Midland MXT400 (GMRS Radio)

[Spieg]

GMRS may end up replacing the CB. I'm tempted by this model. Anyone have any experience with this one? My concerns are water resistance (or lack of), and the mic connector looks flimsy. Also does it have an internal speaker?

https://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MXT400-with-mic-600x400.jpg (https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio/)

[Jim]

It does have an internal speaker. The user manual states when an external speaker is connected the internal is disabled (p10 - but details of the internal speaker seem void in the manual).

Regarding concerns over a flimsy mic connection - it looks to be a conventional "RJ-45" / network jack. If yes, the jack / plug is decently robust but the first issue I've encountered with network jacks is when a connected cord is YANKED upon, the retaining tabs ON THE JACK (the part that is the radio) break / fail. Once they break any inserted plug is not retained / you don't get the "click" when a plug is inserted and it can be pulled out without "pinching" it. Some careful epoxy work could repair the item. I'd rather think that one concern would not be a worry for you.

Product web page:
https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio/

Specs:
http://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MXT400_Spec-Sheet.pdf

Product manual:
http://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MXT400-Owners-Manual-1.pdf

[Getaklu]

The distance, line of sight, is better than a CB. What is required to get a license to operate a GMRS? I am currently dealing with very high SWR on my CB setup, i wouldn't think the GMRS would be any easier to establish a good mount. I don't know much, so I ask.

[Spieg]

I tried out a friends radio (older model model MXT90) and the audio quality was what really impressed me. Don't really know much about the antennae setup but I guess they are typically much smaller than a CB antennae and don't require any tuning. I think it costs $75 for a 5 year license (you and your family are covered by one license). No test that I know of, just submit your application and fee.

[Getaklu]

That doesn't sound too bad. I may check them out myself

[Chris]

FYI

An FCC license is required to operate GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a five-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license. After a license expires, an individual must request a new GMRS license.
A GMRS system licensed to a non-individual prior to July 31, 1987 is also eligible for renewal, but the licensee may not make any major modification to the system.
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.
The FCC service rules for the GMRS are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95 Subpart A (https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/rules-regulations-title-47). You can find information about GMRS licensing in the rules.

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

[Eagle6]

All sound great, more power = more distance. But who is going to be out there to listen for you to talk to? GMRS is ideally suited for large ranges and such where there are multiple vehicles and a generally a base station. Also for use in large construction sites and such. But up on the range the question is who is going to be on the other end of one of those channels?

[Spieg]

That's a good question. I have found myself pretty lonesome even with a good'ol CB on occasion.
GMRS has been around for decades but seems to be catching on in just the past few years... I also understand GMRS/FCS is already quite popular with the UTV crowd, so there are at least some folks out there that might hear you. Several Jeepers I know have switched or are using both systems. It may also be an indication of growing popularity that some of the big off-road parks in the eastern part of the country have installed repeaters to help people communicate better.

[Eagle6]

I think in going out as a group it is always good to have multiple forms of communications (not for between vehicle) in the event there is an emergency. Whether CB, GMRS, or Ham or even SW. But CB is generally the cheapest and most common for use between vehicles on the trail. I think in some cases some of the others would be overpowering on the trail.

[Brad]

Most everyone in my overland group have ham licenses. :thumb:

[Max]

I honestly don't know a single person with a GMRS radio. I know a bunch with CBs, and a few with Ham radios.

[Tom]

I honestly don't know a single person with a GMRS radio. I know a bunch with CBs, and a few with Ham radios.:D
Yes you do. I have two. Never use them though.

[Tom]

Gmrs requires a $70 license

[Tom]

Ham radios transmit much further than gmrs. License is free. Exam may not be, but mine was. Hardly anyone wheeling uses gmrs. Either cb or ham is typical in off roading.

[Jim]

Is GMRS a newer technology / or at least a tech that will gain (widely) in the not too distant future?

The walkie-talkie radios that are common - those are FRS, yes? Not compatible with GMRS?


EDIT: Brian - would you wish these threadjack messages (radio TYPE comments) moved to a different thread so your thread - comments on ONE RADIO is clean?

[Tom]

Gmrs is not newer technology. Its just a different band which allows higher power than frs. Licenses are good for ten years. Mine expired about 4 years ago. The fcc is making some changes to the rules right now. I haven't followed them though.

[Spieg]

GMRS is just a part of the UHF band. It does offer some interesting options not found in some other platforms (repeater communication, and privacy codes for example). In recent years eliminated part of the fee ($5 a year lower than it was historically). They have talked about doing away with the licensing requirement entirely but have not made any official change. I think most of the changes have been around the power limits (BTW no license has ever been needed for <= 0.5W transmission... and if I read it right, that has now been increased up to 2W). I have a pair of hand held FRS radios I use for hunting and can tell you the hills are alive with chatter during hunting season.

[Tom]

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart?fref=gc

[TJS86TOY]

All sound great, more power = more distance. But who is going to be out there to listen for you to talk to? GMRS is ideally suited for large ranges and such where there are multiple vehicles and a generally a base station. Also for use in large construction sites and such. But up on the range the question is who is going to be on the other end of one of those channels?

GRMS from what I understand is 70 a YEAR, where is Ham is a one time deal and renew every 10 years. Line of sight is interesting on that website for GRMS, whereas Ham line of sight with 2Meter is almost infinate. I could talk to you from the moon with my little handheld. Ham also came out with neat features like GPS on the radio, digital encoding, near field alerts, on and on. Another bonus is the selection of accessories and antennas is great. Only issue is finding the time to go take the test. Tech. is a easy test but study for your General, they offer it to you for free testing if you pass the Tech. You may never get in to HF and use the general but for free it's nice to have.

[TJS86TOY]

I have a pair of hand held FRS radios I use for hunting and can tell you the hills are alive with chatter during hunting season.
___________

Get on the 145.145 if you want chatter :)

[Tom]

I was talking to a guy via my ham. He was at rocky flats and I was up near Jenny Lake. It was like he was standing next to me. I was using a $60 Baofeng HT.