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Midland's XT511Base Camp emergency crank radio serves as an all-purpose communication tool with two-way radio, NOAA weather and AM/FM radio functions. The radio is useful to take along on a camping trip or hiking. It is also useful from neighborhood communication in town. It is both well suited for recreational use as well as an emergency tool.Midland's XT511Base Camp emergency crank radio serves as an all-purpose communication tool with two-way radio, NOAA weather and AM/FM radio functions. The radio is useful to take along on a camping trip or hiking. It is also useful for neighborhood communication. Examples of use include monitoring the kids, as a shop to house intercom, or coordinating a community event. It is both well suited for recreational use as well as being an emergency tool.Having the ability to turn a crank for power is something that makes this a true emergency radio. I tested this having the unit gone completely dead with the rechargeable batteries installed. I was able to crank fewer than 10 times and make a transmission to announce my position. Transmitting consumes more power than monitoring or listening to broadcast radio, so this is better than expected for manually generated crank power.Having the ability to turn a crank for power is something that makes this a true emergency radio. I tested this having the unit gone completely dead with the rechargeable batteries installed. I was able to crank up enough power in a couple minutes to make a transmission on high to announce my position. Transmitting consumes more power than monitoring or listening to broadcast radio, so this is better than expected for manually generated crank power.There are two transmit power settings for the GMRS channels. FRS only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with attached antenna. There are two transmit power settings for the GMRS channels. FRS only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with attached antenna. I was able to easy communicate in town between this unit and a mobile, neither operating on more than 1 watt, over 12 city blocks with hills and trees being common where I live. There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. Another feature lacking in this model is the ability to have a received transmission on your set channel cut in over the broadcast radio, such as some of 2-meter walkie-talkies do. I want to listen to music but not miss a transmission from a family member using a handheld trying to reach me at "base camp." There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. It does have, however, a "monitor" button that will deactivate squelch. While in this mode you will hear static and weak transmissions. So basically, this unit can operate squelch on, or off.The optional attachable microphone also serves as a mini handheld speaker. I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld speaker/microphone. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld button mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty. Another feature lacking in this model is the ability to have a received transmission on your set channel "cut in" over the broadcast radio, such as some of 2-meter walkie-talkies do. I want to listen to music but not miss a transmission from a family member using a handheld trying to reach me at "base camp." I have a cheap wrist style walkie talkie that will do this, so I don't see why Midland couldn't have implemented this as a feature in their XT511. The optional attachable microphone also serves as a mini handheld speaker. This gives the feel of a classic [[CB Radio]] with one strange exception. As the user manual states, "''When the HAND MIC is connected, all audio will play through theHAND MIC because it is a speaker mic. This is normal operation.''" I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld speaker/microphone. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld button mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty.