Midland LXT112 22-Channel 16-Mile 2-Way GMRS Radio with E Vox and Channel Scan (Pair, Black)
From Midland Consumer Radio
The Midland LXT112 22 Channel GMRS with up to 14 Mile Range, Pair packed. The LXT112 features channel scan to check for activity, Auto Squelch to remove annoying background noise, VOX, and Accessory Jacks that may be used with the Midland's AVP1, AVPH1, AVPH2, AVPH3, AVPH4, AVPH5 Headsets. Operates on 3 AAA batteries. (Not Included)
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1043 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Black
- Brand: Midland
- Model: LXT112
- Released on: 2009-06-20
- Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.40" w x 4.00" l, .70 pounds
MIDLAND LXT112 Pair FRS radios
Pros: Very nicely made and easy to use. Gets very typical 1/4th mile range for FRS radios. Better range in line-of-sight or no-tall-buildings situations. Small enough for children to use comfortably. Perfect for family outings.
Cons: These are *NOT* GMRS radios. They *can* use the GMRS frequencies. They are FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. So, they are federally limited in power to 50 milliwats, which completely explains their lack of range (*not* Midland's fault). VOX takes about 1.5 seconds to activate each time, which makes VOX somewhat annoying to use. I prefer to use the rubber push-to-talk button.
Other Thoughts: Midland unquestionably offers the best value for this inexpensive cost range. Go get some good standard 2700mAH NiMH AA batteries (3 each) or 2000 mAH low-discharge AA batteries (Powerex, Sanyo, Panasonic for either kind) and a good charger (Powerex). I have not tested the earphones jack, but it will only drive small earbud earphones.
Perfect for What We Wanted: Walkie Talkies For Kids To Use!
I had been universally disappointed with all the "toy" walkie talkies we'd purchased for my kids. Growing up, I remember having lots of fun with them. Unfortunately, today's toy versions usually only work across the room at best. Not fun.
These were a good and inexpensive compromise. Fancier than I was looking for, but very functional. Work and transmit from all over the house. As another reviewer points out, these are not transmitting power houses and are not advertised as such. Good for general family use and the kids love them. I've been keeping them set on the approved FRS stations channels 8 - 14 which do NOT require a license.
The radio also transmits on GMRS frequencies which require a license. From the user manual:
"The LXT112 Series operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 22, which comprise the GMRS channels of the LXT112 Series."
Just ok
I purchased these walkie talkies for my partner and I to use at weddings when we're a fair distance apart and need to communicate with one another. Our first opportunity to use these was at a wedding we oversaw in Maine. In all fairness, this area had next to no cell phone reception and I'm not sure if that also affected the walkie talkies or not. We needed to cue the boat driver who was bringing our bride, bridesmaids, and her dad across the lake when it was time for her to make her grand appearance and we gave him one of our walkie talkies to signal that arrival. Our communication was more closely akin to the voices of Charlie Brown's parents than anything articulate, but fortunately we moved past that and the bride arrived on time anyways.
We've since used them at another outdoor wedding where the distance between us was far less (think being able to see the person in the distance and make out their features). Under these circumstances, the units worked splendidly.
What I like about these units is that they feel sturdy and durable. Under the right circumstances, you can communicate quite nicely with these units and they're a nice size. They're not so bulky that you end up looking like you're suiting up to go to war. Overall, they weren't a bad purchase, but you just have to be realistic about their true scope.
