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Need to find a gift for that special ham? Searching for the perfect present to help a new amateur radio operator get on the air? Our Ham Radio Starter Kits may be the answer!

These starter kits are great for amateur radio classes or ham club programs, new hams searching for a first transceiver, or even an old ham who wants a handy handheld or new mobile radio that's already complete and ready to use.

Ham Radio Starter Kit HT ($74.99) - This is a complete handheld radio package with a few extra accessories for optimal operation. It features a Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band UHV/VHF radio, one of the most popular portable handheld transceivers in world. It comes with an antenna, standard 1700 mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, PTT earbud, belt clip, desktop charger, AC power supply and wrist strap. But that's just the standard stuff. It also includes a second, 3800mAh high capacity battery pack for extended operation, a Nagoya NA-701 dual band antenna for greater performance, a battery eliminator for powering in a vehicle, a USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

Ham Radio Starter Kit Mobile/Base ($349.99) - This is a great setup for mobile hams or a first ham shack! It features a Wouxun KG-UV920P-A Dual Band UHF/VHF Base/Mobile two way radio with cross band repeat capability and DTMF speaker microphone. It has two front panel plates, 12VDC power cable and panel extension cable for custom installation in a vehicle, plus a Wouxun SPS30WIN switching power supply for operation as a base station. It also includes a Tram 1185 mobile magnet mount antenna, USB programming cable and the programming software with installation instructions on CD.

These kits are ready made for any amateur who just wants to Get On The Air. Add an optional ARRL Amateur Radio Technician License Manual for an additional $25 (when purchased as part of the kit) and the starter kit becomes a complete beginning course for amateur operators in training!

These kits make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, Ham Radio Field Days or any other time of the year.

Holiday Special! - For a limited time, get 10% off these Ham Radio Starter Kits with the Promo Code HOLIDAYHAM. This code is valid until December 31, 2014.

Updated April 4, 2022

If you own or have ever shopped around for an emergency or weather radio, you may have heard the acronym S.A.M.E, or the term SAME. It's often thrown around in product descriptions and mentioned in marketing brochures for NOAA weather radios or even some consumer two way radios with weather channels and alerts. But what is SAME? What does this technology do? How does it work, and why is it considered such an important feature in a weather radio?

What is SAME?
SAME is an acronym for Specific Area Message Encoding. It is a digital protocol or code used to send a 1050 Hz warning alarm tone and encoded alert message for audible and/or visual reception on radios equipped to receive and decode such messages. It was originally developed by the National Weather Service in the late 1980's and was eventually adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in 1997 as part of the EAS (Emergency Alert System). Today the SAME protocol is used in both the United States and Canada as a standard component of national emergency weather alert broadcasts in these countries. It is used as part of the NWR All Hazards Alert network of weather radio stations that broadcast weather and other emergency information across the United States.

How SAME works
A SAME alert message includes a digital header with a SAME code designating the type of alert being sent and the affected area (or county) to which it is being sent. A radio equipped with SAME technology receives the code, decodes it, activates a 1050Hz warning tone to get the attention of the listener, and proceeds to activate and/or display the message being broadcast.

The NWS emergency broadcast transmitters typically cover about a 40 mile radius, although coverage may be considerably less in more remote or mountainous areas. Each area or county in the NWR network is assigned a six digit SAME code unique to that specific area. To receive warnings and alerts for a designated area or county, the proper SAME code must be programmed into the radio. Some radios may allow the user to program multiple SAME codes to allow the radio to receive warnings and alerts for more than one area. This can be quite a handy feature, especially when traveling to other areas outside your primary location.

Once the SAME code for a specific area is programmed into the radio, an emergency or alert broadcast from an NWS office with that code can activate the SAME receiver and transmit the alert message through the radio.

Why SAME is important
There are many radios on the market today equipped with weather channels and alerts, and that's a good thing. Whether you're indoors or out, you need to stay informed of changing weather conditions, especially when things become potentially hazardous.

It isn't just weather, either. Other emergency situations can arise, and you need to be alerted to them, as well. In such situations, an emergency radio isn't just handy, it can potentially become a lifesaver.

However, every emergency situation or alert does not affect everyone, and a sweeping radio broadcast over a broader area may not even apply to yours. Just because you hear the message doesn't mean it is intended specifically for you. But how can you know?

That is where SAME technology comes in. With a specific code designated for a specific area, SAME aims specific alerts directly to their intended audience. Those 3 AM weather and other emergency alerts intended for your area can wake you, keep you informed and at the ready, while alarms and alerts intended for other areas won't interrupt, annoy or disturb you.

Of course, to program the SAME radio, it is necessary to know the correct code for your area. It's easy. All you need to do is visit the NWS NOAA web site and look it up. You can search for County Coverage Listings by State or download a complete list of same codes for all states and counties in simple text.

Weather Radios with SAME
Here is a chart of popular radios equipped with SAME technology:

Want a more in-depth discussion about weather radios, including those with SAME technology? Listen to The Two Way Radio Show Podcast episode TWRS-13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.

Recently 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.

Effective communications while on the road is important to a radio operator, which is why there are so many mobile radios on the market today. However, as newer vehicles become more compact, the installation of a full-featured mobile radio is becoming more of a challenge. Large RVs or trucks usually offer more room to install a mobile unit without too much trouble, but many modern sedans and small compact cars offer little room and few options for adding another device to the dash. If you want to put a mobile radio in your car, but space on or under the dash is very limited or almost non-existent, what can you do?

Fortunately, there are options, and they are not only sensible, they are often more affordable, as well.

The most obvious choice, of course, is to find a mobile radio that is small enough to fit within the confines of your vehicle. This is easier said than done, since the radio needs to be large enough to provide the range, wattage and full feature set most radio operators generally expect from a typical mobile transceiver. Mobile radios come in different sizes, but even the smaller models may still be too big to mount in some newer vehicles. However, there is now one radio that may resolve the issue for many mobile users - the Leixen VV-898.

The Leixen VV-898 is an ultra-compact dual band UHF/VHF radio that can fit inside almost any small vehicle. It's tiny, about the size of a handheld, and is very lightweight compared to other mobiles, which also makes it easier to mount. It's so small and light weight, it may even be possible to mount the VV-898 with hook-and-loop strips if necessary, although the included lightweight mounting bracket is recommended. (we haven't yet tried to use hook-and-loop to mount it, so we don't currently recommend it). It includes many features found on most standard mobile radios, plus one or two that aren't, such as the ability to change frequencies wirelessly.

The VV-898 uses a standard SO-239 (UHF female) antenna connector for easy compatibility with many dual band mobile radio antennas and is powered with the standard 12 volts provided by most vehicles. It operates on up to 10 watts of transmit power. Of course, 10W is considerably lower than your standard 40w to 50w mobile radio, however it is still sufficient to reach local repeaters in many cities and suburban areas across the US, and is double the wattage of the typical amateur or business handheld radio. Considering the increased popularity of using handheld radios as mobile transceivers in vehicles today, the VV-898 is a definite upgrade.

The best part is the price. At around $150 MSRP, The VV-898 costs considerably less than other mobile radios and is comparable to the cost of a decent handheld.

If size matters but wattage is critical, another option is to find a full size mobile radio that can operate from the dash but install somewhere else. Some radio manufacturers, aware of the space issue in modern vehicles, are now using this method as a primary solution. An increasing number of mobile two way radios are now manufactured with a detachable front panel. The chassis of the radio can be discreetly installed somewhere else in the vehicle, such as under the dash or under a seat where there is more room, and the front panel can be mounted on the front of the dash or anywhere else more convenient for the driver.

The Wouxun KG-UV920P-A and KG-UV950P offer this option and go even further, providing not one, but two front panel mounting plates, one angled and one straight. Both models also include an extension cable so the radio can connect to the front panel from almost anywhere inside the vehicle. Some Icom and Vertex business mobile radios offer such an option as well. This split installation allows you to find more space to mount your radio more securely and still be within your reach while driving.

Whether you choose a tiny transceiver or a unit that can be split in two, there are ways to effectively install a mobile two way radio into a vehicle with very limited available space. We're always searching for more options. Any other ideas? Post a comment below!

This video produced by T-Reign demonstrates how the T-Reign ProHolster Case with Retractable Tether, can help you keep your two way radio safely by your side and securely in your hand when you need it. The ProHolster is available to purchase online from Buy Two Way Radios.

Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Our offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27 and Friday November 28, 2014. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our Two Way Radio Forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Monday, December 1, 2014. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and please stay safe while traveling.

Icom has identified an issue with their BP279 battery, which is included as a standard accessory with the new F1000 and F2000 series radios. According to an Icom dealer bulletin, "the BP-279 battery is susceptible to vibration, which can cause the battery to fail and not power the radio."

Icom is taking this issue very seriously and is halting shipments of the F1000/F2000 radios until updated batteries can be produced. In addition, Icom is willing to replace all batteries currently in the field free of charge for customers. Replacement batteries are expected to be available in mid-December.

We are following Icom's lead on this and will not be shipping the F1000/F2000 radios until the new batteries are available. In addition, we will be proactively sending replacement batteries to customers who purchased the F1000/F2000. If you purchased these radios from us, there is no need to do anything. As soon as we have the replacement batteries in hand, we will ship them to your original shipping address. If you need your replacement batteries shipped to an address different from your original order, please contact us.

It is important to note that this is a quality issue and not a safety issue. If you have these radios and they are working fine, there is no reason to stop using them.

The Leixen VV-898 UHF/VHF Dual Band Mobile Two-Way Radio is not just ultra-compact, it's very economical. It also makes a great holiday gift. Now this amazing transceiver is an even better value! This holiday season, when you purchase a Leixen VV-898, you get a FREE Tram 1185 mobile antenna, a $20 value!

The Tram 1185 is an amateur dual band 144-148/440-450MHz magnet mount mobile antenna with 2.5 dBd gain on UHF and Unity gain VHF. It comes complete with a 3 1/4" magnet mount and a 12ft premium 95% tinned copper shield RG58 A/U cable with a UHF male (PL-259) connector. The 1185 works with many amateur mobile two way radios, including the Leixen VV-898. It is even used with popular handheld ham radios such as the Baofeng UV-5R. The Tram 1185 is one of our most popular mobile radio antennas, and now it can be yours FREE with the purchase of a Leixen VV-898 from Buy Two Way Radios!

This is a special promotion just for the holidays. No promo code is necessary. Your free antenna will be added to your order automatically at the time of purchase. Plus, there's no purchase limit. Purchase more than one Lexien VV-898, you will receive a Tram 1185 with each radio, but only while supplies last.

Note: This offer is valid until December 31, 2014 or while supplies last, whichever comes first. No rainchecks. Get one now before they are gone!

The Wouxun KG-UV8D dual band UHF/VHF transceiver was one of the most eagerly awaited new handhelds to enter the amateur radio market in 2014. Buy Two Way Radios was the first dealer to break the news and introduce it to hams in the US, and since it's initial launch, it has become one of the most popular amateur radios in our online store.

Throughout the year, we've worked hard to add value to an already high value, feature-rich radio, such as including the ever popular green buttons, a free upgrade to the high capacity 2600mAh battery pack and, more recently, a factory set frequency range increase to 520 MHz on UHF. Now, we're going to make the UV8D an even better value.

This holiday season, when you purchase a Wouxun KG-UV8D, you get a FREE XLT SM400 Heavy Duty Speaker Microphone, valued at $40!

The XLT SM400 is a compact, heavy duty speaker / shoulder microphone with a high stress belt clip that swivels 360 degrees. It features a standard 3.5mm port to connect a listen only earpiece and a coiled cord with heavy duty strain relief. It's used by businesses, consumers and amateurs alike and is available for many popular makes and models of two way radios, including the KG-UV8D. This is no cheap toy. It's a real speaker mic, valued at $40 US.

Tip: The KG-UV8D makes a great holiday gift for that special ham in your life, as well as yourself. When you add a bonus speaker mic to the package, especially at no extra cost to you, it makes that gift even better! Just sayin'.

This is a special add-on just for the holidays. No promo code is necessary. Your free speaker microphone will automatically be added to your order at the time of purchase. There's no purchase limit, either. For each Wouxun KG-UV8D purchased, you will receive an XLT SM400 speaker mic, while supplies last.

Note: This offer is valid until December 31, 2014 or while supplies last, whichever comes first. In other words, When we're out of radios or speaker mics for the holidays, we're out. No rainchecks on this deal. So, get yours now while you can.