Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Silver, Pair Pack)
Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Silver, Pair Pack)
This is a misleading and poorly engineered product. Allow me to explain.
Preface.
If you are looking for the legal way to communicate with more or less decent range you have very few options.
1. FRS does not require a license but is limited to 500mA (as of today; FCC is implementing changes to allow up to 2W of power on all current FRS channels, including those shared with GMRS).
2. MURS - it's VHF, also unlicensed, with 2W power limit. There are very few MURS certified radios on the market and VHF may present other issues with range.
3. GMRS. You need to get a license from FCC for the modest fee and then you can transmit up to 50 watts on simplex and repeater GMRS channels. You also need GMRS type-approved radio to use these channels legally.
So it seems GMRS is the obvious way to go. Here where the problem begins.
There are very few high power (>4W) handheld GMRS approved handheld radios on the market (and none that support repeater frequencies). There were a few high quality commercial Part 90 radios that were also certified for 95a (GMRS) but those are discontinued long time ago.
The product in question is one of the few ones that produces honest 5 watts - confirmed on FCC web site by looking up FCC ID and relevant lab measurement reports.
Sounds great on paper. So after much research and digging through FCC filings and test data I bough it.
My experience.
1. Setup of the privacy codes on the first 22 channels is simple enough. What are the rest of the advertised 50 channels there is no description, but you can find discussion online: Apparently these are the same frequencies (have to be - there are only so many GMRS/FRS frequencies allocated) with pre-set privacy codes. No word about what codes and what frequencies in the user manual. It's a gimmick feature to show "more channels" than the competitors and likely those will work with other Midland radios out of the box. I don't like such marketing stunts - but whatever. Not a big deal.
2. Receiver is very noisy. Much noisier than my other commercial handheld's one. This will limit useful range by raising noise floor. Not good.
3. Radio seems to indeed transmit 5 watts with fairly decent range (comparable with that of my other real part 90 5W transceiver). But only when using included battery pack. This is crucial "but" never mentioned anywhere.
The battery pack is 5 NiMH AAA rechargeables sealed together. (Note - 5, not 4). Unfortunately the capacity of the pack is 700mAh and according to my measurements the radio consumes average of 42 mA in standby with display off. This makes it only last for 16 hours if you don't transmit (it lasted only 8 hours in my test). Not much at all. What makes it worse - charge time is 12 hours (charging current was well under 150mA). And no, you cannot charge (spare) battery pack while using the other one - it must be charged while in the radio. What's even worse - they include automotive charger in the box - implying that you can quickly recharge the units while driving. Who is driving for 12 hour straight!? This is absolutely useless and misleading feature. So in the current form the radio is unusable for a long backpacking trips - unless you buy charge and bring extra battery packs - 2 per radio per day.
4. But wait you say - you can power the radio with AA batteries!. Yep. Sort of. You can put 4 (not five) AA batteries. And this would of course provide radio with less voltage. Perhaps they engineered it well to properly work on a range of input voltages?
Nope. Using AA batteries (or AA NiMH rechargeables) reduces output power to about 2.0 - 2.5 watts. There is no indication of that happening (except the reduced range, and current consumption - which I measured) - the display still shows "H" for high power. And it is not mentioned anywhere in the documentation (or I overlooked the fine print somewhere). This way you get very log battery life - you can find AA batteries with capacities well over 2000mAh - but now the feature you bough the units for and that is advertised in huge letters - 5W output -- does not apply anymore. You got noisy, weak set of walkie-talkies.
So, to summarize:
1. Unusable battery life - you either use battery pack with very short life and get your 5W transmit power or use batteries and get 2W.
2. Noisy receiver - limits range by increasing noise floor.
3. Unacceptably long charging time - 12 hours. Included car adapter is therefore useless and is pure gimmick feature.
4. Bogus channels 28 channels (after official 22 FRS+GMRS ones) with unknown frequencies or programming that cannot be changed. Another gimmick.
I'm very unhappy with this product. It feels it was made to sell well rather than to work well.
I reached out to Midland with questions but they did not respond to me.
UPDATED REVIEW: 4/21/2016:
I purchased four of these (two sets) in May of 2015. It is now April of 2016. All four of these radios, as well as our other radio equipment, is case-kept and well maintained. They're not left in dirty toolbags or dropped on job sites.
In December, I had to contact Midland about an issue with one of the four radios. It simply stopped working. To their credit, they had me send them the radio and they replaced it. I paid shipping to them, but they paid shipping back to me. Turn around was decent; a few weeks I believe.
Now it's April, and the second of four has stopped working. Speaker works, roger beeps work, batteries are fine - but it won't transmit on any of it's pre-programmed frequencies and won't receive on them either. It IS broadcasting something because it gives out a very unusual feedback signal on my computer speakers but not the same feedback as every other radio we have. It seems like it's just decided to operate on a totally different frequency. I'm currently working with Midland to see if they'll repair this unit as well.
We purchased these for search and rescue usage and to work with personnel in the woods and during events.So far 50% of them have failed under ideal conditions. It it always possible that we just got a bad set of radios. That happens, but 2 out of 4 in less than a year leaves me wishing I'd purchased something different entirely.
This isn't amateur mistakes causing these radios to malfunction. We are licensed GMRS users (WQWM407) and have a good amount of other radios that continue to operate great. We just purchased these because the reviews led us to believe they were a good radio for the price.
When they DO work, they work fine. They have great range. We use them handheld-to-truck all the time, but when they fail, they fail with no warning and repairs take a few weeks from the manufacturer.
My advice - choose something else.
FREQUENCY INFORMATION FOR THOSE THAT WANTED TO KNOW:
For those that are curious about frequencies and channels, I figure I'll save you the hassle of looking it up and figuring it out.
The following chart shows the Radio channel (the number on the on-screen LCD) along with the actual frequency of that channel, the common name for that channel (so you can set another standard radio to match it) and the broadcast power of the channels.
Looking at the chart below, keep in mind the following things.
1) Channels 1-7 are broadcast on FRS and GMRS frequencies, so they are limited to the 500 milliwatt power output (due to FRS limitations.)
2) Channels 8-14 are FRS only, so also limited to 500mw output.
3) Channels 15-22 are GMRS only, so they are broadcast at 5watts.
4) Yes, you legally have to have a FCC license to broadcast on GMRS in the United States. No, many people don't bother and do it anyway.
5) Channels 23-50 are simply preprogrammed GMRS channels with PL tones already programmed into them. I didn't bother to list the PL tones.. they're in the manual anyway if you want to look up the offsets, etc.
Channel Freq Actual Ch Power
1 462.5625 FRS1/GMRS 9 500mw
2 462.5875 FRS2/GMRS 10 500mw
3 462.6125 FRS3/GMRS 11 500mw
4 462.6375 FRS4/GMRS 12 500mw
5 462.6625 FRS5/GMRS 13 500mw
6 462.6875 FRS6/GMRS 14 500mw
7 462.7125 FRS7/GMRS 15 500mw
8 467.5625 FRS8 500mw
9 467.5875 FRS9 500mw
10 467.6125 FRS10 500mw
11 467.6375 FRS11 500mw
12 467.6625 FRS12 500mw
13 467.6875 FRS13 500mw
14 467.7125 FRS14 500mw
15 462.5500 GMRS 1 5w
16 462.5750 GMRS 2 5w
17 462.6000 GMRS 3 5w
18 462.6250 GMRS 4 5w
19 462.6500 GMRS 5 5w
20 462.6750 GMRS 6 5w
21 462.7000 GMRS 7 5w
22 462.7250 GMRS 8 5w
23 462.5625 GMRS 1 5w
24 462.6125 GMRS 3 5w
25 462.6625 GMRS 5 5w
26 462.7125 GMRS 7 5w
27 462.5500 GMRS 15 5w
28 462.6000 GMRS 17 5w
29 462.6500 GMRS 19 5w
30 462.7000 GMRS 21 5w
31 462.5875 GMRS 2 5w
32 462.6375 GMRS 4 5w
33 462.6875 GMRS 6 5w
34 467.5625 FRS 8 5w
35 467.6125 FRS 10 5w
36 467.6625 FRS 12 5w
37 467.7125 FRS 14 5w
38 462.5750 GMRS 16 5w
39 462.6250 GMRS 18 5w
40 462.6750 GMRS 20 5w
41 462.7250 GMRS 22 5w
42 462.5625 GMRS 1 5w
43 462.6125 GMRS 3 5w
44 462.6625 GMRS 5 5w
45 462.7125 GMRS 7 5w
46 462.5500 GMRS 15 5w
47 462.6000 GMRS 17 5w
48 462.6500 GMRS 19 5w
49 462.7000 GMRS 21 5w
50 462.5875 GMRS 2 5w
Actual Power Experience:
I live in the country. I get a little less than a mile over open terrain in the Piedmont area of NC. In the hilly areas, I get less than half a mile. Expect that. The earth blocks signals pretty well, so mountaintop to mountaintop your range will be amazing. Valley to Valley.. well.. you won't get valley to valley due to the mountain in the way! Your mileage may vary.
Another side note: The "Car charger" isn't a car charger for the radio. It's a car charger for the 2-radio plastic base it comes with. If you want to charge the radio in the car, you'll need the base to plug the charger into.
The radio is designed to recharge a rechargable ni-mh using it's "chg" jack (located under the mic cover on the right side.) If you want to charge a single radio in the car ,but leave the base at home, you'll need a car charger sold separately here on Amazon.
You can find that charger at: http://amzn.to/1crWZCu
Overall these seem thus far to be solid radios.
The battery power has so far been fine for my needs. You should know that the radio comes with a "battery pack" that contains three 700mah ni-mh rechargables in the pack. Thats pretty weak in terms of rechargable batteries, but it works OK for most usage. If you want to increase the life, you can replace them with any standard Ni-Mh rechargable battery, but it takes FOUR batteries if you do it that way. I run four 2600mah Ni-Mh batteries in mine so I've got about 5 times the battery life of the normal battery pack for only about $8 in expense... again, your mileage may vary.
Hope you find this review helpful.
We use this radios in our Winery and event Center in the Casablanca Valley - Chile. Our operation area is about 800 acres and 14 team members use this radios EVERY DAY (tour guides, management, front desk, security, wedding planner team). We worked with Motorola GMRS Radios before, but the battery life died just before 1 year of intense use. These Midland Radios gave us excellent result: great size, excellent range, durable, good quality, easy of use, good volume, easy to operate, great battery life, and have a good price. If I only could suggest any improvement, a incorporated flashlight would be very useful. As policy, we replace our radio equipment every 2 years, this is the 3rd time we stay with Midland GTX1000VP4 model !!
Price: US $22.98
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 from 7,678 Reviews
Specification
2-WAY RADIOS - These walkie-talkies feature 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan to check for activity. The JIS4 Waterproof Protection prevents splashing water from having any harmful effect on it (splash resistant).
36-MILE RANGE - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction. Easy Voice and Sound Activation Transmission (eVOX) with 9 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation.
142 CTCSS/DCS PRIVACY CODES - The privacy codes give you up to 3,124 channel options to block other conversations.
NOAA WEATHER SCAN + ALERT - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Radios (x2), rechargeable battery packs (x2), boom mic headsets (x2), belt clips (x2), 120V dual desktop charger, AC adapter, DC adapter, and an owner’s manual.
Description
Read more
Specs:
- 50 Channels
- 142 Privacy Codes
- JIS4 Waterproof
- Up to 36 Mile Range
- Channel Scan
- Weather Scan & Alert
- Call & Vibrate Alert
- Silent Operation
GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two Way Radio - Silver
Powerful and consistent choice for your radio communication needs.
The GXT1000VP4 GMRS walkie talkie is a powerful and consistent choice for your radio communication needs. Featuring X-TRA TALK Power – the maximum allowed by law with Xtreme Range Technology – and Midland’s signature NOAA Weather Scan + Alert Technology, this radio will auto scan to alert you of severe weather updates. Whether you are camping, hiking, or overlanding, the GXT1000VP4 keeps you in touch with friends and family.
- Pair of Radios
- Belt Clips
- Rechargeable Battery Packs
- Desktop Charger
- AC Wall Adapter
- DC Adapter
- Pair of Boom Mic Headsets
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50 Channels + Privacy CodesGives up to 3124 channel options to help you block other conversations. | Xtreme Range*Up to 36 miles - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction. | Whisper ModeSpeak quietly and still be heard by others. | Call Alert + VibrateNotifies you of incoming calls from up to 10 groups with sound alert and vibration. |
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Cross CompatibleCompatible with all Midland FRS and GMRS Walkie Talkies and accessories. | NOAA Weather Scan + AlertAutomatically scan weather band channels and alert you of severe weather updates. | Long RangeLonger range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction. |
worst experience with this particular model with in four days it got a issue in switch i mean to say it was not getting on and from day one it got a issue in battery so i requested to refund the money .amazon responded to ma refund request so quickly i was so happy i love to shop in amazon and i got ma money back with in 3 to 4 days im so much great full to amazon we love you .
Product information
Style:Pair Pack - Black/Silver| Product Dimensions | 7.9 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| ASIN | B001WMFYH4 |
| Item model number | GXT1000VP4 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars7,678 ratings 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #7 in Portable FRS Two-Way Radios |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| GSM frequencies | 5.17 KHz |
| Special Features | We stand by our products and service 100%. |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Colour | Black, Silver |
| Included Components | Rechargeable battery packs included or may be used with 4 AA batteries per radio |
| Department | Electronics |
| Manufacturer | Midland |
| Date First Available | October 1, 2001 |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Documentation (PDF)User Manual (PDF)Specification Sheet (PDF)
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