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We tell you about a new compact portable handheld GMRS radio from Wouxun with a superheterodyne receiver, full DTMF keypad and USB-C charging port that's also rated IP67 submersible. We also take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our forum.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:18

New Wouxun KG-S88G GMRS Two Way Radio 1:37
First there was the KG-805G, then came the KG-905G, and then the KG-935G. Now Wouxun has a brand new model, the KG-S88G! We go through its features and compare it to other Wouxun GMRS radios.

Questions and Answers 41:08
Comments and questions from blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 47:03
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. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free Two Way Radio Show t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2022 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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NOTE: This promotion expired April 21, 2022 and is no longer available.

As we reported in March, the GMRS license application fee is to be lowered from $70 to $35 beginning April 19, 2022. This is certainly a cause for celebration, so in honor of the occasion, we are declaring April 19 National GMRS Day!

To celebrate GMRS Day, Buy Two Way Radios is having a 35 hour sale on select GMRS radios and radio accessories with Promo Code: GMRS35!

The GMRS Day Sale begins at 1 PM EDT Tuesday, April 19, 2022 and ends at midnight EDT Thursday April 21, 2022.

• Get 10% off a Wouxun KG-805G GMRS radio!
• 10% off a Wouxun KG-905G GMRS radio!
• 10% off a Wouxun KG-905G Value Pack!
• 10% off Nagoya and Wouxun GMRS antennas!
• Plus, get 10% off all XLT audio accessories!

Again, this offer is valid for 35 hours only.
Celebrate GMRS Radio Day with Promo Code GMRS35 Only at Buy Two Way Radios dot com!

We tell you about the new FCC license fees for the ham and GMRS radio services. We also take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our forum.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:15

New Amateur and GMRS License Fees 1:34
On March 23, 2022, the FCC released the effective date of the new application fees for amateur and GMRS operator licenses. We talk about the original proposal to change the fees, discuss the frustration from some radio users over the timeline for implementing them, and question why it took so long for the new fees to take effect.

Questions and Answers 37:15
Comments and questions from blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 42:29
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. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free Two Way Radio Show t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2022 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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In March 2021 we speculated on the question as to when the FCC would begin implementation of the new application fees on radio licenses, particularly those for the GMRS and amateur radio services. Well here it is. The FCC announced the effective date of the new application fees. The new $35 GMRS and Amateur license application fees go into effect April 19, 2022!

According to the public notice released July 6, 2021, the "As indicated in the 2020 Application Fee Report and Order, the new application fee rates will become effective when the Commission’s “information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules." At this time, the systems and internal procedures have been updated for the Office of Engineering and Technology and for the Media Bureau.

On March 23, 2022, the FCC released the effective date of the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, stating "This Public Notice announces that the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, codified at 47 CFR § 1.1102, will become effective on
April 19, 2022."

CFR § 1.1102 includes the fee rates for Personal Radio Services, including the amateur and GMRS.

Update 4/19/2022 - A notice on the FCC website states the following: System: Universal Licensing System (ULS) April 19, 2022, New Application Fees have been implemented. Please reference Wireless Telecommunications Fee Guide for fees related to applications filed in ULS. Please reference DA 22-307.

NOTE: This is a developing story. Keep bookmarked for updates.

We talk about about choosing the best cable to use with your radio antenna. We also take some of your comments and questions from our email and our forum.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:12

How to Choose an Antenna Cable for Your Radio 1:32
Many of us invest a lot of time, energy and money searching for the best antennas to pair with our two way radios. But there is another part of the antenna system to consider as well. It is often overlooked, yet can be just as critical to the performance of your radio as the aerial itself. It’s the cable that attaches to it, also known as the feed line. We introduce you to the types of cables available, when to choose one type over another, and tell you who we think makes the best cables and cable accessories on the market.

Messi and Paoloni Cables 21:35
An introduction to the Messi & Paoloni line of coaxial cables and cable accessories.

Questions and Answers 45:06
Comments and questions from email and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 52:07
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. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free Two Way Radio Show t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2022 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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We talk about a new mobile GMRS radio from Midland that has more power, more features and is PC programmable. We also take some of your comments and questions from our email and our forum.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:05

New Midland MXT500 Mobile Radio 1:24
When we first announced the introduction of the Midland MXT400 in 2017, it was met with great excitement, and quickly became a top selling GMRS mobile radio at Buy Two Way Radios. Yet for all its features, there were a few shortcomings, and many GMRS power users were quick to list them. Taking serious note of this, Midland worked to address them. The result is a brand new GMRS mobile, the Midland MXT500.

Questions and Answers 17:36
Comments and questions from email and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 24:08
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. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free Two Way Radio Show t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2022 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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When we first announced the introduction of the Midland MXT400 in 2017, it was met with great excitement, and quickly became a top selling GMRS mobile radio at Buy Two Way Radios. Yet there were a few shortcomings, and many GMRS power users were quick to list them. Taking serious note of this, Midland worked to address them and the rumours swirled of an impending update. Now, the wait is over. The Midland MXT500 is here!

More Power
The MXT500 has many updates and improvements over its predecessor. For starters, it has more transmit power. The MXT400 was touted to max out at 40 watts, the MXT500 boasts up to 50 watts, the maximum for GMRS. This is a bit of a power boost that can make a difference when out in the woods or open range, providing a little more reach, and even more so when coupled with the right antenna. But that's just for starters.

Bandwidth Selectable
Where the MXT500 really makes a difference is in its new and improved features, and there are quite a few of them. Of course, it transmits on 15 GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels, but now it's with more flexibility. The MXT400 was limited to narrowband on these frequencies, which was a source of frustration among GMRS power users who needed to interoperate with other GMRS radios using wideband. Midland certainly listened and made note of this. The MXT500 makes this bandwidth selectable, so you can choose between narrowband and wideband operation as desired.

NOAA Weather Radio
Another quibble many GMRS users had with the MXT400 was the lack of a NOAA weather channels and alerts. Other models in the MXT Micromobile series such as the MXT105, MXT115 and MXT275 had this, so why not the one at the top of the line? It was a fair question, and one that Midland subsequently addressed. The MXT500 has a built-in NOAA weather radio, complete with a WX button on the front panel for full access to the weather band.

Split Tones and Codes
Yet another item of contention was the lack of flexibility with privacy codes. The MXT400 simply didn't have any. While not a cause for concern with anyone using the radio for general simplex operation, those needed to access GMRS repeaters found it difficult to do so if said repeater used different tones or codes to transmit and receive. This is not an issue with The MXT500. It features split tones, allowing you to set one CTCSS tone or DCS code for transmitting on a channel and a different tone or code to receive a signal. It may seem a minor upgrade to some, but an important one for power users nonetheless.

Other Features
Many of the other features inherent in the the MXT400 are also retained in the MXT500, including the adjustable squelch, voice compander, talk around, silent operation, monitor function, timeout timer and, obviously, channel scan. However, the MXT500 adds a little extra to the scan function called Scan Skip, which lets you omit or "opt out" of scanning specific channels when performing a scan.

7 Color Display
The enhancements and upgrades aren't limited to internal features. There are several aesthetic and physical changes that make the MXT500 an attractive update to the MXT Micromobile series. For instance, the display of the MXT400 had 6 brightness levels, but was limited to one static color, orange. The MXT500 keeps the adjustable levels and adds 7 color options, allowing you to customize the display color to your personal taste.

More and Better Connections
The front panel sports a few physical changes, the first to note being the most obvious. The channel selector knob is moved from the left side of the front panel to the right. Then comes the control panel. The MXT400 has three buttons, the MXT500 has five. The MXT400 speaker mic uses an RJ45 connector. The MXT500 uses an 8-pin DIN style connector. The MXT500 retains the SO-239 antenna connector and 3.5mm external speaker jack and adds a 5-pin intercom jack to connect a TA5 mini XLR intercom or headset.

One other physical attribute worth noting is the USB port. The MXT115 and MXT275 had one, but it was noticeably missing from The MXT400. The MXT500 has a USB-C port, which can be used for fast charging other devices, such as a tablet or smartphone. It can also be used to program the radio, which brings us to one of the most exciting features of this new mobile.

PC Programmable
Yes, the MXT500 is PC programmable, meaning you can customize its features and functions using a USB-C cable and programming software. The instructions and programming software are available under the downloads tab on the MXT500 product page at Buy Two Way Radios. You can also download the instructions here.

Dust and Water Proof
The final upgrade to note is improved ruggedness and durability. The MXT500 is rated IP66 dust and waterproof for added protection against the elements. If you're offroading or engaging in other extreme outdoor activities, this radio is made to mount in your jeep, ATV or UTV.

Easy to Use
As you've read here, the MXT500 is certainly a significant upgrade to the MXT400, with a lot of new and exciting features. But for all the improvements, one thing has not changed, and that is its ease of use. One of most appealing aspects of the MXT400 is its simplicity of operation. The MXT500 retains that, too. Of course, we always recommend that to get the most out of any radio, it's important to RTM (read the Manual) first. However, like all of the other Midland micromobiles, the MXT500 is extremely easy to set up and use, with or without the manual. And that makes the biggest difference of all.

The Midland MXT500 is now available to ship from our warehouse at Buy Two Way Radios.

We get comments and questions from customers who are interested in GMRS repeaters and want to set up their own. Such is the case in regards to our Wouxun KG-1000G repeater video tutorial. Some of this feedback comes from hams who are familiar with the rules of using repeaters on the amateur radio service, with the natural assumption that the FCC rules for GMRS repeater stations are the same as those for amateur radio. While this is mostly true, there are some exceptions that make owning and operating a GMRS repeater a little different, and perhaps easier, especially if it is for private use.

To clear up the confusion and separate fact from fantasy, here is the truth about GMRS repeaters.

According to the FCC rules under § 95.1751 GMRS station identification, "Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section. A unit number may be included after the call sign in the identification."

A GMRS station refers to any Part 95E type accepted device that transmits and receives signals on the GMRS radio service. This includes portable handheld walkie talkies, mobile radios and base station units. It also includes GMRS repeaters.

The rules also specifically state how the call sign (ID) must be transmitted, as outlined below:

(a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted:
(1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and,
(2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.
(b) The call sign must be transmitted using voice in the English language or international Morse code telegraphy using an audible tone.

So, yes, just as with a ham radio repeater, a GMRS repeater is required to transmit a call sign. However, as simple as it sounds, it is this specific point that seems to cause some confusion.

Most publicly accessible repeaters operate unassisted, without a station operator present 24/7. This means that in order to comply with the rules, there must be a system in place to automatically transmit the call sign or station ID at the required intervals. In fact, such a system has long been used by amateur repeaters everywhere, and is generally the accepted norm among members of the ham community. Therefore, it stands to reason that some sort of auto ID controller would be required to operate a GMRS repeater as well. And for the most part, this is correct.

However, there are scenarios in which an auto ID isn't necessary at all. According to subpart (c) under the same section:

(c) Any GMRS repeater station is not required to transmit station identification if:
(1) It retransmits only communications from GMRS stations operating under authority of the individual license under which it operates; and,
(2) The GMRS stations whose communications are retransmitted are properly identified in accordance with this section.

In simple terms, the repeater does not need to auto ID if it's intended for use as a private or closed repeater system.

Consider, for instance, a family farm or ranch. Since a GMRS license covers the entire family, the repeater does not have its own callsign. The repeater is also identified by that family license. each family member using the repeater provides the call sign and their station ID over the repeater every fifteen minutes, which suffices for the repeater ID.

To repeat, pun intended, if it is a private repeater operating solely between operators of the same GMRS license such as a single family, and each operator is properly identifying their individual stations as required by their license, the repeater itself does not need to transmit an ID. This is simply because the station ID is automatically being transmitted by each individual operator relaying the call sign.

An automatic repeater ID function is only necessary if people other than those covered by your license are also using the repeater. And that's the truth.

Frequency counters, field strength meters and other test equipment have long been standard issue among amateur radio operators. With the recent availability of advanced, professional grade GMRS radios with higher power and functionality than the typical bubble pack models, the demand for such test equipment has all but exploded. Considering this, Buy Two Way Radios is now an authorized Surecom dealer!

Surecom test equipment is used by radio professionals, hobbyists and bench techs around the world. They manufacture a line of antenna analyzers, field strength meters, frequency counters and other products used for testing and tweaking radio equipment.

It is important to note that some of the products on the list below are designed to be used with analog two way radios only. They are not recommended for use with DMR digital radios.

Surecom SW-33 Plus SWR/Power Meter The SW-33 Plus is a popular mini power and SWR meter commonly used to measure the transmit power of portable handheld radios. This compact unit fits in the palm of your hand and fits in a pocket, so you can test your ht radio practically anywhere, anytime.

The SW-33 Plus is easy to install on a handheld and includes both SMA and BNC adapters to work with a wide variety of walkie talkie antennas. It measures frequencies between 125-525MHz, which covers both the 70cm UHF and 2 meter VHF ham bands, as well as frequencies used by the business, GMRS and MURS radio services. It can check antenna SWR within 3 seconds and has a maximum measurable power range up to 100W. It has a built-in battery that can be charged via micro USB and includes a 5-20W dummy load for testing. Price: $39.99

Surecom SW-102 SWR/Power Meter w/ Ground Plane
The SW-102 measures forward and reflected power on a digital readout without any calibration. It can measure frequencies between 125-525MHz with a power measurement range between a half a watt and 120 watts. Although larger than the SW-33, it is also a fairly small and lightweight unit that can be carried and used anywhere. It can also be permanently connected to a mobile radio, if needed.

One caveat to testing SWR on a portable handheld radio is the need for a ground plane for accurate measurement. Normally the ground plane is created by the operator holding the radio. Unfortunately, the measurements are often inaccurate because the individual is not actually holding the radio while testing it, so there is no ground plane. This can skew the results significantly.

The Surecom SW-102 resolves that by including a special metal plate to create a ground plane. This metal ground plane plate allows for more accurate testing of handheld radio antennas to achieve optimal results. Also, this tester is designed with an N-connector to ensure the least amount of loss when testing. Optional adapters are available to connect it to radios and antennas using PL-259 (UHF Male) and SMA connectors. Price: $54.99

Surecom SW-102HF SWR/Power Meter The SW-102HF is nearly identical to the SW-102, except it is specifically designed for use with HF radios.

It measures frequencies between 1.5-70MHz with a power range between a half a watt and 120 watts, plus or minus 5%. The three button panel is simple to use and the backlit LCD displays S.W.R, F.W, R.W, and battery Level. The built-in interface for both input and output is a UHF Female (SO-239) connector. Also, unlike the SW-102, this tester does not include a metal ground plane plate, as it is intended for mobile and base station HF radios.

Although it is quite portable, it's modular design allows it to be connected permanently to the radio if desired. Price: $59.99

Surecom SS11 Field Strength / Power Test Meter
The SS11 reads the relative field strength from your antenna. It has a frequency range of 100KHz-3GHz and maximum RF Sensitivity of -40.97dbmv or decibel-millivolts. It features a large analog power meter and two simple controls. It also has a micro USB port to charge the built-in 400mah li-ion battery.

The SS-11 has an SMA female input and includes an SMA Male UHF telescopic antenna. The package includes an English language instruction manual. Price: $39.99

Surecom SF-103 Frequency Counter
The SF-103 is a portable handheld frequency counter for the easy identification of radio frequencies. It can detect frequencies between 2 MHz and 2.8GHz. It is capable of decoding CTCSS tones and DCS codes. It can also be used for measuring signal strength.

The SF-103 features a color TFT or Thin-Film-Transistor LCD display with an adjustable backlight. It also has a simple four button control panel on the front of the unit. It has a Frequency Response time of 0.2-0.5 seconds and a CTCSS/DCS detection time of >0.5-1 second. It includes an auto power off feature that is adjustable between 1 and 9 minutes. Unlike some of the Surecom products previously mentioned, the SF-103 has a digital mode for DMR radios.

This unit includes an antenna and a belt clip, so you can carry it around at your hip. In all, it's a handy little device. Price: $59.99

Surecom SF-401 PLUS Frequency Counter w/ CTCSS/DCS Decoder The SF-401 Plus is top of the line. It has all the standard features of the SF-103, including easy frequency Identification, CTCSS/DCS detection and decoding, and the ability to measure signal strength. However, it has a wider frequency range of 27Mhz-3000Mhz.

The SF-401 Plus also has the color TFT LCD display with adjustable backlight, four button control panel, and auto power off feature. It also has a digital mode for DMR radios. The SF 401 comes packaged with an antenna, USB charger cable, USB AC adapter and a belt clip. Price: $49.99

We hear from customers who are interested in amateur radio, but are somewhat intimidated by the licensing requirements, particularly the part about having to study and take a test. It's understandable, because there is a lot to learn and the course material can be both time consuming and involved. It certainly doesn't help when the study books are dryly written and overly technical to the point that they are excruciatingly dull.

Then there is the easy way. It's the Ham Radio Prep interactive study system, and its now available from Buy Two Way Radios!

The Ham Radio Prep interactive system is the fast and effective method of learning the principles of amateur radio operation. The courses use a combination of video, text and multimedia lessons to keep you engaged. Best of all, it's online and accessible 24/7, which means you can study at your leisure, anytime, anywhere.

Every concept is explained in a way that is easy to understand. The courses are built exactly like the FCC test. You can view real world examples of ham radio in action as you go through the course material. There are also games and flashcards to help you remember what you need to know.

We currently offer the following courses from Ham Radio Prep:

• • Ham Radio Prep Technician License Course
    This course covers all questions in the current FCC Technician Question Pool for 2018-2022.
  • Ham Radio Prep General License Course
    This course covers all questions in the current FCC General Question Pool for 2019-2023.

If the usual, overly technical amateur radio license study guides and books lull you to sleep or make you want to chuck them all out the window and buy an FRS bubble pack or CB, then the Ham Radio Prep interactive study courses are for you. Make learning ham radio easy and fun, with Ham Radio Prep!