Buy Two Way Radios

Baofeng handheld two way radios are well known among amateur radio operators everywhere. Models such as the UV-3R, UV-B6, BF-F9 and the legendary UV-5R are a common staple in the modern ham shack, and with good reason. These radios are compact, easy to use, versatile and, best of all, extremely inexpensive. They are some of the most affordable amateur radios on the market. These attributes have made Baofeng a household name in the ham community.

However, programming a Baofeng radio from a computer isn't all that intuitive and can become messy even for the most experienced ham who is not used to Chinese-made radios. The USB cable driver offered by Baofeng is buggy and the programming software made by the manufacturer is, for all intents and purposes, junk.

Fortunately, there are other options available, and once properly installed, they are actually quite good. You just need to know where to find these options and how to install them properly. Once that is accomplished, programming is usually a breeze.

To find and install the Baofeng USB Programming Cable driver and programming software correctly, follow the instructions below. NOTE: follow these instructions completely and in order. Failure to do so may only bring more frustration when things don't work.

1. To start, the computer should be on and the radio should be off.

2. Locate the correct USB programming driver for your operating system. You can download the Prolific driver for Windows, Mac and Linux at http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Drivers.php. If you purchased the Baofeng UV Series USB Programming Cable from Buy Two Way Radios, the driver for Windows will be on the CD included with the cable in the USB Cable Driver folder. Insert the CD and go to USB Cable Driver > USB Cable Driver Prolific 3.2.0.0.exe. This is the correct driver.

3. Install the USB programming cable driver. Do NOT connect the USB cable at this time.

4. Locate the CHIRP Programming Software for your operating system. The latest stable build for Windows XP, 7, 8, MAC and Linux can be downloaded from http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download. It is also included on the Buy Two Way Radios CD in the CHIRP Programming Software folder. Choose the appropriate folder for your operating system. Install the program but do not run it yet.

5. Plug the USB programming cable into the USB port on your computer. Plug the other end of the cable into your radio and turn it on.

* Additional steps for Windows *
- There may or may not be a notification after connection. To verify the connection, check the Windows Device Manager. Access to the Device Manager will depend on your version of Windows. Once in Device Manager, click on Ports (COM and LPT). It should be listed as Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMX). X denotes the COM port number. Note the number and write it down if necessary, as you will need to know it when configuring the programming software.

- If there is a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to the USB device, Windows did not install the driver correctly. To correct the issue, right-click on the device and choose Update Driver Software on the pop-up menu. Choose Browse My Computer to install the driver manually. Choose Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer. Choose Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Version: 3.2.0.0 and click NEXT. The correct driver should install and the yellow notification should disappear from the Device Manager. Note the COM Port number.

6. Run the CHIRP Programming Software. Click Go to Radio on the menu bar and choose Download From Radio. Choose the COM Port number for the USB cable, the Vendor (Baofeng) and the model of the radio (such as UV-5R) from the drop down lists in the pop-up box. Your radio should be connected to the computer and CHIRP should now be able to communicate with it.

* Additional Instructions for Windows laptops *
On some laptops, the device manager may indicate the cable is installed correctly, but CHIRP may not detect the COM Port. This may occur if Windows Power Management is enabled on the device. To activate the cable, go to the Device Manager and right click on Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMX). X denotes the COM port number. Click Properties on the pop-up menu. Click the Power Management tab. Remove the check from the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click Apply or Save.

To verify the connection, Run the CHIRP Programming Software. Click Go to Radio on the menu bar and choose Download From Radio. Choose the COM Port number for the USB cable, the Vendor (Baofeng) and the model of the radio (such as the UV-5R) from the drop down lists in the pop-up box. The program should download the frequencies from the radio. When it completes the data transfer, the frequency table will appear on the screen. The radio is now ready to program through your computer.

As an authorized Baofeng Dealer, we want installation to be as easy and painless as possible so you can enjoy your radios for many years to come. If these instructions are followed correctly, you should not have any difficulty connecting the Baofeng radio to your computer. After the initial setup, future connection to the computer should be a matter of simply plugging the USB programming cable into your radio and computer and running CHIRP.

Note: If you followed the installation instructions and are still having trouble, there is now another solution available. The XLT Painless Programming Cable installs quickly and easily on computers with Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Installation is automatic on many systems with little or no user interaction required. The XLT Painless Programming Cable works with Baofeng, Kenwood, Wouxun and other two way radios equipped with standard two pin Kenwood connectors.

Update: Hear our review of the Baofeng UV-5R Programming Cable in Episode #82 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast!

Motorola is one of the biggest and most trusted brands of business two way radios. Whether it's construction, hospitality, retail, or security, a Motorola two way radio keeps everyone communicating to get the job done.

This video is an introduction to Motorola business two way radios and how they are used in various jobs and industries. Buy Two Way Radios is an authorized Motorola dealer.

Do you need maximum ear protection without blocking communication from your two way radio? The Motorola MHP61 Talkabout Isolation Earmuff is a simple solution that offers both!

Designed for Motorola Talkabout two way radios, the MHP61 can also be used with mp3 players, cell phones and other devices so you can hear high quality stereo sound while you filter out loud or harmful external noise.

This video from Motorola introduces the MHP61 and shows you how you can get optimal audio from your radio or other source and up to 21db NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of protection against impulse noise and other harmful sound. The MHP61 is available from Buy Two Way Radios.

We go on location to the 2013 Rock Hill Hamfest. We also review the Baofeng BF-F9 Dual Band Two Way Radio.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:13

Intro to Interview 1:31
We interview Ken Tedder, a member of the York County Amateur Radio Society and Chairman of the 2013 Rock Hill Hamfest. He will tell us how he became involved with the group, some of the history of YCARS and what the Rock Hill Hamfest is all about.

Interview With Ken Tedder 2:05
Commercial Break 15:33
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 16:29
Today we review the Baofeng BF-F9 Dual Band Two Way Radio.

Questions and Answers 29:00
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 33:26
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. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Earlier this year we told you that the Midland GXT5000 GMRS radio was officially discontinued. This model was first available in April of 2011 and was widely considered the only "business quality" consumer GMRS radio on the market. The GXT5000 was a much anticipated radio that sold well when it was first launched two years ago, but production stopped suddenly after the Thailand based factory that manufactured it was all but destroyed by flooding. We expected it to return once the factory was back online, but after months of delays, Midland finally acknowledged that they would discontinue the model altogether.

In September of this year, rumors began to circulate that the GXT5000 would return after all. However, when we checked up with Midland, the official word was that they would receive only a limited number of radios in one shipment that were already spoken for and they were unsure if it would ever return for sale to the public.

Well, now we have good news! We just received official notification from Midland that the GXT5000 will indeed return! Details are sketchy at this time, but according to Midland, the GXT5000 will be back "on a regular basis" sometime in mid-December 2013!

Of course, we've been through the wringer before on this one, so whether it will actually happen on time or not (or at all) is anyone's guess. However, at Buy Two Way Radios we are keeping a close watch on the return of the GXT5000 and as soon as the radios ship, we'll break the news. Bookmark our blog, check our forum, follow us on Twitter and stay tuned!

Motorola recently launched a new line of headsets for its Talkabout two way radios that are sure to raise a few eyebrows. These aren't your typical run-of-the-mill earbuds or D-ring style earpieces. These are actual over-the-ear, muff-type headsets. Yet this still isn't your standard audio earmuff. This is something completely different, especially for FRS and GMRS radio headgear.

These are noise protection headsets.

That's right. Motorola now offers high-end sound isolation earmuffs designed specifically for its consumer two way radios.

There are accessories for ear protection when it comes to business radios, and there are a multitude of options available, but its rare to find such accessories in the FRS/GMRS arena. The introduction of such a product in the consumer market is quite a leap for the Motorola brand, or any brand for that matter. Yet, it does make sense.

There is no doubt that ear protection is important when using any audio device, and two way radio users can sometimes find themselves at risk, especially when operating their transceivers in high noise environments. Activities such as hunting introduce sudden, harmfully loud bursts of noise from gunshots. Yard work such as lawn mowing, tree trimming and leaf blowing expose users to extended periods of potentially harmful, high-decible noise and can hinder communications. Throwing a noise reducing headset into the mix can decrease the risk of long-term hearing loss and improve communication at the same time, so producing such a product for a consumer grade radio and making it available at a reasonable cost is a very good idea.

Apparently Motorola agrees, because it created the Talkabout Hearing Protection Headsets. There are currently three models designed to meet individual budgets and needs, and all three will be available from Buy Two Way Radios.

MHP61
The Motorola MHP61 Talkabout® Isolation Earmuff provides passive hearing protection against loud noises over 85dB and has a 21dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Although primarily designed for two way radio communications, the MHP61 is also a bona fide stereo headset with high quality speakers that deliver a decently full sound and are quite acceptable for listening to music. It features a low profile cup design to help prevent it from hitting the stock when shooting with rifle. It also has soft ear seals to keep the noise out and an adjustable compression style headband that offers comfort for extended wear. The seals and headband are all replaceable and can be swapped quite easily.

The MHP61 is packed with a cable with an inline PTT microphone and button designed to connect with Motorola Talkabout FRS/GMRS two way radios. It also includes a second cable with a standard 3.5mm connector for use with other audio devices. The MHP61 is also lightweight. As a passive audio accessory, it does not require batteries, so you can just plug it in and go. The MHP61 is now available. MSRP $49.99.

MHP71
The Motorola MHP71 Talkabout® Electronic Earmuff is the next step up in the series. Like its entry level cousin, the MHP71 protects against loud noises over 85dB and has a 21dB Noise Reduction Rating. Unlike the MHP61, however, this model isn't passive. It is an active electronic device, utilizing an audio clipping technology to filter out the noise while it amplifies low-level sounds up to 4 times with up to 20 dB gain, so you can hear what you want while you block out what you don't.

The MHP71 also adds a volume control knob on each ear cup that allows you to control left and right cups independently to compensate for your individual hearing profile. It also has a connector jack on each cup for greater reliability when using external audio devices.

Technical differences aside, the MHP71 has the same basic physical attributes of the lower-end MHP61, namely the low profile cups, soft ear seals and adjustable compression headband.
There is one other difference between the two models, and it is a significant one. As an electronic noise-protection accessory, the Motorola MHP71 requires batteries. These are "N" cells, and they aren't included with the product, but they are readily available separately and can be ordered from Buy Two Way Radios. The MHP71 is due for launch December 2013. MSRP $69.99.

MHP81
The Motorola MHP81 Talkabout® Electronic Earmuff is the top of the line among the three headsets in the series. This is a comfortable headset with the same low profile cups, soft ear seals and light adjustable compression headband as the other two models. As with the MHP71, the MHP81 has the independent volume controls, external inputs and electronically protects against loud impulse noises while it amplifies low audio up to 4 times with up to 20 dB gain. However, while the MHP71 utilizes noise clipping technology, the MHP81 uses noise compression. The MHP81 offers low harmonic distortion, a step up from the MHP71.

The Motorola MHP81 requires 4 "N" cell batteries (not included) which provide up to 335 hours of battery life. Two batteries hide away in each cup and are easily accessible. This model comes with a carrying bag for easy transport and storage. The MHP81 is now available. MSRP $119.99.

Clipping and Compression
The MHP71 and MHP81 both suppress loud noise, but they do it in different ways, and the difference can be quite noticeable. The MHP71 uses clipping and the MHP81 uses compression. Clipping the audio cuts a sudden loud noise, such as a gunshot, at a specified threshold. This clipping may cause a level of distortion that varies depending on the loudness of the noise. Compression lowers the volume of loud noises while raising the volume of low sounds, in effect allowing normal conversation to be heard while minimizing or supressing a sudden loud noise. Compression is a cleaner and preferred method of noise supression.

The MHP61 is available in black. The MHP71 and MHP81 are available in hunter green with black overmold. Although designed for Motorola Talkabout two way radios, all three of these headsets can also be used for cell phones, mp3 players and other audio devices so you can listen to high quality audio while you filter out loud or harmful external noise.

This video from Motorola shows how the MHP81 looks and works to deliver optimal sound while it supresses harmful noise.

For discreet communications using two way radios, a surveillance earpiece is the way to go. With its small, footprint, light weight and transparent tubing, a surveillance earpiece with a traditional mushroom tip can be worn stealthily inside the ear, drawing little to no attention to the casual observer. It's a popular accessory for security professionals, hunters or anyone else who needs an earpiece that is easy to hear and is very discreet.

For the most part, a surveillance earpiece is a great choice for stealth or low profile applications. However, there are a few drawbacks. The mushroom tip sits down inside the ear canal, blocking the ability to hear ambient sound. Once the mushroom tip has been used in the ear, for hygenic reasons it should be replaced before the earpiece is worn by another user. In addition, some users complain that the mushroom tip can start to be uncomfortable when worn for a long period of time.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to the mushroom tip. It's called an earloop. Like the mushroom tip, the earloop fits inside the ear and is somewhat inconspicuous. It is also removable and replaceable to maintain hygenics. The difference is comfort and audio. Earloops will provide a more comfortable fit, while at the same time offering better sound quality. The earloop is designed to give you the fit of an earpiece similar to what a musician or newscaster would wear.

Earloops come in 3 different sizes; small, medium and large and are packaged in pairs, providing one earloop for the left and one for the right ear. They are formed to fit inside the outer ear, so it is important to choose the correct size for the best fit.

If you need a surveillance earpiece for your radio but find the mushroom tip awkward or uncomfortable during extended wear, give earloops a try. It's an easy and inexpensive alternative to swapping out an entire earpiece and may just be the way to go.

For instructions on how to wear earloops, watch this Radio 101 video tutorial.

Want to turn that mobile business or amateur two way radio into a base station? You need the Wouxun SPS 30 III Switching Power Supply.

In this video, Danny Feemster unboxes this powerful, yet amazingly affordable switching power supply now available from Buy Two Way Radios and shows you how it works, so you can convert your Wouxun KG-UV920P-A Dual Band Base/Mobile Two Way Radio, Wouxun KG-UV950P Quad Band Base/Mobile Radio or any mobile radio that runs on 12V DC into a base station for your desk or your shack!

Mobile and base station radios can be rather pricey. Repeaters, even mobile units, can add an even greater expense. What if you could have one that does it all, and at a very affordable price? Just take a look at the Wouxun KG-UV920P-A Dual Band Base/Mobile Two Way Radio, a mobile radio/base station that is also a cross-band repeater!

In this video, Danny Feemster unpacks this amazing radio and takes you on a tour through the menu to preview some of the powerful features and capabilities of one of the most versatile, yet economical ham radios currently available from Buy Two Way Radios.

Do you need a headset that allows you to to hear your two way radio while protecting your ears in high noise environments? How would you like to be able to listen to your music player over the noise of your leaf blower? Impossible? Not with the new Motorola MHP81 Electronic Earmuff!

Designed for Motorola Talkabout two way radios, the MHP81 can also be used for cell phones, mp3 players and other devices so you can listen to high quality audio while you filter out loud or hamful external noise.

This video from Motorola introduces the MHP81 and shows you how it works to deliver optimal audio from your radio or other source while it offers up to 21db NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of protection against impulse noise and other harmful sound. The MHP81 is available from Buy Two Way Radios.