What makes this radio "commercial"? Is this just a marketing term? Or does it have specific meaning?
1685677
"Commercial" is somewhat of a marketing term, much like "professional". In this case, though, it means that the radio can be programmed for the "Business Band" frequencies. It's often forgotten that these Chinese hand-held radios were developed and subsidised to be commercial radios -- not ham radios. With the forced conversion to narrow-band, there was a huge opportunity to sell new public-service and business radios to the U.S. market. Unfortunately for the Chinese, the FCC has dragged its feet on approving most of these radios for "Part 90", while quickly approving the traditional Japanese manufacturer's products. That left ham radio as a potential market, as well as those who really don't care about FCC approval. Much hysteria has developed with crazy fear-mongering over radio police swooping in and jailing people for using non-approved radios. Yeah, sure. These radios don't cause any problems if used responsibly, which is the same that can be said for an "approved" radio. Don't use the "scrambler" and don't transmit on a frequency that you aren't licensed to use. And don't worry about the "radio police", because they can't tell by listening if your radio is a Wouxun or a Yaesu, and they really only respond (very slowly) to documented complaints. Oh, and you won't go to jail, either.
605139
I ordered this as a gift and have not opened it. The box says "Multi-Purpose Outdoor Radio". No such mention in product description that this is only for outdoor use. Reviews of this product didn't mention it is good only for ourdoor use. Is there a manual that comes with it? I do not want to open it to check because as I stated it is intended as a gift. Amazon did not send a packing slip with it which makes me suspicious if I received the right one: MircrolinkFR160. Eton.
2156022
I'mSorry I can't answer your question........ I have never used this feature on the radio.
145620
It is FM only. I was aware of that when I bought it. However I was very disappointed the radio as it could not receive even strong local stations. Please see my review for the pros and cons of the unit. I did return it to the vendor.
682520
Some claim it's a cell phone battery you can find for $5 (with shipping, I doubt it.) Apparently, many defective radios and/or battery units were shipped. Nothing should be shipped to a customer where the customer is left trying to figure out how to fix it. I just sent the whole thing back and ordered a portable radio made by a different manufacturer.
1240034
Both could be right. The radio has a good sound, but its hard to tune to the stations. I live in the country. In a bigger city with more stations to select from, it may be easier to tune in a station. My is in my garage and I never change channels.
1606779
I will check. Don't listen to radio any more becausec of too many commercials. USB option does.
2241804
This radio was initially intended to be used in a commercial/industrial environment. It should work well as a security radio. It is rugged, compact, inexpensive and works well inside buildings. It is FCC part 90 complient and can be used for that purpose. You must however you must obtain a GMRS license from the FCC. Costs about $80 and is good for a number of years.
1936189
The HD radio is built in. When you tune to a HD ready station information is displayed about their HD choices. It's awesome.
1226097
Good heavens! So many wrong answers. This radio can be programmed to receive on any frequency in the typical VHF/UHF land mobile bands. It cannot be used legally used to transmit on either FRS or GMRS frequencies because the radio is not Part 95 certified. There are no frequencies in this radio that can legally be used without a license. There are many business band frequencies that this can operate on legally, but it requires an FCC license, which is generally not difficult to obtain, but you do have to pay between $85 and $200, depending on how many radios you license. Now, these radios are being used every day illegally. Can you get away with it? Maybe. If you happen to pick a frequency with a licensed user or users already on it, you can expect they will file a complaint with the FCC. Depending on how much interference you cause, you may get a visit from a white van with lots of antennas. I suggest you Google the amount of fines you can be hit with. Contact a local land mobile radio dealer. They can help you with a license, and you won't have to worry about the guys in the white van.
1151674
drussell: If the box had said "Lifetime traffic (with ads)" for instance, that wouldn't have been deceptive. I'm not the only one who has been surprised by the presence of ads on a GPS. I understand the economics. It might even be a good value. But it's ridiculously bad marketing to surprise people like this.I may even decide to keep the unit. The ads aren't that bad, and the price is quite good for what you get. But I like being treated with honesty.
1865887
The feature you are mentioning for mayday and location is not something I am aware of. I did not know that this radio had such a feature. Did I miss something?
460880
No it doesn't. And for good reason. Why anybody'd want to waste time listening to broadcast radio in the first place is open for debate, especially with so many other frequencies to explore.
914847
Yes, it means that you need a separate switch or relay to actuate the antenna. There are ways you can wire it with a relay/timer to make it fully automatic to go up with your stereo head unit or you can use a simple SPDT momentary switch to run it up and down. This is what I have done so I can keep the antenna retracted while listening to CD's or MP3's.
1885162
Yes, it is a shortwave radio. I get broadcast from Asia, Austrailia, and other languages I dont recognize.
296924
NO! This is a HAM radio ONLY. It is not FCC Part 90 certified for commercial use.
1050164
It's an aviation radio designed for a pilot's headset. The connector between the radio and headset is supplied with the radio.