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This video from Motorola explains the IP and JIS Ratings on two way radios for dust and water protection and what they mean. Understanding what these ratings are and what they mean are important when choosing a two way radio based on its resistance to environmental factors such as dust and water.

The following resources provide more in-depth information on IP and JIS ratings:
The IP and JIS Specification for Water/Dust Resistance
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-32 - JIS and IP Specifications

It's a beautiful day. It's bright and sunny, the wind is calm, and there is not a cloud in sight. It's a perfect time to sit back, relax, put some burgers on the grill and just enjoy the great outdoors.

Sure, its fine now, but what about tomorrow, or the day after that, or next week? It's summer. Storms can crop up suddenly, anywhere, anytime with little notice. Yes, the National Weather Service has no advisary out. There is no storm activity in the Altantic and nothing going on in the Gulf of Mexico. But all that can change anytime.

Now is the perfect time to get a weather radio. Why? because right now, you can. Right now, you have time.

Remember the old joke about the leaky roof? When asked why the homeowner doesn't fix it, he says that he can't because it's raining. When asked why he doesn't fix it when it isn't raining, he responds that he doesn't need to because at that time, it isn't leaking.

There is a right time for everything. Waiting until a storm approaches isn't the best time to buy a weather radio or otherwise prepare for an emergency. The best time to get one is when there isn't a storm currently overhead or quickly approaching.

Don't be the guy caught in the rain with the leaky roof. While it's nice and calm, make the most of a beautiful day. Get a weather radio, prepare an emergency kit, and have an emergency plan ready. The best time to do it is now.

We talk with a hotelier and find out how he and his staff use two way radios to serve their guests. We also review the Ritron Liberty Repeater.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:13

Topic Discussion 1:32
Today we'll learn how hoteliers use two way radios. We'll interview James Brooks, General Manager of the Staybridge Suites Hotel in Durham, NC and find out how he and his staff use two way radios to improve efficiency, ensure safety and provide their guests with a more enjoyable stay.

Interview 2:50
Interview with James Brooks, General Manager of Staybridge Suites in Durham, NC.

Post Interview Discussion 13:44
Post interview commentary. Radios discussed include the Icom IC-F4011-41-RC, Kenwood TK-3302-U16P and Kenwood ProTalk XLS (TK-3230) Business Two Way Radio. For more information about choosing two way radios for hotels read our guide Two Way Radios For Hotels.

Commercial Break 22:16
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 23:14
Today we review the Ritron RLR-465-N 5 Watt Liberty Repeater (UHF).

Questions and Answers 29:50
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 37:12
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!

© 2012 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Buy Two Way Radios wishes everyone a safe and happy July 4th! Our offices will be closed for Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EDT Thursday, July 5, 2012. Have a happy Fourth of July, keep your emergency weather radios on and please stay safe while traveling.

It is 2012 and hurricane season is here. Tropical Depression Debby is heading out to the Atlantic after hovering over the Florida coast for four days, flooding the peninsula with a seemingly endless barrage of rain. According to the National Weather Service, the flooding remains a threat. If you are located in or around these flood-prone areas, Are you ready?

Have you put together your Hurricane Preparedness Kit? For those who haven't, now is the time to prepare. Get the official FEMA checklist of Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit or purchase one of the ready-made Survival /Emergency Kits from Buy Two Way Radios.

Of course, basic necessities such as food and water are critical to have available and are top items on any emergency list. However, there are a other items on FEMA's list that are also extremely important. The third and fourth items listed in order of importance are a Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. The next item? Extra batteries for both radios.

Below is a list of radios that meet the federal requirements suggested in FEMA's list:

Two Way Radios
Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger - A powerful 5 watt all-weather radio. Durable and water resistant, the GXT1000 VP4 features NOAA weather channels, NOAA weather alerts and a 3 year manufacturer warranty. This is our most popular GMRS radio.

Motorola TALKABOUT MS350R Two Way Radios - Built for performance and designed specifically for extreme weather conditions, this radio is ready. The MS350R has 11 weather channels, operates on either rechargeable or disposable batteries, is submersible and floats. It even includes a built-in flashlight! This pack also includes an Emergency Preparedness Checklist Sheet.

Motorola TALKABOUT T9680R-SAME Two Way Radios - One of the most powerful FRS/GMRS two way radios from Motorola, the T9680R is designed as a Hazard Alert radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology, a system adopted by the National Weather Service to warn citizens of emergency situations within their immediate area. SAME monitors the NOAA weather stations in your region for emergency situations and hazardous conditions. The T9680R can operate on either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.

Midland XT511 Base Camp Two Way/Emergency Crank Radio - This powerful device is the "swiss army knife" of two way and emergency radios.It's an FRS/GMRS radio, AM/FM clock radio with an alarm, and NOAA weather radio with weather alerts. It's also a flashlight. The Midland XT511 has five power options: AC wall power, DC vehicle adapter, rechargeable battery pack, alkaline batteries and a Dynamo hand crank. The XT511 even has a built-in USB connector to charge a USB device such as a cell phone in the event of a power outage!

NOAA Weather Radios (receive only)
Midland ER102 Emergency Crank Radio - The ER102 has the key features of the XT511 without the built-in GMRS two-way radio, but with a temperature indicator and freeze warning alert.

Midland WR-120 Weather Radio - An All Hazards Alert weather radio that monitors the Public Alert system and features SAME technology to alert you to weather or civil emergencies in your area. It also includes an alarm clock with snooze and a blue backlit display. A battery backup, color coded alert light and external antenna jack round out the features.

Midland WR-300 Weather Radio - The WR-300 has all the features of the WR-120 - with an AM/FM radio and alarm clock with snooze to boot.

Midland HH54VP2 SAME Handheld Weather Radio - This compact, portable handheld radio is a great travel companion. It has NWS all hazard alerts with S.A.M.E. technology and other emergency alerts such as Amber Alerts, biological hazard warnings, civil emergency messages, nuclear power plant warnings, fire warnings and landslide warnings. But that's not all. The HH54VP2 also features a bulit-in alarm clock with snooze, user selectable alerts, color coded alert indicators, a large, backlit display with continuous backlighting option and battery backup.

Midland HH-50 Pocket Weather Alert Radio - The Midland HH-50 is a weather radio that is so compact it fits in your pocket. It instantly auto scans for emergency and weather alerts as soon as you turn it on. The HH-50 supports all hazard alerts, emergency alerts, messages and warnings. This is a great choice for the travel size emergency kit in the car.

There is no doubt communication is critical in any emergency, but when severe weather strikes, you need to be kept up to date on current, constantly changing weather conditions in your area. During such emergencies, power can go out, landlines can be lost and cell service can lose signals. In such situations, a radio may be your only means of communication and important weather alerts.

Don't wait for the next storm to hit before you prepare. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, get your Hurricane Preparedness Kit ready now.

For more information on emergency weather radios, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 13 - Emergency and Weather Radios.

We talk about using two way radios in dental offices. We also review the Icom IC-F4161 / F3161 Series two way radios.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:12

Topic Discussion 1:32
Today we'll talk about using two way radios in dental offices. We'll discuss how dentists use radios, the types of radios used, and recommend some popular radios used by dentists. Radios discussed include the Motorola CLS1110, Motorola CLS1410, CLP1010, CLP1040, CLP1060 and Kenwood ProTalk XLS (TK-3230) Business Two Way Radio. Hear our review on the Motorola CLP1060 in TWRS-35 - Radios For The Warehouse. For more information read our blog article Two Way Radios For Dental Offices.

Commercial Break 15:07
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 16:05
Today we review the Icom F4161 / F3161 Two Way Radio Series. For more information about intrinsically safe two way radios listen to TWRS-18 - Intrinsically Safe Radios.

Questions and Answers 25:11
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 30:07
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. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2012 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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We promised we would keep you up to date on the new Midland two way radios for 2012 as each new model comes out. Well, we have great news. The Midland LXT560VP3 has arrived, and we not only have the scoop on this new Midland radio, Buy Two Way Radios is one of the first to have it in stock!

The LXT560 features 22 FRS/GMRS channels, 14 extra channels, and 121 privacy codes. It's also a NOAA weather alert radio, which makes it a good choice for hiking, camping or your favorite family outdoor activity. It runs on 4 AAA alkaline batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries (included) and is drop-in charge capable for quick and easy charging.

It works with other FRS and GMRS radios and is water resistant for outdoor use. It comes in a solid case with a blue faceplate. In all, it is a rather attractive Midland radio.

The Midland LXT560VP3 is here now and available to ship with your order.

UPDATE - The FCC reformed the Part 95 rules in 2017 and the rule mentioned in the article below that provided the uncertainty was removed. The rules clearly indicate that only a Part 95E approved radio can be used on the GMRS. The current rule is as follows:

§ 95.1761 GMRS transmitter certification.
(a) Each GMRS transmitter (a transmitter that operates or is intended to operate in the GMRS) must be certified in accordance with this subpart and part 2 of this chapter.

The original article is below.

It's no big secret that most two way radios that are built specifically for the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are not of the same quality as typical business radios. There's a good reason for this. Most people who are shopping for GMRS radios need a radio for occasional use, such as a camping trip, and simply prefer a lower priced radio that will get the job done. Occasionally, however, we have customers who need a business quality radio for use on GMRS.

Who Needs A Business Quality Radio For GMRS
These customers typically use their radios often - not just for an occasional hike with the family. They are sometimes looking to become members of a local radio or repeater club, or are radio enthusiasts in general. Perhaps they've purchased "bubble pack" GMRS radios (as typical 2-pack consumer grade radios are sometimes called) in the past and are just looking for better range, better audio quality, or more durability.

There is a reason that business quality radios sell for 6-10 times more than consumer grade radios - they're better. Whatever the reason, we often hear from a potential customer who is looking for a high quality GMRS radio.

Business Radios That Work On GMRS
Most all programmable UHF business radios can be setup to work on the GMRS. This includes practically all 4 and 5 watt business radios that we sell, including models by Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Olympia, and Vertex Standard. Business radios that are two watts and less typically wouldn't work, as they have a built-in list of frequencies that do not include GMRS.

Is It Legal To Use A Business Radio For GMRS?
It is not entirely clear if it is legal to use a business radio for GMRS. Business radios that would be programmable to GMRS are going to be Part 90 type accepted (certified). This basically means that the FCC has found them to conform to the "Part 90" rules, which relate to land mobile or business radios.

The rules that apply to GMRS are in Part 95, and this is what "bubble pack" radios are type accepted for. While it is possible for business radio manufacturers to have their Part 90 radios also type accepted for Part 95, most do not. (Kenwood is the exception here and the TK3302 and TK3230 are certified for parts 90 and 95.)

The following is the specific section of the law that applies to GMRS equipment:

§ 95.129 Station equipment.
Every station in a GMRS system must use transmitters the FCC has certificated for use in the GMRS. Write to any FCC Field Office to find out if a particular transmitter has been certificated for the GMRS. All station equipment in a GMRS system must comply with the technical rules in part 95.

Many interpret that last sentence (our emphasis) to mean that as long as the radio is technically compliant with part 95, it is OK to use even if it wasn't specifically type accepted for it. Under this interpretation, Part 90 accepted UHF business radios would be allowed. (One caveat is scrambling. Some business radios support it but it cannot legally be used on GMRS.)

For an in-depth discussion on this topic, listen to The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-38 - Using Business Radios on the GMRS.

The Vertex Standard rebate promotion is back for the summer of 2012! When you buy at least six Vertex Standard VX-350 or VX-2200 Series radios, you qualify for a $20 rebate per radio for a total of $120 cash back. Purchase at least six Vertex Standard VX-450 Series radios and get a $40 rebate per radio for a total of $240 cash back. This rebate is offered by Vertex Standard directly and is available until August 17, 2012 at Buy Two Way Radios.

The best part? There is no maximum limit to the number of radios you can buy for this rebate offer!
The following radios qualify for the rebates:

This offer is direct from the manufacturer, so you will need to send your rebate redemption form to Vertex Standard after you purchase your radios and they will mail your rebate directly to you. This offer is valid on radios purchased through August 17, 2012. Although you can mix and match models within a series, all radios purchased must be within the same product series and must be ordered on a single order and on the same invoice. The Minimum rebate will be $120 (6 radios x $20) or $240 (6 radios x $40). Click here for full details. To redeem your rebate, go to vertexstandardrebate.com and follow the instructions.

All redemption requests must be postmarked on or before August 17, 2012. Redemption submissions received after that date will NOT be eligible. Redemptions cannot be sent to P.O. Boxes. Please allow 4-6 weeks from receipt of your submission for to receive your rebates. Offer good only in the U.S. and Canada and is void where prohibited, taxed and restricted by law.

Note: All Vertex Standard radios on this list are narrowband compliant.