Midland Radio Corporation (or, in other terms, Midland) is a two-way radio manufacturer. Various kinds of two-radios are generated in this company, including micromobile, CB radios, NOAA weather radios, and many more. This company is being spearheaded in Kansas City, Missouri, and is considered to be one of the top and leading brands when it comes to radio communication devices and two-way communication.
This article will be discussing the features and specifications of two Midland two-way radios: the LXT600VP3 and the GXT1000VP4. These two communication devices pose as essential items when it comes to activities such as event communication, outdoor activities (hiking, mountain climbing, etc.), and many others.
Midland LXT600PV3 | Midland GXT1000VP4 | |
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Brand | ||
Range | 30 miles | 36 miles |
Power Output | 2 watts | 5 watts |
Frequency Ranges | 462-467 MHz (FRS) | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed | no, FRS only | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof |  |  |
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Emergency Alert | | |
Auto Squelch | | |
LED Flashlight | | |
Keypad Lock | | |
Weather Channels | | |
Call Tones | not stated | 5 |
Power Source | NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AAA Alkaline batteries | NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 6.09 x 2.19 x 1.27 inches | 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 0.3 lb | 0.3 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Midland LXT600VP3 vs. GXT1000VP4
Setup
For the Midland LXT600VP3, prior knowledge is not a necessity to have when assembling this gadget. There are three simple steps to operating this Midland model. First, one must install its battery pack. As it will be mentioned later in this article, one may use triple A batteries to power this device. A total of three alkaline batteries can be inserted into this pair of two-way radios. One must first take off the belt clip wherein the top center must be pressed down. After that, the belt clip must be slid down from the radios. Afterward, take off the battery cover and slip the battery pack inside. Then, lock the battery cover in place and put back the belt clip.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 has a loadable docking place wherein the two-way radio devices can stand on their own and charge up until they will be used on the field. Battery installation for this two-way radio Midland model is also quite simple, just like how one charges this two-way device. However, the downside to this model is that the user manual’s “quick reference chart” is complicated to read and analyze. This makes it confusing for people who don’t have the proper knowledge about two-way radios.
Waterproof
According to some research, although the Midland LXT600PV is not number-rated by the JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) or the IP (International Protection), it is expected for this model to be water-resistant. This entails that, even though this pair of two-way radios is not waterproof, water penetration into this device is not as easy as one would assume.
The Midland GXT1000VP4, on the other hand, is considered to be splashproof. The Japan Industrial Standards state this. This would entail that, even though this two-way radio device will be splashed with water, it would still work because the wiring is very much protected. However, a disclaimer on this matter is that this Midland model cannot be immersed in water or run under flowing water.
Power Source
The Midland LXT600VP3 utilizes lithium batteries, just like most two-radio devices (walkie-talkies). This is inclusive of a charging base and rechargeable batteries. The Midland device features dual-power options for its two-way radio communication aspect. This option can use triple-A batteries or battery packs that are rechargeable. They are inclusive and noninclusive, respectively. This two-way radio device features a family radio service (FRS) of 36 channels. This is inclusive of a channel scan that is able to check for activity.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 offers two options for its power source: the usage of alkaline batteries for the power source or a rechargeable battery pack. When buying this model, the package includes a charging base that can charge up the battery (NiMH). This two-way radio device has a time duration of 23 hours.
Range
This Midland LXT600VP3, according to the FRS, has reached its standards. This device has a range of up to a total of 30 miles and can withstand a wider range than that if the area in which this two-radio device is used is wide and open that does not have many blockages or any form of obstruction. This model is heavily grounded on the idea that the more obstructive items there are around the area, the range of this two-way radio device will be limited more.
Compared to the first model, the Midland GXT1000VP4 can reach higher, reaching a total of a 36-mile radius. This is under the assumption that this is observed in an open area, has minimal obstructions, and under the most optimal weather conditions. Although the testing in tall and big buildings did not live up to its expectations, it still covers a really wide distance. This makes it a very suitable and viable walkie-talkie model.
Frequencies
The Midland LXT600VP3 has radiated power of 2 watts and can be utilized on channels 1-7 and 15-22 without a license requirement. This is in accordance with the rules from the FCC as of September 2017. Because of this attribute, this Midland model is considered a Family Radio Service unit (or FRS). Additionally, because of its FRS classification, there is no need for a license in most countries worldwide. This allows the usage of this radio device in a lot of countries. Public frequency brands can also be utilized without the requirement of a license. In addition to this, two privacy channel types are supported by this radio device: the Digital Coded Squelch and the Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System.
Contrarily, the Midland GXT1000VP4 has a frequency range between 462 to 467. This covers the channels General Mobile Radio Service and Family Radio Service. This device has more than 50 channels, of which 28 are under the privacy code channels while 22 are considered to be primary channels. Licensure for this radio device is not necessary; however, this is only if the transmissions of this radio are conveyed under channels that operate under FRS units (which are essentially channels 8-14).
Features
The Midland LXT600VP3 offers a feature of weather alerting (NOAA), wherein weather reports are constantly being notified to the users of this two-way radio device. This gadget can transmit itself in 22 channels (both FRS/GMRS) with 14 other channels. 121 privacy codes are also included in this two-way radio communication device. Other features that this radio has are the eVOX feature, the Auto Squelch feature, a Keypad Lock.
A major feature that the Midland GXT1000VP4 is known for is its reliability in group communication. This Midland model provides a feature in which a group call can ensue from this two-way radio device with all the units that can be connected to this device. The audio quality of this Midland model is clear in comparison to other walkie-talkie radios sold commercially. A ‘whisper’ feature is also provided by this pair of two-way radio devices wherein it allows users to talk into the microphone jack quietly and has a vibrate mode which can essentially notify users for calls from the group call feature without the usual noise from loud call tones.
In addition to this, considering how walkie-talkies can be primarily used in an emergency setting, an SOS feature is also added to this Midland radio device. The SOS signal imparts a distress signal in which it notifies nearby people with connected two-way radio devices and notifies them of other users’ locations. People are also able to give access to a total of ten NOAA weather channels. With this feature, users have the luxury of updating themselves with the weather. A lot of the other attributes of this Midland model consist of the Auto Squelch feature, keypad lock, communication monitoring features, and channel scanning.
Price
According to Amazon, the Midland LXT600VP3 can be bought at $50 or less for two-way radio devices. Compared to other radio brands and other two-way devices that provide the same features as this, this is considered a really good price.
The Midland GXT1000VP4, on the other hand, is a bit pricier than the former, having a total price of $89.99 for both two-way communication devices. This is almost $40 more than the LXT600VP4 but, considering its additional features and other reliable and useful attributes, it may just one-up the former model.
Conclusion – Midland LXT600VP3 vs. GXT1000VP4
In terms of efficiency, the Midland GXT1000VP4 is the better choice because it evidently has a bounty of features that is more useful and can provide more service to users than the other model. Moreover, the latter Midland model has been overseen and by highly esteemed organizations such as International Protection and Japan Industrial Standards. However, some features for this two-way radio device can be quite concerning for people, such as the vagueness of the user manual’s “quick reference chart.”
Should someone ever want a cheaper version that does a notable job for radio communication, the Midland LXT600VP3 is also a formidable choice. This two-way radio device may have fewer features than the GXT1000VP4, but the instructions on installing and configuring this walkie-talkie device are quite easy compared to the GXT1000VP4. Additionally, the Midland LXT600VP3 utilizes the more popular lithium batteries where people can purchase from their local hardware stores, as opposed to the aluminum batteries of the Midland GXT1000VP4.
View the Midland LXT600VP3 on Amazon* View the Midland GXT1000VP4 on Amazon*
