Icom

Icom is a well respected brand for quality radio products, and it's no wonder. The company pioneered many developments in amateur radio technology and is well known for its solid and reliable business, airband and marine radios. Now, the company is about to establish itself as a serious player in yet another radio service, with the Icom V10MR license free MURS two way radio!

The Icom V10MR is a 2 watt VHF transceiver built for practically any application or activity requiring short range radio communications. It operates on all five MURS frequencies, which are freely available for use by any business, organization or individual without the need for a license. In other words, this radio can be used by construction crews or campers, hoteliers or hikers, farmers or families, and, well, pretty much everyone, license-free.

The V10MR can be programmed with up to 16 channels, but no programming is required. It can be turned on and used straight out of the package if desired, with no configuration needed. This makes it extremely easy to use by novices or those who are not technically inclined. Yet for those who need more advanced functionality, it can be programmed with optional software, which will appeal to professional users and more seasoned operators as well. This is a radio that's made for everyone to use.

Standard features of the V10MR include channel scan, VOX mode for hands-free operation, companding, two tone and five tone codes and MDC capability for selective calls. It also has a built-in business class speaker that, at 1500mW, is quite loud. This makes it well suited for outdoor use and in noisy environments.

But it doesn't end there. In addition to its core features and hardened shell,  Icom built several advanced safety features into the V10MR. These include a surveillance function and emergency call with open microphone function, programmable Lone Worker and Man Down features, and a built-in motion sensor that can determine the position of the unit and whether or not it's in motion. The radio can even send an emergency signal based on these extreme changes.

As mentioned earlier, the Icom V10MR MURS radio is designed for general purpose use, particularly outdoors. This means it needs to be able to operate in many different types of environments under various operating conditions. Thus, it's a heavy duty radio, built to military 810 G specifications. It is also rated IP67 for dust and water protection, which means it can withstand some pretty harsh weather conditions out in the field.

And if you are still skeptical of its durability, don't be. The V10MR is also backed by a full two year manufacturer warranty from Icom. That alone says a lot about the quality of the radio.

The V10MR is equipped with a waterproof Lithium-ion battery pack to power the radio for up to 16 hours on a single charge under normal operation. This is the same BP-279 battery used by the Icom F1000 and F2000 series radios, on which the V10MR is based.

Although the MURS radio service is limited to a maximum of two watts, it offers several advantages, one of which offsets that power limitation somewhat. This would be the allowance for external antennas. The V10MR features a removable antenna, which allows you to customize your antenna options to your needs, or even connect a remote aerial. This alone can potentially increase the range of the radio considerably, and for a handheld walkie talkie, a lot more than a little higher wattage can accomplish alone.

Overall, the Icom V10MR is a ruggedly built radio designed for almost any type of activity, almost anywhere, by almost anyone, license free. It's priced at $250 MSRP, but we offer it at Buy Two Way Radios for $169 per unit. The V10MR is currently available for pre-order with an expected ship date of December 18, 2020.

There's no denying it. The Baofeng UV-5R is one of the most popular and prolific handheld two way radios in the world. It's no wonder, really. It's extremely compact, feature packed, and extremely affordable, or, to put it bluntly, it's really, really cheap. A power packed dual bander at a powerfully low price, the UV-5R is without a doubt the preferred choice of many radio operators across the globe.

Of course, with high popularity comes high demand. With such demand comes the challenge of keeping the UV-5R in stock and available to ship same day to our customers. Usually this is not a problem, but the current worldwide pandemic has created an unusual situation for retailers in general, and it affects our warehouse operations as well.

Due to the sudden interest in personal preparedness during the coronavirus emergency, we've experienced an uptick in demand for certain makes and models of two way radios by the general public. As such, some of our most popular radios may be in short supply or temporarily out of stock. The Baofeng UV-5R is one of those affected models.

But there's absolutely no reason to panic, or panic buy. On the contrary, we have plenty of other radios in stock and available that fit the bill. While some may not be at the same price point as the UV-5R, they are certainly capable of powerful, reliable operation on the same bands and frequencies as the Baofeng. Not only that, these models are of equal or higher build specifications for greater ruggedness and better durability, adding greater value for the price!

For instance, the TYT TH-UV88 is a dual band analog radio that matches the UV-5R in almost every respect, even down to the built-in LED flashlight. Some even call it a potential UV-5R killer. Sure, it costs just a little more than the UV-5R, but it has something the UV-5R doesn't, a more rugged and durable housing. It also has a real one year manufacturer warranty from TYT, something that Baofeng claims to offer, but in most cases makes it all but impossible for the end user to actually redeem.

Then there's a great selection from Wouxun. These are powerful dual band radios with exceptional features and capabilities, some of which are not available at all on the Baofeng UV-5R. Does the UV-5R have a full color LCD display? No? Well, it's a standard feature on many Wouxun models. Can the bands be freely set in the UV-5R for VHF TX and UHF RX or UHF TX and VHF RX on the same channel? Well, you can do it on the Wouxun KG-UV6D. Does the UV-5R have cross band repeat capability? The Wouxun KG-UV8D does, and so do several other Wouxun models, including the KG-UV8E, and it's a tri-bander!

Yes, the Baofeng UV-5R is Part 90 type accepted for business use, and some of the other models mentioned are not. But some of them are. And if you need a radio specifically for business use, why settle for a cheap little transceiver when you can get much more durability, and in turn, greater ROI with more rugged Part 90 type accepted radios specifically designed for business use? Icom, Motorola and other manufacturers offer many models that fit the bill. And, if you really need to buy on price alone, Why not consider the Olympia P324? This is a great little radio for business applications. It's Part 90 type accepted, and it's an incredibly inexpensive buy. Note: at the time this article was written, it's also on sale!

We could go on and on, but you get the point. Why be disappointed that the UV-5R is out of stock, when there are so many other great radios to choose from that are also a bargain, and are better radios, to boot?

So the UV-5R is out of stock? No problem. Just upgrade. Considering all this, when you upgrade your purchase from a UV-5R to another model, you aren't settling for less, you're getting something more. It's a win-win for you. And that's a smarter buy.

Here are some great alternatives to the Baofeng UV-5R:

*The 2M/70cm version has been approved by the FCC. Type accepted for Part 90, FCC ID WVTWOUXUN07. The 2M/1.25M and 2M/6M versions are for amateur use only.

Want to learn more about the TYT-TH-UV88? Listen to an in-depth discussion about this powerful and inexpensive alternative to the UV-5R in Episode 149 of The Two Way Radio Show podcast!

Icom is currently offering a two-tiered promotion at Buy Two Way Radios that can save you some serious cash. Get a $40 instant rebate when you buy an IP501H or IP501M Mobile LTE radio, plus trade-in your old non-Icom branded radio, and get up to $260 more!

There's no limit to the number of radios you can buy for the rebate and trade-in offer. Buy one, or one hundred, or as many as you need. As long as they qualify, the offer applies. This is a great deal from Icom exclusively for our customers, but only for a limited time!

No promo code is needed to take advantage of the instant rebate. Simply add an Icom IP501H handheld or IP501M mobile LTE two way radio to your cart, you get a $40 instant rebate per radio at checkout!

To take participate in the trade-in offer, call our Sales Department at Buy Two Way Radios at 1-800-584-1445 from 9 AM to 6 PM weekdays to verify your trade-in(s). The trade-in discount will be applied to your order once the trade-ins are verified, shipped to us and received by our Sales Department.

Icom Instant Rebate Plus Trade-in Offer

Only working, FCC typed-accepted, non-Icom radios apply for the trade-in discount. Trade-ins must be verified by our Sales department at Buy Two Way Radios before sending them in to qualify. Trade-in offer is valid during the promotion period only. IP501H and IP501M radios require activation of a two year service plan to receive the trade-in allowance. Any non-working, non FCC approved radios will not qualify. Note: This offer valid in the US only and only for commercial or business end users.

We've talked quite a bit about the Icom IP501H Sim Card / LTE Two Way Radio on our blog and our Two Way Radio Show podcast, so we thought it was time to show it. There's a lot to like about this radio, but what makes it really unique and exciting is the notion that Icom may have finally solved the two way radio range problem. Really!

Want to know more? Watch the video and take a look at this radio that could become a game changer for businesses that need long range from a two way radio. The Icom IP501H is available now from Buy Two Way Radios.

Want more videos? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Too often we hear from customers who desperately need radios that can communicate over a large distance, but they have no simple or viable options. Usually, our solution involves repeaters. While Installing one or more repeaters will often get the job done, they can also be expensive, time consuming, and may not be practical in some cases. Now, there is good news. Icom has a solution.

It's called The IP501H.

The Icom IP501H is a small and very lightweight radio that looks almost identical to Icom's original IP radio, the IP100H. However, they are not the same radio. This is a completely different animal. While the IP100H used a LAN to interconnect with other radios, the IP501H takes it to another level. This radio attempts to solve the two way radio range problem. And it does.

The Icom IP501H isn't your typical walkie talkie. It is an LTE radio. This small yet powerful IP based radio uses LTE networks, the same ones used by cell phones, to deliver coast to coast coverage. The IP501H uses a sim card, so anywhere you have a 4G or 3G LTE network, which is essentially nationwide in the United States, you can communicate with these radios.

Range is an important difference, but what really sets the IP501H apart from other two way radios is the way it handles two way communications. A typical two way radio is a half-duplex device, which means it only allows one person to talk at a time. One operator presses the PTT button to transmit, then releases it to receive, and the other operator presses the PTT button on the next radio to transmit, and so on. The IP501H is capable of full duplex operation, which means that a user can transmit and receive simultaneously, just like a cell phone. Imagine a radio that provides instant, full duplex communication using an LTE network for telephone-type calls and conversations without the need for repeaters or a wired network. That's the Icom IP501H.

Anywhere your cell phone works, the IP501H should work as well. With this in mind, there is so much potential for where it could be used. This product is perfect for companies with a fleet of vehicles, such as an HVAC company with service or repair technicians. Any company that's currently buying cell phones for employees might find that the IP501H does everything that they need and saves them money at the same time. It's also a simple solution for businesses with multiple locations that need an easy way to stay in contact.

The nationwide coverage is clearly the biggest reason to buy this radio, but it's not the only one. When it comes to features, the IP501H is loaded with them. Like you would expect, it has clear digital audio, and as already mentioned, like a cell phone, it supports full duplex conversations. Yet, there is more. It features a 500 memory address book with room for individual, group, talkgroup and telephone lists. It has a vibrate alert, message recording, lone worker function, man down function, and is GPS capable.

A vehicle charger is available for the IP501H that enables Bluetooth® support, allowing hands free communications via a headset. The included lithium-ion battery provides over 17 hours of operation on a single charge. This makes it a great choice for use in service trucks, and is ideal for long shifts out in the field.

The IP501H is also quite durable. This is kind of a heavy duty radio for its small size. It is also IP67 dust and waterproof. Best of all, you don't need to purchase an FCC license to operate the IP501H. It's license free!

But what about the price? is It a good value for the cost?

The IP501H radio itself starts at $540 per unit, which is less than the cost of a lot of cell phones. There is also a monthly fee for use of the Icom's service network, called LTE Connect. The monthly fee is $28 a month per radio, but there are some contract and month-to-month packages you can work out for the radio and the service.

The radios will be configured by us before they ship and will work right out of the box, with no other devices or controllers to install. It's simple and it works! If you'd like to learn more, or would like to receive a quote for IP501H radios, please contact us at 1-800-584-1445 and we'll be happy to help.

We interview Keith Chafin from Icom and discuss the new Icom IP501H Sim Card LTE Two Way Radio. We also share our experiences using weather radios during Hurricane Florence and read some of your comments on our discussion in episode 126 about the FCC citation of the Baofeng UV-5RV2+.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:29

Intro to Interview 1:47
In our last episode of The Two Way Radio Show, we announced a new IP based radio from Icom called the IP501H that offers instant, full duplex communication. Well, it’s here, and this could be a real game changer! We interviewed Keith Chafin from Icom to find out more about this new radio.

Interview with Keith Chafin 3:12

Weather Radios and Hurricane Florence 22:48

Listener Comments on FCC citation of the Baofeng UV-5RV2+ Radio 39:51

Question about the Baofeng BF-F8+ 50:20
Question from a member of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 55:27
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!

© 2018 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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We discuss the recent citation by the FCC for the illegal marketing of the Baofeng UV-5RV2+. We also talk about a new Kenwood digital radio, an new Icom LTE radio and price increases on Chinese radios due to tariffs.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:23

Discussion Topic 1:42
We discuss the recent citation by the FCC for the Baofeng UV-5RV2+ and what it could potentially mean for all versions of the UV-5R.

New Kenwood Business Radio 40:25
We tell you about the new Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 Digital Business Two Way Radio and a new Kenwood rebate promotion.

New Icom LTE Radio 45:45
We tell you about the new IP based Icom IP501H Sim Card / LTE Two Way Radio.

Update on Chinese Tariffs 49:08
We are about to experience the first price increase due to the tariffs on Chinese transceivers.

Questions and Answers 52:12
Comments and questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum.

Wrap up and Close 56:57
What do you think of our discussion about the FCC citation and what it could mean for other Chinese radios? Send in your comments for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. If we read your comment in the next episode, we'll send you a FREE Two Way Radio Show t-shirt and a swag bag full of free stuff! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2018 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Up in the air about buying a radio for your aircraft? These summer rebates on Icom Airband radios may help you decide what you need!

Buy an Icom A14 Airband radio and you qualify for a $20 rebate! Buy an Icom A25N or A25C Airband radio and you qualify for a $50 rebate! This is a great deal from Icom and is available for a limited time!

This offer is fulfilled by Icom directly, so the rebate will be mailed to you after Icom receives your mail-in redemption. To redeem your rebate, go to Icom's rebate page, download the Mail-in Rebate Form, fill out the form and mail it to Icom with the items requested on the form.

These models have different promotion periods and rebate amounts. They also require separate rebate forms. The requirements for each promotion is below:

• Icom A14 - $20 Rebate
  
  Purchases of A14 radios must be made between 5/1/2018 and 7/31/2018.
  Icom A14 mail-in rebate form.

• Icom A25N and A25C - $50 Rebate
  
  Purchases of A25N and A25C radios must be made between 7/1/2018 and 9/30/2018.
  Icom A25 mail-in rebate form
  

NOTE: Rebates must be postmarked no later than 45 days from date of product purchase. All claims require a proof of purchase from an Authorized Icom dealer and the original UPC code from the box. Use 1 rebate form per radio. Allow 8-10 weeks from submission of rebate request for delivery. Offer valid in US and Canada only and is void where prohibited by law. All rebates will be paid by check ins US dollars.