Two Way Radios

UPDATE: link was removed due to missing or expired page or content.

There are a lot of fun things you can do with a set of two way radios. Here at the office the other day we found this fun bit using some two ways as a remote camera trigger. A very long range remote camera trigger.

Another fun trick, you can use two radios as a short range repeater of sorts. We will let you guys figure that one out. Uhm, kind of requires duct tape.

Feel free to send us your favorite two way radio tricks and tips and we will pass them on. Just remember, no actual internal modifications allowed to the radios. While I am sure you get great range when you attached that old TV antenna to your radio, well let us just leave it at that.

Hi all! Tomorrow is April 25th, the birthday of Guglielmo Marconi, the "father of radio". There are a few celebrations taking place this weekend, and I know quite a few of you are amateur radio enthusiast, so have a great weekend.

Four new Cobra radios are now in stock and ready to ship. Here at Buy Two Way Radios we are often impressed by Cobra radios. Compact, affordable, and loaded with features they are a great value and often a good solution for those that are tired of larger and bulkier radios. New for this year, they are all certified lead free and even come in an eco-friendly package.

First we have the Cobra microTALK CXT90, a great little entry level radio. It has 22 GMRS/FRS channels and 121 privacy codes, VOX hands free operation, scan feature, selectable roger beep, and a key lock all in a small case. This is a good "starter" radio for a very nice price.

Next we have the Cobra microTALK CXT400. The 22 GMRS/FRS channels and 121 privacy codes, VOX hands free operation, scan feature, selectable roger beep, NOAA weather alerts, and a backlit display are just some of the features.

The Cobra microTALK CXR700 is another feature packed radio in a small case. The radios have 22 GMRS/FRS channels and 142 privacy codes. It also has VOX hands free operation, VibrAlert® silent paging, scan feature, selectable roger beep, NOAA weather alerts, and a key lock. This radio is very compact and could be a great alternative to those replacing cell phones with two way radios.

The final new radio is the Cobra microTALK CXR900. This model is also rather compact compared to other similar radios. With 22 GMRS/FRS channels and 142 privacy codes, VOX hands free operation, 10-Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio, VibrAlert® silent paging, scan feature, selectable roger beep, and a key lock it is loaded with capabilities. It also has a new feature we really like. With the Rewind-Say-Again® feature you can replay calls and record messages for playback. This is great for noisy environments.

Just letting all of you know, we now have the new Motorola MJ270R Two Way Radios in stock.

The Motorola MJ270R is compatible with all FRS/GMRS radios. It supports 22 channels and 121 privacy codes per channel with up to 27 miles of range in ideal conditions (up to 1.8 miles in urban conditions). Support for NOAA weather channels and iVOX hands-free use are also included.

Go check it out, it is loaded with features and we are selling it for $59.99!

While working on an upcoming post about Vertex Standard radios, we thought a look at our current line of Vertex products was also needed. The first radio I want to talk about is the Intrinsically Safe Vertex VX-427 model.

There are few radios that are rated as Intrinsically Safe for use in potentially hazardous environments. The VX-427 meets the requirement set forth in ANSI/UL 913 6th Edition for Class 1, Division 1, Groups A-D; Class II, Groups E-G; and Class III for hazardous locations. Ok, what does that mean?

Some two way radios can create electrical and thermal energy that can potentially ignite flammable gasses or pose a risk in a combustible environment. The VX-427 is meticulous built to ensure that the electrical and thermal energy of the radio is low enough that ignition in a hazardous atmosphere cannot occur. It even has a special Intrinsically Safe 7.2 V 1100mAh Nickel-Cadmium battery.

In addition to being rated Intrinsically Safe, the VX-427 is also loaded with great features. The radio has 5 watts of transmit power, support for 16 channels, 6 programmable function keys, and an 8 character LCD screen. Combine these features with Vertex's rugged and reliable designs, and you have one great commercial radio.

Kenwood Rebate

Kenwood has just launched a great new promotion! Through April 30th, 2009, you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio when you purchase six or more Kenwood ProTalk TK-3200L-U2P or Kenwood ProTalk TK-2200L-V2P radios! Click here for full details and redemption form.

MR355R

Here at Buy Two Ways Radios we are excited to have some news on the new 2009 Motorola Talkabouts. There are some interesting new models and features this year, starting with the MR350 and MR355R.

Top of the Line
The Motorola MR350 and MR355R have some interesting features that have been added. The most obvious changes made to previous top of the line models include larger buttons to make operation easier while wearing gloves and a built in LED flashlight. There is also a new emergency alert feature. Pressing the alert button sends out an alert signal and a spoken message to other radios. The "claimed" range for both radios is 35 miles. The MR350 is black with sliver highlights and an MSRP of $79.99 (per pair) The MR355R has a Realtree® AP HD® Camo pattern faceplate, 8 repeater channels (When used with a repeater, this will greatly extend the range of the MR355R. Great for hunters, or anyone needing a large transmission area.), and an MSRP of $89.99 (per pair). Now in stock for $79.99!

Some Great Features
The Motorola MJ270R, while not having all of the options of the top of the line models, still has some great features. With a "claimed" range of 27 miles, 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather channels, LED flashlight, and the emergency alert, the MJ270 is a great radio for the outdoor enthusiast. The rugged case is back with a silver faceplate and an MSRP of $69.99 (per pair). Now in stock for $59.99!

Still Yellow!
Slightly less costly, but still loaded with features and looks, the MH230R is a good option. With a "claimed" range of 23 miles, 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, and NOAA weather channels. The MJ230R is a very good multi-use radio for everything from a camping trip to a trip to the mall. And yes, it has a disctintive yellow faceplate. The MJ230R has an MSRP of $59.99 (per pair). Now in stock for $49.99!

Easy to Charge
One of the things we like about these radios is the ability to charge off of a mini-USB cable and not just a desktop charger. Being able to charge from a desktop charger, in a car using a mini-USB cable, or even off of a notebook computer with a mini-USB computer cable is a great convenience.

Here is a complete list of all of Motorola's 2009 models:

MR350R - NOW IN STOCK! ($69.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels (7 NOAA) with Alert Feature , LED Flashlight, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter/Save Feature, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, PTT Power Boost, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter.
T9680R - (MSRP $79.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels (7 NOAA) with Alert Feature and SAME, LED Flashlight, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, PTT Power Boost, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter.
MJ270R - NOW IN STOCK! ($59.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels (7 NOAA), Emergency Alert Button, LED Flashlight, iVOX, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter.
EM100R - (MSRP $69.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels (7 NOAA), Emergency Alert Button, LED Flashlight, iVOX, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter.
MH230R -NOW IN STOCK! ($49.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, iVOX, QT (Quiet Talk) Interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter. YELLOW!
SX600R - (MSRP $39.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, iVOX, QT (Quiet Talk) Interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, Mini USB Charging Port, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter.
FV300R - (MSRP $29.99) 22 Channels, Priority Scan, Keypad Lock, Battery Meter, 10 Call Tones, Plug In Charger
FV300 - (MSRP $19.99) 22 Channels, Priority Scan, Keypad Lock, Battery Meter, 10 Call Tones.

The following feature the Realtree® AP HD® Camo pattern:

MR355R -- NOW IN STOCK! ($79.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 8 Repeater Channels, 11 Weather Channels with Alert, Emergency Alert Button, LED Flashlight, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Replaceable Faceplate, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, PTT Power Boost, Mini USB Charging Prot, Drop-in Charger, Digital Signal Processing , Charging Adapter, 2 PPT Earbuds.
T9650XLR - (MSRP $119.9) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels with Alert, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Replaceable Faceplate, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones (5 Animal), Priority Scan, PTT Power Boost, Drop-in Charger, Digital Signal Processing , Charging Adapter, 2 Earpiece with Boom Microphone, 1 Car Charger.
T9550XLR - (MSRP $79.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels with Alert, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Replaceable Faceplate, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, PTT Power Boost, Drop-in Charger, Digital Signal Processing , Charging Adapter, 2 PPT Earbuds.
8550XLR - (MSRP $69.99) 22 Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 11 Weather Channels with Alert, iVOX, VibraCall Alert, QT (Quiet Talk) interruption Filter, Backlight Display, Battery Meter, Keypad Lock, 10 Call Tones, Priority Scan, Digital Signal Processing, Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter, 2 PPT Earbuds.

GXT1000

Buy Two Way Radios is excited to announce the 2009 lineup of Midland two way radios. Midland has added a number of new features and a few notable improvements to their 2009 radios. With so many changes in 2008, we were very interested in what other changes Midland would introduce in 2009 to the rest of their FRS and GMRS products.

Even More Channels and Privacy Codes
In 2008 Midland added extra channels. While we were skeptical originally about what these channels were, the added privacy, or more accurately filtering, feature was an interesting addition. In 2009 some models now have up to 8 more privacy channels (for a total of 28 privacy channels). There is a much more useful change though. They have upped the number of privacy codes on some models (all of the way up to 387 privacy codes on the GXT1000). This is more than twice the number previously available on consumer grade radios!

A Surprise
Regular readers of this site know that for years now there has been a steady increase in the claimed effective communication range of radios being made by many of the manufacturers. While the stated maximum range is technically accurate, we are very impressed by Midland's decision of keeping the advertised range unchanged. While the claimed ranges are still only possible under very specific conditions, the fact that the claimed distances have not again increased is a great move by Midland.

More Safety Features
The NOAA weather alert feature was already a great addition last year. A new feature is the new ability to automatically lock onto the local weather channel. Combined with this, some models will also now have an SOS Siren. If you are in an emergency situation, you will now be able to easily send out a distress signal.

More than just Camouflage
The backlit LCD screen for the radios has also been changed to a new hunter orange color. This should especially look good on radios with the new Mossy Oak Breakup camouflage faceplates. All of the models have a new updated look with more rugged looking cases, and less silver colored plastic on some of the faceplates.

New Model Specifics
Here is a look at the highlights of each new GMRS model. The new models will be available in May/June (subject to change). Pricing information is not yet finalized.

GXT1050 - Camouflage, "50" Channels, 387 Privacy codes, SOS Siren, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Group Mode, Direct Call, Vibrate alert, VOX, IP4 Waterproof, DC Adapter, Headsets, 5 Animal Calls.
GXT1000 - "50" Channels, 387 Privacy codes, SOS Siren, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Group Mode, Direct Call, Vibrate alert, VOX, IP4 Waterproof, DC Adapter, Headsets.
GXT 785 - Camouflage, "42" Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, 10 Call Alerts, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Vibrate Alert, VOX, 5 Animal Calls.
GXT740 - "42" Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, 10 Call Alerts, Weather Scan, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Vibrate Alert, VOX
LXT480 - "42" Channels, 121 Privacy Codes, 5 Call Alerts, NOAA Channels/Alerts, Vibrate Alert, VOX
LXT365 - Small Camouflage Faceplate Section, "22" Channels Hi/Lo Power Settings
LXT360 - "22" Channels, Hi/Lo Power Settings
LXT112 - "22" Channels

Do you need a high powered two way radio, but don't want to deal with the hassle of licensing? MURS may be the answer, particularly if you plan to use the radio outdoors where VHF frequencies are most effective.

The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is a two-way radio service consisting of five frequencies in the VHF spectrum. Established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the fall of 2000, MURS is a radio service allowing for "licensed by use" operation, meaning that a FFC issued license is not necessary to operate a MURS transmitter. The FCC formally defines MURS as "a private, two-way, short distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public".

There are some limitations to MURS: radio power is limited to 2 watts, MURS stations may not be connected to the public telephone network, radio repeaters are not permitted, and the highest point of any MURS antenna must not be more than 60 feet above the ground or 20 feet above the highest point of the structure on which it is mounted.

Since MURS exists within the VHF spectrum, it has the potential to become very popular among the traveling community and outdoor enthusiasts. VHF characteristics are ideal for short-distance ground communication, with a range generally somewhat farther than line-of-sight. Although there are limitations on transmitter power output and antenna height, there are no restrictions on the use of external antennas. The range for vehicle-to-vehicle communications with MURS can be much greater than that for the Family Radio Service (FRS). Outdoor activities are benefited by the increased range over the FRS, allowing for base camps to utilize antennas to stay in contact with campers and emergency personnel.

MURS operation is authorized anywhere a CB station is authorized.

• Within or over any area of the world where radio service are regulated by the FCC
• Any other area of the world, except within the territorial limits of areas where radio services are regulated by either an agency of the United States other than the FCC or any foreign government (Subject to either parties rules)
• Aboard any vessel of the United States, with the permission of the captain, while the vessel is traveling either domestically or in international waters

MURS operation is not authorized aboard aircraft in flight.

MURS stations may transmit voice or data signal as permitted in FCC regulation Section 95.631.

Determined quickly whether a radio is legal to use on MURS:

• If the radio is Part 95 certified and operates on MURS frequencies
• If the radio was Part 95 certified prior to November 12, 2002 and transmits no more than 2 watts, and has no external control to increase power above 2 watts and only operates wideband on the 154 MHz frequencies (all parts must be true)
• If the Radio was Part 90 certified prior to November 12, 2002 and transmits no more than 2 watts and has no external control to increate power above 2 watts and does not narrowband on the 151 MHz and 154 MHz frequencies or narrowband on 151 MHz and wideband on 154 MHz frequencies (all parts must be true)

The following are the frequencies authorized for use by the MURS:

Click here for a list of radios that we currently offer supporting the MURS frequencies.

Related Resources
The first mobile MURS radio from Wouxun is here!
Best MURS Two Way Radios of 2020
Looking for a MURS Compatible Radio?
MURS Capable Two Way Radios
Motorola Releases Two New MURS Radios
Introducing the Wouxun KG-805 Professional GMRS and MURS Radios
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-11 - All About MURS
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-145 - New GMRS and MURS Radios