What is the best GMRS Radio available for under $100/pair ? I am looking to purchase a GMRS 'walkie talkie' radio (pair) to replace my old FRS radios. I am looking to do some mountain camping/hiking with my older kids, who frequently go ahead and I'd like to be able to stay in touch. I was looking at the Midland GXT1050VP4, is there others made that are comparable/better?Thanks for any advice. What is the best GMRS Radio available for under $100/pair ? I am looking to purchase a GMRS 'walkie talkie' radio (pair) to replace my old FRS radios. I am looking to do some mountain... » Read More What is the best GMRS Radio available for under $100/pair ? I am looking to purchase a GMRS 'walkie talkie' radio (pair) to replace my old FRS radios. I am looking to do some mountain camping/hiking with my older kids, who frequently go ahead and I'd like to be able to stay in touch. I was looking at the Midland GXT1050VP4, is there others made that are comparable/better?Thanks for any advice. « Show Less
314713
None of them work to what they are advertised as. 36 miles would be no trees, no buildings, no interference, nothing and I doubt it would work then. I did a number of tests with the GXT1000VP4 one was left one talkie at the house and drove with the car...not a mile and it was not transmitting. Next was outside...woody area but not too much...we could only do a 1/2 and it worked great. Outside in the woods I would thing around 2 miles would be about it.
314714
I have 2 sets of cobra radios I use when I deer hunt, my dad,son and uncle use these and they do a good job, but sometimes I have a problem hearing my uncle because he is down in a valley. I thought I would try a pair of the midland radios and the pair that impressed me the most for the money was the GXT1050vp4 because of all the options and they were waterproof. Also they are 5 watts. I dont have them yet they are on the way cant wait until they get here. I seen them at a bass pro shop for $100 plus tax and I ordered a pair off of amazon for under $80 that included shipping, seemed like a great deal, they should be here on Friday. I have 2 sets of cobra radios I use when I deer hunt, my dad,son and uncle use these and they do a good job, but sometimes I have a problem hearing my uncle because he is down in a valley. I thought I would try a pair of the midland radios and the pair that impressed me the most for the money was the GXT1050vp4 because of all the options and they were waterproof. Also they are 5 watts. I dont have them yet they are on the way cant wait until they get here. I seen them at a bass pro shop for $100 plus tax and I ordered a pair off of amazon for under $80 that included shipping, seemed like a... » Read More I have 2 sets of cobra radios I use when I deer hunt, my dad,son and uncle use these and they do a good job, but sometimes I have a problem hearing my uncle because he is down in a valley. I thought I would try a pair of the midland radios and the pair that impressed me the most for the money was the GXT1050vp4 because of all the options and they were waterproof. Also they are 5 watts. I dont have them yet they are on the way cant wait until they get here. I seen them at a bass pro shop for $100 plus tax and I ordered a pair off of amazon for under $80 that included shipping, seemed like a great deal, they should be here on Friday. « Show Less
314715
the 5 watts output is only non the GMRS channels that you will need a GMRS license to use these channelsEnjoy your new radios
314716
I received my radios and they are awsome. I dont belive for the money you could find a better radio. I saved about $30 by ordering them from amazon, and they are new in the factory package and boxed very well in a cardboard box for shipping. I think I am going to sell my cobra radios and order me another set of these. They work great and distance is unbeliveable.
314717
While there are many good radios available in this price range, you would be hard pressed to find a better radio for the price. Features, flexibility of battery types all make this an excellent choice!
314718
edit...The midland is advertise at 5 watts but some user test it to run lower...Power Output ERP:1.6379 Watts (GMRS High)0.278 Watts GMRS/Med0.2035 Watts (FRS/Low)Ranges: (Test area was in a suburban environment. Your experiences may vary based on terrain and environment)(Squelch enabled, Maximum effective range)Car to car: .75 milesCar to house: 1.18 milesPerson to person outdoors: 1.55 milesPerson to house: 1.18 miles
1001079
Why? It's priced as a disposable radio. If you are wanting a quality device that will last you years and years maybe consider something else. This is a good intro radio until you decide this hobby is worth sinking some cash until.
1062790
In urban areas, don't count on more than a couple of blocks. These are line of sight, if you cannot "see" the person, your range will degrade significantly. The 36-mile claim assumes you are using the GMRS frequencies over a perfectly clear terrain (such as calm water) and under perfect atmospheric conditions. You will never realistically achieve this range or anywhere close to it. Plus, the antennas on these radios are not that good nor were they designed to be. People expect more out of these radios than was designed. They are useful for somewhat limited purposes and in relatively close-in situations. In urban areas, don't count on more than a couple of blocks. These are line of sight, if you cannot "see" the person, your range will degrade significantly. The 36-mile claim assumes you are using the GMRS frequencies over a perfectly clear terrain (such as calm water) and under perfect atmospheric conditions. You will never realistically achieve this range or anywhere close to it. Plus, the antennas on these radios are not that good nor were they designed to be. People expect more out of these radios than was designed. They are useful for somewhat limited purposes and in... » Read More In urban areas, don't count on more than a couple of blocks. These are line of sight, if you cannot "see" the person, your range will degrade significantly. The 36-mile claim assumes you are using the GMRS frequencies over a perfectly clear terrain (such as calm water) and under perfect atmospheric conditions. You will never realistically achieve this range or anywhere close to it. Plus, the antennas on these radios are not that good nor were they designed to be. People expect more out of these radios than was designed. They are useful for somewhat limited purposes and in relatively close-in situations. « Show Less
1805298
Please note there are several models. The only one to get is the MURS system. Be sure the vendor specifies it is a MURS system by Dakota Alert. I owned the others too and they weren't impressive at all nor did they last long. You said you need 1/2 mile range. Call Dakota Alert. They are easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. Be sure to buy it from a vendor that will let you return it if you do not get the desired range. Also call Dakota Alert if you have trouble setting it up. They have always been glad to help me. P.S. I am buying another transmitter this week. I've had mine for several years and it's the best thing out there I believe. Please note there are several models. The only one to get is the MURS system. Be sure the vendor specifies it is a MURS system by Dakota Alert. I owned the others too and they weren't impressive at all nor did they last long. You said you need 1/2 mile range. Call Dakota Alert. They are easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. Be sure to buy it from a vendor that will let you return it if you do not get the desired range. Also call Dakota Alert if you have trouble setting it up. They have always been glad to help me. P.S. I am buying another transmitter this week. I've had mine for several... » Read More Please note there are several models. The only one to get is the MURS system. Be sure the vendor specifies it is a MURS system by Dakota Alert. I owned the others too and they weren't impressive at all nor did they last long. You said you need 1/2 mile range. Call Dakota Alert. They are easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. Be sure to buy it from a vendor that will let you return it if you do not get the desired range. Also call Dakota Alert if you have trouble setting it up. They have always been glad to help me. P.S. I am buying another transmitter this week. I've had mine for several years and it's the best thing out there I believe. « Show Less
1099057
...and you will want to, because the lithium batteries are usually defective, and will not take a full charge. When I called Midland about this, I was told they would simply replace the radio with a GXT1000, which uses the older NiMH technology. (I finally traded these for a pair of the LXT model.)
1460986
I can only tell you that the radio does it's weather job, trouble free. You question appears to be of t technical nature which would be better answered by Midland Radio. I suggest you contact them at midlandradio.com. They have a technical department that I' sure can handle you question. Good Luck
209447
A lot of wrong information here. First of all, on the MT350R radio, channels 1-7 are allocated to shared FRS/GMRS use. Channels 8-14 are exclusively for FRS and 15-22 are exclusively for GMRS use. GMRS requires a license, though you wouldn't know that reading the Motorola documentation. This means, technically, channels 15-22 require a GMRS license to use legally. Channels 8-14 can be used by anyone. There is also confusion over the "power boost" feature. Again Motorola does not explain this well, and I'd guess is deliberately obscuring the facts. As near as I can tell the low power PTT is 0.5 watts and the high power is 2 watts. I couldn't find any direct documentation about this from motorola, but the numbers sound right. The point is, it is illegal to transmit on FRS above 0.5 watts. If you transmit using the "power boost" PTT on the shared FRS/GMRS or the GMRS channels you need a license. Summary: it is illegal for a non-licensed user to transmit on channels 15-22 under any circumstances (barring dire emergency). It is also illegal to use the "power boost" function without a license. Frankly these rules are a bit silly to say the least. And the FCC seems not to be too interested in enforcing them. With any luck the FCC will revise the rules at some point to better reflect the reality of the situation. In the mean time, if you want to break the law, fine. But at least you should *know* that you're doing so. As a practical matter, the best thing you can do to increase your range is not to mindlessly press the "power boost" button, but instead find a high place, like the top of the hill, and preferably some place with not too much in the way of obstructions. Your mileage will vary.
732388
You can actually transmit on GMRS frequencies legally without a license, but you're limited to 0.5 W (the normal max FRS power) instead of the usual 5W (the max GMRS power). How this relates specifically to the GXT1050 I'm not certain (I'm here just to look at comments in anticipation of buying a pair), but I did want to make that clarification. It may be that the Midland units can't transmit with low power on the GMRS frequencies, but it is legal under the circumstance I've described above.
509001
This radio is one of the best SW portable radios. So if there still is a BBC SW world service directed towards the Mediterranean, you will be able to receive it. Best if you go on-line, and check if the BBC has not cut yet that service. It used to be in the 49m band. Three addtl. comments: 1) This is not the best FM radio, very dificult to tune in to a known frequency. I say that because if you go to Greece, expect "touristy" FM broadcasts in the morning in English. 2) There are much cheaper and better radios for local FM. The TECSUN PL-310et comes to mind. 3) This is a really good radio for AM! I expect that in Greece at night you should be able to listen to a few AM radio stations in English.
860325
Roberto, I am new to looking for GMS/GPS/GPRS equipment and I was glad I found your question and the answer. Could you please tell me amount the "remotes" is about? I think I know this one but I want to be sure. Second you talked about SMS. What is SMS and do you know the cost of the assembly of this unit? Thanks for your help. Jason Barron
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
331418
The first one I purchased lasted about two years and went south. My current Midland weather radio has been in service about ten months.It kept me up last night until 12:30 AM because of storms in Nebraska. Hope it lasts. If it craps out, I am looking for another brand.
819684
Your photo shows the older model. Look at the new just released model (same size and operation) but comes in a striking blue color, plus we think improved sound quality. We have 8 Grandchildren. They should be a hit with your 4.5 yr. old. Racked my brain on what would be difficult for them. When you key the radio to speak you must wait about .5 seconds to speak. Turn off, turn on, is simple, just press and hold the middle button in the diamond. Changing channels requires a process so you are safe there. The sound quality of these are excellent and that of a set costing 4 or 5 times the price. We use them in our very frequent motor home travels, which spans 20 years. Mostly to assist when backing the 45' unit into tight spots,when fueling, ot traveling with friends (vs. using the CB.) We have owned maybe 8 or 9 different walkie sets. These have been the very, very,best for the price and when you forget and leave one at a camp sight or on top the fuel pump at a truck stop you do not feel as bad. Also when traveling with the grandkids they have no problem with them, including our 6 year old.
1236637
The people who have told you "Yes" are operating illegally. While FRS is license-free, you cannot legally operate these radios on FRS (or GMRS). It has to do with technicalities in the FCC rules, so while you can program the radios to work on these frequencies, doing so does violate those rules.
748075
Technically, to the horizon if you're on 2M, a little bit less if you're on 70cm. But that's with ideal conditions, one person on a high elevation, literally nothing in between, and ideal antennas. Realistically, with the antenna that comes with the radio, you're looking at a few miles. But again, it all depends. Are you in dense urban jungle? Then more like 1-2 miles. Are you in the forest? Maybe 3-4 miles. Are one of you on a mountain top overlooking a valley and the other in that valley? Are both of you on different mountain tops? The limiting factor here is the stock antenna on the HT, but this can be easily remedied. Many people make aftermarket antennae for HTs which, while less portable, will dramatically increase your range. So final answer is, it depends. All numbers quoted above are guesstimates. And if you don't know what 2M, 70cm, or HT means, or if you don't have a license from the FCC or equivalent regulatory body, please do not buy this radio. This is not a high power walker talkie, this is an amateur band radio, and as such requires a license to operate lawfully. If your interested in getting licensed, the process is pretty easy and very cheap, $15 to take the written test. Google "amateur radio license" for more on that.
2023442
I bought the Chinese one linked above, worked great in home tests, clogged the first time I took it into the field. I can't rely on it one bit.I don't want to carry four stoves (re: Stan in St Louistan) into the backcountry. I want to carry one, that will work, period. Is it worth $25 to have a failed stove halfway into a through hike? At least if the MSR stove had quit working, I would have been able to get it replaced.
499550
Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7 as 8-14 can cause interference to GMRS licensed repeaters. Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7... » Read More Look for FRS (Family radio service) radios sold everywhere. This radio is capable of operating on those frequencies as well as "M.U.R.S" channels (also no license required), but radio is not FCC type accepted for those services and would be a technical violation. A lot of people exceed the road speed limit, and a lot use these radios in the spirit if not the letter of the law. MURS is permitted 2 watts output to any antenna, on the radio or remote. FRS has a maximum power out permitted of 500 milliwatts (1/2 W) to an attached antenna ONLY. If you use FRS channels, stick with 1-7 as 8-14 can cause interference to GMRS licensed repeaters. « Show Less