Canadian Shipping Guide to U.S. Sellers

Recently I was bombed by an improper declaration on the CN22 form and a U.S. sellers quote of shipping cost to Canada as a Parcel.
$3.00USD item was declared as $100.00USD gift, I had to pay $22.36CDN ($20USD) extra fee to receive it.  Paid $15.00 shipping, seeing $3.95 postage, $15.00 wasn't much off from USPS shipping calculator if classified as a Parcel but NOT. Of course I agreed on shipping before bid but seeing this difference is disheartening.
Some seller told me "Your package will be more than a inch thick, can't go by Letter-Post"... well...

I appreciate U.S. sellers willing to ship to Canada, as long as it doesn't give us Canadians a heart attack.
So here's my Canadian Shipping Information you may want to keep in mind.

United States Postal Service (USPS) shipping
Most of items I purchase from U.S. are small, total weight 2~3 lbs. namely "walkie-talkies".
It will fit in USPS Airmail Letter-Post. The word "Letter" is deceiving, it's not limited to thin packages. USPS Economy Letter-Post may be less by a few dollars but delivery is 4~6 weeks, not worth it.

USPS Letter-Post Weight and Size Limit

1. Maximum weight: 4lbs.
2. Minimum length and height: 5-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches.
3. Minimum depth (thickness): .007 inch.
4. Maximum length: 24 inches.
5. Maximum length, height, depth (thickness) combined: 36 inches.

Please Note:
2. & 3. is Minimum not Maximum. A 12"x12"x12" box weighs less than 4 lbs. can be sent by Letter-Post.
also from USPS Letter-Post [244.2] Marking

1. Letter-post items, which because of their size, shape, or configuration might be mistaken for another class of international mail, should be marked "LETTER" on the address side of the mailpiece.

Check postage on USPS Calculator by weight.
Watch out, 1 once is already on! Just entering 2 lbs. will be treated as 2 Pound 1 Once, it may put postage to next bracket.

How about UPS, FedEx or DHL?
NO, UPS is not a parcel division of USPS (don't laugh).
YES, if your item value is less than $20.00CDN and weighs more than 1,000 lbs.

Lets see what UPS does to Canadians... Say a pair of walkie-talkies manufactured in China, shipped to Ontario from U.S. by UPS Ground, valued $20.01* Canadian dollar after exchange.

UPS will politely ask... Duty $1.30 6.5% Duty on $20.01 GST $1.49 7.0% Goods and Service Tax on $21.31 PST $1.71 8.0% Provincial Sales Tax on $21.31 Sub total $3.80 Paid to the Government (UPS pays this on our behalf) UPS $7.00 Brokerage fee for value $20.01~$40.00 UPS $5.28 Min. Disbursement fee (or 2.7% of value) UPS $4.00 C.O.D. fee for collecting brokerage charge GST $1.41 7% of total UPS charges PST $1.61 8% of total UPS charges Total $23.10 on top of shipping cost Canadians paid

On USPS shipment delivered by Canada post, we still have to pay $3.80 + $5.00 handling, total of $8.80CDN. Difference UPS vs. USPS is $14.30CDN. FedEx is pretty much the same, they bring the bill later... when you forgot about receiving goods from U.S.... sneaky huh? And if you can't be around time of delivery and you'd like to pickup... NO, not at "The UPS Store" they are franchise, not run by UPS. You have to go to store and get authorization from the owner or manager and tell UPS to deliver the package. You could go to local distribution centre for pick up, allow them an hour to locate your package.

Point area to see description

Just fill out. It's not complicated.

• Item value is eBay final value, not including shipping cost. This is NOT Insured Value!! You don't get $100.00 if package is lost or damaged. Remember Insurance is not for recipient but sender (you) and insured value is your cost not eBay amount, most certainly NOT your declared value on CN22.
  
  

• Write value in $00.- not $00.00  to avoid misreading.
  I bought a pair of 2-way radios for $41.99USD from a UK seller. Sent goods with no declared value on CN22, Customs assessed $100.00 by opening the package, $27.48CDN for Tax, Duty, Brokerage. The Package contained just one radio instead of TWO. The seller sent another radio as a "Missing Merchandise" valued $5.00CDN, missed the point, Customs took as $500.00CDN. Due $112.38CDN upon delivery!!!
   

• Do not check "GIFT" unless you're giving me items for Free.
  
  

• Sender's address must be identical to your return address on the package.

Note: Canadian Maximum Personal Import value without subject to Tax, Duty is $20.00 Canadian dollars.

Walkie-Talkies?

Those radios are quite handy. Yard work, clearing snow on driveway, mowing lawn, so you don't have to scream at your partner on incoming telephone call or to tell favourite TV show is on. Use at shopping mall,  on picnic, hiking and slope then you don't get lost... hopefully. On the Cruise ship at open water, your cell phone won't work, walkie talkie will. Just use as a wireless intercom not like an emergency radio to get rescued in remote mountain.

Did you know Walkie-Talkie was invented by Canadian ?

FRS? GMRS?
FRS - Family Radio Service, FRS radios require no license. 14 channels 0.5watts of radio power.
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service  require a FCC license in U.S.. FRS/GMRS combo radios sold at store limit radio power to 0.5watts on 8~14ch automatically. On 1~7 shared channels you have to lower radio power manually (on radio more than capable of 0.5watts) in order to operate without license. 15~22ch are permitted for GMRS only.
Any two or more radios that broadcast on the same frequency (FRS or GMRS) and support the same channels will work together.

GMRS in Canada?
In Canada, hand-held GMRS radios up to 2 watts have been approved for use since September 2004. A license is not required in Canada for operation at 2 watts on the GMRS channels.

Which Radio?
Buy durable one, those radios are on action, tossed around. Tap case around before you buy, you could tell thickness of plastic. Motorola and Midland are pretty good in my opinion.
Don't get fooled by "UP TO xx Miles!!" on the package. Range is all depending on conditions. The number on package is based on The Best Condition.

Rechargeable Battery Pack?
Unless you use radio everyday, those battery pack and drop-in charger aren't needed.
Most of radio takes custom pack or standard AAA or AA. Instead of getting radio specific battery pack, consider AA or AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and 1~2hrs quick charger. This way you could get more use of batteries. Take batteries out and charge on quick charger after use.
Majority of drop-in charger came with radios are not "smart", it will keep charging even full. Also it may shorten battery life if charged more than 48 hours. If you drain battery pack, charge takes 8~10hrs on drop-in charger, so keep standard batteries handy. Or just get 2 sets of Ni-MH AA, AAA rechargeables.
Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries on eBay.ca

Radio Output Power?
Is higher radio power better? Yes and No.
Yes, if you're going to use at wide area, hunting, skiing but 5W radio will not increase the range 10 times more than 0.5W model. Yet 5W radio needs 10+ times power from battery to transmit. This will shorten the operational time on battery. Keep in low power, when it became difficult to reach, switch to high.
No, if you're going to use around house, event field or paintball game. You don't have to talk loud when others are close by.

Channel Scan?
This feature checks all channels (some model has programming capability on channels to be scanned) if in use or not. You may not need this feature if you're using as a pair of walkie talkies. Just check the channel before using radios. If someone is using the channel, simply change to other channel.

What is CTCSS?
CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System.
Interference-Elimination Codes, sometimes refer to Tone Squelch, TalkGroup or Privacy Code. 
It works like Key and Lock on Door. Walkie Talkie transmits sub-audible tone (Key) and opens the door (Lock) on Receiver. For example: Group A on Ch1 no CTCSS, Group B on Ch1 Code1, Group C on Ch1 Code38. Group B won't be bothered by Group A (no Keys) C (wrong Key).  Group A can hear all groups because no Lock (incoming door is open).

Keep in mind that this feature doesn't actually protect your privacy. As you see Group A who turned off CTCSS can hear all in the same channel. In addition, anyone who has chosen the same channel and code as you can still transmit to your radio.

What is VOX?
Most of walkie-talkies, you have to press a button (PTT button; Press-To-Talk) in order to talk. Models with a voice-activated (or "VOX") feature begin broadcasting automatically when you speak in to microphone. Some radios require special headset or microphone to use this hands-free function.

Motorola Taklabout™ T-series model number is quite confusing... Higher is NOT always better.

For example T5725 has less features than T5720, T5710 has more than T5720. T5620 is 1 Watt 22ch FRS/GMRS combo radio, T5625 is 14ch FRS, even doesn't have 38 talk group codes. T5000 has more features than any T51xx~T54xx models.


Some of last digit indicates region, Txxx5 can be found in Canada and Brazil, Txxx2 is UK model for PMR446 Personal Mobile Radio 8 channels on 446MHz, Txxx8 is Chinese model 20 channels on 409MHz. T5725 looks alike T5720 and sounds like "T5720 Canadian version" but functions are identical to T5420.
First 2 digits appears to be identification of case design... NOT! T56xx has 3 different housings.

JingTong JT-308 Programmable UHF Transceiver

Kenwood TH-22AT housing design clone JingTong JT-308 is a UHF Two-Way Radio made in China.
It covers 400MHz~470MHz with 38 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 30 channel memory; manual states 15 memory in error. Decent build quality, you don't feel like holding thin plastic box. Nice blue backlit on LCD display. It is very simple to operate, press "SET" and number key to access functions. Great things about this radio is price, probably less than high end FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies.

Programming is very easy. Basically set all parameters (ex; frequency, repeater shift & offset, TX tone, RX tone squelch, ect.) in Direct Input mode and try if it works. Then just transfer to one of memory channels by <[B] select channel [C]> Think as copying settings to memory. Some other radio has specific memory setting mode, concept of copying current setting won't work. I like JT-308 type channel programming.

It has a very annoying and very loud power up ascending tune. I don't know if this is a Chinese Regulation to tell people around "Everyone! I'm Turning On my Transceiver!" like Japanese cell phone with camera, can't turn off the shutter sound when taking pictures. Keypad beep is loud too, it beeps loud even volume turned down! No control on these loud noise...

Transmitted voice is somewhat muffled, I guess because they forgot to open small microphone hole... Standard 2.5mm single pin PTT Mic/Speaker will improve the sound quality. Audio output is loud enough in noisy environment.

Remote Speaker/Microphone

The Sticker on rechargeable battery pack states "NiCd 7.2V 600mAh" but 6 Ni-MH*AAA cells are inside.
Removal of Power pack is not written on the manual. Push lock on bottom of power pack, Lift power pack up.

Volume control on my JT-308 was very stiff, finger was slipping on small knob, it won't move. I discovered volume knob was pushed down too far and touching base, pulling the knob fixed the problem.

I must say this is a very high cost performance radio. Just don't expect something you get from Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu hand held radios.

Engrish User's Manual
Another problem is 16 page User's Manual, it's written in Engrish, takes the better part of a day to decode. To save your troubles, here's decoded version.

FEB 18 2006:rev.1 FEB 24 2006:rev.2 MAR 03 2006:rev.3 MAY 08 2006

Wouxun KG-5118 Programmable UHF Transceiver

Kenwood TK-3118 housing design clone radio Wouxun KG-5118 covers 400MHz~470MHz. It has 100 memory channels that could store TX/RX frequencies independently. 2.5W Radio output. Normal operation is in Channel mode, very simple to use. Unlike its looks this radio seems to be designed for work radio, you can't see the frequency on normal operation which is probably the better option for a work/business radio.

Construction of housing is very good, back half is all aluminium, front half is ABS plastic, very solid feel to it. Battery pack slides in from bottom, you don't need to remove Belt Clip to pull out battery pack. LCD and Keypad have green backlit, easy to see at dark.

Sound quality is much better than JingTong JT308, and seems reception is a bit better. Worth mentioning, No Power Up Tune!

Frequency step is 25KHz. Some information on the net indicate 5/10/12.5/25KHz but I can't find any mentions on the manual. Though manual is written very basic, it might be omitted. If anyone knows function command, please let me know.


Things I don't like is that keypad is made of soft silicon rubber with shiny surface, Feels like sticking to finger tip. It won't slide if you put face down, may be that's the purpose of this keypad... non skid keypad.

Unlike JingTong's Fortune Cookie Manual, KG-5118 manual is understandable though missing some information. No need to say "to enter 450.175MHz, press "4" see fig1, press "5" see fig2, press "0" see fig3...."

Push "450175" then press PTT, done! too simple?

Kensung KG-6228 Programmable UHF Transceiver

Kensung KG-6228 is a UHF Two-Way Radio made in China.
It covers 400MHz~470MHz with 38 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 99* channel memory; manual states 15 memory in error. Green backlit on LCD display and Keypad. It is very simple to operate, press "SET" and number key to access functions.

It's very similar to JingTong JT-308, probably just different firmware on same circuit. Housing size is 3~4mm taller than JT-308. Battery pack slides down, no need to remove belt clip for exchange. Operation is identical except some keys and slight deference on features. On Channel mode, LCD display shows CTCSS code number. Channel is accessible by entering 2 digits channel number from keypad. [SET][3] is to see frequency of the current channel for 10 seconds then automatically back to channel display.

It has a loud 2 seconds power up beep. Keypad beeps loud even volume is fully turned down. No control on these loud noise... but not bad as JingTong.
Large two keys below LCD screen are "SET" & "EXIT" why not "UP" & "DOWN"? Up & Down keys are located at upper right of small 4x4 keypad, not easy to use.

I bought this as a Wouxun KG-6228, item received was Kensung KG-6228. Kensung=Kenwood+Samsung?? Is this the case of "Item not as Described"?
Keypad of my KG-6228 is a bit chatty, sometimes one press produces a few. There was burr  on battery pack plastic case, no problems I sanded them off nicely. It's a same manual as JT-308 with a few editing, written in Engrish. 

Removal of Power pack is not written on the manual. Slide lock at bottom of unit towards front, Slide power pack down.

well... what's this "R" on LCD?? [SET][#] won't work...

Remote Speaker/Microphone

Another Engrish User's Manual
The User's Manual is written in Engrish, takes the better part of a day to decode. To save your troubles, here's decoded version.

MAR 03 2006:rev.1 MAR 05 2006

Quansheng TG-K4AT Programmable UHF Transceiver

Kenwood TH-K2AT housing design clone Quansheng TG-K4AT is a UHF Two-Way Radio from in China.
It covers 400MHz~470MHz with 39 CTCSS codes, able to store TX/RX independent frequencies, repeater shift, CTCSS code in 99 channel memory. Output 4W/1W with 7.2V Ni-NH battery pack. Bright green backlit on LCD display. It has a voice reminder instead of keypad beep. Very good physical construction quality.

This may be a Pros or Cons depending on how you're going to use this radio. No changes can be made to memory settings in Channel mode. CTCSS on/off and its frequency is locked with TX/RX frequencies. You can see current CTCSS frequency by [F][8] or [F][9]. Power output Hi/Low can be changed in Channel mode.

LCD backlit is bright (maybe too bright), 0.5KHz shows on display but design of display itself could be better.  Battery indicator / Signal level meter (looks just works as on/off) is using  "»" character in dotted line, it's not legible especially with perforated background pattern. Simple block pattern could be used for this indicator. Also it's minor, typeface of letters on LCD is not consistent, as if someone modified LCD display artwork using a typewriter.

This is a housing design clone of Kenwood TH-K2AT. Location of orange button is Power button on Kenwood TH-K4AT which makes sense. The orange button is "Function" key on Quansheng, this is awkward to setup several functions, it's too far from others.

A button marked as "LM" below "Monitor" button is a fake, no switch inside. This could be used as a backlit button. Leaving non functional element upon design changes (or provision for future functions) isn't good.

The radio should have Direct channel number input from keypad. Navigating 99 channels with up-[A] / down-[B] buttons is very difficult.

One last note, LED Indicator on desktop charger is not accurate. Simple circuitry in charger just detect voltage. You may want to leave the radio on green for awhile.

Body colour of radio is not black, dark grey with touch of blue.

Remote Speaker/Microphone

MAY 02 2006:rev.1 MAY 22 2006

Linton LT-3288 Programmable UHF Transceiver

Motorola GP388 housing design clone Linton LT-3288 is a UHF (VHF LT-2288) Two-Way Radio from in China.
LT-3288 covers 400~470MHz including Amateur 70cm HAM/Business/FRS/GMRS/PMR446/CPC409 band. LT-2288 covers 136~174MHz including Amateur 2m HAM/Business/MURS band.
The Radio requires no computer/external device to program. 99 Channel Memory capacity with Alphanumeric channel naming capability, Repeater shift, CTCSS code per channel. Rotary Encoder makes easy to operate this radio.

Channel Naming capability is one of unique features of this radio, think as 5 letters memo. Programmed channels become more useful.

MAY 17 2006

Feidaxin FD-450A Programmable UHF Transceiver

Feidaxin FD-450A is a UHF (VHF FD-150A) Two-Way Radio from in China.
FD-450A covers 400~470MHz, FD-150A covers 136~174MHz. The Radio requires no computer/external device to program. TX/RX independent 99 Channel Memory capacity with 50 CTCSS, 105 DCS. A very rugged build radio, professional use in mind.

FD-450A is very well built around Aluminum Alloy chassis inside. Case housing is thicker than most of other radios. The radio is a bit bigger and heavier than others due to large 6.0v 1200mAh Ni-MH battery pack; nearly 50% of volume.

Blue backlit large Alphanumeric LCD is easy to read and navigate settings. Viewing angle of LCD is set correctly so that LCD is legible when hold by hand. Keypad tone corresponds to volume level and can be turned off.

I could see this radio was designed for Business/Professional use. Auto Keypad Lock prevents accidental changes on settings, small but useful feature for Business/Professional use. The radio is equipped with not only CTCSS but DCS (normal/inverted), making application much wider. Screw hole below remote speaker/microphone jack is to attach connector securely, another small detail for Professional use.

Motorola type 8mm pin pitch remote speaker/microphone can be used. But exposed jack has very unprotected looking and both 2.5mm & 3.5mm jacks are not supported by housing; usually barrel of jack is inserted to the hole on housing to relief stress on jack. Stress from pull & twist of the connector goes to soldering points of jacks which is not really comforting. Probably speaker/microphone from Feidaxin is proprietary shape to fit and secured with screw, not giving any stress to jacks and covers opening fully. The radio comes with plastic cover to protect jack opening.

Remote Speaker/Microphone

Desktop battery charger base contains a LM317 voltage regulator. Charging process is much better than dumb charger but indicator is not accurate (could be just mine). 
Updated: Battery charger is NOT dumb as stated before.

Newer FD-450A has functions written on keys, older (see picture) has just numbers.

MAY 23 2006:rev.1 MAY 31 2006:rev.2 JUL 1 2006

Kenwood FreeTalk™ UBZ-AR14 FRS Radios

The FreeTalk™EX UBZ-AR14 is an entry-level Kenwood FRS radio.
This is a quality built basic walkie talkie, good enough to carry name of radio equipment manufacturer Kenwood. Simple design, simple operation, very good for first time users. The radio has buttons designated to a single function, no function key, no menu system to navigate to get job done. Only the key shared is channel selector located on right side which become CTCSS code select key by pressing "Mode" key located just below the channel key.
Simple and rounded corner design makes easy to hold. All fittings of case are good, battery compartment lid fits perfectly without a play. Nothing to squeak and flex when holding. Antenna is flexible, you'll find yourself playing with.
Large LCD display is easy to read, no squinting eyes to find out meaning of blinking icon. Keypad beep is well controlled and designed, not ear piercing tone.

Although the radio doesn't have a scan function,  probably not necessary when used as a pair of walkie talkies.

• FRS 14 Channels with 38 CTCSS codes
• 500mW Radio output
• Backlit LCD Display
• Call function
• Monitor function for weak signals
• Low Battery Warning
• Keypad Lock
• Keypad Tone
• All Electronic Control
• Flexible Antenna
• 2.5mm/3.5mm Accessory Jacks
• 4 AAA batteries operation.

Dimensions  & Weight: (approx.)

• 105mm x 60mm x 32mm
  4.13" x 2.36" x 1.25" (HxWxD excl. antenna)
• 105g/3.7oz. (excl. batteries)

Colours: Black or Yellow

Motorola T6200 series Walkie-Talkies

Smallest three AA battery walkie-talkies I've ever seen.
It isn't newest of Motorola Talkabout two-way radios, introduced in January 2001 at Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Price ranging from US$75.99 to $134.99 per radio at time of introduction. The Radio is well designed and well built.
 

• FRS 14 Channels with 38 CTCSS codes
• GMRS/FRS 22 Channels with 38 CTCSS codes
  (T6520 only)
• 500mW Radio output (1Watt GMRS on T6250)
• Weather Radio & Alert (T6220/8ch. T6250/7ch.)
• VibraCall Alert (except T6200)
• 5 Call tones (additional 5 on T6220 & T6250)
• Channel Scan with CTCSS detection
• VOX Hands Free operation with accessories
• QuieT6000™ Interference Reducer
• Roger beep & Keypad tone with on/off options
• LED Operation Indicator
• Auto Power Off (0~8Hrs)
• Signal Level Meter (press & hold Monitor key)
• Battery Level Indicator
• Audible Low Battery Warning
• Backlit LCD Display
• Keypad Lock
• All Electronic Control
• Weather Resistant Body
• Flexible Antenna
• 2.5mm Single pin Accessory Jack
• Rechargeable Battery ready
• 3 AA batteries or Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack operation.

• 98mm x 56mm x 33mm
  3.86" x 2.20" x 1.32" (HxWxD excl. antenna)
• 85g/3oz. (excl. batteries)

Colours:
note: availability depending on models. Back half of the radio is black.

• Wild Lime
• SunStreak Yellow
• Nordic Blue
• Ever Green
• Graphite Black
• Advantage Timber^® (Camouflage Pattern)
• Dark Grey

Battery Lid:
Bad design period. Even won't close properly.
The lid has 3 spring loaded contact points. When you use 3 AA batteries, middle contact point hits highest point of middle AA battery, pushing the lid outwards. Two others sit between the batteries. Since the only one in middle is touching the battery, the lid got slight seesaw action when closed.
When you use 3 AAA Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack (size of 3 AA), all 3 contacts hit battery pack, again pushing the lid outwards. You always see the gap between body and lid no matter what battery is in use.
Because of this, when you squeeze the radio a bit, the lid makes noise... and the lid is wrapped around 1/3 of sides, you feel edge of the lid. Latch is thin "V" shape, just be careful when you remove the lid.
This lid is really annoying especially everything else is good. I can't believe Motorola made a charger attach to this lid.

Advice on Rechargeable Battery Kit:
Original Ni-MH rechargeable battery kit is not the greatest. Find AA size Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and smart charger, sometimes called quick charger. Smart charger detects condition of battery and controls charging current, making charging process more efficient = quick. Capacity of current AA sized Ni-HM battery is 1800~2200mA/h up to 4 times more than original Ni-MH power pack. Also since AA is standard, the batteries can be utilized while not using on radios.