Two-Way Radios

[chiggins83187]

I guess I should have posted this a while ago, because I've already made the purchase. But does anyone have any experience with Midland 2-ways? I just purchased 4 GXT1000 radios for our church security team. We will be using them during Sunday morning services and events. Our building is about 30,000 sq. ft.

Was just curious if anyone had anything good/bad to say about them.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

They'll work fine, just don't expect the 36 mile range advertised unless both are atop a 3,751ft mountain exactly 36 miles apart with a steady barometric pressure of 29.30 inches, 17.4 mph winds from the NW.........you get the point.

 

[Manan]

You will be fine. They will work very well for your team.

 

[Grizhicks]

Are you using the FRS or GMRS frequencies? GMRS gives you more range, BUT requires a license ($85/5 years ??). I know most folks use GMRS without a license, but it is illegal. Just my 2-cents. -- Greg

 

[chiggins83187]

Are you using the FRS or GMRS frequencies? GMRS gives you more range, BUT requires a license ($85/5 years ??). I know most folks use GMRS without a license, but it is illegal. Just my 2-cents. -- Greg

For now we'll stick with the FRS. If it's that bad, and we need the extra range from them we may look at the GMRS (think I saw $75/5). Either that or spend the money on "real" 2-ways. i.e. $200+/radio. But for now we wanted to try the cheaper version and see how far it gets us.

 

[jsx1043]

You probably won't get any more range out of them on GMRS vs. FRS, unless some channels are preprogrammed to transmit at a lower wattage than others. The difference would just be chatter or other transmissions from the neighborhood kids down the street playing with their radios on the same channel. The good part is that they have the CTCSS subchannel that will make that unlikely. They should work well for you. I'd recommend a covert earpiece as well.

 

[chiggins83187]

You probably won't get any more range out of them on GMRS vs. FRS, unless some channels are preprogrammed to transmit at a lower wattage than others. The difference would just be chatter or other transmissions from the neighborhood kids down the street playing with their radios on the same channel. The good part is that they have the CTCSS subchannel that will make that unlikely. They should work well for you. I'd recommend a covert earpiece as well.

Thanks! I purchased a pair of 2-wire surveillance earpieces as well. Now I just need a black suit and dark sunglasses

 

[jsx1043]

Only way to go!

Don't forget, it was an armed, prepared church security officer that neutralized the gunman at the mega church out west! Be proud, prepared and safe!