Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to think that there is tremendous quality control variability with this radio based on the wildly different reviews.
I'm a radio geek and have been collecting radios for the last 40 years. When I saw the ad for this Midland I just had to have it. I thought it would be a perfect addition for my camping adventures. The radio seems to be totally loaded with just about anything you would need. It has a GRMS/FRS 2-way radio, an AM/FM radio, a weather radio, a clock with alarm and even a 3 LED flashlight. Add to this the fact that it runs on both alkaline and a wind-up rechargeable battery! Wow.
Sadly, none of the functions work very well. Both the AM and FM reception are very subpar. AM reception could only receive the strongest stations and they bled over adjacent frequencies. Many stations that I could pick up on a cheap pocket radio could not be picked up on this radio. FM was worse, only picking up a couple of very powerful local stations.
Weather band worked, but only barely. I was able to pick up many more channels on a little Grundig/Eton wind-up.
FRS/GRMS radio functions were similarly mediocre to poor.
Cranking was more awkward than on other emergency radios that I have used including those by Freeplay and Grundig.
On a positive note, the LED flashlight is nice and the clock/alarm is also a nice feature. You also get a lot of accessories, including an external mic, both car and AC chargers and a carrying strap.
Overall, I was disappointed by this radio. The fact that others like it suggests to me that there may be a lot of variability between radios. However, in general, I would pass on this radio. There are many inexpensive GRMS/FRS radios that would do a better job. If you are looking for a good emergency broadcast band radio check out those made by Freeplay or Grundig/Eton.


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Midland's XT511 is a durable GMRS emergency crank radio with a wealth of features to keep you informed, charged up, and in contact no matter the situation around you.
Stay in touch no matter your environment.

Get 34% OFF

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Command Communications HC2000 HotCall 2000 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are one of the 16 million Internet users that have a single phone line and subscribe to the phone company provided Call Waiting service, then this is the product for you.
Now while online you will never miss another incoming phone call or fax (if you are using a single data line as in a home office).
While online, if an incoming call is detected, HotCall will notify you with a alert tone and a flashing LED. If you have a phone attached, you can pick the call up and tell the incoming caller you are on the internet and will call back. Depending on modem connect speed, you can have up to 10 seconds of talk time.
You can also ingnore the incoming call - or - take call and HotCall will terminate the online connection.
Instead of callers getting a terminal busy signal, now you can stay in touch.
Very simple operation, easy to install ( 2 minutes). Great manual, and excellent tollfree tech support.
If you are an Internet shopper, now you can shop online with the worry of missing that important call.
GREAT PRODUCT. A must for every Internet user today! HotCall gives you peace of mind while on the Internet.
Great gift idea!

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Consider the problem: You're expecting an important phone call but you need to work over the Internet. Your computer and phone share the same phone line. Unfortunately, if someone tries to call you while you're using your computer, you'll miss the call.
Consider the solution: HotCall 2000 and call waiting service from your local phone company (contact your phone company to verify availability of call waiting). When your computer modem is connected to the phone line, HotCall alerts you to an incoming call. If you want to receive the call, simply pick up the phone receiver. HotCall interrupts the modem connection and instantly connects you to the caller. Plus, if your call is only a few seconds long, it may be possible to maintain your modem connection.
Simply place HotCall near your computer, then connect your computer modem, a phone, and a single-phone line to HotCall. When HotCall detects the call waiting signal, it automatically alerts you to the incoming call. Your options are to ignore the call, to answer the call by picking up the handset of the phone connected to HotCall, or to tell the caller you will call back, then hang up within 10 seconds to maintain your modem connection.
HotCall is designed and manufactured by the inventor of the original fax switch, Command Communications.

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