Midland GXT1000VP4 Review

The evolution of technology in recent years has spurred up significant growth in the production of walkie-talkies or what we can also call handheld transceiver (HT). These handheld transceivers are important because they create a platform for people to communicate easily and quickly when having outdoor fun or professional work. As a result of the several options available in the market, it is not easy to decide which radios to purchase.

The fear of buying a device that won’t last long, produce bad sound quality or have other discouraging features makes people wonder why they should even get one in the first place. Amidst this dilemma, this article encapsulates in astonishing and in-depth detail of Midland GXT1000VP4 handheld GMRS radio, which is unarguably the best and fantastic handheld transceiver (HT) you get to purchase. This radio has unique features and abilities have made it jut out so evidently among its peers and contemporaries.

 I’m entirely convinced that the reason why you are here is that you’re in search of an honest review that will erase your doubts on your choice of a walkie-talkie, and I’m glad that you have stumbled on this article. So tread carefully!

Considerations when choosing the Midland GXT1000VP4 radio 

If you are looking to purchase this radio, there are some factors one must check with intent. The details below sum up the key considerations to note when choosing this walkie-talkie.

Size

As technology advanced, we got to see many devices that were once bulky and difficult to move about, recreated into lighter and more convenient versions. 

We know that technology’s essence is to make life more comfortable and easier for people. It was for this reason that Midland produced the GXT1000VP4 radio. 

This radio has a lightweight of 0.3 pounds, making it fit to carry around all day without it becoming a burden. You can easily slip this radio into your pocket because of its lightweight and dimension. 

One of the most important factors to consider before buying a radio is the dimension. Getting the dimensions wrong means purchasing a radio that might be too thick to grip. This handheld radio has a dimension of 2.44 ×7.91×1.58, making it portable and easy to hold even for small hands. 

The small size of Midland GXT1000VP4 is one reason why it is preferred by many of its users worldwide. 

Ease of Use 

For a device to best suit its purpose, one of the essential things to look out for is how easy and uncomplicated it is to use and operate. The radio provides an easier means of communication for both professionals and amateurs in their respective fields of work. This two-way GMRS radio embodies a more pliable extensive use of a bill of fare to enable its users to choose various alternatives and guide program operations on the radio.

When you purchase the handheld radio, it comes with two radios, two battery packs, two belt clips, a dual desktop charger, AC/DC adapters, two boom mic headsets, and a user guide. This user guide/ manual contains all you need to know about operating the device. It goes straight to the point and is very simple to comprehend, enhancing your user experience. 

One of the best parts of this radio is that the buttons and the LCD screen are intuitive. You may not even need a manual to figure out its operations, although you might need to look up a few symbols in the user manual.

As stated above, the radio comes with a belt clip, which lets you clip in your radio to your body while using the eVOX feature. You may choose to use the headphones provided by Midland, or you may use recommended accessories. Either way, this radio was designed to make connections to other accessories easily. 

Durability

The ability of a device to exist for a long time without any significant deterioration in the standard and worth is the reason why a lot of people crave so deeply to purchase this excellent handheld transceiver. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss out on this unique offer that this Midland radio provides.

It can hurt to purchase a device that doesn’t guarantee a long life span. Not only does it hurt, but it will also be a waste of money, time and resources. This walkie-talkie’s rugged design makes it last longer since it is secured tightly to prevent it from being exposed to dust or wind.

Most people who have used this radio say they have used it for over five years. This is partly because the radio was built with quality materials, and that’s incredible since it is very affordable. The way you treat this radio also determines how long it would last. Treat it right, and you may be able to use it for more than five years. 

Battery Life and Type

One of the most disappointing things an individual can experience is to purchase a device that doesn’t last for long. Even though Midland GXT1000VP4 has many exciting features and functions, it also provides a more reliable battery strength and longevity. 

This walkie-talkie gives you many options to keep your power on, so you are always connected. It comes with a rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged by using a desktop charger. You can also use 4 AA batteries should you be in a place where you have no access to electricity. You can again charge your walkie- talkie with a car charger in your car. The only issue with that is that the radio takes a long while to charge. 

 When the device is a new one, it is charged for about 24 hours, after which it charges for about 12 hours. When this radio is fully charged, it can last for up to 9 hours. For the battery life to be utilized to its maximum, the battery pack should be charged when the battery low indicator icon comes on. 

In as much as charging the battery pack is essential, you should not also forget that overcharging the radio could damage it. So it would be best if you didn’t practice overnight charging because it could be challenging to know when it is fully charged since the user is asleep.

Maximum Range

The wide range of coverage that Midland GXT1000VP4 provides is an astonishing one. This has attracted many people from various professional fields and even those who tend to go for vacations, doing various activities like hiking, mountaineering and many more.

This device is has been well-designed to provide a maximum range of about 36 miles. Always take note that to get the most range that this excellent walkie-talkie provides to its satisfaction, the device must be subjected to a favorable and idyllic condition. It is paramount to know this because they are many factors that can hinder a user from enjoying the maximum range that this device provides.

Areas that are surrounded by a lot of trees, houses and water could serve as a hindrance to the user. It is also cogent to note that if the handheld transceiver’s batteries are not well charged, the user denies him/herself from benefitting from this unique feature. 

Specifications

Channels – 50 FRS and GMRS

Frequency Band- 462.5500 ~ 4677125 MHz

Unit Dimensions in (H x W x D)- 9.75 x 2.5 x 1.75

Unit Weight (lbs)- 2.5

Privacy Codes- 38CTSS, 104 DCS

Weather Frequency- 162.400 – 163.275

VOX Levels- 9

RoHS Compliant- Yes

Power Requirement- 4AA

Operating Temperature Range- -30-60oC

FCC Certification- Part 95

Features

One of the things that have convinced people to purchase this unique walkie talkie, and which will also leave you in a state of amazement, thereby spurring you to get one is because of the exciting features that this Midland radio embodies. These are the following:

50 GMRS Channel

This two-way radio operates on GMRS frequencies, but you must acquire an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. Refusal to adhere to the rule of FCC by getting a license attracts serious penalties.

VOX (Voice Operated Transmit)

This enables a wonderful feature whereby the switch turns the transmitter or recorder on when a voice is detected when spoken into the microphone and turns off when the user stops speaking.

Battery Meter/Battery low indicator

This notifies you with immediate effect when the battery is low. The icon will flash in the display, indicating that you should either replace the batteries or recharge it if using a rechargeable battery pack.

Monitor Function

This feature switches the handheld transceiver to monitoring mode for it to be used as a baby alarm or listening device.

Waterproof JIS4 Standard

This feature keeps the walkie-talkie safe in rainy or snowy weather. There is, therefore, no cause for alarm when caught up in the rain or when water is mistakenly splashed on it has it will have no harmful effect on it.

SOS Siren 

This is used to send signals in cases of emergency. When the siren button is pressed, the radio sends out a loud danger signal, and the exhibit backlight will light up.

NOAA Weather Alert

Prior to changes that are bound to occur in the state of the weather, this feature forecasts accurately predicts and informs you of any impending emergency or weather hazard.

142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 104 DCS)

This privacy codes provide up to 50 channel options to obstruct other conversations from interfering.

Direct Call

It enables one to call immediately without any hindrances and even without anyone around you getting to notice.

Dual Watch

This feature provides a platform whereby one is able to keep track of two channels simultaneously. The first channel will be the current channel setting, and the second channel will be the selected channel on the menu.

Whisper Function

This feature permits the user to able to convey a high sound level, peradventure the user is muttering on the microphone.

NOAA Weather Radio/Scan

This function validates the user to receive weather reports from deputed NOAA stations.

Pros

The radio produces a crystal clear and evident sound quality

Excellent signal strength and range

It embodies user-friendly functions

Excellent waterproof JIS4 standard

Cons

The screen is a bit small, which could be dissatisfying to the user during setup

The menus could be complex at times

The headset audio and the microphone is a bit average

FAQs

How to operate a Midland GXT1000VP4 two-way radio

An individual who has purchased a pack of this two-way radio might face some difficulties in operating them. In fact, one can see the anger written into the thin lines on a user’s forehead as he/she stares at the device, not being able to handle it. Well, operating the GXT1000VP4 isn’t stressful, if one will follow the details closely.

The rounded lump at the side of the device is for power or volume. The rounded lump is swiveled in a dextrorotatory manner to switch on the walkie talkie, reduce the volume or magnitude of the radio’s sound, and switch the device off.

When the radio is rotated to power on, it will make a low sound with distinctive tones. When this is done, the LCD will exhibit all the icons for about 1 second, which will also indicate the last channel selected.  

How to install the battery in a Midland GXT1000VP4 radio

The type of battery that the radio uses is an Alkaline / NiMH battery pack, which has an alkaline quality of AA (4). For the battery to be installed without any form of difficulties, the belt clip must first be removed.

Here are the steps to follow when installing the batteries:

Ensuring that the back of the radio faces you, remove the belt clip in order not to experience difficulties. When this is done, remove the battery cover by sliding down the battery cover and removing the device’s battery cover.

The alkaline battery is inserted carefully while observing its two poles, ensuring that the opposite poles face each so that the device can function perfectly.

Carefully return the battery cover you had first removed by sliding it up gently till it fits in well.

How to set Privacy Codes on Midland GXT1000VP4 two-way radio

For more clarity, it’s best to reiterate that this radio has 142 privacy codes, which has been made available on channels 1~22. The chosen privacy code may be distinct for each channel. For the privacy code to be utilized, the GROUP mode is first turned off. Then, the privacy code which is intended by the user to select for a specific channel is pressed on the MENU button twice. The MENU button has an up and down arrow movement which can be used to select between “off/CTSS/DCS.” One should also note that the MENU button, which contains the up and arrow movement, can be used to select one of the 38 CTSS codes or one of the 104 DCS codes.

Conclusion

This review has spelled out elaborately what has makes the GXT1000VP4 two-way radio distinctive among its contemporaries. This radio’s several incredible features like the silent operation, roger beep tone, call alert selection, vibrate alert, and whisper functions make this radio a fan favorite in the market. 

Coupled with that is the fact that this radio is very affordable and even durable. One would not expect a radio with so many features to have such a lightweight or be so portable, but this radio uniquely exceeds expectations. 

To increase the lifespan of this device, make sure to handle it with care. Avoid cleaning the radio’s screen with alcohol or cleaning mixtures. Immersing the radio in water to clean this radio is a terrible idea because it is splash-proof and not waterproof. The best way to clean this radio is by using a soft damp cloth.

Considering the range offered by Midland GXT1000VP4, its unique features, it’s build quality, and its price, this radio is a winner for anyone who wants to buy a fully functional radio at an affordable price.