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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.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 and 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 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. It would definitely be better if the squelch level was adjustable.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 with squelch on or off. It would definitely be better if the squelch level was adjustable.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.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 on broadcast radio 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 2-way channel monitor as a feature in their XT511.HAND 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 mic. 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. HAND 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 mic. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld 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. The unit could use more rechargeable storage. It will operate from dusk to dawn on battery power if not used to make a lot of transmissions. I will not go 24 hours while monitoring GMRS channels. Bring along extra batteries on your camping trip or be prepared to use the crank feature a lot.Another trait of the attachable microphone that I consider a detriment is that although it appears to have the standard M1 two prong connector, there is a slight difference. The two prongs are spaced slightly closer together than the industry standard. The result is that standard M1 headsets, microphones, and accessories will not connect to the Midland XT511. This makes no sense. Although adequate, the unit could use optionally more rechargeable storage. It will operate from dusk to dawn on battery power if not used to make a lot of transmissions. It will not go 24 hours while monitoring GMRS channels. Bring along extra batteries on your camping trip or be prepared to use the crank feature a lot. I consider this a minor issue as it is somewhat dependent on limitations in rechargeable battery technology and restraints regarding the overall unit price point. Overall I liked the size of the unit and the sturdy attached carry handle is a good design. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on non-level surfaces such as an outdoor picnic table. Some of the limitations are reasonable for a unit in this price range. After all, for the price there really is no competing product on the market as of this writing. Yet, some of the missing options could be implemented without adding much if anything to the price, and would be well worth it. I would like to see an updated model Base Camp radio released by Midland that will dual monitor AM/FM broadcast and a selected GMRS channel with adjustable squelch control. That alone would make this a 5 star product!Overall I liked the size of the unit and the sturdy attached carry handle is a good design. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on non-level surfaces such as an outdoor picnic table. Some of the limitations are reasonable for a unit in this price range. After all, for the price there really is no competing product on the market as of this writing. Yet, some of the missing options could be implemented without adding much, if anything, to the manufacture cost, and would be well worth it. I would like to see an updated model Base Camp radio released by Midland that will dual monitor AM/FM broadcast and a selected GMRS channel with adjustable squelch control. With a standard M1 connector and the aforementioned improvements, Midland could have a true 5 star product in the same price category!