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In 2022, Melowave entered the two way radio accessory market for the first time. its initial product lineup consisted of two mobile antennas, the Overlander and Shadow. These premium quality antennas were designed and tuned specifically for the GMRS, and they quickly became renowned for their durable construction and reliable performance.

These antennas were a welcome addition to the GMRS community, yet something was missing from all this. There was no Melowave antenna for handheld radios.

That is, until now.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of a new product from Melowave – the Bandit-G antenna! This latest addition integrates seamlessly into Melowave’s stellar lineup. Designed specifically for handheld GMRS radios, the Bandit-G is engineered with precision and built for performance. It's an indispensable after-market upgrade for the GMRS user who needs portability and maximum range.

The Melowave Bandit-G is truly a high-performance antenna. It is optimized for the GMRS, encompassing the frequency range of 462-468 MHz on the UHF band. Measuring approximately 15.5 inches in length, the Bandit-G features a thin, flexible wire design that ensures both portability and resilience in various mobile environments. It offers significant improvements in performance over many stock handheld antennas, with a 2.15 dBi gain and a maximum power rating of 10 watts, providing clear and strong communications for users.

The Bandit-G is currently available with three different connectors: SMA Male, SMA Female, and BNC Male, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of portable handheld GMRS radios equipped with a removable antenna.

Whether you're a seasoned radio operator or new to the GMRS, the Melowave Bandit-G is made for you. It is engineered to deliver exceptional performance and reliability, continuing the legacy of Melowave's commitment to providing the highest quality and most reliable two-way radio accessories on the market. It's available exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios.​ Price: $17.99.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates and product releases from Melowave. Follow us on social media and check out our website for the latest news, product reviews and promotions.

Summer is a great time to beef up your business radio fleet, and now you can get a free add-on to boot! From now until August 31st, you can get a free earpiece when you buy an Wouxun S-Series business radio from Buy Two Way Radios!

This isn't just any old earpiece. It's the Wouxun HEO-023 earpiece with the waterproof connector! This earpiece is specifically designed to fit Wouxun Q-Series and S-Series radios that are rated IP65 and IP67 for dust and water resistance. And now, for a limited time, when you buy an Wouxun KG-S84B or KG-S86B business two way radio, you can get this HEO-023 earpiece FREE with each radio purchased.

This offer is also valid on Wouxun S-Series business radio six packs and bundles. Each six pack will include six FREE earpieces, one for each radio in the bundle.

No promo code is needed, your free earpieces will automatically be added to your order at checkout. But hurry! This promotion is only available until August 31, 2024 and only while supplies last.

The President BT Mike is a Bluetooth Microphone that mounts on your steering wheel for hands-free operation! It features a built-in NRC (Noise Reduction Circuit), providing 5 levels of noise reduction to keep your transmissions as clear as possible while on the road. It Works with all current President mobile CB and 10 meter ham radios equipped with 6-pin microphone connectors.

The BT Mike works with the following models:

• BILL II FCC CB Radio
• GEORGE FCC CB Radio
• HARRISON FCC CB Radio
• JOHNNY III USA CB Radio
• JOHNSON II USA CB Radio
• LINCOLN II PLUS Ham Radio
• MCKINLEY USA CB Radio
• RICHARD Ham Radio
• RONALD Ham Radio
• TAYLOR FCC CB Radio
• TED FCC CB Radio
• THOMAS FCC CB Radio!
• WALKER III FCC CB Radio
• WASHINGTON Ham Radio

The President Remote BT Mike is available at Buy Two Way Radios.

After its introduction in 2009, the Midland GXT1000VP4 quickly became an icon in the world of GMRS walkie talkies, and it remains so today. Much has been written about the GXT1000, and there is a multitude of articles, videos and podcasts that cover nearly every aspect of it.

So it was no surprise that Midland would introduce another version of it, and in 2013 the company did so, with the GXT2000. It featured some notable improvements and was much anticipated by the GMRS community. Unfortunately, although the initial reviews were generally favorable, the product experienced delays due to production issues and was ultimately discontinued.

Yet the popularity of the GXT1000 never waned. Neither did the sales. With so much competition and innovation in the GMRS marketplace, the venerable GXT1000 is still holding its own. In fact, fifteen years later, it is still a top selling GMRS radio, and perhaps the most recognizable Midland product around. There's just one thing. It's showing its age.

Now Midland is giving their beloved flagship radio a makeover, with long requested updates and new functionality to bring it up to date with the needs of today's GMRS operator. Introducing the Midland GXT3000 GMRS Two Way Radio!

The first and natural inclination would be to draw comparisons between the GXT3000 and the original. After all, this radio is a new and improved version of the GXT1000, and many of the features included with each are the same. However, the 3000 actually has more in common with the now defunct GXT2000, especially in its overall design. Take a look at an image of the GXT2000VP4, compare it to an image of the GXT3000VP4, and you'll notice it right away. These two models look almost identical to one another.

Appearance
In a side by side comparison, The GXT2000 and GXT3000 are nearly indistinguishable, right down to the LCD display that is "split" on the lower end to separate some of the function icons. They both have the same 5-key keypad as well, although the Arrow Up key on the GXT3000 also controls the flashlight, something the GXT2000 and GXT1000 don't have. The PTT, front speaker grille, and side audio port are all identical. Even the on/off/volume knob looks the same. Overall, the GXT2000 and GXT3000 have almost the same shell, with the same shape and size. There are, however, two exceptions. The GXT3000 has the already mentioned flashlight, and one additional port on the side of the radio. It's USB-C!

Battery and Charging Options
Each of the three models use different types of rechargeable batteries. The GXT1000 uses a BATT-5R NiMH rechargeable battery pack. The GXT2000 used a lithium polymer battery. The GXT3000 operates on a Lithium-ion battery pack. According to Midland, the battery can power the new radio for up to 18 hours. All three radios can also operate on AA alkaline batteries, although this was somewhat problematic on the GXT2000, which is possibly one factor that may have contributed to its demise.

As with the previous models, the GXT3000 includes a dual pocket desktop charger, which is still considered a primary charging option. All three radios can be charged using an optional DC vehicle adapter designed for that purpose. What sets the GXT3000 apart from the others is that it also supports USB charging via the USB-C port built into the side of the radio.

It should be noted that the desktop chargers are NOT compatible between the GXT1000, GXT2000 and GXT3000. Although the radios are roughly the same size and have the same footprint, the technology required to charge the different types of rechargeable batteries for each radio is different. The power plugs on the back of the chargers are also different. The GXT3000 charger uses a USB-C plug, so it isn't possible to use the same wall or vehicle plug from the other models anyway.

Transmit Power
The GXT3000VP4 has its own FCC ID number. This typically means that there were some significant changes between all the previous models that Midland had to submit to the FCC for approval. Midland does not publish the actual wattage of its consumer radios on its site nor does it include this information on their spec sheets. This is where the FCC ID comes in handy. A simple lookup of the grant in the FCC database for the Part 95E certification reveals the actual wattage.

Based on the testing data submitted to the FCC, the GXT3000 has a maximum output power of 2.42 watts. In contrast, the wattage of the GXT1000 varies between 2.43, 2.5 and 5.33 watts, depending on which GXT1000 was tested. This is because there are several generations of the GXT1000 due to various updates and changes to it over time, each with its own FCC ID. The GXT2000 maxed out at 2.649 watts.

Receiver
Also, just in case anyone is interested, the GXT3000 has a superheterodyne receiver. While the advantages of a superhet receiver in a consumer transceiver might be debatable in this age of advanced chip technology, it may still serve to satiate the concerns and desires of a few GMRS radio enthusiasts nonetheless.

Core Functions
At its core, the GXT3000 is a bona fide GMRS radio. It can transmit and receive on all of the standard GMRS channels allocated to the service by the FCC, plus 38 "additional" channels that are pre-set with specific privacy tones. These are the same XTRA channels that the GXT1000 supports, although Midland apparently no longer calls them "XTRA". The GXT3000 also supports the same standard 38 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes as other Midland models, utilizing the same number code system to keep things copacetic across their product line. Nothing new there.

Repeater Capability
What is new in the GXT3000 is repeater support. Yes, that's right, by popular demand, the GXT3000 includes all 8 GMRS repeater channels for full, unfettered access to repeaters! This functionality has been available on the Midland mobiles for quite some time, but it is a new, refreshing and welcome addition to their GMRS portable handheld models.

Previously, those who relied primarily on GMRS repeaters but were loyal to the Midland brand were forced to settle for mixing their MXT series mobile radios with portable handhelds from other brands to make their system work. Not anymore. With the GXT3000, you can now have your repeater and transmit on it too, across your entire Midland branded fleet.

Weather Channels
Of course, it wouldn't be a top tier GXT Series radio without the weather channels and alerts, and the GXT3000 delivers. It features a built-in weather alert radio with 7 US NOAA weather channels plus 3 Canadian Marine frequencies, for a total of 10 weather related channels.

Features
The GXT3000 lists the same set of features as its predecessors. This includes 10 call tones, channel scan, dual channel watch, auto squelch, multiple power settings, battery saver, keypad lock, monitor function, silent operation, vibrate alert and VOX, for what that's worth. Like the other models, it is also JIS4 water resistant and has a three year manufacturer warranty.

To be unique, the GXT3000 also has an SOS siren, just in case you want or need one.

Group Mode
The GXT1000 has a direct call and a group mode feature, and Midland removed both of these in the GXT2000. Group Mode must have been sorely missed, because it has returned. The GXT3000 features Group Mode, which includes Group Caller ID and Group Ring Tones.

Wide and Narrow Band Support
There is one new feature aside from what was already covered that is definitely worth noting. Unlike the GXT1000 and GXT2000, which were fixed on narrowband, the GXT3000 does support both wide and narrow band and allows you to choose between the two modes. This is quite a departure from the previous models and can be quite beneficial, especially when trying to communicate with older Midland units and other makes and models of GMRS radios.

Conclusion
To summarize, the GXT3000 isn't as much an update of the ever popular GXT1000 as it is a redux of the Midland GXT2000. The difference is that the new radio uses a better battery, the choice of wide and narrow band options and, most notably, full support for GMRS repeaters. It also has the overall look and feel of the former, which is great, because we were fans of the GXT2000 and were sorry to see it go. But now it's back, apparently, and better than ever!

The GXT3000 is currently available in a GXT3000VP4 Value Pack that includes two radios, a dual pocket desktop charger, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, two belt clips, a 6 foot USB-C cable, an AC wall adapter and a 12V vehicle charging adapter. Price: $149.99.

President is well established as a reputable manufacture of quality mobile CB radios. A few years ago, they made waves on the CB band with the introduction of a handheld model, the President RANDY FCC, and we covered it in episode 155 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast. The RANDY proved to be popular, so when the FCC approved FM on CB, President wasted no time in adding it to their lineup by creating the RANDY II.

This upgraded version of the original is very popular, with one caveat. It's the price. Some CBers complain that it is a bit too pricey for an ht CB. They aren't wrong. When compared with Cobra, Midland and Wouxun handheld CBs, the RANDY II is the most expensive model on the market.

It seems that President was listening, because they just launched a brand new model, and at a lower price point. Introducing the President Jerry FCC AM/FM Handheld CB Radio!

The JERRY FCC is a lighter version the RANDY II. Think of it as the RANDY II Lite. It works in AM and FM modes and has many of the standard features of its higher end cousin. Although it does not include some of the advanced functionality like the companding, noise gate, scan skip and VOX, it does have the weather channels and alert, which many users consider is more important anyway.

The display is also not quite as customizable. The RANDY II featured a 7 Color multifunction LCD display, and although the the JERRY retains the same crisp, easy to read screen, it is limited to one color only. President chose orange, which makes sense, as it is probably easiest on the eyes.

There are also a couple of very notable differences with the included accessories. Of course, both come with the same 1800mAh lithium-ion battery pack and removable antenna. The rest of the kit is quite a bit different. While the RANDY II comes with a drop-in charger, external mobile antenna adapter, microphone/radio hanger, belt clip and even a wrist strap, the JERRY has none of those. Instead, it has a combo vehicle charging/antenna adapter and fuse. This combo cable performs a dual function, to power and charge the JERRY and provide an adapter for connecting an external antenna to it, so you can turn your handheld into a mobile radio.

The RANDY II currently sells for $164.00. By eliminating the extra features and the drop-in charger, President was able to get the price of the JERRY down to only $129.00.

The following chart is a comparison between the new President JERRY FCC and the RANDY II CB radios.

These promotions expired in 2017 and are no longer available.

Featured Specials

More May Freebie Offers

It's CB season with two great specials on President radios! One is a cash rebate, the other a free bonus add-on. Both are offered directly from the manufacturer, and both are not to be missed.

President WALKER CB and MARYLAND Antenna Rebate Offer
Buy a new President WALKER III FCC CB Radio and a new President Maryland Antenna between April 1 2024 and May 31, 2024 and you can get a $25 Rebate! This requires a purchase of both a WALKER III and Maryland Aerial on the same invoice. Your $25 rebate will be mailed to you after President receives your signed Mail-in Rebate Coupon.

President GEORGE FCC Free President BT Mike Offer
Buy a President GEORGE FCC AM/FM/SSB CB Radio between May 1 2024 and June 30, 2024 and you can get a FREE BT MIKE Wireless Microphone! As with the WALKER special, this offer is fulfilled by President directly, so your FREE BT Mike will be mailed to you after President receives your signed Mail-in Rebate Coupon.

The table below lists the President CB radios with active promotions for May 2024 and their offers.

Important: Although each offer is different, both have the same qualifying requirements. These are outlined below:

• Offer only good on purchase of the model listed in each promotion.
• Offer only good on new items.
• Offer valid only while stocks last (no rain checks).
• Offer must be redeemed with the rebate coupon.
• Your request must be postmarked within 30 days of purchase.
• Rebate coupon must be mailed with an original or photocopy of your dated receipt and the serial number of the product.
• The offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
• The offer is valid only for residents of US and US territories.
• The offer is limited to end-users only.
• Your mail-in coupon rights cannot be assigned or transferred.
• The offer is void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law.

Among the many advantages of buying your radio gear from Buy Two Way Radios is the access to all of our resources for support. In fact, we have one of the most comprehensive compendiums of tools and information on the products that we carry of any two way radio retailer on the internet today. Yet, one of our best resources is also probably the least known, that is, until now. Introducing the the Radio Check newsletter!

Now in its third year of publication, Radio Check is a monthly email newsletter that's jam packed with the latest news, industry trends and product information on the radios available from our site. These include tutorials, tech support topics, sales and promotions, helpful videos such as our Radio 101 series and our award nominated podcast, The Two Way Radio Show.

The Radio Check newsletter is a no risk investment in a monthly compilation of the best content available from Buy Two Way Radios. It's an easy read, the subscription is free, and if you don't like it, you can unsubscribe at any time. So why not give it a try?

Don't miss a single issue of Radio Check. Subscribe today! It's FREE!

The TYT TH-UV88 is a reliable, solid handheld amateur radio at a budget friendly price. It's a great alternative to the original Baofeng UV-5R, mostly for its durability. Like it's lower end counterpart, the TH-UV88 can also be programmed with CHIRP. Now there is one more reason to choose the UV88 over a UV-5R. The TYT TH-UV88 now supports USB-C charging!

Not long ago, TYT introduced a new 2200mAh lithium-ion battery pack with a built-in USB-C charging port for the TH-UV88. We are excited to announce that the TH-UV88 we sell now includes this upgraded battery in the standard package!

The TH-UV88 originally included a standard, 1400mAh battery pack by default. But we changed all that. Now, when you buy a new TH-UV88 from Buy Two Way Radios, you get the 2200mAh TYT-BATT-UV88-USB-C battery upgrade as part of the deal, and at no extra cost!

A bigger battery, USB-C charging option, and a budget-friendly price to boot. In a TYT-Baofeng matchup, the TH-UV88 wins this one hands down.

NOTE: This promotion expired March 17, 2024 and is no longer available.

Looking for a good deal on a handheld amateur or GMRS radio? Well, today is your lucky day! It's our St. Patrick's Day Sale at Buy Two Way Radios! Buy an Wouxun KG-Q10G GMRS radio or KG-Q10H Amateur Radio and get 10% off the regular price! Both models in the KG-Q10 series are regularly priced at $219.99, and during this special you can get it for only $197.99!

But you get even luckier with the wearin' o' the green! if you buy the green one, you'll get 10% off your KG-Q10 radio plus a FREE Uslion USB-C Charging Cable! You can choose any of the four colors for the 10% discount. If you choose the green radio you get the FREE USB-C cable too! Buy as many as you want, as long as we have the stock of course. There's no need to have a coupon code from some mischievous little leprechaun. The discount (and the USB-C cable if you choose the green one) will be automatically added to your order at check out, like magic.

Our St. Patrick's Day Sale begins March 11th 2024 and ends at midnight on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 2024.

Get lucky on the airwaves this St. Patrick's Day with an Wouxun KG-Q10 Series radio from Buy Two Way Radios!

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