radio

Do you need to reset your Motorola RDX Series two way radio back to its original settings? In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony from Buy Two Way Radios will show you how. This method works for both display and non-display models in the RDX series, including the Motorola RDX RDU2020, RDV2020, RDU2080d, RDV2080d, RDU4100, RDU4160d and RDV5100 business two way radios.

We're well known for our selection of walkie-talkies and two way radio accessories. But did you know that we carry apparel as well? More specifically, our Buy Two Way Radios T-shirt. It's not an item we've promoted much in the past, but our customers still manage to find it.

Lately, we've been thinking about re-designing our classic t-shirt to making it a lot more creative and personal. We came up with some new ideas for designs and snappy slogans so you can tell the world how you really feel about your radios.

Then, Danny had a really great idea. Let's make it really personal and give you the final say. Thus, the Two Way Radio T-Shirt Slogan Contest has now begun!

Since we are all about two way communications, we're going Two Way all the way. The contest is currently underway in our Two Way Radio Forum, complete with two prizes and two ways to win!

1. You can vote on one of the slogans we created. We came up with a list of ten snappy sayings for our new T-shirts. Simply vote on your favorite and you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE T-shirt with a winning slogan printed on it. One vote is permitted per forum member.

2. You can create your own clever caption and post it in the forum. If we choose your saying for a T-Shirt, you win a pair of two way radios and a T-shirt with your winning slogan printed on it. There is no limit to the number of entries, so the more pithy phrases you post, the more chances you have to win.

The first way is quick. The second way is creative. You can also enter both ways. Either way, you can still win!

Note: The deadline for all votes and entries is Midnight Sunday, February 24, 2013. Winners will be announced in the Two Way Radio Forum, on our Facebook page in our blog and on Twitter.

There may be a situation in which you need to reset your Motorola CLS1110 or CLS1410 two way radio back to its original factory configuration. In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony from Buy Two Way Radios will show you how to do it in one simple step.

The new year is here and the new product announcements are starting to roll in! We recently received information on some additions to the Motorola Talkabout line of FRS and GMRS walkie talkies that will be available later in the year and thought our loyal blog readers might be interested in the details.

There are only four new radios this year and two of them are basic, entry level models. They more than make up for it though with the MU350R - the first consumer grade FRS/GMRS radio with built-in Bluetooth support! Read on for more details.

What is Going Away
Usually when something new is released, something old is discontinued. Before I get into the new stuff, let's cover what's going away. First on the list is the Motorola T9680R-SAME. Even though this model has been around since 2008, I really hate to see it go. While it was never really a big seller, it is the only GMRS radio available that supports S.A.M.E. technology for proactive area-based weather alerts. Also going away is the MB140R, which is a very low cost radio with little range and just the basic features.

New Entry Level Models
Replacing the MB140R are two models, the MG160A and the MG167A. Like their predecessor, these are very basic entry level radios that will have an MSRP of $29.99 for a set of two. Unlike the MB140R, however, both of these models will ship absent rechargeable batteries and a charger. They will operate using standard AAA batteries, which are not included.

The most interesting thing about these new models is the color. The MG167A is hot pink from the bottom of the radio to the tip of the antenna! This is very unique and I wouldn't be surprised if it makes this set of radios a hot seller! The MG160A is identical to the MG167A except it is dark blue. Both of these models are expected to start shipping in May, 2013.

Expanding the MD Series
Last year Motorola introduced the MD200R. This radio is black with almost-obnoxious green buttons and a large PTT, but people seem to love the look. It's a low priced radio with a basic feature set, but with decent range/performance.

This year, Motorola is introducing the MD207R. They're keeping the same look as the MD200 except they're switching the obnoxious-green buttons with obnoxious-orange ones. More importantly, they're adding two of the most popular features: privacy codes and weather channels! I expect that the addition of these features will quickly make the Motorola MD207R one of the most popular radios in the line. The MSRP is $54.99 and they are expected to launch in June, 2013.

Bluetooth Support in a Consumer Grade Radio
I have saved the best for last! The Motorola MU350R will be the new flagship radio in the Talkabout line and adds several new features over current models. I'll be doing a special post taking an in-depth look at the Motorola MU350R, so we're just going to scratch the surface here.

This model will not ship with Bluetooth headsets, but will be able to pair with the same type of headsets that you use with your cell phone. This is a big deal and is something people have requested for a long time. You see this type of functionality on a business radio like the Motorola CLP1060 for 5 times the cost.

The MU350R also adds the ability to scan NOAA weather radio channels and claims to have achieved improved audio performance by adding a Class D amplifier and DSP filter. It also adds Dual Watch, which is the ability to monitor two channels at once. This model also comes with two high capacity rechargeable battery packs (NiMH), charges through a mini-USB port, and has "fast charge capabilities". The MU350R has an MSRP of $149.99 and is currently expected to ship in July, 2013.

This is an unboxing and close-up first look at the new, long-awaited and eagerly anticipated Midland GXT2000VP4 two way radios. In this video, Danny Feemster of Buy Two Way Radios presents the GXT2000 for the first time ever in an out-of-box experience and compares this latest model in the Midland line with the ever-popular and best-selling Midland GXT1000VP4.

Removing or swapping a faceplate on a Motorola Talkabout two way radio is very easy if you know the trick. In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony at Buy Two Way Radios shows you how to do it in two simple steps.

There is a fundamental difference between UHF and VHF two way radios and choosing the right one for your particular consumer or business radio application is very important. In this episode of Radio 101, Anthony at Buy Two Way Radios explains the difference between UHF and VHF so you can determine which is best for you.

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.