great Labor Day and please stay safe while traveling.

It is 2012 and hurricane season is here. Hurricane Isaac is now bearing down on the Louisiana coastline. A Tropical storm warning is in effect from East of Morgan City Louisiana to the Alabama-Florida border.
According to the National Weather Service, Isaac became a hurricane Tuesday and will continue to strengthen until landfall occurs along the northern Gulf Coast. If you are located in or around these areas, Are you ready?

Have you put together your Hurricane Preparedness Kit? If not, consider it now. Get the official FEMA checklist of Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit or purchase one of the ready-made Survival /Emergency Kits from Buy Two Way Radios.

A Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA emergency weather radio are also on the list and are considered very important. You may also need Extra batteries for both radios.

For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.

This has been an exciting year for GMRS two way radios. Major manufacturers such as Cobra, Midland and Motorola have announced or launched a number of new models for 2012 with new designs, upgrades and features. Not to be outdone, Uniden has recently updated their product line as well, with such models as the GMR3799, GMR4099 and GMR5099. In fact, they are still at it. Uniden just introduced two new entries in their GMR Series of two way radios, the GMR4040-2CKHS and GMR5089-2CKHS.

The Vertex Standard rebate promotion is ending August 17, 2012 at Buy Two Way Radios. If you are planning to purchase land mobile two way radios for your factory, warehouse, farm, school or other business operation, now may be the best time to buy.

You get $20 or $40 back on every radio purchased, depending on which model you choose. You must purchase a minimum of six radios to qualify for the rebate, but there is no purchase limit, so your savings can be substantial!

The following radios qualify for the rebates:

This offer fulfilled by Vertex Standard, so you will need to send your rebate redemption form directly to them after purchase. This offer is valid on radios purchased through August 17, 2012. You can mix and match models within a series, however all radios purchased must be within the same product series and must be ordered on a single order and on the same invoice. The Minimum rebate is $120 (6 radios x $20) or $240 (6 radios x $40). Click here for full details. Visit vertexstandardrebate.com and follow the instructions to redeem your rebate.

Please remember all redemption requests must be postmarked on or before August 17, 2012.
Redemption submissions received after that date will NOT be eligible. Redemptions cannot be sent to P.O. Boxes. Please allow 4-6 weeks from receipt of your submission for to receive your rebates. Offer good only in the U.S. and Canada and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law.

All Vertex Standard radios on this list are narrowband compliant.

We just received word that TriSquare is going out of business and its products will no longer be available. The entire TriSquare TSX Series has been discontinued.

We know a lot of our customers are fans of TriSquare radios. It's no big secret why. First, the TSX Series radios use Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, allowing operators to choose from up to ten billion channels for greater privacy and more secure communications than typical business or consumer two way radios. Second, the radios often include advanced functionality typically found on cell phones, such as direct call, text messaging, contact lists and great displays.

Most importantly, TriSquare radios can be used by anyone or any business without a license, unlike GMRS. They operate in the 900 Mhz range, so no FCC license is required, yet coverage and performance is roughly equivalent to a conventional GMRS two way radio.

However, there is one caveat to TriSquare TSX Series radios - these models only communicate with each other and are not compatible with other makes and models of two way radios. This is important to consider when buying TriSquare radios, especially now.

We have sold out our last inventory of radios and TriSquare accessories at Buy Two Way Radios. Since these models are no longer manufactured, they will not be restocked. If you are shopping around for radios and considered purchasing TriSquare, we recommend that you choose among our other business or consumer two way radios instead.

For those who are die-hard fans of TriSquare (and there are quite a few out there), your long term options are to either continue using the TSX Radios available to you or replace them with conventional radios. if you do decide to stay with the TriSquare radios, The TSX100, TSX100-2VP, TSX100R-2VP, TSX300-2VP, and TSX300R-2VP are no longer available. All Accessories such as the TriSquare Replacement Battery (TSX-BP) and the TriSquare TSX10A Accessory Pack are now sold out.

If you recently purchased TriSquare radios from us and are concerned about warranty and support issues, not to worry. TriSquare informed us that your warranty is valid and they will continue product warranty and support for the radios "for as long as needed". If a warranty or support issue arises, the company recommends customers contact the service or sales email addresses on their web site for assistance or call Buy Two Way Radios at 1-800-584-1445.

The special promotion on Kenwood business two way radios is about to expire at Buy Two Way Radios. If you are planning to purchase or upgrade radios for your business or operation at our already low prices, now is the time to take advantage of this rebate offer and save!

Purchase at least six Kenwood TK-3230 radios and you qualify for a $25 rebate per radio with a maximum purchase of 48 radios for a potential savings of $1,200!

Purchase at least six Kenwood TK-2300V16P or TK-3300U16P radios and you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio with a maximum of 48 radios and a potential savings of over $1,440!

This offer is fulfilled by Kenwood directly, so the rebate will be mailed to you after Kenwood receives your rebate form. This offer valid on up to a maximum purchase of 48 radios through July 31, 2012. To redeem the rebate, visit http://protalkrebates.kenwoodusa.com.

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked on or before August 6, 2012. Read the Kenwood promotional flyer for full details.

Buy Two Way Radios wishes everyone a safe and happy July 4th! Our offices will be closed for Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EDT Thursday, July 5, 2012. Have a happy Fourth of July, keep your emergency weather radios on and please stay safe while traveling.

It is 2012 and hurricane season is here. Tropical Depression Debby is heading out to the Atlantic after hovering over the Florida coast for four days, flooding the peninsula with a seemingly endless barrage of rain. According to the National Weather Service, the flooding remains a threat. If you are located in or around these flood-prone areas, Are you ready?

Have you put together your Hurricane Preparedness Kit? For those who haven't, now is the time to prepare. Get the official FEMA checklist of Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit or purchase one of the ready-made Survival /Emergency Kits from Buy Two Way Radios.

Of course, basic necessities such as food and water are critical to have available and are top items on any emergency list. However, there are a other items on FEMA's list that are also extremely important. The third and fourth items listed in order of importance are a Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. The next item? Extra batteries for both radios.

Below is a list of radios that meet the federal requirements suggested in FEMA's list:

Two Way Radios
Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger - A powerful 5 watt all-weather radio. Durable and water resistant, the GXT1000 VP4 features NOAA weather channels, NOAA weather alerts and a 3 year manufacturer warranty. This is our most popular GMRS radio.

Motorola TALKABOUT MS350R Two Way Radios - Built for performance and designed specifically for extreme weather conditions, this radio is ready. The MS350R has 11 weather channels, operates on either rechargeable or disposable batteries, is submersible and floats. It even includes a built-in flashlight! This pack also includes an Emergency Preparedness Checklist Sheet.

Motorola TALKABOUT T9680R-SAME Two Way Radios - One of the most powerful FRS/GMRS two way radios from Motorola, the T9680R is designed as a Hazard Alert radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, a system adopted by the National Weather Service to warn citizens of emergency situations within their immediate area. SAME monitors the NOAA weather stations in your region for emergency situations and hazardous conditions. The T9680R can operate on either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.

Midland XT511 Base Camp Two Way/Emergency Crank Radio - This powerful device is the "swiss army knife" of two way and emergency radios.It's an FRS/GMRS radio, AM/FM clock radio with an alarm, and NOAA weather radio with weather alerts. It's also a flashlight. The Midland XT511 has five power options: AC wall power, DC vehicle adapter, rechargeable battery pack, alkaline batteries and a Dynamo hand crank. The XT511 even has a built-in USB connector to charge a USB device such as a cell phone in the event of a power outage!

NOAA Weather Radios (receive only)
Midland ER102 Emergency Crank Radio - The ER102 has the key features of the XT511 without the built-in GMRS two-way radio, but with a temperature indicator and freeze warning alert.

Midland WR-120 Weather Radio - An All Hazards Alert weather radio that monitors the Public Alert system and features SAME technology to alert you to weather or civil emergencies in your area. It also includes an alarm clock with snooze and a blue backlit display. A battery backup, color coded alert light and external antenna jack round out the features.

Midland WR-300 Weather Radio - The WR-300 has all the features of the WR-120 - with an AM/FM radio and alarm clock with snooze to boot.

Midland HH54VP2 SAME Handheld Weather Radio - This compact, portable handheld radio is a great travel companion. It has NWS all hazard alerts with S.A.M.E. technology and other emergency alerts such as Amber Alerts, biological hazard warnings, civil emergency messages, nuclear power plant warnings, fire warnings and landslide warnings. But that's not all. The HH54VP2 also features a bulit-in alarm clock with snooze, user selectable alerts, color coded alert indicators, a large, backlit display with continuous backlighting option and battery backup.

Midland HH-50 Pocket Weather Alert Radio - The Midland HH-50 is a weather radio that is so compact it fits in your pocket. It instantly auto scans for emergency and weather alerts as soon as you turn it on. The HH-50 supports all hazard alerts, emergency alerts, messages and warnings. This is a great choice for the travel size emergency kit in the car.

There is no doubt communication is critical in any emergency, but when severe weather strikes, you need to be kept up to date on current, constantly changing weather conditions in your area. During such emergencies, power can go out, landlines can be lost and cell service can lose signals. In such situations, a radio may be your only means of communication and important weather alerts.

Don't wait for the next storm to hit before you prepare. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, get your Hurricane Preparedness Kit ready now.

For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.

We promised we would keep you up to date on the new Midland two way radios for 2012 as each new model comes out. Well, we have great news. The Midland LXT560VP3 has arrived, and we not only have the scoop on this new Midland radio, Buy Two Way Radios is one of the first to have it in stock!

The LXT560 features 22 FRS/GMRS channels, 14 extra channels, and 121 privacy codes. It's also a NOAA weather alert radio, which makes it a good choice for hiking, camping or your favorite family outdoor activity. It runs on 4 AAA alkaline batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries (included) and is drop-in charge capable for quick and easy charging.

It works with other FRS and GMRS radios and is water resistant for outdoor use. It comes in a solid case with a blue faceplate. In all, it is a rather attractive Midland radio.

The Midland LXT560VP3 is here now and available to ship with your order.

This week - May 27th through June 2nd - is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. With the coincidental arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl, we've already had a taste of what this 2012 hurricane season could be like. Beryl was not even a category one hurricane, yet this storm packed a considerable punch with wind and rain, causing power outages and cancelling Memorial Day events along the Florida and Georgia coasts.

Tropical Storm Beryl is said to be the most powerful tropical storm in recorded history to hit the Atlantic coast of the US outside of hurricane season, which officially begins today, June 1. But it wasn't the first cyclone to jump the starting date. Tropical Storm Alberto, which formed off the coast of South Carolina, claimed that spot in mid May.

The National Weather Service advises everyone to be prepared for hurricane season this week. Develop an emergency plan of action and/or evacuation in case of an emergency. Prepare an emergency disaster kit with basic provisions, including:

Collecting everything you need to build an emergency kit can be time consuming and even a bit daunting, especially if you are someone who is always busy or on the go. For those who want to be prepared but don't have the time or patience to go on a scavenger hunt for emergency supplies, you can get one already prepared for you. Buy Two Way Radios now carries a complete line of emergency and survival kits, from the Basic Necessities Emergency Kit to the Four Person Survivor Kit.

Of course, our specialty is radios. For the NWS Emergency Preparedness List posted above, we recommend the Midland ER102 Emergency Crank Radio or the Midland XT511 Base Camp Two Way / Emergency Crank Radio. The XT511 is also an FRS/GMRS two way radio, which could come in handy if land line or cell phone communications are out.

For a complete overview of these and other emergency/weather radios, read the Weather Radio Buyer's Guide. To help you choose the best weather radio for your situation, check out our Emergency Weather Radio Comparison Guide.

So far we've had two storms in one month, before the hurricane season has even begun. Is this just an anomaly, or a shadow of things to come? Does it really matter? The National Weather Service advises us all to get ready, always be ready, because you just never know until the next storm comes.

For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.