MB400 FAQs and Troubleshooting

FAQs

What are the major benefits of using the MB400 over other Business Radios?

1. More power:
   1. The MB400 has 2 times the power of the BR200, or other 2 Watt radios, resulting in better range and voice clarity.
2. Increased range:
   1. The MB400 allows for approximately  40% more coverage than the BR200, or other 2 Watt radios
   2. The BR200 can cover the space of up to 20 floors of 250,000 square feet, where the MB400 can cover up to 30 floors, or 350,000 square feet
3. Increased durability: 
   1. Die cast metal frame
   2. IP67 rated for protection against dust and complete water immersion
4. Better value
   
   1. Priced up to 30% lower than the competition with the same power, features, and functions

What radios are compatible with the MB400?

The MB400 uses the UHF frequency spectrum between 450 MHz and 470 MHz, specifically the "Onsite Business and Industrial Band Pool" of frequencies. 

More importantly, they are pre-programmed to the same channels, making them compatible with each other, right out of the box. The pre-programmed channels are the same as used on other popular models such as from Motorola® or Kenwood®.

They are also programmable to selected business band frequencies, making them compatible with other brands of onsite business radios. Programming is easy with our free software and step-by-step instructions.  

In short, the MB400 will work with other analog UHF radios programmed to the same frequency and privacy code. 

Do I need a license from the FCC to operate the radio?

Yes, a business license is required. You can read more about that here. 

What comes with my MB400?

• Radio
• 1500 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Antenna
• Belt clip
• Desktop charger
• AC wall adapter for charging
• Owners manual

For how long do I need to charge the MB400 battery?

It will take about 4 hours to recharge a fully discharged battery.

How long will a fully charged battery last?

The battery is rated for up to 10 hours at the standard 5-5-90 duty cycle (5% transmit, 5% receive, 90% standby). The battery life will vary based on radio usage.

What is the MB400 frequency?

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) 451.1875 to 469.5625 MHz

What is the expected range or coverage for the MB400?

The MB400 has an expected range of up to 30 floors, or 350,000 square feet, but this range will vary based on conditions such as building construction and other obstructions.

Tip: Make sure your radios are on high power with a fully charged battery to get the maximum range.

What is the output transmit power of the MB400?

4 Watts. It also has a 1 Watt low power setting.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Where can I find the programming software for my radio?

You can find that here and also some helpful information here. 

The other person can hear me, but I can't hear them.

1. The power output of the other radio may be less than yours. For instance, if the other person has a 1 Watt radio, while they maybe be able to hear you, their radio may not be able to transmit back to the MB400 if range is too far. 

2. Make sure your radio is on and volume is turned up.

2. Make sure you are operating within range of the other person.

My radio will not power on.

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged and ensure the battery pack is installed correctly on the radio.

2. Ensure the charging contacts are correctly aligned in the charging base.

The charger is not functioning.

1. Make sure the contacts are clean and there are no obstructions between the battery contacts and the charge base contacts. 

2. Make sure the charger is plugged in and has power to the AC outlet.

I can't receive messages.

Confirm your radio is programmed to the same frequency and privacy code as the other radio. Also ensure you are within range and there are not any obstructions between you and the other radio.

I don't see my frequency listed in the channel bank.

Do you have a FCC licensed frequency outside of the Business and Industrial Pool? If so, send an email to support@midlandusa.com with your programming information, and we can send you back a data file to program your radio with.

My MB400 does not work with my other radios.

1. If the other radio is not a UHF business band radio, they will not be compatible.

2. If it is another UHF business radio, the MB400 will need to be programmed to work with your existing radios. If you know the frequency and codes your radios are programmed to, you can do this yourself with a programming cable and by using Midland's downloadable programming software. If you do not know the frequency and code of your existing radios, please send an email to support@midlandusa.com for assistance.

The programming data will not transfer to the radio from the computer. I keep getting an error code when I click "start". 

1. Make sure the programming cable is correctly installed between the radio and computer.  Unplug and re-install the cable, or replace it if necessary. 

2. Make sure the radio has a charged battery and is turned on. (Do not program a radio while in the charger!)

3. Check your COM port. It should be using COM3, but your computer may be set up differently and you may need to try a different COM port.

4. Install a USB to Serial Port conversion driver. The programming cable includes this driver and should automatically install on your computer the first time you use it. You can install a standard driver, if necessary, here. 

The programming software will not install or run on my computer.

1. Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements.

2. The programming software will not work on an Apple (Mac) computer. You will need to us a Windows PC.

3. Uninstall and re-install the program.

4. Check with your IT administrator.

I am not sure what to use for a certain setting.

When in doubt, use the default value.