Midland T61 and T65 FRS Radio Owner's Manual

The Midland T60 Series walkie talkies are FRS two-way radios designed for reliable communication with modern features like NOAA Weather Alerts, privacy codes, and rechargeable battery options. This guide covers setup, operation, features, and troubleshooting.

Key Features

• 36 FRS channels
• 121 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 83 DCS)
• NOAA Weather Scan, Radio & Alert
• 5 Call Alerts (T65: 5 additional animal sounds)
• VOX hands-free operation (9 levels)
• Scan and Monitor modes
• Roger Beep tone
• Vibrate Alert (T65 only)
• High/Low power modes
• Keypad lock
• USB charging + desktop charger compatibility
• External mic/speaker jacks
• Battery meter and low battery indicator

LCD Display Indicators

1. WX Band – Weather mode active
2. Key Lock – Keypad locked
3. VOX – VOX active
4. Channel Number – Channel selected (1–36 FRS, 1–10 WX)
5. Transmit (TX) Power Level – High or Low power
6. Privacy Code – CTCSS (1–38) / DCS (1–83)
7. Vibrate Alert – Vibrate on (T65 only)
8. Battery Meter – Battery charge level
9. RX Icon – Receiving signal
10. TX Icon – Transmitting

11. Privacy Code Mode - Indicates CTCSS or DCS active

    Function Controls

12. Power/Volume Knob
13. PTT Button - Push to talk
14. Call/Lock Button - Press to sent a Call/Alert signal. Press and hold to turn Key Lock off
15. Mic - Built in microphone
16. USB Charging Jack
17. Antenna
18. External Speaker/Mic Jack
19. Menu Button - press momentarily to access Menu mode
20. Monitor/Scan Button - Press to enter Scan mode; press and hold to enter Monitor mode
21. UP/WX Scan Up and Down Buttons - make adjustments in Menu mode; Press and hold the UP button for 5 seconds to activate NOAA Weather Scan function
22. Speaker 

Getting Started

Battery Installation

• Compatible with Midland BATT3R NiMH rechargeable battery pack 3 AAA alkaline batteries (do not place on charger if using regular batteries)
• Remove belt clip and battery cover
• Insert batteries with correct polarity
• Reinstall battery cover and belt clip

Charging (if using rechargeable battery pack)

• Use USB cable or optional desktop charger
• LCD will show bars while charging and “FULL” when complete
• Always use Midland-approved battery packs for safety

Powering On & Off

• Rotate power/volume knob clockwise to power on and raise volume
• Rotate counter-clockwise to lower volume or power off
• On startup, unit beeps and displays icons briefly

Basic Operation

Transmitting

• Ensure all radios are on the same channel & privacy code
• Hold radio 1 inch from mouth
• Press and hold PTT (Push-to-Talk) button
• Release to listen (RX icon will display when receiving)

Range Tips

• Best in open, unobstructed spaces (e.g., rural, over water)
• Use fully charged batteries
• Set radio to High Power for max range (except channels 8–14)

NOAA Weather Radio

To Enable WX Band

• Hold WX/▲ button for 5 seconds
• Radio scans all 10 NOAA channels
• Stops on strongest signal

To Set Specific Channel

• While in WX mode, press MENU
• Use ▲/▼ to choose channel (1–10)

To Exit WX Mode

• Press PTT

NOAA Weather Alerts

• Automatically ON during WX Scan mode
• To manually toggle WX Alert:
  • In WX mode, MENU → “AL” → Set ON or OFF
  • Alert siren will activate during emergencies

Keypad Lock

• Hold LOCK button for 4 seconds
• Keypad icon appears
• PTT and CALL still work when locked

External Accessories

• Use Midland-compatible headsets or mic/speaker accessories
• Insert into external mic/speaker jack on radio

Troubleshooting