GXT-325 review
Written: Nov 06 '05 (Updated Nov 06 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Durable build, good battery options, nice appearance.
Cons: Privacy function is too irritating to be useful..our main gripe.
The Bottom Line: We recommend this radio system mainly because of good construction and Midland's brand name reliability.
Rebate offer put it well below our $80 limit.
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| regh's Full Review: Midland GXT325VP (7 Channels) Two Way Radio |
Note:
Apparently, the GXT-325VP 7 channel model covers the non-licensed low-power FRS channels 8 thru 14.
We couldn't find a review site for our 22 channel system, so we enter it here.
Manual title page:
Midland
X-TRA TALK
GMRS/FRS Radio
OWNER'S MANUAL
(GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service, FRS= Family Radio Service)
Our complements to Midland for making the user's manual
available as a .pdf file download on their website.
Considering the manual is available free to most readers of
this review, we'll not clutter it with technical stuff.
Our radios are series GXT-325.
The GXT400/450 series offers weather band, vibrate alert,
All have SCAN function, eVOX capability (voice- operation)
Three call tones are available (nothing fancy)
Optional Roger Beep Tone, (which we immediately disabled.)
Keys can be locked - except the Press-to-Talk key, and Call key.
Hi/Low power settings are available.
(GXT400 Series has 3 power level settings.)
Total of 22 channels- 8 - 14 are low-power channels,
requiring no license to operate. (See legal info below).
38 privacy codes can be programmed, offering large span of possible frequencies.
Unfortunately-(this is our biggest gripe)- using a privacy code creates a short delay in transmission, which leads to so many missed or clipped words at beginning of each transmission that we simply had to give up using privacy codes. It is just too unnatural to repeatedly delay your responses or comments in order to allow the radio to do its processing. My wife and I are not likely to learn a completely new way of taking.
We like the construction of these radios- they are solid-feeling, and tough,with durable belt clips (optional).
Battery life is fair- we charge them after each day of use.
Uses 4.8V Rechargeable Ni-MH battery packs.
Optionally, 4 AA Alkaline batteries can be used.
The Key Lock option is handy, but the Call key is very sensitive, causing many false call signals. We get tired of hearing ".. is that you calling?" Or "Oops-- never mind!"
Don't like the ON/OFF and Volume control- too easy to accidentally turn the volume down and miss a call. This knob could use a tension-adjust.
Range in the "real-world" is nowhere near 10 miles, more like 3.
Call tone is a fixed length, which for us, is way too long. All we need is a short tone to let us know we have a call. Too bad that tone length can't be programmable.
All things considered, such as price, and limited selections, we would recommend these radios for general use. We operate a camp ground, so my wife and I get a lot of use from these radios
Important legal information:
The GXT300/325/400/450 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 GXT300/325/400/450
Series.
For more information contact the FCC at 1-886-CALL FCC or go to the FCC's website:
www.fcc.gov/wtb/prs/genmbl.html - better yet, use the following:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
regh
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Member: Reg H
Location: Deep South
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Retired, multi-craft industry, graphic arts, marine work.
Property Manager.
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