Welcome to the Midland Mobile Radios FAQ page. This guide covers everything you need to know about using, mounting, programming, and understanding your MicroMobile GMRS radios. Use the contents below to jump to the answers you need.
Licensing & Radio Compatibility
Hardware, Installation, and Specs
RANGE & PERFORMANCE
What is the approximate range for my mobile radio / MXT?
Radio range depends on several factors, especially line of sight. Hills, buildings, and terrain can obstruct signals. For example:
- A large hill between two radios a mile apart may block communication.
- Two radios ten miles apart with no obstructions (e.g., mountaintop to mountaintop) may communicate clearly.
How does adding an antenna increase my range?
- Doubling output power or adding 3 dB of antenna gain = ~1.4× range increase.
- 6 dB gain or 4× power = ~2× range increase (under optimal conditions).
LICENSING & RADIO COMPATIBILITY
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. Learn more about that here.
Can the MXT575 communicate with the Midland GXT-series handheld radios?
Yes, they can communicate on shared GMRS channels (1–7 and 15–22). Channels 8–14 are FRS-only and limited to handheld radios. The GXT3000 is repeater-capable, so it can also use repeater channels. Ensure radios are in range and privacy tones are correctly set.
How is a GMRS radio different from a CB radio?
- CB: 26.968–27.405 MHz | 4W max | May benefit from ionospheric reflection.
- GMRS: 462.550–467.725 MHz | 50W max | Primarily uses line-of-sight propagation.
HARDWARE, INSTALLATION & SPECS
Which mounting bracket does my MicroMobile need?
| Radio | Bracket |
| MXT105 | MXTA28 |
| MXT115 | MXTA14 |
| MXT275 | MXTA14 |
| MXT500 (and discontinued MXT400) | MXTA15 |
| MXT575 | MXTA55 and can also use MXTA15 |
What are the dimensions of each MicroMobile radio?
| Radio | Dimensions |
| MXT105 | 4"W x 3.25"D x 0.85H |
| MXT115 | 5.25"W x 5"D x 1"H |
| MXT275 | 5.25"W x 5"D x 1"H |
| MXT400 | 7.3"W x 5.5"D x 1.6"H |
| MXT500 | 7"W x 5.5"D x 1.8"H |
| MXT575 | 7.3"W x 5.5"D x 1.5"H |
MXT275 and MXT575 feature integrated control microphones to save dashboard space.
What kind of antenna connector do MXTs use?
All MXT mobile radios use a PL259 connector
What does grounding the antenna mean?
Ground plane refers to the metal surface beneath the antenna. For best performance:
- Ensure a conductive surface (steel or aluminum) about 12 inches across.
- Antennas are typically grounded via the coaxial cable shield. Additional chassis grounding may help but can cause issues if there's a potential difference.
What does grounding the antenna mean?
Ground plane refers to the metal surface beneath the antenna. For best performance:
- Ensure a conductive surface (steel or aluminum) about 12 inches across.
- Antennas are typically grounded via the coaxial cable shield. Additional chassis grounding may help but can cause issues if there's a potential difference.
What’s a good SWR reading?
- Ideal: 1.0 – 1.5
- Acceptable: Up to 2.0
High SWR indicates poor ground plane or mounting location.
What are the amp draw specs for each model?
| Model | Standby Current (mA) | Receive Current (mA) | Transmit Current High (A) | Transmit Current Mid (A) | Transmit Current Low (A) | Fuse (A) | Power Wiring |
| MXT90/MXT105 | 200 max, 150 typical | 900 max, 600 typical | 1.65 max, 1.5 typical | N/A | 0.9 max, 0.75 typical | 2 | 20 AWG up to 12 ft, 18 AWG for longer runs |
| MXT115 | 300 max, 200 typical | 900 max, 600 typical | 3 max, 2.8 typical | N/A | 1.75 max, 1.5 typical | 5 | 18 AWG up to 12 ft, 116 AWG for longer runs |
| MXT275 | 300 max, 220 typical | 900 max, 650 typical | 3.2 max, 2.9 typical | N/A | 1.75 max, 1.5 typical | 5 | 18 AWG up to 12 ft, 16 AWG for longer runs |
| MXT400 (discontinued) | 300 max, 250 typical | 600 max, 550 typical | 10 max, 8 typical | 7 max, 5 typical | 3.5 max, 2.5 typical | 15 | 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs |
| MXT500 | 300 max, 250 typical | 600 max, 550 typical | 10 max, 8.5 typical | 7 max, 5.2 typical | 3.5 max, 2.5 typical | 15 | 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs |
| MXT575 | 300 max, 250 typical | 900 max, 650 typical | 10 max, 8.5 typical | N/A | 3.5 max, 2.5 typical | 15 | 14 AWG up to 10 ft, 12 AWG for longer runs |
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
What are privacy codes?
CTCSS and DCS are sub-audible filters that only allow audio with matching codes to be heard.
Is my radio programmable?
Only the MXT500 is programmable. Requires:
- Windows 10 or lower
- USB-C data cable with correct USB-A or USB-C connector
What is the difference between Narrow and Wide Band?
- Narrow Band (12.5 kHz): Required for FRS and GMRS interstitial channels (8–14)
- Wide Band (20 kHz): Allowed on most GMRS channels (15–22, repeaters)
- Match bandwidth to other radios for best clarity
Do MicroMobiles include NOAA Weather Alerts?
Yes. All models except the discontinued MXT400 include NOAA weather channels and alerts.
What does the Scan function do?
Automatically scans channels for activity. Pauses when a signal is detected.
What are split tones?
Split tones allow different CTCSS/DCS codes for transmit and receive.
- Available only on USB-C models (e.g., MXT500, MXT575)
- Primarily used on repeater channels
Does my radio support auto on/off?
- MXT115, MXT400, MXT500, MXT575: Supports ignition-based on/off
- MXT275: Newer versions with MA75 mic support it; older MA275 versions do not
- MXT400 and MXT500 have auto power-off timers
How do I perform a factory reset?
- MXT115 / MXT275 / MXT575: Hold WX + PTT while powering on
- MXT500 / MXT400: Use "FACT" option from the restore menu
Can I adjust mic gain?
No. Mic gain is not user-adjustable.
What if the audio isn’t loud enough?
- Use base unit speaker, mic speaker, or both (MXT275, MXT575)
- Add an external speaker like the SPKMini, SPK100, or SPK200 with AI Noise Cancellation
What power levels are available on MXT500 / MXT575?
- High: 50W
- Medium: 25W
- Low: 5W
TROUBLESHOOTING & PROGRAMMING
What error messages might I see when programming?
- PC software must match radio firmware. 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: V1.04
- MXT5A1: V2.01
- MXT5A2: V3.03
What’s the difference between MXT500 and MXT575?
- MXT500: Waterproof/dustproof (IP66), programmable via PC
- MXT575: Mic-integrated controls, great for compact spaces
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.