If you’re the type of person who is always outdoors or you love to spend time outside with your friends or family, then you should consider buying a 2-way radio. But before the first purchase, you might want to do a quick research to choose the best one. In this article, I’m going to cover the features and specifications of Midland’s two-way radios GXT1000VP4 and GXT1030VP4.
Midland GXT1000VP | Midland GXT1030VP4 | |
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Brand | ||
Range | 36 miles | 36 miles |
Power Output | 5 watts | 2 watts |
Frequency Ranges | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof |  | |
| | |
Emergency Alert | | |
Auto Squelch | | |
LED Flashlight |  | |
Keypad Lock | | |
Weather Channels | | |
Call Tones | 5 | 10 |
Power Source | NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries | NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches | 9.8 x 2.5 x 1.8 inches |
Weight | 0.3 lb | 0.3 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs GXT1030VP4
Setup
GXT1000VP4 is average when it comes to evaluating its ease of use. It has five touch buttons on the front panel for up and down arrows, a button for the menu, a keypad lock, and a scan. The buttons are large enough, making it easy to press and navigate even when using gloves on my hand. It also has a power or volume for adjustments.
The back panel has a belt clip and a battery cover. Be careful when changing the batteries for the first time as the rubber seal has the tendency to slip out and get lost. When installing the belt clip, slide the belt clip down until you hear the latch click. GXT1000VP4 keys have a backlight that lights up when pressed, so it is easier to move around even during nighttime.
GXT1030VP4 is easy to set up. First, with the back panel facing you, remove the radio’s belt clip and place the batteries inside. Second, lock the belt clip in place. Lastly, turn the power knob to the right to switch it on and increase the volume and turn the knob counterclockwise if you wish to decrease the volume or switch it off. The features of GXT1030VP4 are similar to GXT1000VP4 but the design has a yellow face plate and is only available in GMRS.
Waterproof
GXT1000VP4 is splash and weatherproof according to JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) scale. The radio works even after I splashed water on it. I do not advise submerging the product directly under water as it would have negative effects like sound muffling of the microphone from the receiver’s end. It is going to be difficult to hear the person using the wet radio.
On the other hand, GXT1030VP4 is also waterproof with a JIS score of 4. It is perfect to use outdoors even during light rain.
Power Source
The GXT1000VP4 power source has two versatile options: you can use the rechargeable batteries or replace them with five alkalines or (AA) batteries. The battery life lasts for about 9 hours. If you wish the battery life to last longer, you can opt to purchase AA batteries that aren’t included in the package. In this case, the radio handset can last for up to twenty-three hours.
The GXT1030VP4 comes with a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Alternatively, you can charge the radio using the dual desktop charger (120V) that comes with it or simply use 4 (AA) alkaline batteries to operate.
Range
GXT1000VP4’s maximum range is 36 miles, as the manufacturer claims. From my experience, I should say that the audio quality is clear and crisp, even if I was using the radio uphill. It also passed my expectations during a poor weather test and a 2.8-mile range without obstructions and a clear line of sight.
When I tried using the radio for testing in between huge buildings and it fell short of my expectation. I recommend using the radio where there are no obstructions in the line of sight.
Same with the GXT1000VP4, the GXT1030VP4 GMRS two-way radio can reach up to a maximum output power of 36 miles. It reaches a longer range when in an open area or a clear line of sight.
Frequencies
The GXT1000VP4 2-way radio’s RF or frequency band is from 462.55 to 467.7125 MHz. Hence, it covers both FRS and GMRS channels. Overall it can transmit 22 channels and an additional 28 privacy code channels, making it a total of 50 channels. FRS channels 8-14 do not require you to get a license for purchasing the two-way radio but if you’re going to transmit more channels than that, then you have to get an FCC license. Not licensing the two-way radio would run the risk of interfering with other channels and worst case scenario, you might get a fine from FCC.
The GXT1030VP4 Ultra High Frequency (UHF) can be used from 462.5 to 467.7 MHz. It features 22 GMRS channels and additional 28 channels similarly. Hence, it requires an FCC license before you’re able to use the radio. Violations of FCC regulations could lead to serious penalties and fines. To obtain a license, you can visit the FCC website or dial 1-888-CALL FCC.
Features
Essential features of the GXT1000VP4 include VOX mode, keypad tones, call tones, and auto squelch. VOX mode or voice-operated exchange is an easy voice-activated transmission for the radio’s hands-free function. If you feel that holding the handset for some time makes you uncomfortable, using the VOX function allows the user to send a message via voice activation instead of pressing the buttons with your fingers.
The keypad lock feature locks the keypad to avoid mistakenly changing the handset settings.
Keystroke tones are the audible tones you hear when pressing the buttons on the handset while the Call alert features 10 varied call tones to notify you about an incoming call. Put the two-way radio on silent mode, and it will disable all tones. When the radio is in silent mode, you can enable the vibrate alert that gives call notifications.
An auto-squelch feature reduces the likelihood of background noise for clear communication.
Other amazing features include the SOS siren and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather scan. The SOS siren is very important during emergency scenarios with its distress and locator signals. Another feature of this radio is the weather scan to check the current weather channel from your area.
GXT1030VP4 has the same features as GXT1000VP4. It also has VOX mode, keypad tones, call tones, and auto squelch.
Price
The price of GXT1000VP4 ranges from $69.99 to $89.99.
GXT1030VP4 price range is from $79.99 to $89.99.
Conclusion – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs GXT1030VP4
If you are planning to buy a Midland walkie-talkie for the purpose of private or just recreational use, you may not need an FCC license. But, if you’re planning to use a brand new 2-way radio for commercial use and you are unlicensed, you might be fined $25,000 up to $50,000.
To make sure, you’ve got to enquire from the seller or ask the FCC directly via their website, or you can call their hotlines. An FCC license ensures that the frequencies you use do not interfere with other channels.
It was hard to choose which two-way radio was better because the features and specs were almost the same. The GXT1030VP4 is a little bit more pricey than the GXT1000VP4, but I prefer the latter because of the backlight option LCD display which is very useful for me, especially when I need to use it as a light when I don’t have a flashlight with me.
View the Midland GXT1000VP4 on Amazon* View the Midland GXT1030VP4 on Amazon*
