Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to think that there is tremendous quality control variability with this radio based on the wildly different reviews.
I'm a radio geek and have been collecting radios for the last 40 years. When I saw the ad for this Midland I just had to have it. I thought it would be a perfect addition for my camping adventures. The radio seems to be totally loaded with just about anything you would need. It has a GRMS/FRS 2-way radio, an AM/FM radio, a weather radio, a clock with alarm and even a 3 LED flashlight. Add to this the fact that it runs on both alkaline and a wind-up rechargeable battery! Wow.
Sadly, none of the functions work very well. Both the AM and FM reception are very subpar. AM reception could only receive the strongest stations and they bled over adjacent frequencies. Many stations that I could pick up on a cheap pocket radio could not be picked up on this radio. FM was worse, only picking up a couple of very powerful local stations.
Weather band worked, but only barely. I was able to pick up many more channels on a little Grundig/Eton wind-up.
FRS/GRMS radio functions were similarly mediocre to poor.
Cranking was more awkward than on other emergency radios that I have used including those by Freeplay and Grundig.
On a positive note, the LED flashlight is nice and the clock/alarm is also a nice feature. You also get a lot of accessories, including an external mic, both car and AC chargers and a carrying strap.
Overall, I was disappointed by this radio. The fact that others like it suggests to me that there may be a lot of variability between radios. However, in general, I would pass on this radio. There are many inexpensive GRMS/FRS radios that would do a better job. If you are looking for a good emergency broadcast band radio check out those made by Freeplay or Grundig/Eton.


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The Midland XT511 Dynamo 22-Channel GMRS Emergency Crank Radio with NOAA All Hazard Weather Alert and AM/FM represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in both performance and sound. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT850 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.
The Midland XT511 radio provides you with seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS (Family Radio Service) and seven GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, for a total of 22 UHF channels. Additionally, the XT511 comes with 121 privacy codes to lessen interference or eaves-dropping, as well as all 10 NOAA weather channels and a NOAA weather alert function. This powerful radio has an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and is operated by large easy-to-use dials and buttons on the front, providing quick access to important features and push-button communication. More than just an emergency radio, however, this unit provides you with an AM/FM radio for entertainment, a clock with an alarm clock function, and a three-LED flashlight for illuminating your way at night.
The XT511 radio is full of convenient features such as five separate call alerts that identify incoming calls from your group, and a e-VOX function with three selectable sensitivity levels for voice-activated, hands-free operation. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, and a keypad lock so you don't accidentally change your settings. This unit provides both High and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save your power. The XT511 also acts as a base station for big outings by providing you with a built-in charger that allows you to charge other Midland radios, so you are never without the power to communicate in the wild.
Midland's XT511 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a dynamo power crank to recharge its batteries without access to electricity. This radio runs on a Midland rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by alkaline batteries in an emergency, with a battery source switch to change between the two. The XT511 comes with external jacks for a speaker/microphone/headset option, and a USB cable to charge your cell phone as well. The Midland XT511 pack comes with the radio, as well as a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, an AC wall power adapter, a DC power adapter, an accessory microphone. This radio comes in a stylish black and silver color scheme, and is backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box XT511 radio with dynamo power crank, rechargeable battery pack, AC wall power adapter, DC power adapter, accessory microphone, user's guide and warranty information.

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Midland GXT950VP4 5-Watt 42-Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS Radio Pair with NOAA All Hazard/Weather Alert Review

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(More customer reviews)I contacted Midland customer service to find out what these additional 20 channels' frequencies were, as they're suspiciously absent from the list of radio frequencies in the back of the owner's manual. I wanted to listen to these mystery channels on my home scanner when not using the radios. I was told by a rep that the information I requested was "proprietary". Translated that means "Screw you". So I did a little experimenting of my own, and here now it can be revealed the identities of these extra channels:
They're mere COPIES of some of the first 22 channels that are standard on most FRS/GMRS 2-way radios in the first place! That's right. Some of us have been duped into believing that Midland created from whole cloth twenty additional FCC-approved channels for this model (and the model 900 radios) that other devices lack. When in fact they've really just doubled up on several of the old boring channels. Here's how they get away with it. Channels 23, 24, 25 and 26, for example, are just FRS channels (in Hi power) that coincide with channels 1, 3, 5, and 7 found on virtually any 2-way radio with FRS coverage. What prevents signal interference between these souped-up 950's and someone using the lower channels on some other radio is Midland's use of an astounding number of Privacy Codes, which these high-end radios are liberally endowed with. The four channels noted above are simply PRE-SET at the factory with specific privacy codes. It's as if you were to utilize channel 1 and let the manufacture choose the privacy code for you instead of using the common '0' settting.
Try this: program a second radio (not a 900 or 950) with privacy codes by manually tuning through the code spectrum and then hitting the transmit button on the King Camo radio (as I call mine) repeatedly until you get a clear receive signal on the lesser unit. Voila! You've discovered Midland's privacy code for that "hidden channel" on this system. Don't believe me? I found an exact code/channel combination on one of the ostensibly bonus channel frequencies. If someone with one of these top dollar radios is transmitting on channel 27, anyone with a cheaper radio can't communicate with him/her, right? Wrong! They can, if they tune their cheapo unit to Privacy Code #26 on channel 15. Of course, that's assuming their privacy code range goes as high as 26. Many don't. But if so, they're talking to Richie Rich across town who shelled out three quarters of a C Note for his system while they're coasting along on the $25 HT their mom got them for Xmas (albeit using much less transmit power than the fat cat!).
So there you have it. Endowed with the same old 22 standard channels after all, along with several mirrored frequencies from that same lineup disguised as special channels, only with privacy codes in place to act as those additional channels, the makers of this radio have succeeded in pulling one over on the consumer.

I know, you may be saying that with all the privacy code combinations out there, we really have hundreds of channels at our disposal. These radios just add a few hundred more to the menu, so why nitpick? Fine, but there's no excuse for the company's less-than-honest marketing gimmicks. Anyway, now you know how this manufacturer has gotten away with it...Till now! That's why I'm deducting a star from my ratings. Call me petty, but I've got their "proprietary information" right here!...
Truly, this IS one superb radio system. While $70 is a bit steep for handheld communications, the Voice Scramble feature makes it all worth while. I've never been much for the silly privacy codes anyway. They're cumbersome to utilize on the fly, and everyone tuned to that channel can hear everything you and your partner(s) are saying, you just can't hear them when they try to break in. Voice Scramble is like the Mute button on your phone; it kills the transmit and receive to third parties while putting out an obnoxious gibberish that will annoy anyone within thirty miles. That's one way to clear the frequency.
Seriously, I agree with others who've written that this comes with more features than most people could ever use. But who cares? It's an excellent radio and I highly recommend it. Midland's disingenuous tactics be damned!
So until the FCC approves base station FRS/GMRS units with more power than handhelds, and huge rooftop antenna access for those inevitably hopped-up super system "shacks" that harken back to the glory days of C.B. radio (God help us!), then the Midland 950vp4 stands tall as THE Cadillac of 2-way radio communications! (As long as you think that Cadillac comparisons signify a good thing!)

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Midland GXT950VP4 5 Watt 42 Channel Waterproof Mossy Oak Break Out Camo GMRS Radios with NOAA Weather/All Hazard Alert. Includes Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop Charger, Headsets, and 12 Volt Vehicle Adapter,Pair Packed.The GXT950VP4features the standard 22 GMRS Channels and an extra 20 Channels.The GXT950 meets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes and features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios of 5 Watts, for up to a 30 Mile Range. The Weather Scan feature finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information.In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT950VP4 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings.The GXT950VP4 features Voice Scramble to add security to conversations and Direct Call which allows you to reach one person in your group without alerting the others.A Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, 142 Privacy Codes,Scan of the 42 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts with an additional 5 Animal Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries (Not included).

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TriSquare eXRS TSX300-2VP 900MHz FHSS Digital Two-Way Radio (Charcoal Metallic/Black) (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)I own both the TriSquare and Motorola Talkabout radios Those of you who like to take your kids outdoors or skiing, may find this of interest.
Motorola T9500XLR 25-Mile 2-Way Radio
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This is a typical walkie talkie. It 22 channels in the 462 MHz range and has 2 watts of power using GMRS/FRS protocols. The "25-mile" range is the theoretical max (i.e. on the lunar surface).The main problem with this technology is, well, other people. Imagine 1,000 people sharing 22 channels at Disney World. Motorola goes through great lengths to filter out other people. This is achieved by

(1) A special filter that blocks non-Motorola radios. A nice idea, but unfortunately 90% of walkie talkies are made by Motorola.
(2) A special privacy code which is assigned to each channel. Thus, all your Motorola radios have to be configured to the same privacy code in order to work with each other. Codes range from 1 to 121.
Nonetheless, even with filters and privacy encryption, if someone else is transmitting on your channel, there will be significant interference.
TriSquare TSX-300 eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radio
================================================
These use a completely different technology. They transmit on 900 MHz in a 100% digital protocol. They sort of work like cell phones, without the service provider. Each radio is assigned a unique 10-digit number. No matter how crowded the ski resort, you'll always have a private channel for your family. These radios use 1 watt of power. The manufacturer does not provide distance performace, but claim that the radios have a range equal to or better than the Motorola Talkabouts.Comparison
==========
I took both brands with me and drove around town - a typical suburban setting with residential and commercial areas. I rated voice quality on a scale of 0 to 3 as follows:
0 no reception
1 unintelligible
2 intelligible but noisy or garbled
3 intelligible and clear
I then plotted the average rating as a function of distance. The digital eXRS technology was superior to the GMRS/FRS model. The eXRS average rating was 25% better than the Motorola Talkabout. The max distance I could get in my area (having lots of trees and buildings) was .45 miles with either radio. The Motorola box claims "2 miles in an urban setting", which is just not true in my case.The Motorol wins in overall voice quality. When the signal is strong, the voice quality of the Motorola was quite clear, whereas the eXRS unit always had a some background white noise.
Conclusion
===========The TriSquare eXRS radios lack a bit in overall voice quality. However, having great voice quality in a Motorola radio is worthless if you can't get through on a crowded channel. The benefits of the eXRS radios out way the one or two shortcomings, in my opinion. I tried the TriSquare units at a ski resort. They work just as advertised. No interference from other people whatsoever.
The TriSquare comes with two vox headsets, which work fairly well. The Motorola talkabout did not come with headsets, which cost $20 a piece at Radio Shack.
Niether the Motorola Talkabout nor the TriSquare eXRS seem particularly rugged or weather resistant, so I'd rate them the same in that regard.
The NOAA weather reception on the TriSquare was pretty bad. I have two other NOAA radios, which work just fine in my area. The Talkabout had very good NOAA reception.


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TriSquare has revolutionized 2-way radio communication with eXtreme Radio ServiceTM (eXRSTM). eXtreme Radio Service (eXRS) two-way radios use proprietary Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in the ISM band (900 MHz frequencies). This FHSS system combines the power of digital technology with narrow band FM modulation technique. Merging the two technologies facilitates a radio communications system that maintains a narrow band base signal to ensure for maximum usable range within a given dB power budget, comparable to traditional fixed frequency narrow band FM radios, but with the added benefit of wide band digital security and privacy provided by the frequency hopping spread spectrum algorithm. Maintaining the information signal as narrow band FM modulation centered on discrete frequencies allows for a large pool of non-overlapping hopping frequencies to draw upon within a given section of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The pseudo-random drawing of the hopping frequencies spreads the total signal power equally over the entire bandwidth of the RF spectrum used, which ensures minimal interference between many simultaneous, independent users. Interference Free is a major advantage that eXRS has over existing FRS and GMRS radios. Based on a contracted study from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of a major university, more than 100,000 eXRS users within talk range can enjoy uninterrupted communications. Whereas, FRS/GMRS quickly becomes unusable with just a few tens of users within range of each other. Bottom-line is that the eXRS two-way radios provide private communications in areas where FRS/GMRS conversations can be congested or impossible. Depending on which model you choose, your eXRS radio will have 1,000, 10,000, or all 10 Billion eXRS channels available for your use. Each radio offers Voice-operated transmission (VOX) for hands-free operation with headset compatibility.

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