Gadgets for Grownups

• Pair of 22-channel GMRS/FRS radios with an up to 26-mile range, and dual radio desktop charger
• Features 5 call alert tones, VOX automatic voice transmission, silent operation and a vibrating alert
• Constructed to be water resistant, and backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty

The Midland GXT710 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 26-mile range in open territory. In addition to the 22 possible channels, the GXT710 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. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.

The GXT710 radio is full of features such as an outgoing call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, and five incoming call alerts to identify various senders. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, an auto squelch for filtering out weak signals, and a vibrating alert for use in both quiet and noisy environments. This unit provides High, Medium and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power, and a VOX function with selectable levels for voice-activated, hands-free transmissions. The GXT710 also includes keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.

Midland's GXT710 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The GXT710 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland GXT710VP3 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
2 GXT710 two-way radios, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

• Pair of 22-channel GMRS/FRS radios with an up to 26-mile range, and dual radio desktop charger
• Includes VOX automatic voice transmission, a vibrating alert, and a pair of microphone headsets
• Constructed to be water proof to JIS4 specifications, and backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty

• Pair of 22-channel GMRS/FRS radios with an up to 16-mile range, and dual radio desktop charger
• Includes microphone/speaker/headset jack, silent operation, and belt clip
• Constructed to be water resistant, and backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty

The Midland LXT330 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 16-mile range in open territory. And while most GMRS channels require an FCC license to operate, channels eight through 14 are low-power FRS channels that are license free. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read LCD display that shows you channel and other relevant radio status information at a glance, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.

The LXT330 radio is full of features such as a call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, a channel scan to locate activity, and an auto squelch to filter out weak signals. This unit provides both High and Low power settings, so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power. The LXT330 also features keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.

Midland's LXT330 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The LXT330 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland LXT330VP3 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
2 LXT330 two-way radios, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

• Pair of 22-channel GMRS/FRS radios with an up to 26-mile range, and dual radio desktop charger
• Includes VOX automatic voice transmission, a vibrating alert, and a pair of microphone headsets
• Constructed to be water proof to JIS4 specifications, and backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty

The Midland GXT800 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 26-mile range in open territory. In addition to the 22 possible channels, the GXT800 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. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status information at a glance even in difficult lighting, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.

The GXT800 radio is full of features such as an outgoing call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, and five incoming call alerts to identify various senders. This radio also features a channel scan for locating active channels, an auto squelch for filtering out weak signals, and a vibrating alert for use in both quiet and noisy environments. This unit provides High, Medium and Low power settings so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power, and a VOX function with selectable levels for voice-activated, hands-free transmissions. The GXT800 also includes keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.

Midland's GXT800 radio is constructed to be water proof to JIS4 specifications, so it can be used in virtually any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The GXT800 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland GXT800VP4 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
2 GXT800 two-way radios, 2 x microphone headsets, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, DC vehicle adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

• Up To 25-Mile Range
• 121 Privacy Codes For 2662 Combinations
• 3 AA Alkaline Or 9-Hour Nimh Estimated Talk Time

Design
Compact and easy to hold, the T9500XLR's are also rugged and up to the task of any outdoor adventure. While they aren't completely waterproof, the ports and buttons have rubberized covers for keeping the elements out. The controls are relatively simple to figure out, and after a brief glance at the user's manual, you'll be up and running. The antenna on the radios is rather large--necessary for boosting range, but it might be stretch to tuck one into a small coat or pants pocket.

The all-important transmit button is easy to depress and hold. Pressing on the top portion of the button places the radio in "Power Boost" mode, which maximizes the transmission range. You'll save battery by using the lower power mode when talking to parties that you know are closeby. The radios are powered by included NiMH battery packs, which are rechargeable (a charger comes with the radios, too). You can also opt to use old fashioned AA batteries (three of them per radio) if you're on an extended expedition without AC power.

Features
The T9500XLR supports up to 22 channels across the GMRS and FRS spectrum. GMRS channels offer high range and power for longer distance communication. There are also 121 interference elimination codes, also known as privacy codes. Codes 39-121 are digital, and they offer superior interference blocking when both radios are set to the same code. There's also an additional noise filter that filters out unwanted transmissions from other radios, something that's especially useful in places where there is a lot of radio traffic, such as a ski resort.

You can also take advantage of the T9500XLR's unique "iVox" feature, which allows you to transmit without pressing a button. The radio detects the sound of your voice and automatically sends the transmission. No other accessories or headsets are required. You can also use the traditional "Vox" mode which does require a headset. The "VibraCall Alert" vibrates the radio when you receive a transmission--great for use in noisy environments, or when you want to keep things discreet.

The radio can even scan its 22 channels for transmissions from other parties. Not only is this fun and often entertaining, it also also allows you to scan for members of your party who may have changed channels inadvertantly. Another handy feature is NOAA weather reception, which lets you listen to weather reports and bulletins right on your radio.

Real World Testing
Motorola claims a 25-mile range for the T9500XLR, but they add that this is really only attainable under ideal conditions, such as transmitting from the top of a mountain down into a wide open valley. Moto says a range of 10 miles is more feasible in day-to-day use, while two miles is the maximum range in dense urban areas.

In downtown Seattle, that turned out to be pretty much true. Reception was good throughout the urban core, but when one tester ventured beyond that magical 2-mile radius reception started to fade. The radios did a good job filtering out unwanted transmissions, thanks to the privacy codes, and the number of available channels. Finding an unused channel in a busy city is a challenge, though. When in range, transmissions were clear and distortion-free.

All in all, the T9500XLR is a top-notch radio with features one would expect on a product twice or three times the price. It earns our praise as a top performer for those who need the most out of a two way radio.

Pros

• Excellent range
• Good interference elimination
• Rugged

• A bit big for small pockets

• 40 Channel
• Instant Channel 9
• Squelch Control

• 40 CB channels, 10 NOAA channels
• Includes cigarette lighter adapter
• Portable, compact design

• Outdoor range of up to five miles
• Compact, water-resistant radios are prefect for active outdoor use
• Measures 2.2 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches (W x D x H)

The FV200AA features audible call tones that grab the attention of your family and friends before you even start talking. A talk confirmation tone will sound when the push-to-talk button is released -- signaling when the other user has stopped talking. An audible low-battery alert ensures that you'll have plenty of notice that your batteries are running low.

Note: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that operators on General Mobile Service (GMRS) and Private Land Mobile (PLM) frequencies obtain an FCC license prior to use. To learn more, please visit the FCC web site.

What's in the Box
Two FV200 radios and user's manual.

• Base-load large magnet mount CB antenna
• Weather channel capable
• Compatible with all CB and 10 meter radios

• Up to 8 hours talk time, 200 hours standby time
• Wireless Bluetooth® headset