2012

We take a look back at the year 2012 in the world of two way radio communications and technology. We also review the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB CB Radio.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:17

Topic Discussion 1:34
We discuss some of the news and events of 2012 that shaped two way radio history, some of the new products launched during the year and products that were retired or discontinued in 2012. Radios discussed include the Midland GXT2000, Midland GXT5000, a new lineup of Midland GMRS two way radios, the Cobra CXT135, Cobra CXT235, Motorola TALKABOUT MT350R, MT352R, MD200R, and new Uniden Two Way Radios. The deadline for narrowband compliance and DSC requirements is January 1, 2013. For tips on using your FRS and GMRS two way radios, watch our new Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

Commercial Break 17:04
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 18:02
Today we review the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB Radio.

Questions and Answers 23:29
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Helpful links for Q&A include the Blu-Comm Wireless Bluetooth Headset Kit (M1) and Radio 101 - Resolving Midland and Motorola Privacy Codes.

Wrap up and Close 28:34
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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The Vertex Standard rebate promotion is ending August 17, 2012 at Buy Two Way Radios. If you are planning to purchase land mobile two way radios for your factory, warehouse, farm, school or other business operation, now may be the best time to buy.

You get $20 or $40 back on every radio purchased, depending on which model you choose. You must purchase a minimum of six radios to qualify for the rebate, but there is no purchase limit, so your savings can be substantial!

The following radios qualify for the rebates:

This offer fulfilled by Vertex Standard, so you will need to send your rebate redemption form directly to them after purchase. This offer is valid on radios purchased through August 17, 2012. You can mix and match models within a series, however 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 is $120 (6 radios x $20) or $240 (6 radios x $40). Click here for full details. Visit vertexstandardrebate.com and follow the instructions to redeem your rebate.

Please remember 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.

All Vertex Standard radios on this list are narrowband compliant.

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.

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.

Last month we told you about some exciting changes to Midland's 2012 lineup of FRS/GMRS two way radios. We now have more details and we're even more excited to pass them along to you. Early this year, Midland promised technical and cosmetic upgrades to its line of consumer radios, including new models. Midland has made many enhancements and performance improvements to its entire line of two way radios during the last few years, and they are taking it all to the next level in 2012.

Feature Upgrades
Among new products to be introduced this year is the new GXT2000 Series. According to Midland, the new GXT2000 and GXT2050 radios will each offer a large, easy to read LCD display. A fast charging, higher capacity lithium polymer battery will also be included to provide longer battery life. This battery can charge from 0-90% in about an hour and trickle charge the final 10% in less than another. The battery upgrade will be a welcome one for hikers, campers and others who love the outdoors and need a battery that charges faster and lasts longer out in the field.

In addition to the new models, Midland's 2012 lineup includes two popular, tried and true standards, the GXT1000VP4 and the GXT1050VP4.

All Midland two way radios include a 3 year warranty, proving their commitment to stand behind their products.

2012 Model Specifications
Here is a sneak peek at the lineup of new models with the manufacturer's suggested retail prices. We expect to have them in stock by mid-summer of 2012. Note that actual prices may vary on release.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT118 (MSRP $24.99) - 22 channels, channel scan, keypad lock, eVOX, call alert, auto squelch, dual power options, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, charges through the headset jack, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT118VP (MSRP $34.99) - This is the LXT118 in a value pack with two radios, beltclips, rechargeable AAA batteries, AC adapter and owner's manual.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT500VP3 (MSRP $39.99) - 22 channels, silent operation, HI/LO power settings, channel scan, keypad lock, call alert, auto squelch, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT535VP3 (MSRP $49.99) - 22 channels, silent operation, HI/LO power settings, channel scan, keypad lock, call alert, auto squelch, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT560VP3 (MSRP $59.99) - 22 channels plus 14 extra channels, 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, silent operation, HI/LO power settings, channel scan, keypad lock, call alert, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! LXT600VP3 - (MSRP $69.99) - 22 channels plus 14 extra channels, 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, silent operation, HI/LO power settings, eVOX, channel scan, keypad lock, 5 call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! GXT860VP4 - (MSRP $79.99) - 22 channels plus 20 extra channels, 142 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX, channel scan, keypad lock, 10 call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

NOW AVAILABLE! GXT895VP4 - (MSRP $89.99) - Camo shell, 22 channels plus 20 extra channels, 142 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX, channel scan, keypad lock, 15 call alerts, 5 animal call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant.

GXT1000VP4 - (MSRP $89.99) - 22 channels plus 28 extra channels, 285 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, whisper mode, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX (9 levels), channel scan, keypad lock, group call, 10 call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant, JIS4 waterproof.

GXT1050VP4 - (MSRP $99.99) - Camo shell, 22 channels plus 28 extra channels, 285 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, whisper mode, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX (9 levels), channel scan, keypad lock, group call, 10 call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual power options, roger beep, keystroke tones, mic and headphone jacks, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant, JIS4 waterproof.

GXT2000VP4 - (MSRP $119.99) - 22 channels plus 28 extra channels, 142 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, whisper mode, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX (9 levels), channel scan, keypad lock, group call, 15 call alerts, 5 animal call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual watch, dual power options, SOS siren, roger beep, keystroke tones, HD dynamic audio, mic and headphone jacks, EXTREME Lithium-Polymer battery pack, ultra fast charge, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant, JIS4 waterproof.

GXT2050VP4 - (MSRP $129.99) - Camo shell, 22 channels plus 28 extra channels, 142 privacy codes, NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan, LCD backlit display, vibrate alert, silent operation, whisper mode, HI/MED/LO power settings, eVOX (9 levels), channel scan, keypad lock, group call, 10 call alerts, 5 animal call alerts, auto squelch, monitor, dual watch, dual power options, SOS siren, roger beep, keystroke tones, HD dynamic audio, mic and headphone jacks, EXTREME Lithium-Polymer battery pack, ultra fast charge, drop-in charger capable, battery life extender, water resistant, JIS4 waterproof.

We will keep you updated with more information as it becomes available.

Midland announced exciting changes earlier this month to its line of FRS/GMRS two way radios for 2012. These changes both packaging upgrades across its entire product line and technical improvements for specific models, most notably the GXT2000 and GXT2050.

According to Midland, the new GXT2000 series will sport a larger LCD display that is easier to read. This radios will also include a fast charging, higher capacity lithium polymer battery for longer periods of operation. The GXT2000 is designed primarily for outdoor enthusiasts who need longer battery life and the ability to recharge their radios quickly.

Other features offered in the GXT1000 and GXT2000 series for 2012 include JIS4 waterproofing, backlit displays, an SOS Siren Alert, and weather alerts. All Midland two way radios include a 3 year warranty, reinforcing Midland's commitment to stand behind the quality of their products.

Cobra announced two new additions to its current line of two-way radios during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics show, which was held January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Both models are modestly priced, yet include two specific features previously found only on higher-end models: advanced NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) and All Hazards Alert. NWR allows access to the national network of NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards radio stations. These stations broadcast around-the-clock information on weather conditions from the National Weather Service, as well as official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other alerts.

These two new models, due out in March of this year, are the CXT135 and the CXT235.

CXT135 - Now available! This new Cobra GMRS two way radio includes advanced NOAA Weather Radio capabilities and Cobra touts it as "the most economical weather radio on the market today". It has an advertised range of up to 16 miles, Call Alert, a Power Saver feature to extend battery life, and rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. For all its powerful features, the new CXT135 also quite affordable, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of only $49.95.

CXT235 - Now available! This powerful new member of the Cobra GMRS family has all the aforementioned features of the Cobra CXT135 with greater range of up to 20 miles, according to Cobra. Along with the NOAA All Hazards Alerts, this radio emits a loud audible alert if there is a weather related or other emergency. Should NOAA send a tone alert with the warning, the alert will trigger an automatic alarm on the CXT235, which will activate even if the audio is turned off. This feature can be very important if such a warning is issued overnight while you are asleep. The suggested retail price of the CXT235 is $59.95.

Cobra added the CXT 135 and CXT 235 to their existing product line, which includes the CXT425, CXR725, CXR825 and CXR925. According to Cobra, the CXT135 and CXT235 will replace the CXT125 and CXT225, respectively.