New Products Spotlight: Emergency Readiness Packages with Rugged Radios or Alinco GMRS Transceivers

Posted by OnAllBands on January 16, 2025 at 2:30 pm

If there’s one lesson many of us learned in 2024, it’s that you can never be too prepared for the unexpected. It’s why DX Engineering has put together a selection of Emergency Readiness Packages featuring either Rugged Radios or Alinco DJ-G46T GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, plus products from Eton—a trusted leader in emergency prep gear.

The packages are designed to keep you and your loved ones better prepared to handle communication needs when all else fails during natural disasters, power outages, and communication system breakdowns.

Ideal for family or neighborhood communication, the GMRS radio system works seamlessly over extended distances, especially with the use of a stationary repeater, ensuring that your group remains in contact no matter how far apart you are.

It’s also an excellent choice for families traveling in multiple vehicles, helping everyone stay coordinated throughout the journey. Plus, the “no-test-required” FCC license for GMRS radios covers all immediate family members, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.

Beyond prepping for emergencies, GMRS radios offer incredible versatility for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting, ensuring safety and communication in remote locations. The simple setup allows you to design a complete system with ease, and the support of local GMRS networks or clubs enhances peace of mind.

Before we get into the specifics of these readiness kits, let’s take a look at the GMRS handheld radios included in some of the packages.

***

Rugged Radios High-Visibility Rugged GMR2 GMRS/FRS Handheld Radio

This brightly colored, easy-to-keep-track-of radio will keep you connected to friends and family while on the go. With 22 channels, it provides a universal connection to all other GMRS radios, so you can talk to other walkie-talkies, both GMRS and FRS.

(Image/Rugged Radios)

The GMR2 has an optimized transmitter with tuned antenna providing long- range performance, and with the ability to transmit at a lower power, the radio sends clear long-range communications with longer battery life. It includes a belt clip, charging cradle, and AC adapter/charger. Other features include:

Standard GMRS channels
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Weather channels
FM radio
Listen-only operation—VHF 136 to 174 MHz and UHF 400 to 480 MHz
Squelch suppression button
Flashlight
A/B switch to toggle between channels
Two-pin accessory port uses same accessories as V3 radio
Backlit easy-view display

Alinco DJ-G46T Cross-Touch GMRS+FRS 5W UHF Handheld Transceiver

This rugged, compact, and versatile IP54-weatherproof GMRS general-purpose two-way radio is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family at sporting events, theme parks, the mall, while camping, and during travel adventures. The FCC Part 95-certified handy-talkie includes 128-channel capability; 5W GMRS, 2W FRS output; backlit LCD screen; GMRS repeater-readiness; CTCSS/DCS group talk tones; emergency call function; hands-free VOX; FM radio; LED flashlight; and more.

Alinco Handheld Ham Radio — (Image/Alinco)

The transceiver includes:

7.4 Vdc 1700mAh lithium-ion battery
Charging stand
Charging stand AC adapter
Whip antenna
Belt clip
Hand strap

Read more about the Alinco DJ-G46T radio here.

Note: An FCC license to operate a GMRS radio is necessary, but, as noted above, obtaining one does not require passing an examination unlike earning a ham radio license. There is a small licensing fee that must be renewed every ten years but no test to worry about. You may apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system.

Read much more about GMRS/FRS radios in this OnAllBands article from Mark, K8MSH, “Family-Friendly GMRS Radios.” Also, read about GMRS on the FCC’s website.

DX Engineering Emergency Readiness Packages

Choose from the following options available by special order at DXEngineering.com. Please note that the contents of these packages can be customized to meet your specific needs, so you can use them as a guide to select the items that best suit your emergency requirements. If you’d like to customize any of the below packages, please consult one of DX Engineering’s customer/technical support specialists for prompt assistance.

DX Engineering currently offers 11 Emergency Readiness Packages. We’ve listed the details of five of them below:

Rugged Radios Adventure GMRS Mobile Radio Kits

These kits are available with either the waterproof GMR25 or powerful GMR45 radio for reliable two-way communications. The kits include a universal mounting bracket for use in virtually any UTV, car, truck, or tractor. Kits also feature Rugged’s waterproof external speaker that allows you to hear communications when outside the vehicle or in loud environments. The powerful 15W amplifier delivers loud, clear audio even in noisy environments. Kits include:

Waterproof GMRS 25W or 45W radio
UNI-MAG antenna mount with 15-foot coax cable for easy magnetic installation; it can also be converted to a standard NMO mount for hard-mounting directly to a tab or metal roof
Point-five GMRS antenna
External waterproof speaker with a six-foot, five-inch-long audio cable and 15-foot power lead
Hand mic
Universal mounting bracket and hardware
Multiple pre-programmed channels, including eight repeater channels, 15 GMRS channels, and 155 tone-coded channels for added privacy
Walkie-talkie compatible