Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, all the distances advertised on any walkie talkie like this is based on mountain top to mountain top communication, where the valley increases the range, and no obstruction. That is where they based the 35 miles. For city use, in malls, house to house and areas with trees will be between .5 to 1 mile at most. Since I have been using Motorola Walkie talkies all my life so I knew what I was buying.
I experimented with 3 different models of Walkie talkies in the mall with my wife. First we tried the 5 mile Motorola. I was on one end of the mall inside Macy's and she was on the other side in Nordstrom. She could not even hear me.
We tried the 10 mile Motorola. This time she could hear me press the talk button and a few garbled words, but that was it. We could not communicate.
We tried these 35 mile ones last. We were able to hear each other just fine. Not bad considering the distance and the number of obstructions.
I have also tried this on the open road for car to car communication and it can reach the horizon. If you want more power, you will need to get a license and buy a 5 watt radio.
This Radio has many nice features you would normally find in Professional Radios 5 times the price of this.
UPDATE SEPT 25, 2009-
This radio has a really nice feature I just discovered. It has the hands free iVOX capability. It will broadcast when it hears a sound. There are 3 levels of sensitivity. I tried it as a baby monitor. I left my wife and baby while they were asleep and turned on the radio to High power on one of the GMRS channels(I have an FCC license by the way, so I can use this channel). I drove about 1 mile to my brother-in-laws house. The Radio worked as a long range baby monitor! It was impressive considering that the radio was indoors and I was not line-of-site, and it reached a mile. Very amusing.
I would advice getting an FCC license so that you can use the High power GMRS channels legally. With these radios, it is about 1.5 to 2 watts. If you use the FRS channels 8 to 14, all walkie talkies including this will only use 0.5 watts. Channels 1 to 7 are GMRS/FRS channels. You cannot legally use the high power PTT button if you do not have an FCC license. Channels 15 to 22 are GMRS channels where you can use the High power mode exclusive to GMRS radios. Go to the FCC website and pay the fee for a GMRS radio license, it is good for your immediate family for 5 years. It is worth it if you use it all the time.
****Update October 26, 2009****
I will now detail what I have found out about my Motorola:
Pros:
1. In door range - This is the mall slayer. Go to any mall and give your kids one and you will be able to talke to them pretty much anywhere they are.
2. Audio Quality - Very clear and very loud.
3. Outdoor Range - It has almost the same range as my Icom professional radio which has 3 times the power. That is basically because outdoor range is more about antenna height rather than power.
4. Flashlight - Very useful when you go camping. You dont have to bring an extra flashlight. It is bright. Excellent for emergencies.
5. iVox - Hands free operation. Very useful as a 1 mile baby monitor.
6. Call button - I can call the other radio so that they know I am trying to call them so they can pick up the radio.
7. Emergency button - It will send an alert so that the other person knows you are in trouble.
8. Weather channels - I use it to find out the weather, specially before going Kayaking.
9. Privacy Codes - it has so many Privacy codes so you will never be disturbed by other radios.
10. QT - You can restrict the radios that you hear to only Motorolas.
11. Scan - well most other radios have this too.
12. 2 power settings - You can either transmit on .5 watts or 1.5 watts, depending on the button you press. Unless you are using FRS channels 8 to 14 which are hardcoded to use .5 watts.
13. Vibrate feature - In case you are in a noisy place, this is useful.
14. Ease of use - It does not get easier. Instructions are clear and it is intuitive.
CONS:
1. I am still trying to find one.
********UPDATE December 27,2009*********
I conducted another Distance and clarity test:
Equipment:
1. My Icom F21 UHF 4 watt Professional Handheld Radio(same one Police/Sheriff use. $380 for a pair)
2. My Motorola MR350($59 a pair)
Parameters of the Test:
I have a 40 Watt GMRS Base Station at home. My Home is by the Beach Blvd. I will drive North on beach Blvd and at every quarter mile, I will get down from the car, and transmit. I will transmit first with the Icom, then the Motorola. I will also note down if I can hear a reply back and how clear the reply was.
Result of the test:
Distance
1. Icom- was able to transmit and receive clearly up till 3 1/4 miles. It then started to become choppy from that point.
2. Motorola - was able to transmit and receive clearly till 2 3/4 miles. It then started to become choppy from that point.
Clarity
1. Icom - There were times I had to ask my wife to repeat herself because it sounded a little muffled.
2. Motorola - Just like listening to an FM radio. Loud and crystal clear.
Conclusion
Although the extra power of the Icom gave it a slight advantage in range, about 20%, you can buy 8 pairs of these Motorolas for the price of the Icom. Let the result speak for itself.
Note: This test was meant to show that the Professional Radios only have a slight advantage over the Motorola. The distances were that far because I have a base station with a 10 foot mast and an external J-pole GMRS tuned antenna. Hand held to hand held still follows the laws of physics so it is the same as I mentioned at the beginning of the review, .5 to 1 mile in the city. Completely different story if you are on an elevated position. Distance in miles = Square root of the Height(in feet) x 1.4.
*****UPDATE FEB. 04,2010******
I would like to now discuss the Cost savings of this MR350 over Professional Radios.
My Motorola MR350 is still going strong. I have since bought more Professional Icoms and have had to go through the hassle of tweaking them and programming them manually to get them to function the way this Motorola does when you first take it out of the packaging. I had to buy these Icoms because I am a member of a GMRS Radio Group here in Orange County and Los Angeles and I need the repeater functionality and external antenna.
If you buy a professional radio, you will have to pay to have it programmed. It can cost from between $20 to $80 each time you need to have something programmed. I bought the software and equipment to program my Icoms and they were very expensive. Again, this is something you will never have to do with the MR350.
Batteries on my Icoms cost about $60. That is even more than the cost of this MOTOROLA!!! Not to mention that I had to buy an external battery pack for my Icoms costing $45 so that I can use Energizer AA batteries. The Motorola can use the included rechargeable battery, or you can use Energizer.
I have my Motorolas fully charged all the time so if ever the big earthquake hits LA, this will be my primary survival gear together with my Swiss Army Knife.
Conclusion:
In a cost perspective, the Motorola MR350 wins hands down. You will easily spend about $650-700(hardware and software) to equip a pair(2) of Professional Radios to have some(not all) of the features of this Motorola MR350. At the end of the day, cost will always be a factor when we purchase anything.
Hope to talk to you on the air.
******UPDATE APRIL 19,2010*******
I just bought another set of Motorola MR350 radios. I leave a pair in my car for emergencies where I cannot use my car mounted Mobile UHF radio. I still think these are the best deal on any UHF radio.
******UPDATE OCTOBER 26,2010*******
I just wanted to update all of you since it has been 1 year since my original post. The 4 Radios and the batteries are still working great. That being said, one of the nice people to comment, mentioned that one or both of his new units were defective. Unfortunately, that is not unique with Consumer radios. Once you receive your radio, whatever you buy, please test it right away. If you find that something is not right, tell Amazon that the unit is defective, then exchange it for a new set. That is the nice thing about Amazon. And if you have more issues, drop me a comment, and I can point you to other radios that you may like. I collect radios and I have tried most of them already so I can save you the trouble of deciding.
Also, he mentioned that there is a site that you can get a free replacement faceplate for the MR355 which has the Repeater capability and all of the features of the MR350. The catch is the original faceplate of the MR355 is camo. The free replacement faceplate will make the MR355 look much more discreet. Look into that radio as well. From what I hear, they are almost the same price. Oh, and I also have that MR355 radio, but never take it out because I have not replaced the faceplate yet. I will eventually.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

The Motorola Talkabout MR350, with its range of up to 35 miles and bundle of great features, is a great communication tool for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Lightweight and rugged, with extra large buttons to help you operate even with gloves on, the MR350 is built to handle any challenge without weighing you down. The MR350 includes an emergency alert feature, to inform others should any dangers come your way. The MR350 also features a built-in LED flashlight for peace of mind during evening adventures or unexpected emergencies and power outages. Weather alerts will provide your group with warnings of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. And, by tuning in to one of 7 NOAA channels, you'll always know what to pack. This radio also features the VibraCall silent vibrating ringer, which is useful for locations where ringing can be intrusive or background noise would drown out your ring tone.


MR350 Features
35 Mile Range The MR350, under ideal conditions, gives you a range of up to 35 miles. Conditions vary with geography and other variables.
22 Channels The MR350 boasts 22 channels (including 7 NOAA channels).
Emergency Alert Button When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger.
Channel Scan Use scan to search the 22 channels for transmissions from unknown parties, to find someone in your group who has accidentally changed channels, or to quickly find unused channels for your own use.
Charging Options You can charge the MR350 using the Motorola standard charging port (with the included charging adapter), the Drop-in cradle charger (also included), or purchase a mini-USB cable for use with the Mini-USB charging port, especially useful when traveling.
121 Privacy Codes Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking transmissions from unknown sources. The MR350 features 121 codes for superior interference protection.
Twenty Call Tones The MR350 can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Choose from 20 different tones.
Hands-Free Communication Use the iVOX feature to transmit hands-free without the need for any headset accessories. Once iVOX is turned on, the radio detects your voice and transmits when you speak into the internal microphone.
QT (Quiet Talk) Noise Filtering The QT noise-filtering feature helps to ensure uninterrupted communication with other Motorola radios, filtering out unwanted transmissions from other radios. This is useful in places where there is heavy radio traffic, such as amusement parks or ski resorts.
Weather Receiver Tune in to broadcasts by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Environment Canada Weatheradio. Both NOAA and Environment Canada have transmitters located throughout the United States and Canada, respectively. These transmitters broadcast watches, forecasts, and other information 24 hours a day.
Weather Alerts A special alarm tone sounds an alert and turns on the weather receiver to give you immediate weather and emergency information.
Flashlight Handy built-in LED flashlight comes in handy in the dark or during power outages.
Push-to-Talk (PTT) Power Boost When activated, this feature helps extend the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output while helping to save battery life when no power boost is necessary.
Extra Large Buttons Skiers and winter sports adventurists will appreciate the new design that features extra large buttons making it easier than ever to operate with gloves.
VibraCall For quiet adventures or when ringing is intrusive, the VibraCall feature can be enabled to silently alert users to incoming transmissions.
What's in the Box Two MR350 Radios with Removable Belt Clips, Dual Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter, Two 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs, Owner's Manual

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Motorola Talkabout MC220R 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)These 2 way radios work great over a 1/2 mile radius (our most commonly used range). Apart from the initial 16 hour charge, they work right out of the box (actually one of those pesky clamshells you have to cut open) without having to read the instructions. Each unit comes with a rechargeable battery pack and a removable plastic belt clip, and share a charging base station with 2 slots. If the battery goes flat, you can use 3 regular AA's instead. There's a button to ring your team before talking, and if you don't like the sound, there are 2 more options to choose from. There is also a socket to plug in an optional headset.
Motorola is honest enough to prominently display on the package that in urban areas, the 16 mile rating translates into a 1 mile working range. However at this distance, with many buildings only 2 storeys high, and on a channel that transmits full power, I can hear the other set transmit but not well enough to understand what is being said.
I actually bought them for my son. My experience with kid versions of electronics is that they cost almost as much, are not as well made, and end up in the land fill very shortly after. However, the electro magnetic radiation warning in the instructions did give me pause. We've ended up using them on channels that work at half power. My kid loves using them. The only down side is that his fingers get tired pressing the 'Push To Talk' button after a while.
i'm pleasantly surprised that this entry level offering is not a stripped down product. I've dropped one radio on a wooden floor already, and it survived without a scratch. The battery cover didn't even come off. I highly recommend them to any casual user.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola Talkabout MC220R 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Motorola Talkabout MC220 Two-Way Radio Series:One of the rugged "Value Series" models, the MC220 has a range of up to 16 miles and is designed specifically for active families. Combining General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) technology with the Motorola engineering, this radio is ideal for active outdoor communications.Functional New Design:The Talkabout MC220 is designed for great looks, as well as solid,functional, weather-resistant operations. The sleek rugged housing protects the radio whether it's being used on the playground, in the neighborhood or at the mall. Full-Featured Privacy: The Talkabout MC220 has full 22-frequency capacity, with 38 privacy codes to reduce interruptions. The Motorola QT functionality allows the radios to be set so they can communicate with other compatible Motorola products, adding yet another level of distinction from the other manufacturers. Accessories for Operations: This model features an accessory connector, permitting use of a headset for easy hands-free operation. Power to Spare: These radios are sold in pairs - just charge up the built-inNiMH power source or drop in three AA batteries and you're ready to start talking.

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MURS Hand Held Two-Way Radio, M538-HT Review

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(More customer reviews)We currently use three of these handheld units and plan to purchase a fourth. Here in rural southwestern Ohio, where there are lots of hills and woods, the 1 watt output of these radios provide a one mile range reliably. While traveling in convoy on long and unobstructed stretches of highway, the range is greater. They are used infrequently and have provided communications for five weekend long events over the past two months. For well under one hundred dollars, I did not expect much. These units exceeded my expectations.
While the manual that comes with the radio is not very detailed, vender support is outstanding. I had a question regarding charging the batteries and received a reply within one business day. They recommended charging for 24 hours when new or totally depleted and overnight for normal daily use. These radios use commonly available rechargeable AA batteries and not the expensive type found on many amateur and commercial handheld radios. In other words, no special order for replacement rechargeable batteries. Also, at need, regular alkaline batteries may be used. (Attempting to charge the alkaline type batteries will damage the unit) The rechargeable batteries supplied work surprisingly well. We keep our transmissions short and to the point and regularly operate for two days and more per charge, especially if we turn them off for the night. These radios are extremely easy on the batteries while receiving and only draw the batteries down appreciably while transmitting.
I hope to acquire the matching Dakota Alert MURS transmitters to provide wireless and portable security at remote locations. Allowing us to monitor the area around the vehicles or camp while in the woods etc.
These radios are not water resistant nor do they provide military grade shock resistance. These radios are not "industrial strength", but neither is the price. They do provide all five of the unlicensed MURS frequencies while many others only provide one or two operating frequencies. They are affordably priced with great customer support from the vendor, Home Controls / Home Security 4 Less. In summary, good value for the money.


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The M538-HT is a hand held MURS transceiver that will receive alert signals from the MURS AlertTM transmitter and also can be used for two way voice communications between other MURS transceivers. The HT has 5 channels and 38 sub channels to help you communicate with other users. The M538-HT is powered by a 6 rechargeable AA batteries (included) that will last for about 40 hours on a charge. The HT is capable of communicating over distances of several miles*. The FCC also allows you to use MURS without a license. Although other radio services require a license, MURS is license free. When an alert signal is received from the MURS AlertTM transmitter the HT will sound off with the voice of the alert signal and will also display an alert icon as a visual display that an alert signal has been received. This has many different applications for small businesses, farms, security guards, outdoorsmen. Anyone who needs to have real time monitoring and two way voice communications will benefit from MURS.*Actual range will vary depending on the local terrain.

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

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(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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio

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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Audiovox GMRS7001 7-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Radio (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased a set of Audiovox GMRS7001-2. We operated them side by side with the larger Cobra PR-4000 series radios.
As far as range and transmit power, they appear to be almost equal with the larger Cobras. However, the receiver appears to not be quite as sensitive as the Cobra, and the receive audio is a bit tinny with somewhat poor audio reproduction. The squelch and quieting are not nearly as good as the Cobra. On the GMRS side of the radio, the volume control is appropriate and balanced.
The weather radio works, as well as does the alert. The volume on the weather part is somewhat loud, and I fear overdriving and blowing the speaker. (I would guess the speaker has been engineered to take whatever the final audio amplifier puts out...)
On the whole, the Audiovox GMRS7001-2 gets the same range, but does not perform as well as the Cobra PR-4000 and PR-4250 radios. That being said, they are physically smaller, and only cost about half as much.
Which makes them, on the whole, an excellent value for the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audiovox GMRS7001 7-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Radio (Pair)

Do you need an enormous seven mile range out of your 2-way radio?Would youappreciate the feature of having three Canadian maritime channels and seven NOAA weatherband channels? If so, then these radios might be just for you. Don't worry, Audiovox left thefeatures that you expect out of any other 2-way, like hands free capability, twenty-two channels(each with thirty-eight privacy sub-channels), a detachable swivel carry clip, a backlit LCDscreen, scan button, and full electronic channel and volume controls. The radios run on five AAAbatteries, and even powering a seven mile range, will run for fourteen to thirty hours. Rememberthat with this range, you'll need a FCC license. With the features listed above, one can see howthese radios would be ideal for skiers, hikers, hunters, and boaters. Order this twin pack and getout in it!
What's in the Box Two GMRS70012 2-way radios, belt clip, a user's manual, and a 90 day parts and laborwarranty.

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Midland GXT1050VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Camo) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)All manufacturers exaggerate the range of these little radios. I have used these to hear users on top of a 14,000 foot mountain from 6 miles away, but there were no obstructions between me and them. That's the best distance I've achieved. I had a lower power version of these and they worked well for several years before one of them died. I saved its battery as a spare for these and I can still use the one working with these. Most Midlands use the same rechargeable batteries, although you might carry at least four alkalines along if you expect to be away from the recharger for more than a day. If you're camping out you might want to establish a timetable to use them to extend battery life. They have excellent channel security, either with just two of them or in a group. Hearing other users of the same channel can get very annoying. The numerous privacy choices prevent that almost 100%. Like others, in a city or any enclosed space the range is very limited. The headsets can be handy of you're fishing or hunting. I've used 2-way radios for more than 40 years. The first ones I had were the size and weight of bricks. These are state-of-the-art, light, with good clips and among the best currently available.

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Midway's GXT1050VP4 two-way, 22-channel radios are designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operation, in a rugged, weatherproof package. With a range of up to 36 miles and Mossy Oak Breakup Camo finish, they're ideal for your next hunting trip. Features include privacy codes, direct/group calling, NOAA weather radio/alert/scan, silent operation, whisper function, SOS siren, and plenty more. Five animal call alerts are also included. Perfect for the outdoorsman.


GXT1050VP4 Features
22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS Clear, crisp communication with easy button access.
Up to 36 Mile Range Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.
387 Privacy Codes Gives you up to 5560 channel options to help you block other conversations.
NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan Automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather.
SOS Siren Allows you to send out distress/locator signals in an emergency situation.
JIS4 Waterproof Protection against light rain or splashing water from all directions on the radio.
Whisper Allows you to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by others.
Group Call Allows you to make "direct calls" to other people within the group without alerting the entire group.
eVOX Hands-Free Operation (9 levels) with easy voice activation--no need for an external microphone.
X-TRA TALK Power Maximum allowed by law.
Weather ScanEasily scans the active weather channel in your area.
Direct CallAllows you to instantly contact one member of your party without alerting the others.
10 Call AlertsDifferent call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group.
Five Animal Call Alerts Includes Turkey, Duck, Crow, Cougar and Wolf alerts.
Channel ScanAutomatically checks channels for activity.
Dual WatchLets you monitor two channels.
Vibrate AlertProvides silent page / call notification.
Auto SquelchRemoves annoying background noise.
Keypad LockLocks in your selected settings.
MonitorChecks for any activity within your channel.
HI/MED/LO Power SettingsLets you adjust transmit power & conserve battery life.
Roger BeepIndicates call completion.
Silent OperationTurns off all tones for quiet operation.
Bright Backlit Display [LCD]Easy to read day or night.
Keystroke Tones Audible tones with each key press
Mic and Headphone Jacks
Battery Life ExtenderProvides longer battery life.
Drop-in Charger Capable
Dual Power Options4 standard "AA" batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries.

Midland Radio Corporation Midland Radio Corporation is an international industry leader in wireless communications with affiliates in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as representation in Latin America.Midland develops high quality consumer products such as GMRS Two-Way Radios, Citizen Band (CB) Radios, Marine Radios, Bluetooth intercom systems, and All Hazards/Weather Alert Radios.Also, as a leading manufacturer of Land Mobile Radios, Midland supplies professional grade analog and digital (P25 Technology) Portables, Mobiles and Base Stations/Repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, and other commercial users.
Known in the '70s primarily for CB radios and household electronics, Midland has grown with the times by producing innovative new communications products and by actively promoting public emergency preparedness. Midland has manufactured quality Two-Way Radios for the last 50 years and is a market leader in several individual categories.

What's in the Box Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable batteries, pair of mic headsets, AC wall adapter, DC (vehicle) adapter and owner's manual

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Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The radios by themselves are good, but be careful to read the fine print. The first time I went to use the radios one of them didn't have a full charge on it. No problem, I just used AA batteries. Then we realized we could barely hear each other through the headphones even with the radios turned to max volume. I thought it might be the headphones, but they were very loud when plugged into a friend's radio made by a different company. Midland blamed it on the headphones anyway, but they were not covered under the warranty. So I didn't use the radios again for a few months until we went on another trip and I made sure to place the radio on the charger a day early this time so it would have ample time to charge. Same problem one radio didn't take but half a charge. I contacted Midland on Friday explaining my situation, they got back to me on Wednesday to say there was probably an issue with the battery pack (No duh). I emailed back around 10:30 am and said I figured that much, but how do I correct it. They got back to me on Thursday night saying I needed to buy another battery pack because they are not covered under the warranty either. So what is covered? Turns out not much, not the headphones, not the battery packs, not the charger, not the adapter and not even the antennas. In short if all you need is just the radios and there isn't a problem with them, the radios are OK, but heaven help you if there is a problem with them. It will take forever for someone to tell you that's not covered under the warranty. That large 3 year warranty logo needs to include an even larger asterisk. Radios get 5 stars, everything else including the warranty and service gets 1 star for an average of 3 stars. If I need to buy all new accessories to replace all these defective ones I just bought, maybe I should consider a different brand radio.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver)

Midway's GXT1000VP4 two-way, 22-channel radios are designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operation, in a rugged, weatherproof package. With a range of up to 36 miles, they're perfect for most any adventure. Features include privacy codes, direct/group calling, NOAA weather radio/alert/scan, silent operation, whisper function, SOS siren, and plenty more.


GXT1000VP4 Features
22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS Clear, crisp communication with easy button access.
Up to 36 Mile Range Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.
387 Privacy Codes Gives you up to 5560 channel options to help you block other conversations.
NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan Automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather.
SOS Siren Allows you to send out distress/locator signals in an emergency situation.
JIS4 Waterproof Protection against light rain or splashing water from all directions on the radio.
Whisper Allows you to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by others.
Group Call Allows you to make "direct calls" to other people within the group without alerting the entire group.
eVOX Hands-Free Operation (9 levels) with easy voice activation--no need for an external microphone.
X-TRA TALK Power Maximum allowed by law.
Weather ScanEasily scans the active weather channel in your area.
Direct CallAllows you to instantly contact one member of your party without alerting the others.
10 Call AlertsDifferent call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group.
Channel ScanAutomatically checks channels for activity.
Dual WatchLets you monitor two channels.
Vibrate AlertProvides silent page / call notification.
Auto SquelchRemoves annoying background noise.
Keypad LockLocks in your selected settings.
MonitorChecks for any activity within your channel.
HI/MED/LO Power SettingsLets you adjust transmit power & conserve battery life.
Roger BeepIndicates call completion.
Silent OperationTurns off all tones for quiet operation.
Bright Backlit Display [LCD]Easy to read day or night.
Keystroke Tones Audible tones with each key press
Mic and Headphone Jacks
Battery Life ExtenderProvides longer battery life.
Drop-in Charger Capable
Dual Power Options4 standard "AA" batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries.

Midland Radio Corporation Midland Radio Corporation is an international industry leader in wireless communications with affiliates in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as representation in Latin America.Midland develops high quality consumer products such as GMRS Two-Way Radios, Citizen Band (CB) Radios, Marine Radios, Bluetooth intercom systems, and All Hazards/Weather Alert Radios.Also, as a leading manufacturer of Land Mobile Radios, Midland supplies professional grade analog and digital (P25 Technology) Portables, Mobiles and Base Stations/Repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, and other commercial users.
Known in the '70s primarily for CB radios and household electronics, Midland has grown with the times by producing innovative new communications products and by actively promoting public emergency preparedness. Midland has manufactured quality Two-Way Radios for the last 50 years and is a market leader in several individual categories.

What's in the Box Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable batteries, pair of mic headsets, AC wall adapter, DC (vehicle) adapter and owner's manual

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Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)IMPRESSION BASED ON EXPERIENCE:
This is my second pair of Motorola 2-Way radios. I have tried other bands like Midland and been very disappointed, but Motorola has never let me down. I needed two extra radios for a fishing trip to Colorado so that my father, my brother, my son and I could stay in touch. I was amazed at how good these radios did in the mountains. At one point I was over three miles away from my father on the other side of a mountain and we could still talk clearly. Now I know 3 miles in not as far as the 23 miles range that is claimed these radios can reach, but if you know anything about how these radios transmit, then you know that for it to transmit clearly through 3 miles of solid mountain is close to a miracle. I have a pair of Midland G-300 Two Way Radios that claim a 10 mild range that cannot even reach 1/2 a mile through forest on straight level ground. I was also impressed with the battery life. Even after a long day of heavy use these units had plenty of power left. One was left on over night after being used all day and it still had power the next day.
Since I want this review to be helpful to people people wanting to buy these, I want to make something clear. The range claim that any 2-way radio manufacturer makes, is base on optimum conditions with no structural or atmospheric interference. In real life you can never expect to get those kinds of ranges out of any unit. Due to the curvature of the earth I would not expect that any radio could reach farther then 10 miles under normal conditions unless each radio is located in an elevated position with a valley in between, such as on either side of the Grand Canyon. So when you buy a 2-way radio, don't pay much attention to the range claims that are made. Just make sure that they will do what you need them to and don't expect a miracle that deifies the laws of physics.
PROS:
Motorola quality, great range and battery life.
CONS:
None that I can find.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
If you are looking for a good pair of 2-way radios for hiking, camping, fishing or similar, look no farther. If you are looking for 2-way radios for some sort of specialized professional use or something else these may or may not be what you are looking for.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

The Motorola Talkabout MH230 is a great choice for nearly any outdoor enthusiast. With a powerful range of up to 23 miles, this radio is perfect for family and friends to stay in touch, whether you're tackling a back country trail or trying to brave a crowded shopping mall. The MH230 has more than exceptional range. Tune into one of 7 NOAA channels (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on your MH230 for continuous local and regional weather broadcasting, and get real-time weather alerts to protect you from the danger of a sudden storm. The MH230 has full 22-frequency capacity with 121 privacy codes to reduce interruptions. Motorola's QT (Quiet talk) functionality allows the radios to be set so they can communicate with other compatible Motorola products.

The MH230R radio features flexible charging options for ultimate mobility. Users can choose to charge in the included dual drop-in charger, or use the mini-USB port in the radio to charge in the car or connect to a PC. For remote adventures standard alkaline batteries can be used when no power is available. Additionally, hands-free communication is available by using the iVOX speech-activated feature, which provides active families the freedom of mobility in even the most remote settings.

MH230R Features
Keypad Lock Lock your keypad to avoid accidentally changing your radio settings.
Channel Scan Use scan to search the 22 channels for transmissions from unknown parties, to find someone in your group who has accidentally changed channels, or to quickly find unused channels for your own use.
Charging Options You can charge the MH230 using the Motorola standard charging port (with the included charging adapter), the Drop-in cradle charger (also included), or purchase a mini-USB cable for use with the Mini-USB charging port, especially useful when traveling.
121 Privacy Codes Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking transmissions from unknown sources. The MH230 features 121 codes for superior interference protection.
Ten Call Tones The MH230 can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Choose from ten different tones.
Hands-Free Communication Use the iVOX feature to transmit hands-free without the need for any headset accessories. Once iVOX is turned on, the radio detects your voice and transmits when you speak into the internal microphone.
QT (Quiet Talk) Noise Filtering The QT noise-filtering feature helps to ensure uninterrupted communication with other Motorola radios, filtering out unwanted transmissions from other radios. This is useful in places where there is heavy radio traffic, such as amusement parks or ski resorts.
Talk Confirmation (Roger Beep) Alert You can set your radio to transmit a unique tone when you finish transmitting. It is like saying "Roger" or "Over" to let others know you are finished talking.
Weather Receiver Tune in to broadcasts by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Environment Canada Weatheradio. Both NOAA and Environment Canada have transmitters located throughout the United States and Canada, respectively. These transmitters broadcast watches, forecasts, and other information 24 hours a day.
Weather Alerts A special alarm tone sounds an alert and turns on the weather receiver to give you immediate weather and emergency information.
What's in the Box Two MH230 Radios with Removable Belt Clips, Dual Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter, Two 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs

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Motorola 56531 Multi Unit Charger / Cloning Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have 2 of these units and 12 of the CLS110 walkies (which by the way are AWESOME). Both of these chargers are frustrating. Rarely can you just insert the walkie for charging and have a solid light come on, which means it's charging. The light will blink meaning it's not making good contact, or the light won't come on at all so you have to jiggle and baby the walkie in the hole to get it to sit just right. In case you're wondering, the contacts on my walkies and the charger are all clean. Sometimes, when you put the walkie in, another walkie or 2 will start to blink so you're constantly playing with them to get them to all have the solid light. I explained this to Motorola and they couldn't do anything because the warranty was up. I've resorted to using cardboard pieces to angle the walkies in, having to remove the new clips from older walkies or remove the battery completely and charge it by itself. There is a separate slot within each well that takes just the battery. Overall, these things work, that is, if you have the patience to finesse each walkie in.
The only reason I use it is because it sure beats having 6 separate chargers you have to plug in.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola 56531 Multi Unit Charger / Cloning Station

Keep as many as six Motorola two-way radios or cordless phones charged at once with this multi-unit charger. Compatible with Motorola's CLS line of two-way communications devices, the charger not only juices up your electronics, but also makes it easy to copy settings from one radio to a fleet of radios. The cloning technology keeps business owners or managers from having to manually code frequency information into each new radio they buy--a must for the busy staffer. And because the unit has six slots, managers won't have to find outlet space for six separate chargers; they can just use the one and they're done. So make charging and cloning a radio as simple as flicking a switch with this multi-unit charger.

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Motorola MR355R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased these radios after extensive research discovering they are the best 2 way consumer radio motorola makes. once they arrived i charged them fully and followed the instructions to the T. Tested them in the country with nothing in the way of the 2 radios and they didnt make it past 4 miles. in the small little town i live in of 150 people, the radios managed to cut out after 3 blocks and no more communication. also the operating temps of these radios are insane. 20 degrees F and they shut down and refuse to transmit. i was using the hi power channel transmitting at 2 watts as well as the hi power ptt button. called motorola and they told me that they dont make them even. come to find out they hired a company giant international to build them. motorola only builds their business class radios is what they told me. i returned the items to amazon as they did no good. i mentioned that i would at least want to get 1 mile out of a 35 mile radio. guess not. im now trying out the much better looking midland gtx1000vp4 with a transmit power that ranges up to 5 watts! hoping to have better luck with midland. take my advice and dont waste your time with these supposed top of the line latest motorola radios.. they are more than a joke. i purchased a pair of cheap $20 midlands for kids to use in the woods and they worked better...in colder weather (by the way midland operates in -22F).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola MR355R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Sporting the REALTREE AP HD CAMO pattern and featuring a range of up to 35 miles, the Motorola Talkabout MR355R is an ideal communication tool for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Lightweight and rugged, with extra large buttons to help you operate even with gloves on, the MR355R is built to handle any challenge without weighing you down. The MR355R includes an emergency alert feature, to inform others should any dangers come your way. The MR355R also features a built-in LED flashlight for peace of mind during evening adventures or unexpected emergencies and power outages. Weather alerts will provide your group with warnings of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. And, by tuning in to one of 7 NOAA channels, you'll always know what to pack. This radio also features the VibraCall silent vibrating ringer, which is useful for locations where ringing can be intrusive or background noise would drown out your ring tone.


MR355R Features
35 Mile Range The MR355R, under ideal conditions, gives you a range of up to 35 miles. Conditions vary with geography and other variables.
22 Channels With 8 Repeater Channels Starting with the same 22 channels as the MR350, the MR355R adds 8 built-in repeater channels, which can work with a local repeater station to carry your signal further. Take advantage of this value-added feature by switching to GMRS channels 15R-22R, but don't forget you'll need a GMRS license and an accessible repeater station to take advantage.
Emergency Alert Button When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger.
Keypad Lock Lock your keypad to avoid accidentally changing your radio settings.
Channel Scan Use scan to search the 22 channels for transmissions from unknown parties, to find someone in your group who has accidentally changed channels, or to quickly find unused channels for your own use.
Charging Options You can charge the MR355R using the Motorola standard charging port (with the included charging adapter), the Drop-in cradle charger (also included), or purchase a mini-USB cable for use with the Mini-USB charging port, especially useful when traveling.
121 Privacy Codes Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking transmissions from unknown sources. The MR355R features 121 codes for superior interference protection.
Ten Call Tones (Five Standard, Five Animal Sounds) The MR355R can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. You can also add stealth and fun to your outdoor adventure by masking your radio's normal ring tone under the guise of a quacking duck, a cackling goose, a gobbling turkey, a bugling elk or a howling coyote. You will find this a helpful way to blend into the untamed habitat of the wild.
Hands-Free Communication Use the iVOX feature to transmit hands-free without the need for any headset accessories. Once iVOX is turned on, the radio detects your voice and transmits when you speak into the internal microphone.
QT (Quiet Talk) Noise Filtering The QT noise-filtering feature helps to ensure uninterrupted communication with other Motorola radios, filtering out unwanted transmissions from other radios. This is useful in places where there is heavy radio traffic, such as amusement parks or ski resorts.
Talk Confirmation (Roger Beep) Alert You can set your radio to transmit a unique tone when you finish transmitting. It is like saying "Roger" or "Over" to let others know you are finished talking.
Weather Receiver Tune in to broadcasts by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Environment Canada Weatheradio. Both NOAA and Environment Canada have transmitters located throughout the United States and Canada, respectively. These transmitters broadcast watches, forecasts, and other information 24 hours a day.
Weather Alerts A special alarm tone sounds an alert and turns on the weather receiver to give you immediate weather and emergency information.
Flashlight Handy built-in LED flashlight comes in handy in the dark or during power outages.
Push-to-Talk (PTT) Power Boost When activated, this feature helps extend the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output while helping to save battery life when no power boost is necessary.
Extra Large Buttons Skiers and winter sports adventurists will appreciate the new design that features extra large buttons making it easier than ever to operate with gloves.
VibraCall For quiet adventures or when ringing is intrusive, the VibraCall feature can be enabled to silently alert users to incoming transmissions.
What's in the Box Two MR355R Radios with Removable Belt Clips, Dual Drop-in Charger, Charging Adapter, Two 2 NiMH rechargeable battery packs, Owner's Manual

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

Average Reviews:

(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!)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland GXT950VP4 5-Watt 42-Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS Radio Pair with NOAA All Hazard/Weather Alert

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

Average Reviews:

(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
======================================
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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: TriSquare eXRS TSX300-2VP 900MHz FHSS Digital Two-Way Radio (Charcoal Metallic/Black) (Pair)

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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