February 4, 2010
Rebates on Select Kenwood Radios
Kenwood has just launched a great new promotion through April 30th, 2010. Purchase at least six Kenwood TK3230 XLS radios and you qualify for a $25 rebate per radio or a free TK3230 radio. Purchase at least six Kenwood TK2300 or Kenwood TK3300 radios and you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio or a FREE Radio! The cash rebate will be awarded for every radio purchased, and the free radio will be awarded for every six radios. Click here for full details and redemption form.
February 1, 2010
MURS Compatible Radios
We have a new radio that some of you might be interested in. Our Motorola RDX RDV2020 (MURS Edition) two way radio operates on VHF MURS frequencies used by many VHF radios, including MURS, Kenwood TK-2200, and Motorola XTN XV1100, XTN XV2100, and XTN VX2600 series radios. This means it does not require a license as long as you use MURS frequencies! The RDV-2020 MURS edition radio comes with 27 (including all five MURS) of the most common VHF frequencies already programmed.
The Motorola RDV2020 MURS edition has 2 watts of power, 2 channels, and comes with a lithium-ion battery. The RDV2020 is a though, and reliable commercial grade radio. The fact that it also uses MURS frequencies makes this the perfect choice for those looking for a VHF radio that does not require a license to operate. We have it set to the two most common MURS frequencies (154.570, and 154.600), but they are very easy to change.
December 22, 2009
Yes, We are Here Shipping Orders to the Last Minute!
We are still taking orders and will continue to ship them out until 6pm EST tomorrow. So no more waiting to place that order! This is your last chance to order Cobra LI-7200-2WXVP Two Way Radios for $49.99, Midland GXT740VP3 Radios with Charger for $39.99, a Whistler XTR-130 Radar Detector for $34.95, a Whistler XTR-220 Radar Detector for $62.99, or a Whistler XTR-690 SE Radar Detector for $154.95.
We will then be closed for the holidays and we will be back on Monday the 28th. We want to wish all of our friends and customers a great Christmas!
December 18, 2009
A Walkie Talkie that is Great for Everyone!
The Cobra LI-7200-2WXVP two way radio is a full-featured FRS/GMRS radio. It has 5 watts of power (the maximum allowed by law), 10 NOAA weather channels, silent paging, 10 channel memory, and a lithium battery (They can be used up to 12 hours without needing to be recharged).
We have them in stock and ready to ship out for a special price of $49.99. For a limited time we are even offering $5.00 shipping!
The LI-7200-2WXVP two way radios have great range, features, and a great price. Each pack comes with two Cobra LI-7200 WX two way radios, two belt clips, one dual pocket desktop charger, and lithium rechargeable batteries.
December 11, 2009
Garmin Two Way Radios with GPS!
Many experienced hikers and campers just will not head out without a set of radios or a GPS device. They are great for keeping everyone safe, and out of trouble. Garmin has radios that combine an FRS/GMRS radio with a GPS device. They are also water proof and repeater capable.
The Garmin Rino 520 HCx Two-way Radio with GPS (349.99) is a full-feature 5 watt GMRS radio and has a full color map screen. The TracBack feature that allows you to retrace your path. You are also able to share your position with other Rino users.
The Garmin Rino 120 Two Way Radio with GPS ($199.99) is a great entry level GMRS radio and GPS device. It features a two tone map screen and has 1 watt of transmit power. Like the 520 you can share your position with other Rino users.
Check out our entire line of Garmin Radios with GPS, and let us know if you have any questions.
November 24, 2009
A Fun Stocking Stuffer!
Scrambling for gift ideas this gift buying season? Well, we have something that kids of all ages will like. The Midland LXT-112VP Two Way Radios are compact, easy to use walkie talkies. They come as a set of two radios with an AC wall adapter and rechargeable batteries. At $28.99 they are priced just right to use as a stocking stuffer or just a fun gift.
November 5, 2009
Walkie Talkie Gift Ideas!
Here at Banoggle we have already started to get some questions about holiday gift ideas. I know, it is a bit soon! Some of you have been asking what two way radios we would suggest to give as gifts. We carry a lot of different walkie talkies, so I am going to just talk about a few that are very budget friendly, easy to use, and also very durable:
Midland LXT-112 two way radios are very inexpensive ($21.99), basic radios. They are compact in size (perfect for small hands) and include two radios a pack.
A slight upgrade would be the Midland LXT360VP3 two way radios. The come with a charger, but are still a nice compact, easy to use walkie talkie for $34.99.
If you are looking for radios with a bit more power and a few more features, give the Midland LXT480VP3 two way radios a look. They even have NOAA weather alerts! We have them ready to go for $44.95.
These are just a few of the two way radios we have here in stock and ready to ship. They are compact, and perfect for everyday use and kids of all ages. If you have any question just contact us.
September 25, 2009
The Midland Base Camp XT511 Radio
We have a Midland radio that you all might be interested in. The Midland Base Camp XT511 combines a NOAA weather radio, AM/FM radio, and FRS/GMRS radio. The XT511 is perfect for campers and other outdoors enthusiast to use as a base station / weather radio.
One great feature is that is can also operate on battery power, you can plug it into a power source, or by turning the Dynamo crank. It is a smart idea to have a crank powered radio for emergency use, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. And since this a GMRS radio, just add a set of Midland GXT740VP3 Radios, and you will have the communications part of a home emergency kit covered.
The XT511 and a set of GMRS radios is also great for a small home business since you family members can use the GMRS radios. They could even work as a base station and radio set for a small farm, or outdoor business that needs to stay informed of the weather.
September 3, 2009
Kenwood Rebate Offer!
Kenwood has just launched a great new promotion! Through December 31st, 2009, you qualify for a $30 rebate per radio when you purchase six or more Kenwood ProTalk TK-2200L-V2P, TK-2200L-V8P, TK-3200L-U2P, and TK-3200L-U15P radios!
In addttion there is also a $25 rebate per radio on six or more Kenwood TK-3230 radios.
Kenwood is known for having some great rebate offers, and with all of the models included in this rebate, this is no exception. These are some great business radios, and with these savings now may be a very good time to place an order!
Click here for full details and redemption form.
August 28, 2009
$50 Rebate on Select Garmin Radios
Garmin Rebate
August 21, 2009
Not Two Motorola Two Way Radios but Three!
We now have in stock the Motorola TALKABOUT T5000TPR two way radio three pack. If you have been looking for a set of radios, but two is not enough and four is just way too many, then we have the item for you.
The T5000TPR three pack includes three Motorola T5000 two way radios, one desktop dual charger, and NiCD rechargeable batteries for each radio. The T5000R two way has all 22 FRS and GMRS channels with 38 interference eliminator codes. This is a great deal on an affordable set of weather resistant, rugged walkie talkies. We have them here and ready to ship out today for $45.99
August 14, 2009
The Kenwood TK3230 Has Been Updated!
We have been getting an interesting type of question about two way radios lately and I thought I would do a quick post here about it. People have been calling looking for a radio with 4 channels, and 1 watt of power for their businesses. They are a bit surprised that Kenwood now has a very affordable radio that is even better than the ones they were thinking about!
The Kenwood TK3230 two way radio has just been updated and now has 6 channels. The TK3230 has 1.5 watts of power, a two year warranty, and is mil spec, with an 18 hour battery life. It also still uses the same compact case that many of you like so much. We have them in stock for $159.99 each!
If you have been looking for a radio that is compact but still is tough, powerful, with 6 channels, and a great warranty, you should give the Kenwood TK3230 a look. As always, call us with any questions you may have.
August 7, 2009
The Midland GXT785VP3 Camo Radio is Here!
The brand new Midland GXT-785-VP3 Two Way Radios are now in stock. These walkie talkies are made with the outdoors enthusiast in mind with vibrating alert, NOAA alerts, and even animal call sounds. They are water resistant and have a Mossy Oak camo pattern. The GXT785 radios also have 142 privacy codes, 42 "channels", and a 3 year warranty. We have then ready to ship out for $64.99!
July 28, 2009
New Midland Radios!
We now have several new Midland radios in stock and ready to ship! These are brand new models loaded with great features and Midland's quality design and reliability.
The first one is the Midland GXT-1050-VP4 radio. The Midland GXT-1050-VP4 boasts an amazing 5 watts of power, allowing for a range of up to 36 miles in optimal conditions (typically 2 miles or less in urban conditions). The GXT1050VP4 is a full featured radio that includes everything you need! This value pack includes rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger with AC wall and DC vehicle adapters, and a pair of headsets with microphones.
Next, the Midland GXT740 boasts an amazing 5 watts of power, allowing for a range of up to 34 miles in optimal conditions (typically 2 miles or less in urban conditions). The GXT740VP3 is a full featured FRS/GMRS radio and is packed with features.
The Midland LXT480VP3 two way radio provides a maximum range of up to 24 miles in optimal conditions (typically less than 1.5 miles in urban conditions)! This radio supports all 22 standard FRS and GMRS channels and adds 14 extra channels for a total of 36 channels! Support is also provided for 121 privacy codes per channel on the standard channels.
July 24, 2009
Midland GXT1000VP4 Two Way Radios
We now have the Midland GXT1000VP4 two way radios in stock and shipping. For those that preordered one, you will have it very soon. If you have been looking for a good all-purpose GMRS radio, with 5 watts, chargers, and headsets for $69.99 we have a radio you may like! If you have any questions, just give us a call
July 9, 2009
The New Motorola TALKABOUT MR355R Two Way Radios Are Here!
The Motorola TALKABOUT MR355R radios are now in stock and ready to ship out. A lot of you have been waiting on these to arrive, so order them now before we run out.
The Motorola MR355R is compatible with all FRS/GMRS radios. It supports 22 channels and 121 privacy codes per channel with up to 35 miles of range (up to 2 miles in most conditions). Support for NOAA weather channels and iVOX hands-free use are also included. The MR355R also will work with repeaters (sold separately) to greatly increase range. They can also be recharged using a USB cable, and it even has an LED flashlight.
The MR355R radios may be of interest to all the CERT members out there. Affordable, and repeater ready, they may be the radio you have been looking for.
Before you buy a set though, be aware that you should have an FCC license before broadcasting on the GMRS channels, and if you want to use someone's repeater you must have their permission. So be considerate of others when you use these.
June 3, 2009
The New Motorola MH230R!
Just letting all of you know, we now have the new Motorola MH230R Two Way Radios in stock.
The Motorola MH230R is compatible with all FRS/GMRS radios. It supports 22 channels and 121 privacy codes per channel with up to 23 miles of range in ideal conditions (up to 2 miles in urban conditions). Support for NOAA weather channels and iVOX hands-free use are also included.
Go check it out, it is loaded with features and we are selling it for $49.99!
May 19, 2009
Two Way Radios for a Beginner
Many of us have fond memories of our first radios. We often get questions here at Banoggle from people looking to buy a set of short-range, beginner radios as a gift (or for themselves). Well here is a brief list of budget and beginner friendly FRS/GMRS radios:
Cobra PR-190-2VP Two Way Radios
Midland LXT-110 Two Way Radios
Motorola TALKABOUT FV300 Two Way Radios
TriSquare TSX100 Two Way Radio
This list is far from the only radios we suggest, in fact according to what you may be looking for there may be another set you would like even more. So contact us with any questions and we will be glad to help!
May 6, 2009
$30 Rebate from Kenwood on Select Radios
Kenwood Rebate
April 24, 2009
International Marconi Day
Hi all! Tomorrow is April 25th, the birthday of Guglielmo Marconi, the "father of radio". There are a few celebrations taking place this weekend, and I know quite a few of you are amateur radio enthusiast, so have a great weekend.
March 19, 2009
Whistler Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
Whistler BT Headset
This series includes four products to cover all scenarios (bike to bike or bike to passenger, and open faced or closed faced helmets). The MSRP is $219.95 for the bike to passenger products, and $259.95 for the bike to bike products.
Features:
- Bluetooth® 2.0 High Quality Stereo Audio
- Noise Cancellation Microphone
- Easy Installation
- Full Duplex Wireless Intercom
- Weather Proof Case
The BT2200/2300 headsets provides two channel rider to passenger communications, and the BT3200/3300 headsets provide two channel bike to bike communications. In addition, the headsets can also be used for true stereo music. Battery duration is estimated at 7-14 hours of usage. You can adjust the volume and the BT2200/2300/3200/3300 headsets also have a large mute button for easy use.
Whistler Headset
March 12, 2007
CB Radio or Two Way Radio?
The basics of how a CB radio works is similar to that of a two way radio. Both allow you to communicate with others over the public airwaves, but there are circumstances where one would be preferable to the other. I will try to outline the major differences here.
CB Radios
CB radios are primarily used in vehicles, so if you are looking to communicate with others only while in a vehicle then a CB is a great choice. With a CB you are not limited to talking to others in your caravan, it is acceptable to strike up a conversation with anyone.
Most CB's are designed to be connected to an external antenna, which can offer range far greater than that of a two way radio. Some individuals mount antenna's on their roofs to allow them to communicate via CB with homes that are miles away. With a 2 way radio, this would require a repeater which can be very expensive.
CB radios are better if you need to a way to call for help. Although it is rare, In some areas channel 9 is monitored by authorities for emergencies.
Bottom line: CB radios have an advantage when travelling and when you need more range without buying expensive equipment. They are great for communicating with both friends and strangers, and do not require a license. Disadvantages are portability, privacy, and the perform poorly inside buildings.
Two Way Radios
Two way radios (walkie talkies) are small and hand held, which makes them very portable. You can use a 2 way radio to communicate with a family member in another vehicle while travelling to a theme park, and then take the radio with you to use in the park. This wouldn't be possible with most CB radios. Even handheld CB radios can be rather large.
While conversations are not at all private on either a CB radio or a two way radio, two way's provide better perceived privacy. They offer features such as privacy codes which filter out the transmissions of other radios, making it appear that your group has the frequency all to yourselves. This makes two way radios a good tool for communicating with a group but, unlike a CB, they are not especially useful for communicating with strangers.
Two way radios are available in many frequency ranges. VHF two way radios work well outside, while UHF radios (such as GMRS and FRS radios) work well in many environments including inside buildings. Many types of two way radios, however, require a license which can be an added expense.
Bottom line: Two way radios have an advantage in portability, size, and privacy. They operate adequately in most environments including inside buildings. They are not intended for communicating with people you don't know, and range is usually less than 2 miles unless you buy expensive equipment like a repeater. Some types require a license.
September 20, 2006
Two Way Radio FCC Licensing
Two way radios communicate with each other by using using radio waves, which are regulated in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC decides what types of devices are allowed to use various frequency ranges, and they have the power to charge users of these devices a registration fee. A registration fee is required for many types of two way radios.
Keep in mind, we are not the FCC. We are only providing this information as a benefit to our customers. If you have detailed questions concerning licensing, we suggest that you contact the FCC directly. An FCC license is not required before purchasing radios from us, and we do not provide information to the FCC about our customers.
Below, I list several popular types of two way radios and provide important details such as how to register and the cost of registering. This information is only applicable to customers using two way radios within the United States. Customers from outside the United States should check with their governments for information on any two way radio regulations that may apply.
FRS Radios
The FCC does not require a license if you are using FRS.
The Family Radio Service (FRS) was intended to be used by family, friends, and associates to communicate within a neighborhood or while on outings. Radios used for FRS cannot transmit at more than one half watt of power and they must have non-detachable antennas. Because of these rules, the range of FRS radios is typically limited to a half mile or less.
It is now actually rare to see a radio that only operates on the FRS. Most consumer radios now support both FRS and GMRS. If you purchase a FRS/GMRS dual service radio you can use it for FRS only (and avoid the license requirement) by staying within the FCC's rules for FRS. Basically, just be sure that you are only using channels 1-14 and have the radio in low power mode. In low power mode the radio will automatically limit it's power to one half watt of power.
GMRS Radios
According to the FCC, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service created for short-distance communications for an adult individual and his/her immediate family members.
A GMRS license is good for five years, and is renewable. One license covers the individual named on the application and their immediate family members. The FCC defines "immediate family members" as a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
A GMRS license is currently $80, and the easiest way to get one is to apply online through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS). The ULS Radio Service Code for GMRS is "ZA". If you would prefer not to file online, you can file FCC Form 605 manually.
Business Radios
The business two way radios that we offer operate in the 150-174 Mhz (VHF) and 450-470 Mhz (UHF) frequency ranges. These frequencies fall under the FCC's part 90 regulations for Industrial / Business communications.
The licensing cost for business frequencies is usually much less than the cost of a business licensing consumer (GMRS) frequencies, but the license process is much more involved. Before applying for a license, the business must contact a Frequency Coordinator to be assigned frequencies that are not already used in their area. After receiving your frequencies, you can complete the license application using the Universal Licensing System (ULS). Getting started tutorials for ULS are available through the FCC's web site.
The cost for a license varies based on the frequency, but for the frequency ranges that our radios support the cost is $155. A license is usually issued for 10 years, and is renewable.
Business Or Consumer Two Way Radio - Which Is Best?
We frequently get questions from business customers asking if they really need to buy a "business" two way radio. Business radios are generally much more expensive than consumer radios and the features are often very similar, so it is easy to see why this can be confusing. In this post I'll try to explain the common differences between these types of radios, and hopefully provide enough information for you to decide what's best for your business.
FCC Regulations
Whether a 2 way radio is "business" or "consumer" is decided by the frequencies that it uses to transmit and receive communications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set aside 22 UHF frequencies as general frequencies for use by consumers. These frequencies make up GMRS and FRS channels that are supported by the consumer radios that we sell.
Technically, use of the GMRS channels requires an FCC license. This license is good for 5 years and covers the applicant and his/her immediate family. GMRS licenses are not issued to businesses. Here is a note from the FCC's GMRS license application form (form 605):
Note: For GMRS: effective January 1, 1989, new or major modification applications may NOT be filed by non-individual (business) applicants/licensees. (See Rule 1.929(c) (4) & 95.5(b).
For GMRS radios to be legally used by businesses, each person using the radios would need an individual GMRS license ($80 each). A business could use the radios on an FRS channel without a license, but when using FRS channels the radio cannot transmit at more than a half watt of power. This is generally only good for a quarter to a half mile of outdoor range.
Business radios use different frequencies ranges that have been approved by the FCC for business use. These frequencies are not as popular, so you typically don't have to worry about "chatter" on your channels. You can also get business radios that operate on VHF frequencies, which work better than UHF outdoors or inside of and around wood structures. An FCC license for your business is $105. You will pay more upfront for your business radio, but if there are several employees that will use it you will likely save money after factoring in the license cost.
Durability
Business radios are usually designed to hold up to abuse better than consumer radios. Consumer radios are usually built for infrequent use: weekend hunting trips, multiple car caravans, skiing, camping, amusement parks, etc. They are usually lightweight with a thin plastic casing. Business radios are designed to be used for hours every day, and they will hold up better than consumer radios. Many are built to military specifications.
Battery Life
If your business plans to use radios for more than a few hours a day, battery life is something that you will not want to overlook. Most consumer radios include rechargeable batteries that are good for 8 hours or less of use. As is typical of batteries, this life will likely diminish slightly over time. Some business or professional radios are also limited in their battery life, but others will typically 13 hours or more on a charge.
Accessories
Business radios typically have a better selection of accessories than consumer radios. If accessories, such as headsets or earpieces, are important to your business, you should look at what accessories are available before you choose a radio. Things like rapid chargers and multi unit chargers are only available for business radios.
Accessories
Common Scenarios
There are some scenarios where a business radio is always your best choice. For example, anytime you expect to use the radio frequently and for more than 7 hours with each use. If you purchase a consumer radio for this, there is a good chance you will be disappointed with the battery life. Also, if you are in a "tough" work environment, such as a construction or industrial situation. Consumer radios are not designed to take this kind of beating.
It would best to choose a consumer radio in a light-duty situation where very little range is needed. This would allow you to get away with only using the FRS channels and avoiding the license fees. A great example is a school that needs radios for directing traffic in mornings and afternoons.
I hope this has been helpful. If you have any specific questions you can, as always, feel free to call or email us!
FRS and GMRS Frequencies
All of our consumer two way radios operate on either the GMRS or FRS channels, and most support both. We are sometimes asked for the exact frequencies of these channels. Below is a table showing the channel number, type of channel, and the frequency.
| Channel | Type | Frequency |
| 1 | FRS / GMRS | 462.5625 |
| 2 | FRS / GMRS | 462.5875 |
| 3 | FRS / GMRS | 462.6125 |
| 4 | FRS / GMRS | 462.6375 |
| 5 | FRS / GMRS | 462.6625 |
| 6 | FRS / GMRS | 462.6875 |
| 7 | FRS / GMRS | 462.7125 |
| 8 | FRS | 467.5625 |
| 9 | FRS | 467.5875 |
| 10 | FRS | 467.6125 |
| 11 | FRS | 467.6375 |
| 12 | FRS | 467.6625 |
| 13 | FRS | 467.6875 |
| 14 | FRS | 467.7125 |
| 15 | GMRS | 462.5500 |
| 16 | GMRS | 462.5750 |
| 17 | GMRS | 462.6000 |
| 18 | GMRS | 462.6250 |
| 19 | GMRS | 462.6500 |
| 20 | GMRS | 462.6750 |
| 21 | GMRS | 462.7000 |
| 22 | GMRS | 462.7250 |