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

by Midland

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 7 x 6 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000P0O12I
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: XT511
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #26 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > CB & Two-Way Radios

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

Dynamo crank allows recharging of batteries without access to electricity.

Built-in flashlight and USB port for charging your cell phone or other devices.

22-Channel GMRS/FRS Radio

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 eavesdropping, which in effect gives you 3144 channel options.

Five separate call alerts identify incoming calls from your group, and an e-VOX function with three selectable sensitivity levels offers voice-activated, hands-free operation. This radio also features a channel scan, for locating active channels, along with a keypad lock so you don't accidentally change your settings.

While communicating, you can rest assured you'll be heard with features like auto squelch, which removes annoying background noise. You can also make sure you're hitting keys with keystroke tones, and use the keypad lock feature to "lock in" your preferred settings.

NOAA Weather Alert Radio

The XT511 offers NOAA Weather Alert Radio to automatically alert you to any severe weather/hazard information near your area, 24/7. Additionally, a Dual Watch feature lets you monitor two channels at once, so you can keep abreast of any developements in an emergency situation while maintaining communication.

Perfect for Power Outages/Mobile Use

The XT511 offers several powering options. You can power with four standard AA batteries, or use the rechargeable battery pack. An AC adapter for wall-charging and a DC adapter for charging in your vehicle's "cigarette lighter" outlet are both provided.

Better yet, a Dynamo crank is provided, for recharging its batteries without access to electricity. A USB port lets you charge your cell phone directly from the radio using crank power (or of course, outlet power when available).

Alarm Clock

Last but not least, an alarm clock is provided, so you can get a jump on the day even if you're out in the middle of nowhere.

XT511 Select Specifications

Channels:	22 FRS/GMRS and 7 Weather
Frequency Band:	GMRS 462.550 ~ 467.7125 MHz, WX 162.400-162.550
FM/AM Frequency:	AM 530 ~ 1700 kHz, FM 87.9 ~108.1 MHz
Unit Dimensions (H x Wx D):	6.5 x 7.5 x 2.75 Inches
Unit Weight:	1.2 lbs.
Display Size (W x H):	3.375 x .937 Inches
RoHS Compliant:	Yes
Power Requirement:	4AA or 5V DC
Crank Recharging:	2 TPS x 90 sec= 60 minutes operating time
Operating Temperature Range:	10 ~ 50° C

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.

Product Description

Midland XT511 22 Channel GMRS Emergecny Dynamo Crank Radio with NOAA All Hazard/Weather Alert and AM/FM. The unique XT511 Base Camp Radio from Midland combines communication, emergency notification and 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 can be operated with 4 "AA" Batteries. The XT511 can also be used 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 can be used with the included microphone or hands frree with the VOX feature. Stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information with the NOAA Weather/All Hazard with Alert feature or listen to your favorite AM or FM Radio Station. The XT511 features a Large LCD with backlighting with Clock and Alarm.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

152 of 153 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Emergency Radio, February 15, 2010

By 

Dr. Wilfredo M. Viray "Wally" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio (Electronics)

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 useful in emergencies when the TV and cable are knocked down so you can 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 sources of energy, you will never run out of power.

3. 5 Watt GMRS Radio - It truly is powerful. Just as strong as my professional radios. Excellent as a base station when traveling or trying to look for help in an emergency.

4. Portability - It comes with a strap so that you dont 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 used the crank to fully charge it again.

6. Weather-proof - I actually used 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 sensitive 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 can even upgrade the Speaker mic if you wish.

Cons:
1. Durability - As a base station, or if you don't drop it it is perfectly 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 durable as a professional radio, so I was not expecting it. So it isn't such a big deal.

2. No carrying case - It would have made it more useful if they included a small bag where you can put this and the accessories, as well as some 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 can do, and does it very well. If you were caught after an earthquake, this is the equipment 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 every 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 communicate first with the Midland, then the ICOM.

Test results:
Mile 1:
1. Midland - I can hear her and understand her without static or noise. The audio quality was a little muffled and was not as loud as the ICOM.

2. ICOM - I can hear her and understand her without static or noise. The audio was noticeably louder and clearer than the Midland.

Mile 2:
1. Midland - I can 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 can still communicate without drop of audio.

Summary:
The ICOM can 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 many functions of the Midland. I still give this 5 stars for function and excellent value.

****UPDATE November 28,2011****
I am very happy to report that it still works fine and I have had no problems with it. I use it as my mobile base station when we go outdoors. Still doing a great job. do not leave batteries inside if you intend to store it so that the battery will not leak or cause corrosion.

164 of 171 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Big features, small performance, June 15, 2008

By 

Mike K "technoguy" (Chicagoland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio (Electronics)

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.

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprise Performer, April 28, 2008

By 

Mike Shirley (Costa Mesa, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Midland XT511 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Emergency Crank Radio (Electronics)

I bought 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 additional AA alk options, hand mic/speaker are most welcome.

I use FRS/GMRS quite a bit both on the Motorola commercial side, Ham and family. I have used scores of different radios from $10 junk FRS walkies to $1000 commercial 2-way. For the price, the GMRS performance is excellent. Sensitive receiver, credible 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 fairly large. It currently 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.