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Two Way Radios

  • How to Use our Two Way Radio Buyers Guide

    Shopping for a two way radio can be a little confusing, or even a little daunting. But it doesn't have to be that way. Fortunately, Buy Two Way Radios has you covered. We have a handy dandy Buyer's Guide on our website to help you find the radio that fits exactly what you need.

    In this video segment from episode 187 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Rick shows you how to use the Buyer's Guide to make shopping for a two way radio easier than ever before.

  • Faraday bags protect your radios from EMP damage and more!

    Among the concerns of preppers and many others who buy two way radios for emergency comms is one of EMF protection. How do you protect your radios and other sensitive electronics from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) damage and Electromagnetic Pulse, or EMP attacks? The general answer to this is to store them in a Faraday Cage. But where do you get one? After considerable research, we have a solution. Buy Two Way Radios now offers Faraday Bags for your radio gear!

    These faraday bags from Faraday Defense provide protection from Electromagnetic Field Radiation (EMF), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), and Static Discharge. Our current line includes the following products.

    Faraday NEST-Z EMP 7.0 mil Faraday BagFaraday NEST-Z EMP 7.0 mil Faraday Bag
    The Faraday NEST-Z is an EMP bag with a zip-lock closure fast and convenient storage and transport of electronic components and devices. The bag has a 7.0 mil thick moisture barrier and five layers of high temperature resistant, EMI protective materials. These include two layers of heavy-gauge, static-dissipating polyester, two layers of aluminum barrier shielding, and an inner layer of polyester for added strength. It's puncture resistant at up to 33 lbs and has a tensile strength of 11,500 psi.

    The NEST-Z bags meet MIL-PFR-81705-REV.D standards for heat sealable, electrostatic protective flexible barrier materials with an EMI attenuation of >50 dB. It is RoHS compliant and lead-free.

    The NEST-Z is available in four sizes, including 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches, 12x18 inches and 16x20 inches.
    Price: From $7.69

    Faraday NEST-Z Faraday Bag - 15pc Kit
    The NEST-Z is also available in a 15 bag kit with 15 assorted sizes. These include six 5x7 inch bags, four 8x10 inch bags, two 12x18 inch bags and three 16x20 inch bags. All sizes are internal measurements. Price: $69.99


    Faraday NX3 Faraday / Fabric Forensic BagFaraday NX3 Faraday / Fabric Forensic Bag
    The Faraday NX3 Faraday / Fabric Forensic Bag takes things up a notch with a bag made of metal plated fabric. It consists of three layers of what Faraday Defense calls CYBER fabric for "enterprise grade protection". CYBER is described as a specialized metal-plated fabric containing elements of nickel and copper shielding. The bag seals with a double-roll and Velcro closure. According to the manufacturer, this bag is one of the highest-rated on the market for signal blocking, cyber blocking and universal shielding.

    The NX3 blocks Bluetooth, cell signals from 5G networks, GPS, RFID and Wi-Fi. It is designed for universal shielding of two way radios, laptops, and other devices. It's currently available in two sizes, 8x10 inches and 12x18 inches (interior dimension). Price: from $32.99

    Faraday Dry Bag Backpack (Stealth Black)Faraday Dry Bag Backpack (Stealth Black)
    One of the more interesting products is the Faraday Dry Bag Backpack. This is a real EMP backpack made with three layers of metal plated fabric consisting of nickel and copper shielding. It seals with a double roll and clip closure for 100% signal blocking protection. It can block communication of signals to and from the devices inside it with 85-90dB attenuation.

    The Faraday Backpack features two mesh side pockets, padded straps and quick-release straps. The straps and the mesh padding on the back of the pack add a professional look and comfortable feel. The tarpaulin exterior is puncture and water resistant. With interior dimensions of 16″ H x 11″ W x 6″ D when closed, this bag has ample room for two way radios, accessories and other devices. Price: $139.99

    Faraday Dry Duffel BagFaraday Dry Duffel Bag
    If you want to maximize protection and need to carry a lot electronic gear, the Faraday Dry Duffel Bag may be what you need. Like the backpack, the Duffel bag is designed shield multiple devices for travel or storage, and has the same puncture and water resistant tarpauline outer cover and 3-layer fabric of metal-plated, nickel and copper shielding. It seals with a double-fold closure and secure buckles to block signals with >85 attenuation (400Mhz-40Ghz). The bag has padded straps, reinforced carrying handles and an extra strap across the top for an extra secure closure.

    The the large interior area of 24”x12”x12" when closed gives you plenty of room for a plethora of devices. This is the top line of portable EMP bags. Price: $247.99

  • Introducing the Wouxun KG-1000G Professional Mobile GMRS Radio

    A year ago we launched the Wouxun KG-805G GMRS radio. Its popularity confirmed for us that there is a market for high end, professional grade GMRS equipment. We're taking the next step and applying the principals that led to the KG-805G to a mobile radio. Today, we're announcing the Wouxun KG-1000G Professional Mobile GMRS Radio.

    When we started the process that led to creating the KG-1000G, our goal was to end up with a GMRS mobile radio that didn't require any compromises. Looking at other GMRS mobiles that are available, it seemed that no matter what, choosing one feature means giving up another. We think that what we ended up with in the KG-1000G has it all, and we truly believe that it is now the best mobile GMRS radio in the world.

    Let's take a look at some of the key features of the KG-1000G.

    Power

    Power is, of course, a key component of any radio as it directly contributes to the range of the radio. The FCC has set limits within the GMRS defining the maximum power for each channel, and it was important to us that the KG-1000G be able to deliver the maximum power allowed. Maximum power is also not always necessary, so the flexibility to switch to a lower power output when necessary is key.

    The KG-1000G will transmit at up to 50 watts on high power and 5 watts on low power. Medium power is adjustable and can be set to either 10 or 20 watts.

    Display and Installation Options

    A current dilema with GMRS users seems to be, "Do I select a lower powered radio that is smaller and easier to install in a vehicle, or a full size high powered radio that's more difficult to mount?" No doubt vehicle installation options are a big concern, as newer vehicles in particular are leaving fewer options for clean installs.

    The KG-1000G provides the best of both worlds. It's a high powered, full size radio but has a detachable faceplate. The faceplate can be removed from the radio and mounted in a remote location. This allows you to, for example, hide the radio body away in a trunk or under a seat while mounting the display within view of the driver. A remote display extension cable is used to connect the faceplate to the body and is included with the radio.

    The flexibility of the KG-1000G display doesn't end there. The angle of the display can be adjusted even when attached to the radio by using the included adapters. By default the display is angled upward at around 30 degrees. This can be adjusted to have the display face straight ahead, or downward at 30 degrees.

    Dual Display and Dual Watch

    The display is divided into two separate areas, essentially making the KG-1000G two radios in one. Each side of the display can monitor a separate channel or frequency, with its own volume control and settings. Each side can also perform other functions, such as a channel scan, so you could monitor a channel on one side while scanning on the other. There are other radios that offer this feature, but the KG-1000G makes it simple and intuitive to use.

    NOAA Mode

    When we made the decision to offer NOAA weather channel support, we wanted it to be easy to use. Other radios may require weather channels be added as just another channel in the channel list. This is inconvenient, as you have to tune away from your primary channel. The KG-1000G has a NOAA weather mode. Simply hold the BAND key for a couple of seconds and weather mode is activated, instantly tuning your last weather channel. Hold BAND again and you're back where you started.

    Wide RX Range and Frequency (VFO) Mode

    As a GMRS radio, the KG-1000G is only allowed to transmit on the frequencies that are part of the GMRS. However, that does not limit the frequencies that can be received or monitored. The KG-1000G can receive on any frequency in the following ranges: 50-53.995, 108-179.995, 320-349.995, 400-479.995 and 700-985 MHz. Included in that range are airband frequencies where AM is often used, and the KG-1000G can even auto-detect and demodulate AM!

    With such a wide receive range it would be a shame if non-GMRS frequencies had to be programmed in as channels before they could be accessed. The KG-1000G supports Frequency Mode to allow you to use the channel knob to tune a frequency directly. If you find a frequency that you want to save for later, a channel can be added and named directly through the menu. Up to 999 channels are supported.

    Repeater Channels and Tone support

    Of course the KG-1000G has the 8 GMRS repeater channels built-in, but if you use multiple repeaters with the same frequency and different tones you can add additional repeater channels. You can even do it directly through the radio without using programming software.

    Full CTCSS and DCS support is provided, including custom tones. You can assign a different tone to receive and transmit, commonly referred to as "split tones". Even better, the KG-1000G supports CTCSS/DCS tone scan, allowing you to detect the tone of incoming transmissions and automatically set the tone on the current channel to match.

    Repeater Mode

    Two KG-1000G's can be paired to become a fully legal GMRS repeater! Link two radios using a repeater cable (included) and you're running your own 50 watt GMRS repeater! This is great for those who need an occasional repeater while on the go, or even for those looking for a more permanent repeater at a value price.

    Full Featured Hand Microphone

    The hand microphone that is included with the KG-1000G is backlit, includes a loud speaker with separate volume control, and provides quick access to many radio features.

    Classic Circuit

    Wouxun says the KG-1000G is built using a "classic radio circuit", but what they mean to do is differentiate their products from many lower quality radios being built today. Often radios are built using "radio-on-a-chip" technology that makes them inexpensive to produce, but often inferior in sound quality and receive sensitivity. The KG-1000G is a "real" radio, with a superheterodyne receiver, built in the same way as expensive professional radios made by large manufacturers.

    Legal For GMRS

    The Wouxun KG-1000G is FCC approved for both parts 95E (GMRS) and 15B (scanning). The FCC ID number is WVTWOUXUN20

    Availability

    The KG-1000G just received it's FCC approval last Friday (11/20) and we are expecting our initial shipment to arrive during the week of December 7-11. We are accepting pre-orders at this time. Our first shipment is limited in quantity. If our orders exceed the number of units that we are expecting in this shipment, we will stop taking orders until the date of our next shipment is more certain.

    We recommend pairing the KG-1000G with a Nagoya NL-770G GMRS Antenna and a Nagoya RB-MJPL Strong Magnetic Mount Base, although there are other antenna options available that will work fine. The Wouxun KG-1000G is available for pre-order at $319.99. Click here for full details, or to place an order.

  • Kenwood Announces New 2-Watt Digital Radio

    We just received word that Kenwood is planning to launch a 2 watt version of their NX-340U16P and NX-240V16P digital two way radios. The current radios are 5 watts, 16 channels, and operate using Nexedge FDMA digital technology, or conventional analog.

    The new models will be the NX-340U16P2 (UHF) and NX-240V16P (VHF), and are expected to be identical to the current models other than the difference in wattage. The new radios are expected to sell for $299, which will make it a definite consideration for current TK-3400 and TK-2400 users who are looking to go digital.

    Is it worth the extra cost to get a digital radio? Over the past few years there has been a significant price drop in digital radios. At this point, the benefits clearly outweigh the extra cost. While there are many benefits, the improvement in audio quality alone is worth the price of admission. With analog radios, the audio quality gets worse as the radios get further apart. With digital, the audio is always crystal clear. No more static, no more choppy audio.

    So who is the right customer for these two new models? Based on the performance of Kenwood's current 2-watt radios, the range is sufficient for most short to mid range applications. We have customers using the TK-3400 for applications such as warehouses, manufacturing, schools, retail stores and more.

    When can you purchase the new models? We expect to have them in stock in mid July.

    This post was updated on 6/28/2017.

  • What to do if the radio does not power on

    You stored your walkie talkies away for awhile and now you're planning that big weekend hiking or camping trip with your family or friends across the great outdoors. Naturally, you need them again, so you take them out, dust them off, turn them on and -

    Uh oh. Nothing happens. They won't go on.

    You have your company fleet of two way radios packed and ready to take to the next job. When you arrive onsite, you take them out of their case, pass them out to your workers, instruct everyone to stay on Channel 1, and -

    No, wait. They don't turn on.

    Yeah, it happens. Sometimes a radio may not power on. Of course, if it happens, it is a big deal, because the two way radio as we know it is considered one of the most stable and reliable modes of communication available to the modern world, especially during an emergency. As stable and reliable as two way radios are, it still happens. So if or when it does happen, what do you do?

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot, identify and hopefully resolve the issue when your radio does not power on.

    Step 1. Verify the batteries or battery pack is/are installed correctly.

    • Verify the battery pack is seated or batteries are installed correctly or with the correct polarity. If correct, proceed to Step 3.
    • If not installed correctly, reseat the battery pack or batteries.

    Step 2. Check to be sure the radio is really on.

    Some consumer FRS and GMRS radios turn on by pressing a power button or holding it down for one to two seconds. Sometimes there is a delay or there is poor contact internally and it needs to be held down a little longer. Other models, such as business, air band, amateur, CB and marine portable handheld radios have a power knob on top of the unit that must be turned to power them on. If the knob is loose, you might think it turned the shaft of the switch when it didn't. The on/off switch could also be defective.

    • If the radio is turned on and there is power, proceed to Step 5.
    • If radio switch is on but there is no power, check to be sure the battery or batteries is/are fully charged.

    Step 3. Check to be sure the battery is charged.

    • Swap out the battery pack or batteries with another or fresh one(s). If no spare batteries are available, put the battery(ies) in another known working radio to test.
    • If no other battery(ies) or radio is available, go to Step 4.
    • If swapping the battery(ies) or radio was successful and the radio has power, skip to Step 5.
    • If there is still no power, proceed according to battery type.

    Step 4. Troubleshoot according to battery type.

    • If the battery is rechargeable, recharge it according to the manufacturer instructions. If the battery charges, go to Step 5.
    • If the rechargeable battery pack does not charge, troubleshoot the battery pack and charger.
    • If the battery is non-rechargeable and replacement batteries do not power on the radio, check the radio for damage.

    Step 5. Turn the radio on.

    • If the radio turns on, the issue is resolved.
    • If the radio does not turn on, check the radio for damage and refer to the manufacturer for warranty support.

    If these instructions are followed correctly, you should be able to quickly determine the cause of the issue and possibly resolve it. If these troubleshooting steps did not resolve your issue and your radio is out of warranty, contact us at Buy Two Way Radios.

  • Can I charge alkaline batteries in a two way radio or charger?

    The ability to accommodate multiple power options is a great feature to have in any device, and a two way radio with this attribute is an especially versatile transceiver. In addition to a rechargeable battery pack, such radios can operate from other power sources as well, such as 12v DC vehicle power adapters and, of course, regular AA or AAA alkaline batteries. It is rather common for some models of handheld radios to allow the use of both rechargeable batteries or proprietary battery packs and AA or AAA disposable alkaline batteries, a very useful and highly desirable feature. However, for all of its obvious benefits, this versatility also brings a certain level of risk: the possibility, whether by ignorance or accident, of the potentially costly or even dangerous mistake of charging the wrong batteries in the radio.

    Customers often ask us about battery compatibility with their radios, and most are the type of queries one would expect. Recently we received a question about the use of alkaline batteries in two way radios as a substitution for the supplied rechargeable cells that was a little different. While it is a very basic question, it's a very important one, with an answer everyone should know before they ever attempt to recharge their radio.

    If my two way radio accepts AA or AAA batteries, can I charge them when I plug the radio in to the charger?

    If they are alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries, the answer is no. These are disposable batteries and cannot be recharged. If they are rechargeable batteries, it depends. Some radios are designed specifically for AA or AAA rechargeable batteries and usually include a set of two, three, or four of these cells in the package with each radio. If so, only those rechargeable cells provided with the radio by the manufacturer are specifically intended to be charged while inside the radio itself. If the rechargeable batteries are not supplied by the radio manufacturer or are purchased separately from a third party battery manufacturer, they should only be charged outside the radio and only in a charger specifically made for those batteries.

    One might think this is just common sense, but it can be an easy mistake to make, especially with radios that support multiple battery types and charging options. Let's say you have a set of Motorola Talkabout radios with a battery pack inside each one that is charged when the radios are inserted into a desktop drop-in charger or plugged into a USB charger adapter. The radios also accept AA or AAA disposable alkaline batteries. Suppose you take your radios on a camping trip for the weekend. The camp has no electricity to recharge the batteries, but fortunately you carry along some disposables as a backup. During the trip, one of the radios drains its battery pack, so you naturally swap it for the alkalines. After returning home, you set the radios aside for a couple of months until you need them again and it's time to charge them for your next excursion.

    But, you forgot one of them has the alkalines, and which one? If you don't check first, you may get a nasty reminder after the fact, one that could pose a serious hazard to your radios, or, more importantly, to you.

    Think it can't happen? It certainly can. It isn't always due to operator error, either. Even the manufacturers themselves can make a mistake. The most recent example of this was related to the Midland GXT2000 and GXT2050 radios. These radios, which were intended to operate on either Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery packs or disposable alkalines, had chronic power issues, prompting Midland to change the power options of the series.

    Mistakes can happen, but they can usually be minimized or even prevented with a little care and common sense.

    To minimize the chance of an error or accident, follow these best practices when using batteries and charging battery packs for your radios:

    - Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. NEVER attempt to charge alkalines either in or outside a radio.

    - Although you can use rechargeable batteries manufactured by a third party instead of alkalines to power the radio, you should never attempt to recharge them in the radio. ONLY charge rechargeable batteries in the charger they came with.

    - Never attempt to recharge one type of rechargeable battery in a charger intended for different type. For instance, do not charge Nickel Metal Hydride (NiCd) batteries in a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery charger or vice-versa.

    - You should ONLY use the radio charger to charge the radio with the rechargeable batteries or battery pack that came with the radio or a replacement rechargeable battery pack specifically approved to replace the original battery pack for that make and model radio.

    - Using the radio charger for any other type of radio, battery or battery pack than the one it is intended for can be very dangerous for you and/or your radio and is NOT recommended.

    - Always check the type and condition of the batteries in your radios before you charge them, especially if they have not been used for extended periods.

  • What is the difference between walkie talkies and two way radios?

    business-consumer.pngRecently we received a comment from a customer who took issue with our use of the terms two way radio and walkie talkie in one of our older posts. Apparently the customer was searching for a two way radio but after locating radios listed as walkie talkies, considered it a misdirection to another line of products, presumably perceiving that an item labeled as a walkie talkie was inferior to another item labeled as a two way radio. According to the customer, walkie talkies and two way radios are not the same.

    In reality, the terms walkie talkie and two way radio are often considered interchangeable, at least here in the US, and are sometimes even used together in the same conversation to reference the same thing. As a US based company, our use of these terms is based on their common accepted usage within our country. These terms may be used differently in other countries, so it is, by no means, an absolute.

    Of course, there is a difference between a two way radio and a walkie talkie that is somewhat universal. Technically speaking, the two are not the same thing, although in some cases, they can be. To understand the difference, we need to define the terms.

    A two way radio is a radio that can operate two ways, that is, it has the ability to both transmit and receive a radio signal, as opposed to a radio that can only receive. A two way radio can either operate in a half-duplex or full duplex mode. Half-duplex allows the radio to transmit or receive in turn but not both simultaneously. Full-duplex allows the radio to transmit and receive at the same time. A two way radio is also commonly called a transceiver, because it can both transmit and receive radio communications. In either case, the radio operates two ways; it can send and it can receive.

    A walkie talkie is a portable two way radio, particularly one that can be held in the hand. This type of radio, also known as a handy talkie, handheld transceiver or HT, allows you to talk on the radio while walking around, hence the name walkie talkie.

    Now that we've defined the terms, let's consider the argument. Are these terms interchangeable? Well, yes and no.

    According to the definition, a walkie talkie is a two way radio, but a two way radio is not always a walkie talkie. This is because there are types of radios that are not portable handhelds, such as a mobile radio mounted in a vehicle or a desk or wall mounted base station.

    But, it can be one. In fact, most, if not all manufacturers of business, CB, FRS, GMRS, marine, airband and amateur portable handheld radios or walkie talkies do not usually refer to their products as "Walkie Talkies", but as "Two Way Radios".

    This is understandable, considering the history of the walkie talkie. It originally referred to the portable backpack transceivers used in the military during World War II. More recently it became associated with consumer grade FRS radios. The term has also long been used to refer to extremely low power radios sold as toys and that stigma, while misdirected, still exists today. Given that, it's no wonder some folks shun products labeled as walkie talkies in search of a "real" two way radio.

    Do you consider walkie talkies and two way radios different or the same things? How and why? It's a great topic and we'd like to know what you think. We will be discussing it in a January 2015 episode of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast and we want your comments. From now until December 31, 2014, for everyone who comments on the topic below, tweets a response @2WayRadios, or posts it on our Facebook or Google + pages, if we read it on the podcast, we will send you a FREE T-shirt!

    We have plenty of shirts to give away, so send in your comments now.

  • Have a Safe Memorial Day!

    Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish everyone a great and safe Memorial Day! Our offices will be closed for the day on Monday, May 26, 2014. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EDT Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 1-800-584-1445. Have a great Memorial Day and please stay safe while traveling.

  • Happy New Year 2014!

    Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish everyone a happy, prosperous and safe 2014! Our offices will be closed to ring for the day on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 and Wednesday, January 1, 2014. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please stay safe while traveling during the new year.

  • One Week Only Special on Midland Two Way Radios!

    The holidays are fast approaching, and this year we are excited to offer something really special to our customers! BuyTwoWayRadios.com is teaming up with Midland to offer special discounts on Midland two way radios! For ONE WEEK ONLY, Take an additional 10% off our already low prices on Midland two way radios in our store! This offer begins at 8 AM ET December 2 and ends midnight December 8, 2013. To take advantage of this offer, enter promo code MIDLAND at checkout and your 10% savings will be applied immediately to your order! You can also order by phone. Call us at 1-800-584-1445 before this offer expires at midnight, Dercember 8, 2013!

    But that's not all. There is no purchase limit, either. Mix and match the models and buy as many as you need or want with Promo Code MIDLAND. The more Midland radios you buy, the more you save!

    The following Midland two way radios qualify for this exclusive, ONE WEEK ONLY offer:

    Questions? Give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or enter our live chat.

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