The ManVenture Chronicles

Midland GXT1000 and GXT1050 FRS/GMRS Radio Review

2011-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Midland Radio GXT1000 and GXT1050 are some of the best GMRS/FRS handheld radios for the money. These radios are what I would simply call “usable”. That might sound a little obvious, but every once in a while something will come along that you find you use it a lot more than you had originally expected. These radios fit that bill; they are convenient, simple to operate, and they work! I can hand my wife one of these radios and be confident she will be able to operate it without a problem! The radios are GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) capable. They also provide access to NOAA Weather Radio channels and the severe weather alert system. I initially decided to pick these up as a cheap weather alert radio for camping and other activities, because I would get 2 for not much more than a standard base weather radio, and I would have the walkie-talkie function as a bonus. The radio has the following features:

- 50 GMRS/FRS Channel (22 actual frequencies, 28 channels with pre-programmed CTCSS/DCS codes)

- 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 104 DCS)

- Waterproof JIS4 Standard

- Direct Call

- VOX (Voice operated switch transmit)

- Selectable Call Alert (additional Animal Sound on GXT1050)

- NOAA Weather Radio

- NOAA Weather Alert

- NOAA Weather Scan

- Dual Watch

- VIBRATE ALERT

- Monitor Function

- Roger Beep Tone

- Silent Operation

- Keypad Lock

- Whisper Function

- SOS Siren

- Power HI/MED/LO Settings

- Speaker / Microphone Jacks

- Battery Meter / Battery Low Indicator

To begin, the GXT1050 is the same as the GXT1000 with the exception of the Mossy Oak case. While this is not major, it is a nice touch if you will ever use the radios while hunting or in the woods. Midland did an excellent job of providing great functionality out of the box. The radios come with:

Cradle charger base
AC adaptor for house charging
DC adapter for 12V charging
Rechargeable NiMH battery for each radio
Detachable headset for each radio with mic and earpiece
Detachable belt clip for each radio

The headset port features separate speaker and mic connections so most aftermarket speaker mic’s will work with the unit.

The ports are also protected when not in use by a dust cover that helps maintain the JIS4 waterproof rating (using an accessory disqualifies the radio from the JIS4 rating). A nice feature when using the headset (I don’t recommend it when not using a headset!) is the VOX function. VOX stands for voice operated switch, and basically means the radio will monitor the mic and whenever a sound is picked up it will switch on the transmitter. The sensitivity is adjustable (9 settings) for your situation. Just remember when it is on, it will transmit anything you say!

The belt clip detaches to allow access to the battery compartment, or to allow for a smaller form factor if the GXT1050 won’t be clipped to a belt/strap/pocket, etc. The clip is spring loaded and is actually of higher quality than you would expect.

The battery compartment is sealed with a rubber o-ring, another measure that gives this radio the splash-proof rating.

Midland provides a 6V 700mAh battery pack that can be inserted in the battery compartment, but it is also capable of being used with standard AA batteries. This is an important feature to consider. The NiMH battery pack allows for economical daily operation when you have access to a charger, and the AA battery option allows you to use standard alkaline batteries if you aren’t able to charge the battery pack. I suppose you could also use 4 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries with a larger capacity than the factory pack, but I would advise on using a separate charger at that point rather than the factory charging cradle.

This picture shows the battery cover back on and the belt clip back in place. Even with the belt clip the radio is comfortable in your hand and easy to hold and operate.

It was rather difficult to get a clean shot showing the power up display, but this shows you what all indicators are on the radio, as well as the color of the backlight. The manual is very well written and identifies all the icons and functions on the display.

Programming the radios for operation is very straight forward. There is a detailed menu flow chart in the manual, and after spending a few minutes looking and playing with the radio I was able to set it up. An important thing to remember with the GXT1000 and GXT1050 is they operate on the FRS and GMRS bands. FRS is channel 1-14 with an output of 500mW only. Without a GMRS license you can’t legally operate the radio on channels 1-7 above 500mW, or 15-22 period. A GMRS license is only $85 for 5 years, and allows you to use up to 5W on channels 1-7, and 15-22 which will greatly increase your range in all terrain. The radios are advertised as 50 channel radios, channel 23-50 operate on teh frequencies below, but also have default CTCSS/DCS codes built in. This is only useful if you will be using only GXT1000 or GXT1050 radios or other radios programmed similarly. Below is a channel list for the FRS/GMRS channels.

Channel followed by frequency in mhz

1 462.5625

2 462.5875

3 462.6125

4 462.6375

5 462.6625

6 462.6875

7 462.7125

8 467.5625

9 467.5875

10 467.6125

11 467.6375

12 467.6625

13 467.6875

14 467.7125

15 462.5500

16 462.5750

17 462.6000

18 462.6250

19 462.6500

20 462.6750

21 462.7000

22 462.7250

The weather function of the radio works exactly as you would expect. You can monitor and change the weather frequencies to find the channel with the best reception. Once you find this you can turn on the weather alert function. The weather alert function monitors the last weather channel you were on continuously in the background to listen for severe weather alerts, meaning when you have the alert function turned on, you can use the radio on the FRS/GMRS frequencies as you would expect, and still get notified during a severe weather event. When an alert is issued, a warning tone is emitted from the radio followed by the weather alert broadcast from your local NOAA office. Your local NOAA office usually runs tests mid-day on Wednesday. You should set up your radio prior to a test to ensure the alert function is properly programmed and working in the radio. The weather alert is another function of the radio that makes this radio essentially useful. Even if I don’t really need the 2-way communication aspect of the radio I take it along so I am forewarned of severe weather. There are 7 NOAA frequencies (1-7) and 3 recognized Canadian Marine Frequencies programmed in the radio (in MHz).

1 162.550

2 162.400

3 162.475

4 162.425

5 162.450

6 162.500

7 162.525

8 161.650

9 161.775

10 163.275

CTCSS and DCS Privacy Codes are available for use with the GXT1050 and GXT1000 radios. If you are not familiar with these codes, they offer you the capability to program your radio to only receive incoming signals that were transmitted using these tones. Basically, it will help eliminate stray signals from interrupting your desired communication. Before you go out to use the radios, decide on a code, and program it using the manual into all the radios. This way only the people who have programmed the same code into their radio will get through to your receiver. This DOES NOT mean that other people outside your party can’t hear your transmissions, so as a courteous user it’s always best to check the frequency you are going to be operating on to make sure you won’t cause interference to other users. This is easily done on the GXT1000 and GXT1050 by pressing and holding the MON/SCAN button until the receiver is opened and you hear static. The manual does contain a CTCSS and DCS code chart so if you will be using the radio with radios by other manufacturers you have a reference point to set up the privacy codes. A quick tip, the radio will show a number (1-38 for CTCSS codes, 1-104 for DCS codes) when you are programming the codes in. This number is not the actual standardized code, it is Midland’s number for the standardized code. For instance, CTCSS code 1 on the radio, corresponds to a tone of 67.0 Hz. The DCS example is code 1 on the radio, corresponds to DCS code 023. I find it easiest if programming multiple radios to decide on a standardized code (example 67.0 Hz for CTCSS or 023 for DCS) and then translate that using the chart in the manual to the proper code in the radio. If you are not using different radios, it is not an issue, just plug in the same code channel on each radio and you are good to do.

There are many other advanced features listed above we aren’t going to go into today as they go beyond the scope of most users. In wrapping it up, I’d like to offer a quick start guide to get you up and running smoothly and effectively with these radios that I feel will be sufficient for most users.

· Install battery pack or AA batteries

· Power on radio

· Decide and program the channel into the radio (remember to keep it legal if you are operating on FRS only without a GMRS license)

· Decide and program a privacy code, CTCSS or DCS

· Turn on/off beeps for button presses, roger beep (the tone emitted when you release the transmit button, letting others know you are done transmitting), vibrate, etc

· Scan the weather channels for the strongest signal (keep in mind this WILL change if you go to a different area, so anytime you are in a new area you will want to do this!)

· Turn on the weather alert

· Set up all other radios using this process

· Test the receive and transmit capability of each radio, make sure everybody can hear everybody

· LOCK THE RADIO – possibly the most important step! Once you have the radio set up and tested working, press and hold the button with the picture of the lock on it until the lock icon shows up on the screen. This will prevent you and anyone else from inadvertently changing the settings.

· Charge the radios for at least 12 hours from a low battery. If the radio will provide critical communications, take several sets of spare batteries and maintain regular communication to make sure you stay in range. Set “check in” intervals and keep a checklist to make sure everyone in your group checks in regularly.

The Midland GXT1000 and GXT1050 GMRS/FRS radios are a great addition to family outings, camping, hunting, caravans, farms and anyone who wants to keep in touch over short distances. I have found I use them even in areas when I could use a cell phone because the communication is simpler (no dialing), and quicker, there is no waiting to connect or ringing involved. If you decide to pick up a set, you’ll see what I mean, you’ll keep finding new ways to use them to stay in touch!

Click here to view FRS/GMRS radios on ManVenture Outpost

AR15 See Through Carry Handle Scope Mount

2011-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

The carry handle Mount/adapter for the AR15 is a very effective and cheap accessory for the person who likes the accuracy and long range ability of a scope, but also likes the tried and true dependability of iron sights. I put the see through mount on my rifle because I love challenging myself and shooting with iron sites but also wanted to be able to extend the range of my rifle out to the long ranges it is capable of. While it’s nice to hit targets at long range with ease, there is something to be said about hitting a target when your front sight post is larger than the target you are aiming at. Using iron sites is a skill that is perishable and should be maintained with regular practice; it not only is fun but it's useful to maintain your shooting basics.

With the see through weaver mount I am able to switch between the scope and the iron sites easily. The rail is a weaver style rail, and long enough to set the scope up to where you would like it in relation to your rifle and how you hold it.

If you have quick release rings for your scope you can see how you are able to use the see through mount with or without the scope attached. The mount fits into the carry handle tightly and is held securely with a screw underneath the mount.

Because of focusing I added this picture so that you can see what it looks like if you are looking through the rear aperture at the front site post. You can see the mount does not impede the use of the front sight post and the rear aperture.

The see through mount is easy to remove if you are not using quick release rings for your scope, the screw underneath the mount is easy to remove and the mount lifts right out. Also since the scope is still securely mounted to the adapter when you replace it to the rifle you are still sighted in.

You can see that this mount keeps the scope low to the carry handle. Of course it does raise it up a little higher than you would want for most butt stocks, using an adjustable cheek rest solves this problem. This is important to have in addition so that you can lower the cheek rest to be able to use the iron sites, or raise it up to use the scope.

You can see how low the scope sits to the iron site using the carry handle mount/adapter; they did a good job when making this mount to insure that they kept it as low as possible without blocking the iron sites. Another benefit of this setup is the ability to use the iron sites to help sight in the scope without using a laser boresighter because you can switch between using the scope and the iron sites.

Here is another view showing the front site post viewed through the rear aperture using the see through mount with the scope mounted. Having a tactical scope is nice but to get a decent magnification you have to shell out big bucks, this mount allows you to use a more cost effective scope on your rifle so you don’t have to break the bank to get higher magnification, you can still use the iron sites in addition or take the scope off if need be.

Buy this item at ManVentureOutpost.com

Leatherman Skeletool 830846 Review

2011-07-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Leatherman Skeletool is a different type of multi-tool. It may only have a few tools on it, but they are the tools you use regularly. This makes the Skeletool light, compact, and simple. Because of the size and design, you don’t need a belt holder for it; this multi tool is made to carry easily like a pocket knife - meaning you will have it when you need it!

The Skeletool is made with the same quality as its big brother, the Wave. Anyone who has held a Leatherman Wave and compared it to multi-tools of lesser quality know what I am talking about. Leatherman is good at making tools that are tough and reliable.

One of the things I like about Leatherman is the joints. They are very tight and won’t accidentally fold when you don’t want them to. This gives the tool a strong and sturdy feel. At first glance, the tool has an odd design, but it fits comfortably in your hand. Although the holes in the body look trendy and give the tool it’s name, they are functional and do help cut down on the weight of the tool. When folded the Skeletool feels more like a pocket knife than a multitool.

The pliers are only slightly smaller than the wave but there is not a huge difference. They touch at the very end leaving no gap anywhere; you could pick up a hair with them.

The blade is made out of 420HC stainless steel which is a decent quality steel that is heat treated. It is strong, rust resistant, and easier to sharpen than some higher quality blades. The blade is meant for hard regular use, and will need to be sharpened to maintain a fine edge. You should think of it more as a utility blade, you wouldn’t want to use your high quality expensive knife as a utility blade (but if you would like a higher quality blade there is a different version of the same tool, the Skeletool CX has 154CM steel). But for use as a utility blade (which it is) 420HC is what you want. You are not going to be Filleting a fish with this knife - you are going to be beating/prying/scraping/cutting the heck out of it, and with this in mind it is important to have a blade that is easy to sharpen.

It has 4 different screw driver bits. Two different sized flat heads and two different sized Phillips. If you look at the picture you can see how the body has a straight line from the bit back to the handle so it will act like a regular screw driver, this is a nice change from the usual multi-tool designs that are awkward to use.

The bits are locked in or removed with the push of a button; it is very easy to use and effective. Some bit holders use a magnet to hold them in place but have a problem with the bits falling out when using them. This design keeps the bit securely in place.

The extra bit is held tight inside the handle which keeps it out of the way until you need it.

This is an interesting feature; it has a carabiner/bottle opener. It is nice to have the option to clip the Skeletool onto your belt, pack or other gear. As far as the bottle opener, I haven’t used it yet but hey the option is there and doesn’t take up any extra space or add any weight so why not!

The pocket clip is a nice feature, because of the size and weight of the Skeletool it feels like a folding knife in your pocket. There is no need for a sheath although it comes with one if you want to use it. Overall this multi-tool is great for every day carry. It gives you what you need in a small, lightweight package. It is perfect for the person who needs more than a knife, but doesn’t want to walk around with a belt holder on their hip all the time.

Buy the Skeletool 830846 at ManVentureOutpost.com

SOG Knives SV68 Vision Review - ManVenture Approved

2011-04-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

I have been carrying this knife for about two years now. This knife is used as my every day work horse so I have given it a lot of use. It still looks new other than some scrapes here and there. This is a tough knife; other knives that I have owned for this long have not fared as well as this one has. Shortly after getting this knife I used it to cut big portions of carpet into strips, it cut through them like butter. It has held up to all the tasks I have needed it for, granted I never used it as a pry bar, to cut cans, or anything of that nature but it has maintained its good condition through normal hard use.

The blade is made out of VG-10 steel; VG-10 Steel is designed to maintain sharpness and durability without becoming brittle which is a downfall for other types of exceptionally hard steel. This blade holds its edge longer than your average knife, and VG-10 Steel is also surprisingly corrosion resistant. It has a 4 grind tanto blade so the blade and tip can take a beating without breaking as easily as your standard blade. The blade still comes to a sharp point despite repeated use, and it still opens just as smooth as the first time I opened it.

The handle is made of titanium with stainless steel liners so it doesn’t rust; it is light but extremely tough. The titanium on the handle is a feature that I like it makes preventative maintenance a non issue. Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. This Knife has been beaten around for the last two years and it only has surface scratches, and even those are minimal.

The blade is still tight at the joint, it uses an Arc-Lock that is self adjusting so over time as the knife wears from use it keeps the blade tight and prevents wobble up and down on the blade. It has been tested at over 1000 lbs of force measured at the Lock by SOG. The Arc-Lock is ambidextrous and can be flipped open with ease using one hand.

The clip is reversible so that it can be put on the other side for left handed use. Surprisingly this knife fits comfortably in your hand despite the lack of plastic and rubber padding. The clip does not protrude into your hand and get uncomfortable when holding it. The teeth on the back end of the blade for your thumb are not exactly comfortable but they are very functional, your thumb will not slip off them.

SOG SV68 Vision on ManVentureOutpost.com

Let the ManVenture Begin....

2011-04-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

What is a ManVenture you ask? A ManVenture is more than an ordinary adventure, or even an extraordinary adventure. It goes beyond an activity and is better classified as a philosophy. A way of life if we may be so bold. A ManVenture can be a trip to the gun range to send a few rounds towards your target, hiking the Rocky Mountain Trail from start to finish, or a trek into the arctic wilderness. It could also be as simple as a late night stroll through your neighborhood with your tactical led flashlight showing you the way, or taking the less paved route to the grocery store where you put it in 4wd just for fun. A favorite of mine is a drive through the countryside spotting deer with a tactical spotlight. A ManVenture is only limited by your imagination. But what is the real motivation behind a ManVenture? I feel this touches on our primal instinct for survival. The need to always feel prepared for the unknown, unseen, and unexpected. The desire for self reliance under any circumstance. Sure, you might look weird to your neighbors camping in your backyard in January, but doing something voluntarily to prepare is easier than under duress for survival. Every ManVenture provides you with an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your gear, so if and when the time comes, you will be ready. It is for that reason our slogan has been "Make Every Day A ManVenture" from day one, and why we call ourselves ManVenture Outpost. We have everything you need for your "once in a lifetime" or your daily ManVenture. Remember, Make Every Day A ManVenture!