Accessories

When connecting a mobile radio to a power supply using the supplied 12V hardwire cable, the first instinct is to wrap the bare ends of each wire around the pole of its corresponding terminal. There is a better way. Use banana plugs! How do you do it?

In this video tutorial, Steven from our tech department at Buy Two Way Radios shows you how to quickly and easily connect wire leads to a set of XLT banana plugs.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

During the past couple of years we've introduced a line of Frequency counters, field strength meters and other test equipment to our site at the request of our customers. However, given the high demand for these products, keeping them in stock and readily available have been somewhat of a challenge. To keep up with the market, we've been working to expand the number and types of these products that we carry. This is why Buy Two Way Radios is now an authorized Nissei dealer!

Based in Taiwan, Nissei is a manufacturer of test equipment for both professional bench techs and radio hobbyists. Their product line includes SWR and power meters, as well as and other products used for equipment testing and calibration.

We currently carry four specific Nissei SWR and power meters on our site. Two are designed to be used with analog two way radios only and two for both analog and digital radios.

Nissei RS-40 SWR and Power Meter
The RS-40 is a power and S.W.R. meter designed specifically for analog two way radios. It has a maximum measurable power range of up to 200W. The RS-40 has UHF Female (SO-239) in and out connectors and is small enough to in the palm of your hand.

The RSW-40 Can check your antenna SWR and radio RF wattage and read out directly to its analog style meter without any calibration. Because of its low insertion loss it to be connected permanently to your antenna and rig so you can monitor it constantly.
Easy to install BTWR Price: $58.99

Nissei RS-50 Digital SWR and Power Meter (125-525 MHz, 120 Watts)
Similar in construction and operation to the RS-40, the RS-50 is an SWR and power meter with a digital readout instead of a standard analog meter. It is designed for two way radios with a maximum measurable power range of up to 120W. Like the RS-40, it also has UHF Female (SO-239) in and out connectors. measures forward and reflected power on a digital readout without any calibration.

The RS-50 features forward, reversed and VSWR ratio in one push button. It has an LED backlit display that is easy on the eyes and reasy to read. This meter requires a power source and it offers several options, either internally usind “AAA” batteries or a rechargeable battery. It has a micro USB port for external power however the USB to AC wall adapter is not included. It does, however, have a very simplistic, yet effective set of controls for easy operation. BTWR Price: $107.99

Nissei DG-503 Digital SWR and Power Meter for Analog and Digital Radios
The DG-503 is the next tier of these power and SWR meters, and offer some of the same functionality as the lower tier models, but with some significant enhancements. For starters, it supports a broader range of bands and frequencies. Unlike the SR-40 and SR-50, which are UHF and VHF meters, the DG-502 covers HF frequencies as well, with a frequency range of 1.6-60 MHz and 125-525 MHz.

Second, it is supports both analog and digital radios, with measurement including CW, FM, FDMA. According to Nissei, it has an average accuracy of plus or minus 5%. Keep in mind that the digital radios supported use FDMA, which means NXDN, not DMR.

The DG-503 is also quite easy to read and operate. It has a very large 3.5″ LCD backlit display and simple control panel for easy operation. This tester operates on a 12V DC Wire. It's made for use on the bench or desktop. BTWR Price: $149.99

Nissei DG-503MAX Digital SWR and Power Meter for Analog and Digital Radios
The DG-503MAX Is essentially the same model as the DG-503G, with all of the same basic features and functionality, including support for both analog and digital radios, 1.6-60 MHz / 125-525 MHz frequency range and power options. The difference is in type of digital radios it supports. While the DG-503G can measure radios using TDMA, the MAX and read DMR (TDMA), AM, SSB.

If you use analog and DMR radios. the DG503MAX is what you need. The package includes a 12VDC wire and an English language instruction manual. BTWR Price: $189.99

Melowave is making waves with its brand of two way radio accessories. First introduced in 2022 with its popular Shadow and highly acclaimed Overlander GMRS antennas, the Melowave brand has quickly become known for high quality, premium value and high performance.

The true value of Melowave isn't just in its antennas and mounts. It's also in power - solar power! Introducing the Melowave SPP-F40 40 Watt Portable/Foldable Solar Panel!

The SPP-P40 provides up to 40 Watts and up to 20V of power, enough to charge several radios and other devices at once! It allows for either an angled or flat setup, so it can be used just about anywhere there is ample sunlight available.

The SPP-F40 features a smart junction box with multiple outputs, including USB-A, 5 volt USB-C, and a 20V DC 5525 barrel type port. It includes a built-in 20A XT60 cable, 40 inch hardwire cable with an XT60 female connector and a 3.28Ft/1M extension cable with 5525/5521 DC barrel connectors.

If that isn't enough, the SPP-F40 also includes a set of 10 DC power adapters in popular types and sizes for even greater cross-compatibility with a wider range of electronic devices.

The junction box has an LED power level meter, so you know when and how well devices are charging. The junction box and cables are stored in a zippered compartment built into the solar panel, which is positioned on the underside when the panel is opened up, for maximum protection from the elements. The solar panel itself is also water resistant to withstand normal use outdoors. It has a built-in carrying handle for transport and storage practically anywhere and can be easily set up and folded up in seconds.

The a Melowave SPP-F40 Solar Panel is available exclusively from Buy Two Way Radios. Price: $119.99.

The Wouxun BLO-016 is one of our top selling batteries from this manufacturer, and with good reason. It fits some of their most popular amateur and GMRS radios sold at Buy Two Way Radios. In late 2022 we partnered with Wouxun to design and create a version of this lithium-ion battery pack with a a built-in USB-C charging port. The result was the Wouxun BLO-016-USB-C!

We knew this battery would become quite popular, but we didn't know how high the demand would be at the time. Apparently it was pretty high, because we sold out of our initial inventory within days. It went on backorder quickly, and it took Wouxun time to manufacture a double order to meet the demand.

Now the wait is over. We are happy to announce that the Wouxun 2600mAh USB-C Battery Pack is back in stock and Buy Two Way Radios has them in our warehouse for immediate delivery!

The Wouxun BLO-016-USB-C is a 2600 mAh battery pack for the Wouxun portable handheld radios. This is a geniune OEM battery designed for easy charging and long uptime that works with popular Wouxun ham and GMRS radios, including the following:

• • KG-UV8H
  • KG-UVN1
  • KG-905G
  • KG-935G
  • KG-935G Plus

This battery is sold exclusively at Buy Two Way Radios. We have them here at our warehouse and ready to ship for $29.99 per battery. Give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or click here to order.

Two way radios are generally considered easy to operate for point-to-point communications. Just push the button to talk, and release to listen. Yet in spite of this simplicity, there are some aspects to these devices that seem somewhat confusing or complicated to manage. A prime example of this is in regards to the audio accessories, or more specifically, the lack of cross-compatibility between the plugs, ports and different connectors. We are often asked whether the earpieces, headsets and speaker microphones used for one brand of walkie talkie will work with radios from other brands. After all, many other types of audio products follow a set of standards for plugs, jacks and connections, so why not the radios? Aren't audio connectors for radio accessories universally compatible?

If only it were that simple. However, such is not the case.

Many two way radio manufacturers have their own proprietary connector set for their products. Some follow their own standard across their entire product lines, and others, such as Icom and Motorola, use several different types of connectors that are proprietary to specific model tiers and series.

The good news is that this is beginning to change. Thanks in large part to overseas manufacturers, most notably those in China, a standard of sorts began to emerge during the last decade, and its adoption continues to gain serious momentum. The standard? This is the 2-pin Kenwood, or K1 style connector.

Many radio brands such as Baofeng, TYT and Wouxun are now using the K1 connector as the de facto standard for audio accessories. This allows greater flexibility, interoperability and choice for consumers who want to upgrade to a new portable handheld radio, but don't want the expense and hassle of having to toss out all their old earpieces and replace them with new ones. Instead of jamming them into the junk drawer or lobbing them into a landfill, they can now mix and match existing headsets, speaker mics and other accessories with their latest transceiver purchase.

But what about the other name brand manufacturers? Are there adapters or other options that will allow someone to convert one type or brand of audio accessory connector to another?

We get this question a lot. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, the answer is a very disappointing no.

So, how do you determine what audio accessories are compatible with your radio? How can you identify the type of audio connector your radio uses and how can you tell all the different plugs and ports apart from one another?

The chart below lists common connector types and the radios that are compatible with them. Although it was created to cross-reference XLT brand audio accessories, it can be used to help identify connector types for other accessory brands as well.

Click on the connector part number in the chart below to view a sample image of the connector type.

Programming your two way radio from a computer is one thing. Installing the equipment needed to do it can be something else entirely. Sometimes the process is relatively simple, other times it becomes deceptively complicated. Either way, the set up of any radio programming station typically involves three primary components: a computer, the software to program your specific make and model of radio, and a cable to connect the radio to the computer.

The first two items are not that complicated to set up. Chances are your computer, especially if it is a Microsoft Windows based PC, is probably already good to go. The programming software is usually provided by the manufacturer of the radio, and although it may not always be free, once you have it, the installation is usually rather straightforward.

Then there is the programming cable. It's a critical component of the whole system because it is the direct, wired data link between the computer and the radio to be programmed. The basic concept seems intuitive enough. Plug one end of the cable into the computer, and the other end into the radio. Everything is connected and ready to go. Simple, right?

Well, if you have something like the XLT Painless Programming Cable, it usually is. In fact, this cable is about as simple and easy as it gets.

For many other programming cables, it's not quite that simple or easy. Sometimes the installation of a programming cable can be a project in and of itself. To understand why, we must first understand how the cable really works.

Years ago, radio programming cables typically had a 9-pin DE-9 (aka DB-9) serial connector to interface with an RS-232 serial port on the back of the computer. Many of these cables were proprietary and required a specific driver installed to communicate or "drive" the hardware and to move the data through the port and across the cable between the radio and the PC.

The introduction of the Universal Serial Bus changed everything. More commonly known by its acronym  USB, this connector type created a new standard for electronic devices that has, true to its name, become universal. The USB connector was intended to replace the myriad of other larger, bulkier and somewhat proprietary connectors across the market with one simple, unifying connector type that could be used to connect just about any device to any other. So far, it seems to have accomplished just that.

Over time, USB replaced the RS-232 serial port as the standard physical connection between the two way radio and the PC. However, the USB plug is on the PC end. While some business radios still use programming cables with a physical RS-232 connector designed to plug directly into a computer equipped with a serial port, most cables today are USB.

Most analog and digital radios have a single, dual or multi-pin audio port that doubles as the data port. To properly create the data connection, the USB programming cables connecting to these radios typically use a circuit or chip to emulate a serial connection between the computer and the radio.

The two most common chips used in these cables are Prolific and FTDI. Each requires the installation of its own proprietary driver in order for the computer to properly recognize and communicate with the programming cable.

Although it is not within the scope of this article to get into the technical aspects of these technologies, it is important to know that they are quite different from one another to better understand why installing a USB programming cable can sometimes be problematic.

In other words, if the correct hardware driver is not used or is not properly installed, the programming cable simply won't work.

If your programming cable won't work, it's usually due to one (or more) of following reasons:

• The cable contains a counterfeit chip. This is a common issue with cheap, sub $10 cables purchased from overseas resellers and sold on eBay or Amazon.
• The programming cable is not compatible with your radio. This is common when using both analog and digital radios, as they often require different types of programming cables.
• The provided driver is too old or incompatible with your version of the operating system (usually Windows).
• Your operating system (usually Windows again) rejected the driver and installed one of its own.
• Your operating system (usually Windows, of course) has a configuration issue or conflict with the USB port or system bus on your computer.
• There is a hardware conflict with your USB port or system bus.
• The driver was installed incorrectly. There are often specific procedures for installation of specialized USB drivers, and if not performed in the correct sequence, it can cause the installation to fail.
• Corrupt USB driver. This will require total removal and re-installation of the driver.
• The installation instructions were not followed correctly or at all.

As you can tell from this list, the reasons can be many and varied. However, the most common support call we receive regarding problems with programming cables is the very last item on the list. While it is certainly possible to receive a faulty cable, in a majority of cases, the issue is simply a matter of following, or more specifically, not following the installation instructions.

If you are having trouble with the programming cable for your radio, here is a list of resources that may help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

How to install the XLT Painless Programming Cable

XLT Painless Programming Cable installation video

How to install the Wouxun programming cable and driver

How to install the Programming Cable and Software for the KG-905G

How to install an FTDI Programming Cable on newer versions of Windows 10

FTDI driver update bricks cloned programming cables

How to install the Baofeng USB programming cable and software

What to do if the programming cable does not work

What to do if the programming cable does not detect the radio

What to do if the radio programming software does not detect the cable or COM port

In our previous video clips from Episode 172 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny and Rick introduced new the Melowave brand along with the Melowave Shadow and Melowave Overlander mobile GMRS antennas.

In this video clip from the same episode, we talk about the Melowave mounts and mounting accessories designed specifically for these antennas.

Questions? comments? Feel free to leave them below! Listen to The Two Way Radio Show Podcast on any app or visit The Two Way Radio Show Podcast Archives.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

In a previous video clip from Episode 172 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny and Rick introduced new the Melowave brand along with the Melowave Shadow GMRS Mobile Antenna and provided an overview of its potential advantages and uses.

In this video clip from the same episode, we provide an in-depth look at the new four foot Melowave Overlander Mobile GMRS Antenna, designed specifically for offroaders and cross-country RVers!

Questions? comments? Feel free to leave them below! Listen to The Two Way Radio Show Podcast on any app or visit The Two Way Radio Show Podcast Archives.

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

We offer a broad selection of antennas and antenna accessories from name brand manufacturers, such as Diamond Antenna, Icom, Midland, Nagoya, President, and Tram. Now we've added a new manufacturer to our product lineup called Melowave!

In this video clip from Episode 172 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny and Rick introduce the Melowave Shadow GMRS Mobile Antenna and discuss the advantages it has over other GMRS antennas in its class.

Questions? comments? Feel free to leave them below!

Want more videos about 2-way radios? Browse our video blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

We introduce a new brand of two way radio antennas, mounts and mount accessories for GMRS radios. We’ll also take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our forum.
Intro :00
Billboard 1:06

Melowave Antennas 1:25
We introduce the new Melowave Shadow and Overlander GMRS mobile antennas, antenna mounts and mount accessories.

Questions and Answers 27:30
Comments and questions from our blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!

Wrap up and Close 37:22
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

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