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Power Base Mic Small Radio

Midland XT511 22 Channel GMRS Emergecny Dynamo Crank Radio with NOAA All Hazard/Weather Alert and AM/FM. The distinguishable XT511 Base Camp Radio from Midland combines communication, emergency notification and selective information all in one package. The Dynamo Crank will power all the functions of the unit including the LED Flashligh when power is lost or no power is available and may be operated with 4 “AA” Batteries. The XT511 may likewise be employed to charge Midlad GXT Series battery packs or charge cell phones that use a USB connection. The 22 channel GMRS radio features 121 privacy codes, Channel Scan, Hi/Lo Power, and may be applied with the included microphone or hands frree with the VOX feature. Stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard selective information with the NOAA Weather/All Hazard with Alert feature or listen to your bestloved AM or FM Radio Station. The XT511 features a Large LCD with backlighting with Clock and Alarm.

The Midland XT511 Dynamo 22-Channel GMRS Emergency Crank Radio with NOAA All Hazard Weather Alert and AM/FM represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in both performance and sound. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland GXT850 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with dependable and trouble-free performance for years to come.

The Midland XT511 radio provides you with seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS (Family Radio Service) and seven GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, for a total of 22 UHF channels. Additionally, the XT511 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. This powerful radio has an easy-to-read backlit LCD display that shows status selective information at a glimpse even in difficult lighting, and is operated by big easy-to-use dials and buttons on the front, providing quick access to primary features and push-button communication. More than just an emergency radio, however, this unit provides you with an AM/FM radio for entertainment, a clock with an alarm clock function, and a three-LED flashlight for illuminating your way at night.

The XT511 radio is full of commodious features such as five discerned call alerts that distinguish incoming calls from your group, and a e-VOX function with three selectable sensitivity levels for voice-activated, hands-free operation. This radio likewise features a channel scan for locating active channels, and a keypad lock so you don’t without advance planning change your settings. This unit provides both High and Low power settings so you may choose to maximize transmission distance or save your power. The XT511 likewise acts as a base station for big outings by supplying you with a built-in charger that allows you to charge other Midland radios, so you are never without the power to commune in the wild.

Midland’s XT511 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it may be used in most any environment, and has a dynamo power crank to recharge it is batteries without access to electricity. This radio runs on a Midland rechargeable NiMH battery pack that may be recharged while in the radio, or may be powered by alkaline batteries in an emergency, with a battery source switch to change among the two. The XT511 comes with external jacks for a speaker/microphone/headset option, and a USB cable to charge your cell phone as well. The Midland XT511 pack comes with the radio, as well as a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, an AC wall power adapter, a DC power adapter, an accessory microphone. This radio comes in a stylish black and silver color scheme, and is backed by a manufacturer’s three-year warranty.

What’s in the Box
XT511 radio with dynamo power crank, rechargeable battery pack, AC wall power adapter, DC power adapter, accessory microphone, user’s guide and warranty information.

Power Base Mic Small Radio Pic

Power Base Mic Small Radio Photo

Power Base Mic Small Radio Pic

Power Base Mic Small Radio Picture

Big features, little performance
I have to think that there is vast quality control variability with this radio based on the wildly dissimilar reviews.

Surprise Performer
I purchased this radio based on Google reviews as I wanted a crank AM-FM primarily. But the GMRS side of this radio is superb, the NiMH battery with further and added AA alk options, hand mic/speaker are most welcome.

I use FRS/GMRS rather a bit both on the Motorola mercantile side, Ham and family. I have applied scores of dissimilar radios from $10 junk FRS walkies to $1000 mercantile 2-way. For the price, the GMRS performance is excellent. Sensitive receiver, creditable power (not published; but I’m guessing 2 watts on the GMRS channels), good carrier and PL/DCS squelch systems and all the junk beeps and bops are disabled by default. The weather and other features are icing on a a fine cake.

Only downside for my application is that the size of the unit is somewhat large. It presently is on 7/24 in my office sitting on GMRS channel 7, PL 22. It is replacing my desktop Audiovox 2000 as my full time monitor radio.

Best Emergency Radio
If you are looking for an Emergency 2 way radio, look no further.

Pros:
1. AM/FM – These are not Bose speakers, but they are clear. It works just like portable battery powered radios. This is utile in emergencies when the TV and cable are knocked down so you may get news from stations that are still transmitting. I take it out with me on my patio and just listen to music or news.

2. Multiple power source – Can run on Alkaline, included Rechargeable battery pack, AC socket, DC through the cigarette lighter, or just cranking to recharge the batteries. With all those roots of energy, you will never run out of power.

3. 5 Watt GMRS Radio – It veritably is powerful. Just as strong as my professional radios. Excellent as a base station when journeying or attempting to look for aid in an emergency.

4. Portability – It comes with a strap so that you do not have to hold it when moving about. It also has a handle so you have a firm grip when carrying it.

5. LED flashlight – You will never be in the dark. I have tried leaving it on the whole night and it still had have charge. I just employed the crank to to a complete degree charge it again.

6. Weather-proof – I genuinely employed it when there was a one week heavy downpour here LA. It got wet in the rain, but it did not fail.

7. VOX – It has 3 levels of sensitivity. At level 1, it is so sensible that it will transmit if someone in the room speaks.

8. External Speaker Mic – It is very clear and is functional. It uses the same connectors as my Professional Icom handheld radio, so you may even upgrade the Speaker mic if you wish.

Cons:
1. Durability – As a base station, or if you don’t drop it it is utterly fine. It is not built to withstand a drop on a hard surface like Professional radios. This is an emergency base station so, you aren’t expected to treat it like a walkie talkie. They never stated that it is as lasting as a professional radio, so I was not expecting it. So it isn’t such a huge deal.

2. No carrying case – It would have made it more utile if they included a little bag where you may put this and the accessories, as well as numerous basic emergency supplies. But, again, this was something I knew that was not included so, it is just a nice to have.

Summary:
It does everything it says it may do, and does it very well. If you were caught after an earthquake, this is the instrumentation you will need to have with you. It delivers what it promises, and is better than the other Midland Walkie talkies.

*****UPDATE APRIL 2, 2010********
I performed a distance and clarity test.

Test equipment:
1. Midland XT511($65)
2. ICOM F21 4 WATT PROFESSIONAL RADIO($200)
3. ICOM F40GT 4 WATT PROFESSIONAL RADIO($500)

Test Scenario:
1. My wife standing on the balcony of my house. She has both the Midland and the ICOM F40GT.
2. I will stop each 1 mile and get down from the car and I will use the ICOM F21 to talk to her.
3. I will ask her to commune primary with the Midland, then the ICOM.

Test results:
Mile 1:
1. Midland – I may listen her and grasp her without static or noise. The audio quality was a little muffled and was not as deafening as the ICOM.

2. ICOM – I may listen her and comprehend her without static or noise. The audio was noticeably louder and clearer than the Midland.

Mile 2:
1. Midland – I may still talk to her. There is some static and a little noise. The audio did not drop.
2. ICOM – Just as good as it was at 1 mile. No static or noise.

Mile 3:
1. Midland – Barely audible. Trails in and out.
2. ICOM – Noticeable static and noise, but I may still commune without drop of audio.

Summary:
The ICOM may reach further and is clearer than the Midland in transmit and receive, but it still does what it was meant to do and it does do it well, standing up to an ICOM. But keep in mind that the ICOM is just a tranceiver, it does not have any of the galore functions of the Midland. I still give this 5 stars for function and splendid value.