The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a 2-way radio that represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering that Midland has to offer. The engineers designed it for General Mobile Radio Service operations, in a package that is rather compact yet big in performance. Its lightweight feel stems from the use of quality electronic equipment, skillfully constructed to give it a hefty look for robustness. Midland employed an all solid-state circuitry design, with components mounted on a rugged printed circuit board. They wanted this unit to be reliable and have trouble-free performance for years to come.
Quick Summary Of Midland GXT1000VP4
Best Features
- 22 Channels plus 28 extra channels
- JIS4 Waterproof allows for Protection in all directions against moisture
- 36-Mile Range in open areas with little or no obstruction
- X-TRA TALK Power allowing use of maximum power permitted
- SOS Siren for sending out distress signals in an emergency situation
- NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan
- 10 call alerts tones to notify you of incoming calls from different members of your group
What’s in The Box
- Radios (x2)
- Rechargeable battery packs (x2)
- Boom mic headsets (x2)
- Belt clips (x2)
- 120V dual desktop charger
- AC adapter
- DC adapter
- Owner’s manual
Useful Specifications
- Dimensions- 2.44” x 7.91” x 1.52″
- Weight: 1.92 lbs.
Why Do We Like It?
Looks and Feel
The Midland GXT1000VP4 looks and feels like the premium radios’ Midland has brought to market over the years. The unit has a reassuring hefty look, while remaining generally light in weight. It fits easily to grasp and handle thanks to the controls, which are easily accessible and functional.
Clear Audio
This radio has an impeccable audio quality in receive and transmit mode. The inbuilt microphone and speaker seem to do a great job in almost every use case. However, we would recommend using a headset in noisier locations. If you do this, your reception is immediately and dramatically improved. The Midland GXT1000VP4 also has a “Whisper Mode” for use with headsets.
Fast Charging
The Midland GXT1000VP4 charges really fast compared to the competition. Midland includes an AC adapter or desktop charger to charge them with, allowing you maximum flexibility during operations. It has a built-in battery extender option, which allows the device to increase its battery life while on standby mode. In addition, Midland gives users the ability to manipulate their power settings (low, medium, high) to increase the battery power/life.
Key Features of The Midland GXT1000VP4
Group Mode
The Midland GXT1000VP4 features a GROUP MODE function, which allows you to make “direct calls” to individuals in the group, without the entire group listening. This is a great feature because it allows individuals to communicate privately. For example, a couple can talk among themselves in a trail among friends. It is also important for security reasons; if you lose a radio or someone is listening in, you still have other means to communicate privately with the GROUP MODE channels. It is important to note that it only works on channels 1 to 22.
Display Illumination
The Midland GXT1000VP4 has an illuminated display that will activate for approx. 5 seconds while in use. This makes the radio a great tool for communication in the dark. Pressing the MENU, MON/SCAN button will also activate this light. Backlit displays make devices like the GXT1000VP4 so much easier to use. Midland made sure this was the case with this unit. The display is also multicolored, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
Keypad Lock
The radio has a keypad lock to prevent accidental operation of the unit during intense activities. This helps the user to avoid accidentally making changes to the radio setting. To activate this function, press the LOCK button for 2 seconds. The Midland GXT1000VP4 will display a KEY LOCK icon on the display. However, please note that PTT and CALL will still remain active, despite having the keypad locked. To unlock the radio, repeat the same procedure used to lock it.
Scan
This radio comes equipped with the ability to scan all 50 channels for activity. When activated, it will rapidly scan the 50 channels and stop where there is activity. The Midland GXT1000VP4 will resume scanning after 4 seconds if the channel ceases to be active.
SOS Siren
Midland GXT1000VP4 has an SOS function. When activated, the radio will send out a loud siren like-sound with the display backlight flashing red. This is important for any situation where you or a group member may need help if they are hurt and happen to have limited mobility. It can also act as a locating beacon for search and rescue.
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- Has a simple end of transmission tone/roger beep
- Unit never loses communication which is a lifesaver for areas with no cell signals
- The radio is durable and well built
- Radio has great sound quality making it a joy to use
- Midland constantly refines and update their radios, implementing customer feedback
Cons of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The battery life is disappointing
- The menu can be confusing at times
- Unit has too many controls for inexperienced users
- The unit does not work well in urban areas
Final Verdict
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a great radio, as long as you stick to basic operations. During testing, we found that it had about 2 miles of range, which was decent given its desired use case. It is lightweight but durable, with a hefty construction look that has impressed many users.
In addition, the radio has been proven to be reliable. A feature such as the GROUP MODE allows users to have privacy talks despite being in groups. However, the battery life of the radio is not as great as other radios in its category. Also, in order for the VOX function to work optimally, you might have to get better headsets.
All in all, the Midland GXT1000VP4 will definitely take care of your communication needs, thanks to its decent features. It is perfect for any group of individuals that wish to engage in short-distance communication such as campers and caravanners.