Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Radio – Full User Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of the Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Radio. This versatile two-way radio is designed for General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and provides multiple power sources, NOAA weather alerts, AM/FM radio, clock functions, and emergency features, making it ideal for everyday and emergency use.

Key Features

• 22 GMRS/FRS Channels

• 121 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 83 DCS)

• AM/FM Receiver

• NOAA Weather Radio, Scan, and Alerts

• VOX Hands-Free Transmission

• SOS Emergency Siren

• Flashlight

• Clock with Alarm & Snooze Functions

• Keypad Lock

• Silent Operation Mode

• Roger Beep Tone

• Dual Watch Function

• Hi/Lo Power Settings

• Dynamo Crank Battery Charge Capability

• USB Mobile Phone Charging

• External Speaker/Microphone Jacks

FCC Notice

The XT511 operates on GMRS frequencies that require an FCC license. Licensing is mandatory for channels 1-7 and 15-22.

• Apply at fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALL FCC.

• Use your assigned call sign for station identification.

RF Exposure Guidelines

• Transmit no more than 50% of the time.

• Maintain 1 inch (2.5 cm) distance from the body when using belt clips or holsters.

LCD Display Overview

1. NOAA Weather Alert
2. Transmit (TX) Icon
3. Receive (RX) Icon
4. Dual Watch Icon

5. Power Level (Hi/Lo)

6. Clock AM/PM Icon

7. Channel Number

8. AM/FM Receiver Icon

9. Privacy Codes

10. VOX Icon

11. Keypad Lock

12. Scan Mode

13. Key Tone Icon
14. Battery Meter

15. Roger Beep

16. Alarm Clock

17. NOAA Weather (WX) Band Icon
18. Privacy Code Icon 
19. Antenna  
20. Monitor/Alarm ON/OFF Button
21. Scan/Minute Button
22. Lock/Call/Hour Button
23. Flashlight
24. USB Jack
25. External Speaker/Mic Jack
26. External Charger Jack
27. Speaker
28. MENU/SOS Button
29. PTT/Select/Snooze Button
30. Dynamo Crank Handle
31. Band Switch
32. Tuning Knob
33. Battery Source Switch
34. Light ON/OFF Switch
35. Tone Control Knob
36. Power Volume Knob
37. Microphone

Power Sources

• 4 AA Alkaline Batteries

• Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack (use AC/DC adapters or Dynamo Crank to charge)

Battery Installation

Your radio operates with either 4 AA alkaline batteries or a NiMH battery pack. Please ensure the rechargeable NiMH battery pack is installed in the radio before using the AC or DC adapters.

To install the batteries:

1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the battery cover by pressing down the battery cover lock tab until it unlocks and lifting it out from the radio.
2. Insert 4 AA batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing the batteries incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating or may damage the unit. Also install the NiMH battery pack as shown below.
3. Return the battery cover by pushing it down into the back of the radio until the battery cover lock tab locks into place.

Battery Indicator

• Battery meter on LCD shows power levels.

• Low battery icon flashes when charging is needed.

Charging Methods

• AC Wall Adapter

• DC Vehicle Adapter

• Dynamo Crank (2 minutes of cranking = ~5 minutes of radio use)

Note: Only use Midland-approved rechargeable battery packs.

Basic Operation

Power On/Off

• Rotate Power/Volume knob clockwise to power on and increase volume.

• Rotate counterclockwise to power off.

Selecting GMRS/FRS Mode

• Move the Band Switch to GMRS/FRS.

Transmitting/Receiving

• Hold PTT to transmit; release to listen.

• Use the Hand Mic or internal mic, keeping the mic 2–3 inches from your mouth.

Range Optimization

• Use fully charged batteries.

• Set to Hi power on GMRS channels.

• Ensure clear line of sight or outdoor conditions.

Menu Functions

• VOX Hands-Free: 9 sensitivity levels.

• Privacy Codes: 38 CTCSS or 83 DCS codes.

• TX Power Level: Hi/Lo on GMRS channels (FRS channels fixed to Lo).

• Call Alerts: 10 selectable tones.

• Roger Beep: On/Off.

• Silent Mode: Mutes all tones.

• Dual Watch: Monitors two channels simultaneously.

• WX Alert: Enable/Disable NOAA weather alerts.

Scanning and Monitoring

• Channel Scan: Press SCAN to cycle through all GMRS/FRS channels.

• Monitor Mode: Press MONITOR to check channel activity.

SOS Siren

• Press and hold MENU/SOS for 5 seconds to activate emergency siren and flashing light.

• Press PTT twice to deactivate.

NOAA Weather Functions

• Weather Band: Move Band Switch to WX.

• Weather Scan: Automatically scans all 10 NOAA channels.

• Weather Alert: Notifies of emergency broadcasts; icon flashes during alerts.

AM/FM Radio

• Move Band Switch to AM or FM.

• Use Tuning Knob to adjust stations.

• Scan by turning and holding the knob.

Clock and Alarm

• Power off the radio to enter Clock Mode.

• Set hour and minute using dedicated buttons.

• Alarm Clock and Snooze available.

Flashlight and USB Charging

• Toggle flashlight using the LIGHT switch.

• Charge mobile phones via USB Jack using AC, DC, or Dynamo Crank.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• GMRS/FRS Channels: 22 channels

• Privacy Codes: 38 CTCSS / 83 DCS

• NOAA Channels: 10 weather channels

• AM/FM Frequencies: AM 520–1710 kHz, FM 87.5–108 MHz

• Power Source: 4 AA batteries or 6V NiMH battery pack

Frequency Charts

Detailed GMRS/FRS, NOAA, CTCSS, and DCS frequency charts are included in the original documentation.

Limited Warranty (U.S. Only)

• Three-year warranty from date of purchase on radios.

• 90-day warranty on accessories.

• Does not cover misuse, water damage, or unauthorized repair.

• Submit warranty claims in the Midland Returns and Claims Portal

Download full owner's manual here.