Mobile Radios FAQs – Midland

Q: What is the approximate range for my mobile radio / MXT?

A: As with any radio, there are multiple factors that contribute to or detract from potential range. With GMRS (UHF) frequencies, radio wave optimization has the most to do with line of sight, with some ability to penetrate foliage and walls. If two radios are a mile apart, but separated by a large hill between them, the may not communicate at all. However, two radios, that are ten miles apart with nothing between them (picture a mountain top to a mountain top), they may communicate perfectly fine!

Q: How does adding an antenna increase my range?

A: In theory, doubling the output power of the radio or adding 3 dB antenna gain should provide 1.4 times more range in open space (optimal) conditions. Four times the output power, or adding 6 dB of antenna gain, could provide twice as much range in optimal conditions.

Q: Do I need a license to operate this radio?

A: Yes, you will need to obtain a license from the FCC to operate any GMRS radio legally. You can read more about that here.

Q: If I have a MTX575 will I be able to communicate with my friend using a GXT3000 handheld radio?

A: The MXT575 is a GMRS-only radio and the GXT3000 is an FRS/GMRS radio and as such, they will be able to communicate on most channels. The GMRS-only channels are 1-7 and 15-22. The remaining channels are repeater channels and the GXT3000 is repeater-capable, so it will also be compatible with those channels. Only handheld radios are allowed to transmit on channels 8-14, as those are FRS-only channel. It's also worth noting that FRS radios are not allowed to transmit on the frequencies that are used for repeater input frequencies. As with any radio, for reliable and clear communication, ensure that the radios are in range and check that there are no privacy tones set up.

Q: How are GMRS radios different from a CB radio?

A: CB radios operate in the 26.968-27.405 MHz frequency range and up to an FCC maximum carrier output power of 4 Watts. GMRS radios operate in the 462.550-467.725 MHz frequency range and up to an FCC maximum carrier output power of 50 Watts (on the GMRS main frequencies). Radio propagation characteristics differ between CB and GMRS frequencies as well. For instance, CB frequencies benefit from ionosphere and ground reflection to increase range, under some conditions, where GMRS frequencies primarily depend on line of sight for optimal range.

Q: What mounting bracket do I need for my MicroMobile?

The MXT105 uses the MXTA28 mounting bracket
The MXT115 and MXT275 use the MXTA14 mounting bracket
The MXT500 (and the discontinued MXT400) use the MXTA15 mounting bracket
The MXT575 uses the MXTA55 mounting bracket and can also be installed in the MXTA15 mounting bracket

Q: What are the dimensions of my MicroMobile radio?

5 Watt MXT105: 4"W x 3.25"D x 0.85H
15 Watt MXT115: 5.25"W x 5"D x 1"H
15 Watt MXT275: 5.25"W x 5"D x 1"H
40 Watt MXT400 (discontinued): 7.3"W x 5.5"D x 1.6"H
50 Watt MXT500: 7"W x 5.5"D x 1.8"H
50 Watt MXT575: 7.3"W x 5.5"D x 1.5"H

Both the MXT275 and MXT575 save you space in your vehicle. These radios have a fully-integrated control microphone so all the buttons

Q: What are privacy codes?

A: CTCSS and CDCSS are two forms of sub-audible coding that are used to filter the audio received on a channel. When CTCSS or CDCSS is enabled on the radio receiver, only signals with the matching code will be able to be heard on the radio speaker, while other signals on the channel will be muted. Radios not using CTCSS or CDCSS will allow all signals received on the channel to be heard on the speaker.

Q: What kind of programming does my radio offer?

A: The MXT500 is the only programmable MicroMobile that Midland currently sells. This can be done via a PC with Windows 10 or lower, using a USB-C data cable with the appropriate connector (USB-A or USB-C) for the port being used.

Q: Does my MicroMobile operate in Narrow or Wide band? Which is better for sound quality?

A: For best sound quality and most reliable operation, radios communicating with each other should use the same bandwidth selection. FCC regulations require FRS radios to transmit narrow band, 12.5 kHz maximum occupied bandwidth for all 22 channels. No bandwidth selection is available on FRS radios. Narrow band is the most appropriate for use on channels spaced 12.5 kHz apart.

FCC regulations allow GMRS radios to transmit wide band, 20 kHz maximum occupied bandwidth, on most channels. Handheld GMRS radios are required to transmit narrow band on teh 467 MHz interstitial channels, commonly 8-15.

If you use a GMRS radio to communicate primarily with FRS handhelds, you should transmit narrow band. If you use GMRS radios to communicate primarily with other GMRS radios and repeaters on channels 15-22 or15RP-22RP, you may want to change to wide band for better clarity and to match the selection of the other units.

Q: Does my MicroMobile include NOAA weather radio & alerts?

A: Yes, all of Midland's MicroMobiles include NOAA weather technology, with the exception of the discontinued MXT400. They also include 10 NOAA weather channels, so you can easily scan for forecasts.

Q: What does the Scan function do?

A: Scan automatically cycles through the radio channels or scan list to check for activity. Once a signal is detected, the radio will pause for the duration of the conversation, before resuming scanning channels.

Q: What are split tones? Can my radio use split tones?

A: Split tones refers to the ability to use different CTCSS tones or DCS codes for the receiver and transmitter on a radio channel. This is typically accomplished by using independent receive and transmit selections for the channel. While this adds steps for configuration, it allows for more flexibility.

All MicroMobiles with USB-C ports can to be configured for split tones on repeater channels. The USB-C port has no direct relationship to split tones, but they were implemented at the same time, so the newer radios with USB-C, will have the ability to configure split tones.

Split tone configuration are mainly used on repeater channel where all mobile radios use one CTCSS tone or DCS code to access the repeater and the repeater transmits a different CTCSS tone or DCS code back to the mobile radios on the repeater output frequency.

Q: Does my radio have an auto on/off feature?

A: It varies by radio and by definition. One feature is the ability of the radio to turn on or off when connected to an ignition switched circuit. The MXT115, MXT400 (discontinued), MXT500 and MXT575 will turn on/off with the switched circuit (when the vehicle is turned on) when the radio power switch is "on". The current version of the MXT275, which uses the MA75 microphone also has this feature. Earlier versions (~2020 and before) of the MXT275, which uses the MA275 microphone, does not turn back on when the switched circuit is turned on.

There is a second feature on the MXT400 and MXT500 that is a timer which will automatically shut off the radio after not being used for a selected time period. This auto power-off timer is enabled/selected in the radio menu.

Q: What does it mean to ground my antenna mount? Does my antenna require grounding to install on my vehicle?

A: Antenna ground plane refers to the conductive metal surface under the antenna. Both steel and aluminum can provide adequate ground planes. Ground planes are necessary to form the desired and proper antenna radiation pattern. Larger ground plane surfaces will improve the radiation pattern, with an infinite surface providing the ideal radiation pattern for a given antenna design. Half a wavelength is often considered to be the minimum useful ground plane, which is a surface about 12 inches across at GMRS frequencies.

The antenna is typically grounded through the coax shield from the radio antenna connector. In many applications, it can be beneficial to improve the antenna ground connection by also making sure the antenna mount is well connected to chassis ground. Grounding the antenna mount can also cause additional issues if the radio chassis and antenna mont end up at different potentials. This is often de to longer, higher impedance ground connections.

Q: What is an acceptable SWR reading for my GMRS antenna? What needs to be done if the SR does not fall into these acceptable levels?

A: SWR rations of 1 to 1.5 are generally considered good. SWR ratios of 1 to 2 could be considered acceptable levels. If acceptable levels can't be obtained, the mounting location likely does not provide adequate ground plane for the antenna.

Q: How do I do a factory reset on my MicroMobile radio?

A: For MXT115, MXT275 and MXT575, hold the WX and PTT buttons pressed while turning on the radio.

For the MXT500 and MXT400 (discontinued) select the factory (FACT) option from the restore menu.

Q: Is my radio programmable? What are the different types of error messages I might get when programming?

A: Currently, the MXT500 is Midland's only programmable MicroMobile.

The correct MXT500 PC software version depends on the firmware loaded in the radio. When attempting to read from the radio, an error message may indicated the PC software and radio firmware are not matched. The error message will indicate the radio type as follows:

MXT500: This radio should use V1 PC software. Current release is 1.04
MXT5A1: This radio should use V2 PC software. Current release is 2.01
MXT5A2: This radio should use V3 PC software. Current release is 3.03

Q: What are the differences between the MXT500 and MXT575?

The MXT500 radio and microphone are IP66 rated waterproof/dustproof
The MXT500 model is programmable. The programming guide can be found here. The MXT575 is not programmable.
The MXT575 has the fully integrated control microphone ideal for vehicles with limited dashboard space, allowing the radio base to be stashed away where all the controls for the MXT500 are on the base station.

Q: Are there ways to adjust the mic gain?

A: No, the mic gain cannot be changed by MicroMobile customers.

Q: What should I do when the overall audio output is not loud enough? Is the external speaker the only answer?

A: The MXT275 and MXT575 can send the audio output to the base unit speaker, the handset speaker or both. This can benefit in some installations where the base unit may be mounted in a location that is not easily accessible.

Midland also offers external speakers, such as the SPK100 and SPK200 with AI noise cancellation, which will be compatible with many two-way radios, including Midland MicroMobiles. Just connect the GMRS external speaker and you will be able to easily hear its amplified power.

Q: If my MXT500 / MXT575 operates at 50 Watts on high power, what is its wattage at medium or low power?

A: Medium power for the MXT500 or MXT575 will be 25 Watts, and at low power will operate at 5 Watts.

Q: What is the amp draw for my MicroMobile?

MXT90/MXT105

Standby current: 200 mA max, 150 mA typical
Receive current, max audio: 900 mA max, 600 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 1.65 A max, 1.5 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 0.9 A max, 0.75 A typical
Fuse: 2 A
Power wiring: 20 AWG up to 12 ft, 18 AWG for longer runs

MXT115

Standby current: 300 mA max, 200 mA typical
Receive current, max audio: 900 mA max, 600 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 3 A max, 2.8 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 1.75 A max, 1.5 A typical
Fuse: 5 A
Power wiring: 18 AWG up to 12 ft, 116 AWG for longer runs

MXT275

Standby current: 300 mA max, 220 mA typical
Receive current, max audio: 900 mA max, 650 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 3.2 A max, 2.9 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 1.75 A max, 1.5 A typical
Fuse: 5 A
Power wiring: 18 AWG up to 12 ft, 16 AWG for longer runs

MXT400 (discontinued)

Standby current: 300 mA max, 250 mA typical
Receive current, rated audio: 600 mA max, 550 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 10 A max, 8 A typical
Transmit current, mid power: 7 A max, 5 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 3.5 A max, 2.5 A typical\
Fuse: 15 A
Power wiring: 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs

MXT500

Standby current: 300 mA max, 250 mA typical
Receive current, rated audio: 600 mA max. 550 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 10 A max, 8.5 A typical
Transmit current, mid power: 7 A max, 5.2 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 3.5 A max, 2.5 A typical
Fuse: 15 A
Power wiring: 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs

MXT575

Standby current: 300 mA max, 250 mA typical
Receive current, max audio: 900 mA max. 650 mA typical
Transmit current, high power: 10 A max, 8.5 A typical
Transmit current, low power: 3.5 A max, 2.5 A typical
Fuse: 15 A
Power wiring: 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs