Midland GXT800VP4 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio (Pair)
From Midland
Midland GXT800VP4 5 Watt 22 Channel Waterproof GMRS Radios with Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop Charger and Headsets, Pair Packed. The GXT800 mets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes andfeatures the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios of 5 Watts, for up to a 26 Mile Range. Stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information with the NOAA Weather/All Hazard with Alert feature. The GXT800 features Direct Call which allows you to reach one person in your group without alerting the others, a Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, 142 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 22 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 5 Call Tones, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #26489 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Black/Silver
- Brand: Midland
- Model: GXT800VP4
- Released on: 2007-05-15
- Dimensions: 4.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds
The Midland GXT800VP4 22-Channel 26-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio Pair Pack with Rechargeable Batteries and Charger represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in performance. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT800 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.
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.
First month with the 800's
I have owned several of the top rated Cobras and Motorolas. I already owned a pair of Midland's older "5 watt" radios, but I purchased the 800's to get the longer antenna and any improvements they might have made to the transmitter and receiver sections. The 800's have no great surprises. Range is very good for a GMRS consumer radio but we all need to start disregarding the outrageous published claims by the manufacturers on range and output. They are largely irrelevant. If you want more accurate information on output and range, browse through the very helpful two-way radio forum at: http://www.twowayradioforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=4
According to the FCC, actual radiated power from these units (at the antenna) is a bit over 1.6 watts, but that's very good when compared with most other brands of GMRS radios on the market. In terms of usable range in a suburban environment, think in terms of 5 miles at the outside; less where there are hills, buildings or trees. Less yet from car to car.
The radios are a bit bulky but manageable. Sound quality is reasonably good, and volume is only OK. All in all, a good investment for the money and a 3 year warranty is one of the best. Based on my experience, I can recommend these radios for most consumer applications.
Don't let the waterproof fool you.
I do a lot of kayak exploring and thought it would be a good idea to purchase radio's that not only have the NOAA Weather Alert, but also be waterproof in case of a mishap. The radio's work great, and the weather alert has really come in handy, but the waterproof feature leaves much to be desired. The radio only says it meets JIS4 specifications. What is JIS4? I have no idea, but I can say it's not much. My radio was accidently droped in the water for just a second but was never submerged. The battery compartment got wet and the display fogged up. This caused the radio to stop functioning properly. After a few minutes under the hair dryer, it seemed to get better, but now I realize waterproof to JIS4 specification must mean it can only withstand damp air. I will be much more carefull next time. Good sound, good features, but don't let the waterproof fool you.
Midland Radios
As another buyer noted, the volume could be improved. The radios are a little bulky and not for the novice user as there is a lot of technical setup and options just to get started. I don't know what the waterproof specification is that is advertized on these radios, as the battery pack cover most likely will not keep water out if dropped in a pool of water. Reception wise they don't go even a mile in the city on high power. I have yet to test them in open terrain. The combination over the ear piece and microphone are not very flexible and do not move independently, so if you get the over the ear part to be comfortable, the microphone may not be in the best usable position. I wouldn't buy these again having seen the size and compactness of other models on the market. Just not real impressed. The kids can still have fun with them though in the neihborhood and are good for on the same property communications, ie. from my house to my workshop. Battery recharger does not shut off, so you can easily over charge the batteries if left on for more than 24 hours. When the batteries begin to get low, there is little warning before they run out.
