It truly is amazing how overly educated people are some of the biggest idiots without a sense of humor, or just don’t understand humor or sarcasm, I feel bad for people like😂😂😂
You described why I ended up with an MXT275 perfectly. I went on an off roading/camping trip last weekend with some friends who recommended GMRS so we could communicate. I live in the city, and my 4X4 parks on the street so I needed something that I could install discreetly and pack away when not in use so it's not visible from outside of the vehicle. The radio performed flawlessly for what I need & doesn't take up too much space in my rig. I was able to connect with the rest of my party who had arrived at camp before me when I was at least 4-5 miles away through thick Pacific Northwest forest. One of my friends who was on the trip even liked my setup so much he immediately bought one when he got home to upgrade his handheld. Great review!
I'm a ham and I might get one of these for my wife's car. I love how the controls are all in the mic. I wish there were 2m/70cm rigs laid out like this. Very little room on modern cars to mount radios.
Hi Randy, I'm a new to this GMRS and had recently payed my $70 to Uncle Sam's for a FCC license. You were the first RUclips hit for GMRS and I've got to tell you that I'm hooked! Funny satire, GREAT information on radios for the beginner. Sense I'm a beginner I appreciate you going through these radios. It's been years sense being in CB radio but I still listen to HF on my Kenwood R5000. I do understand the differences between narrow band and wide band so I'll make sure when I purchase a radio I'll have both.
Same here! I added an external speaker to the base and have the audio out through it and the microphone speaker...very loud!! Zero issues being able to hear it.
Since Midland is obviously watching your videos, they need to start marketing a much more serious handheld GMRS radio for more serious users. There's no excuse for not doing it.
Midland!!!!! Listen to this man. We all want a high quality portable GMRS radio, not those dumb blister pack radios. Give us something with dust/water/impact protection that actually looks like a professional radio. Like your CT690 and/or CT890 that is sold overseas. Or even better the CT990!!!!
Something waterproof would be excellent for canoeing and kayaking also. I’ve been on large group trips before and you get so spread out that the front of the group can’t possibly communicate with the rear of the group and vice versa.
We want you to make a GOOD mobile GMRS using Supper Hydron Technology. Real 50 watts using noise filters!!! Then WE THE PEOPLE Will buy tens of Thousands.....
Radio tucks nicely in a Tacoma center console and wires easily to the fuse box (with taps). Mic cord runs under the console top to a convenient mount at your side. Purchase a ghost antenna and hood mount. With that installed, you are a GMRS beginner.
I stumbled on this review.. Just like I stumbled across the Radio (which I was looking for at first). So.... I am totally new to GMRS.. In fact after watching part of this review I went to the FCC and got my license for GMRS. Only 35 dollars and it took me no time at all. This video was EXTREMELY helpful. I plan on using future radio in my vehicles for future camping, vacation trips. I want a radio that I can put on a small UTV, inside a camper and in my car. I was looking for something to keep the family in SAFE contact outside of cell phone tower range while we fish or hike. So this fits the niche. Thanks!!
I bought one a couple months ago, found it to be more than adequate to keep in my wife's Audi as part of the emergency kit. I tried several aftermarket antenna and none worked any better than the enclosed antenna. And for the sad hams,, I mounted the antenna on my glass sunroof and reception was fine, not optimal, but got 5 miles in my heavily tree unincorporated area of the sierras. One area I give them a perfect score is support. They responded quickly and thoroughly to my 5 or 6 inquires
I got on the FCC web site and in a few clicks bought my $35 GMRS license. It was a pleasant shock after so many years of dealing with their HORRIBLE web site. As an extra class Ham and retired software engineer I concur with your attitude about the self important know it alls.
Great radio! Installed ours in our side x side inside the dash, and used a water-proof rj-45 pass-through so we can "hide the mike" when not in use.... hits repeaters > 50 miles away no problem with our covert NMO ghost antenna...
I bought this radio, based on your review, for my side by side. Inexpensive, so no worries about it getting damaged from dust etc . I stuck main unit in the glove box and ran an extension cable from the main unit to a handy place I could easily reach when driving or resting. So far I love it for its convenience and simplicity. BTW I have my Extra Ham Operators License (KJ7VCY), but I don't always want to hop onto the ham radio while out getting dirty. Wish I could have known you were so close when I lived in Corona. Great vid Randy
Thanks for (finally :) reviewing this radio. I’m both a (happy :) ham and a licensed gmrs user. The only reason I purchased the mxt275 is for my wife’s vehicle, so she would let me install a radio at all. It works well enough for us, although it is missing at least one PL tone (CTCSS) which happens to be the one used on our local gmrs repeater. That’s disappointing to me since that repeater has a very large reach area... love your vids, the notaintro, and the sarcasm. My current favorite radio content provider. Cheers!
I picked up this radio to see if I would like GMRS. Solid performance with minimal input from the user. Installed it in the car and eventually upgraded the antenna to longer version for better reach. Good tongue in cheek review
I use the mxt115 it's works and does the job for a mobile radio... I can reach 20 miles no problem and I use one as a base station... Keep the videos coming randy and keep giving those sad hams on there toes....
What antenna do you run? I have the 3DB ghost gain antenna and a KG905G and simplex running both radios with minimal obstructions I am getting about 8.5 miles.
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I’m his favorite listener. He pointed directly at me!!!! I got the Ghost antenna midland makes. Mine is mounted to my roll bar as high as it will go. I was able to reach my friend at about 5.4 miles. No clear line of site. It’s a good enough radio for sure.
Great Video's! Recent Subscriber and New to Radios. Everyone was Pushing me to turn into a "Ham" but after watching a few of your Videos, GMRS seems the way I want to go. Thanks again.
I bought and installed this on a 2005 Chevy Trail Blazer --- very happy with it so far. The sole reason for this radio was the tiny footprint! It's incredibly small! I set the screen to Yellow and I'm having an almost-ham to set up the repeater stuff for me; he was concerned if it was Narrow or Wide-band --- it IS Narrow --- yippee! I also ordered these: TIDRADIO TD-H5 GMRS - and expect to enjoy them too. Thanks - very much for your assessment of this Midland MXT2575 radio.
I have the mxt-275 radio, I mounted the antenna on the upper left corner of the windshield and it works great. I am sure I can get more out of the radio, that's why I enjoy watching these videos. But on the level terrain, with house's and trees in-between my partner and I we talk 10 miles as the crow flies.
I know this was 2 years ago but I really enjoyed this review, especially since the Midland MXT275 is "out for delivery." I'm just getting started with GMRS and for my needs I believe this radio will meet my needs. Thanks so much for a great review!
Hey, Randy. I just got my Ham license, but I will say this: I respect experience over a permission slip. Thank you for your videos. They’re delightful and educational. ❤
EXCELLENT REVIEW, SIR YOU ARE CORRECT BOUT GROUND PLATES. I LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY MANY MANY YEARS AGO, BEGINNING WITH CB RADIO! BEEN DOING HAM FOR 24 YEARS NOW. I'M DONE WITH HAM. GONNA TRY AND BUY ONE OF THEM MIDLAND MXT275 GMRS RADIOS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, SIR!!!
I’ve learned so much about this radio from this video. You are right, I bought this radio for off roading on the weekend and don’t for trips. I don’t know anything about repeaters. I have bought a 3 foot antenna (+6db) and mounted it on the tail light area of my 4runner. I didn’t know about ground planes til now but the radio seems to pick up and transmit signal without problems. Maybe if I mounted it on the hood or roof it would have been more perfect. Thanks for the video!
Stumbled on your videos while trying to learn about GMRS. Now I find myself watching as many as I can. Anyway, just got this radio along with a Midland 3db gain Ghost antenna and these items now live in my truck. Love it so far. Thanks for the educational as well as comedy sprinkled content - keep up the great work.
Great video, i have that radio and works great. I tried a regular mag mount with RG58 coax and a higher gain antenna and did not see a real great improvement. Did find out though by not using the supplied antenna that came with the radio it would not pick up any weather stations, guess that long wire has some benefits in that band of reception.
Than ks for the imperfect test. This is how my antenna will be on the third brake light mount of my Al-Lu-Minium truck. 1/2 aluminum roof ground plane, 1/2 fiberglass topper.
I own the 115 model. I haven't a need for more power really as I live in florida... everything is flat lol. Love that little radio. Thanks again for your honest videos.
Great video. Very informative and sealed my decision to buy the MXT275. I'm a railfan and want it for those purposes. Me and my friends chase and photograph trains. I will never check the SWR or worry about the tech performance of this radio as long as I can reach and hear my friends.
Everybody knows you never use a cookie tray as a ground plane.....A pizza pan "preferably Neapolitan style" would be a much better choice. Always remember to remove the pizza before mounting the antenna. I learn that the hard way. Good review.
I have that same little antenna stuck to my plastic dashboard of my Yamaha Rhino with gorilla glue, works just fine hitting my repeater ( 20 mile radius of the farm) very happy with Midland Radios for our farm vehicle’s
I love this. I wish Motorola made something as simple as this. I want to get this for my truck and when I go back and forth to the city would love to chat with people on the road.
"I'm surprised it not only works, but works very well." Well, that's because they gave you so much wire, you can basically leave the antenna at home as you drive around town, so you can always reach home base that way. Where are you supposed to store all that extra unshielded wire so it doesn't cause interference?
Actually it is shielded cable, RG6(?) I think. Me and my Ham buddies been using it in our cars for years with no issues. Now for jamboree stuff the THICK stuff comes out.
UPDATE - I exchanged the MXR275 in my Trail Blazer for a MXR575 and put on one of the Midland antennas with real coax. It's incredibly powerful and at this point, I think I'll satisfy my "dork persona" with handhelds and just leave the Midlands in as mobile units and the HTs as dork-supplementals. So far --- I'm having a lot of fun! Oh yeah --- I bought a RT97 and antenna and ordered some LM-400 and that goes operational in a couple of weeks - as soon as the snow and cold abate just a tad. Thanks for your info. I know where you live --- I lived in Anza.
I have this and the Uniden CMX760, which is the same form factor, stacked behind my dash. I typically go most of the summer with no roof on my Jeep, so I need something I can hide both for water protection and security. I just plug in the microphones if/when I need them.
I almost decided i wanted this radio until you said it was narrow band. What a good wide band mobile radio. I have a HT but need a mobil rig for my truck
Ty for your content. I purchased a uv-9r based on your reviews just the other day, (a year or so after your review etc), and yes indeed, B-Tech did listen, as there was an additional screw for the programming cable. Keep up the good work.
This is a great choice for ham operators who just want to be able transmit on GMRS channels in an emergency. A handheld GMRS radio is OK for listening to strong signals or simplexing with someone very close, but not much good for reaching out.
This will be nowhere as eloquent as what Randy will explain, but in hopes of tiding yourself and others over until he does a video, here goes nothing. Running wide band with a narrowband repeater or when conversing with someone whose radio is set to narrowband is kinda like having a heavy-duty wife or girlfriend who needs to shop at Lane Bryant, and buying her the smallest panties available at Victoria's Secret. Your wife or girlfriend might be able to force herself into them but they will at some point rip open and be rather awkward. Likewise, your wideband signal will spill out over the edges of the narrowband repeater's or radio's receiver's passband and will sound awkward, maybe loud and distorted. If you have a narrowband radio and are trying to communicate with a person through a wideband radio or repeater, it will be like getting your very thin wife or girlfriend the biggest pair of panties at Lane Bryant. She can fit into them, but they will be very loose and awkward. Likewise, your narrowband signal will fit well within the receiver passband of the wideband repeater or receiver, but there will be a lot of excess room around it. Your transmit audio, as a result, may sound kind of weak and lacking, inside those larger receiver passbands. Hope this helps.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Thanks for that. I'm going to have to experiment with both variations of panties to fully understand the analogy, but this helps. BTW do you have a spare room?
I thoroughly enjoy all of these shows, Im gathering stuff to get into the fun, I also have a sad ham friend who enjoys speaking on a level he knows that is far above my understanding. Thanks for helping remove some of the mystique
Something you might point out to overly critical antenna comments include: A true ground plane has perfect conductivity, is perfectly flat, and extends out forever. This means that a ground plane antenna with 3 or 4 radials is not a perfect ground plane, a car or truck roof is not a perfect ground plane, and every real antenna is a compromise. Shall we start in on the micro coaxial cable provided? In reality, the best antenna is one you can mount that doesn’t interfere with your vehicle operation. In most cases, you are not trying to reach the theoretical limits of range, just far enough to get your message through. For those who want to reach the theoretical limits, there are 30’ parabolic dishes available. Yeah, I’m one of those 50+ year extra class hams with an engineering degree, but I’m looking at adding a small GMRS mobile to replace the GMRS handheld we have been using while caravanning. Thanks!
Very entertaining and informative review. I love my little MXT275. It’s great for the limited space I have in my vehicle. I have the Ghost 3db gain antenna with mag mount that I switch out with 6db gain antenna on the roof of my vehicle. Careful sir. Some may say you are starting to like Midland radios…… 😳
I have the same setup you do. The software could be better and the screen could use an update from 1985 to 2015. But other than that I love the form factor. The handset controls are awesome. The radio can be mounted anywhere with a cat5 extension to the hand set. It is a really well built and thought out set of hardware. My only real complaint is that you can't save multiple settings for the same channel. The menu interface is also a let down because of the silly 1980s screen. I am thinking about getting the NEW 575 with the giant watt blaster feature when they are in stock again. More power is more better right?
One use for the "Monitor" button is for those who use the mis-named "Privacy" tones (which should be called "Do-Not-Disturb" tones) to make sure no one else is already using the frequency before keying up.
There needs to be a "love it" button. Thanks for calling out the dickheads especially. Bravo on a clear, concise, no BS review. This should be a template for others. Two thumbs up!
Just bought this radio and installed in my Jeep JK. The only things I wish it had was a way to skip channels while scanning and a setting to automatically power the radio off. I think it does power off is no signal is received for awhile but not after 30 - 60 minutes, etc. Other than that I love it.
I saw you recently (streaming with a ham guy - no less), where you stated that this radio is now wide band. I wondered how one would tell if their radio was wide or narrow (on repeater channels). I wrote to midland support and received a reply (5/20/22) that stated that all radios are set to narrow band, but that the newer ones - with the USB-C port - could be upgraded in firmware to transmit wideband. I noticed, looking at the FCC ID, that indeed there was an application for increased bandwidth transmission. Apparently, after the firmware update, the choice of bandwidth is not user selectable. I would love to see you reach out to Midland, and do another excellent video explaining what the story is. Thank you for your excellent videos on GMRS. Rick
Great review. My off-roading buddy and I are thinking of getting this and doing away with the cb radios that don't work very well. I am probably in that target market for something like this. We just need to be able to communicate while we are off-roading and traveling , so will never be more than a couple of miles away anyway and this seems to be the ticket. I also don't have a lot of room for a big display, so the handheld controls are perfect and I can mount the power box out of the way somewhere. Thanks for this.
😀 I don't usually comment on RUclips videos but I must say I enjoy your postings and most of your content. You tell it like it is (most of the time) and I THANK YOU for that❗😎👍🏻
loved how you took the time to mark the center and then purposefully put the antenna on the side. too bad the sad hams caused you to not get your license...would be great to have on the air. wish there was an echolink for gmrs, because its great for ham because you dont need radio or anything, its all done by software.
I have this little gem in my Tacoma and I love it. I don't know how it works, and I only have a mild understanding of repeaters. Much like a cell phone, I don't know how it works, I just want to pick it up and talk to my group of Tacos. I did add a 3dB stubby antenna because it looks cool and stuff.
You are HILARIOUS! I loved it. Just subscribed because of your wit and dry humor. This vid was definitely targeted at me and it was exceptional. Thanks for making it. I was debating about getting the MXT275 and this convinced me it was right for me.
Hey Randy, the new MXMC01 microphone now has full word displays vs the codes the OEM mic comes with. Definitely a game changer plus it has noise canceling.
I have read on the internets that the upcoming Midland 575 50w radio will be based off of this radio. Not sure if it is true, but if you Google it, the dope does pop up
This will probably be my next GMRS radio. I like the idea of some of the 50 watt units but I probably won't use it enough to justify the cost. Ended up with the Wouxon KG1000G. Long story 😆
I just wanted to let you know that I have watched and enjoyed several of your videos but today I actually hit the like button because I just love your approach. Also because you said "Every moron knows that unboxing videos are stupid." haha love it, and keep the vids coming.
Love your style and presentation, going to watch more of your channel! I was on the fence for this to put in my Corvette but after watching your video I am purchasing from your affiliate link. Thank you
I am not a sad ham, sometimes I am a happy ham, mostly I am just an old ham trying to remember a portion of what I forgot ever since I jumped head first into the hobby when I was age 17 in 1979, lol. Now that I am an official OM, we did a lot of camp hosting and now that we have moved up to management (moved up is debatable) we have a situation where nearly all 16 USFS campgrounds we manage have terrible cell coverage, if they get any signal at all. None of our camp hosts have their ham ticket, last year Sheila and I used several of the local ham repeaters to talk out of our box canyon campground through local repeaters down to town whenever one of us ran for supplies. A 50-watt radio in the truck and a strategically held 5-watt handheld back at the RV could communicate marvelously. The previous manager tried satellite radios with dismal success, too many pine trees at the campgrounds. My GMRS license expired 9 years ago and I just applied for a new license and that is where I learned that they did away with new business licenses and are going to exclusive individual licenses in addition to the active grandfathered corporate legal licenses. While we inquire who in corporate has such a license (after a corporate merger we wonder?) but it also means that only my wife and immediate family can use my license. If there is no active corporate license then we have to convince hosts to apply for their own individual licenses, however many RVers are Jeep people so maybe if I wave a new radio in front of them they will apply for the $35 license. We need by contract with the USFS to provide wellness checks and emergency communications with our hosts in the event of campground illness, animal issues, or even emergency TP orders (an outhouse without TP IS an emergency). Anyway, since none of our hosts are hams, I think this would be the ideal radio for them. Many of them already use the low-cost FRS radios, but I have to convince them that the new radio won't work with them for reasons in your video above, but we can cross that bridge when we get that far as there are also higher power handhelds, however, I will read part 95 more carefully so not as to mess up the intent with the base stations, fixed stations, and handhelds which have their frequency bands slightly separated. But this Midland looks like a great radio and I have a few road pizza pans I can give out at ground planes as needed. Keep up the good work, sir!!! We love your sense of humor as sometimes in this business my humor is all I have that is working! -Dave, KU9L & Sheila, KB9YYI, soon to be a GMRSer again, LOL.
I purchased my MXT275 January 13th. Sadly, it is the dinosaur type A model that doesn't support split tones. Makes me sad now that I'm slowly becoming a GMRS dork. Midland's response to me was, too bad, so sad, buy the upgraded C model. Whatever. I'll wait for the 575 to come out, as I need the need the small footprint of the 275 to fit in my Jeep.
I see a lot of Hams here. Some happy, some sad. It's all good. Thanks again Randy! I have me eye on this one for the summer traveling. Kudos on yet another awesome video. WRKH707 -Bob
Randy, you're hilarious. I hope nobody considers me a sad ham because I laugh so hard when you bring up that stuff. I've come across so many people that are exactly how you present them to be and I fail to see it positively advancing the hobby. Anyway, I'm new to your channel, enjoy the videos and looking to get a GMRS license as well for another tool or option.
I recently got the 575. I can see this fitting a need for a much more cost effective option. I like the Wideband on the 575. Sadly, no programming is a pain if you deploy multiple.
Just got my radio in and I didn't want to be the one to correct you but I had to do it. I lost the USB rubber plug in LESS than 10 seconds. Hahahah! I couldn't believe it!
The correct term is “for all intents and purposes” not “for all intensive purposes” Who needs an English lesson now ?
You do..
You should study the terms "sarcasm" and "baiting idiot know-it-alls on RUclips"
It truly is amazing how overly educated people are some of the biggest idiots without a sense of humor, or just don’t understand humor or sarcasm, I feel bad for people like😂😂😂
@@TheNotaRubicon hahahahaahahaha
I thought it meant "All in tents on purpose". Now I'm edjewmakated!
Grow up RUclips Nazi
"this is where I'm going to stick it", had me dead. Awesome review sir.
Omg, the fact that you had that huge explanation about the placement on the pie pan and then stuck it towards the side was legendary 😂, well done
I usually watch reviews from others at 1.5x speed. But I watch Randy's videos at normal speed to really enjoy the Sad Ham references. 😀
Great content!
Hello, Texas1FlyBoy
I'm planing to buy my first gmrs radio (mobile). Which one you'll recommend to cover most of Texas when Travel
You described why I ended up with an MXT275 perfectly. I went on an off roading/camping trip last weekend with some friends who recommended GMRS so we could communicate. I live in the city, and my 4X4 parks on the street so I needed something that I could install discreetly and pack away when not in use so it's not visible from outside of the vehicle. The radio performed flawlessly for what I need & doesn't take up too much space in my rig. I was able to connect with the rest of my party who had arrived at camp before me when I was at least 4-5 miles away through thick Pacific Northwest forest. One of my friends who was on the trip even liked my setup so much he immediately bought one when he got home to upgrade his handheld. Great review!
Thanks for comment. That’s what I’ll be using mine for and wasn’t sure how a 15 watt would do
I'm a ham and I might get one of these for my wife's car. I love how the controls are all in the mic. I wish there were 2m/70cm rigs laid out like this. Very little room on modern cars to mount radios.
me to im ham to i'm going to buy one for new car as well no room like older cars
Hi Randy, I'm a new to this GMRS and had recently payed my $70 to Uncle Sam's for a FCC license.
You were the first RUclips hit for GMRS and I've got to tell you that I'm hooked!
Funny satire, GREAT information on radios for the beginner.
Sense I'm a beginner I appreciate you going through these radios.
It's been years sense being in CB radio but I still listen to HF on my Kenwood R5000.
I do understand the differences between narrow band and wide band so I'll make sure when I purchase a radio I'll have both.
I'm a happy Ham and this is what I use for GMRS along with my Ham rig. Works great and the speaker volume helps a lot in the Jeep.
Same here! I added an external speaker to the base and have the audio out through it and the microphone speaker...very loud!! Zero issues being able to hear it.
Thanks for your comment, that helped solidify my choice!
Since Midland is obviously watching your videos, they need to start marketing a much more serious handheld GMRS radio for more serious users. There's no excuse for not doing it.
Hear! Hear!
Midland!!!!!
Listen to this man. We all want a high quality portable GMRS radio, not those dumb blister pack radios. Give us something with dust/water/impact protection that actually looks like a professional radio.
Like your CT690 and/or CT890 that is sold overseas. Or even better the CT990!!!!
Something waterproof would be excellent for canoeing and kayaking also. I’ve been on large group trips before and you get so spread out that the front of the group can’t possibly communicate with the rear of the group and vice versa.
We want you to make a GOOD mobile GMRS using Supper Hydron Technology. Real 50 watts using noise filters!!! Then WE THE PEOPLE Will buy tens of Thousands.....
What would you recommend? I'm new to gmrs radios.
Radio tucks nicely in a Tacoma center console and wires easily to the fuse box (with taps). Mic cord runs under the console top to a convenient mount at your side. Purchase a ghost antenna and hood mount. With that installed, you are a GMRS beginner.
I stumbled on this review.. Just like I stumbled across the Radio (which I was looking for at first). So.... I am totally new to GMRS.. In fact after watching part of this review I went to the FCC and got my license for GMRS. Only 35 dollars and it took me no time at all. This video was EXTREMELY helpful. I plan on using future radio in my vehicles for future camping, vacation trips. I want a radio that I can put on a small UTV, inside a camper and in my car. I was looking for something to keep the family in SAFE contact outside of cell phone tower range while we fish or hike. So this fits the niche. Thanks!!
I bought one a couple months ago, found it to be more than adequate to keep in my wife's Audi as part of the emergency kit. I tried several aftermarket antenna and none worked any better than the enclosed antenna. And for the sad hams,, I mounted the antenna on my glass sunroof and reception was fine, not optimal, but got 5 miles in my heavily tree unincorporated area of the sierras. One area I give them a perfect score is support. They responded quickly and thoroughly to my 5 or 6 inquires
I got on the FCC web site and in a few clicks bought my $35 GMRS license. It was a pleasant shock after so many years of dealing with their HORRIBLE web site. As an extra class Ham and retired software engineer I concur with your attitude about the self important know it alls.
Great radio! Installed ours in our side x side inside the dash, and used a water-proof rj-45 pass-through so we can "hide the mike" when not in use.... hits repeaters > 50 miles away no problem with our covert NMO ghost antenna...
I bought this radio, based on your review, for my side by side. Inexpensive, so no worries about it getting damaged from dust etc . I stuck main unit in the glove box and ran an extension cable from the main unit to a handy place I could easily reach when driving or resting. So far I love it for its convenience and simplicity. BTW I have my Extra Ham Operators License (KJ7VCY), but I don't always want to hop onto the ham radio while out getting dirty. Wish I could have known you were so close when I lived in Corona. Great vid Randy
Is the speaker in the hand unit loud enough in your side by side
Thanks for (finally :) reviewing this radio. I’m both a (happy :) ham and a licensed gmrs user. The only reason I purchased the mxt275 is for my wife’s vehicle, so she would let me install a radio at all. It works well enough for us, although it is missing at least one PL tone (CTCSS) which happens to be the one used on our local gmrs repeater. That’s disappointing to me since that repeater has a very large reach area... love your vids, the notaintro, and the sarcasm. My current favorite radio content provider. Cheers!
OMG! I laughed so hard when he placed the antenna on that pan! 😂🤣
I picked up this radio to see if I would like GMRS. Solid performance with minimal input from the user. Installed it in the car and eventually upgraded the antenna to longer version for better reach. Good tongue in cheek review
I use the mxt115 it's works and does the job for a mobile radio... I can reach 20 miles no problem and I use one as a base station... Keep the videos coming randy and keep giving those sad hams on there toes....
What antenna do you run? I have the 3DB ghost gain antenna and a KG905G and simplex running both radios with minimal obstructions I am getting about 8.5 miles.
You know, you should make a video about narrowband and wideband. Just a thought. 👍🏻
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! I’m his favorite listener. He pointed directly at me!!!! I got the Ghost antenna midland makes. Mine is mounted to my roll bar as high as it will go. I was able to reach my friend at about 5.4 miles. No clear line of site. It’s a good enough radio for sure.
Great Video's!
Recent Subscriber and New to Radios.
Everyone was Pushing me to turn into a "Ham" but after watching a few of your Videos, GMRS seems the way I want to go.
Thanks again.
I bought and installed this on a 2005 Chevy Trail Blazer --- very happy with it so far. The sole reason for this radio was the tiny footprint! It's incredibly small!
I set the screen to Yellow and I'm having an almost-ham to set up the repeater stuff for me; he was concerned if it was Narrow or Wide-band --- it IS Narrow --- yippee!
I also ordered these: TIDRADIO TD-H5 GMRS - and expect to enjoy them too. Thanks - very much for your assessment of this Midland MXT2575 radio.
I have the mxt-275 radio, I mounted the antenna on the upper left corner of the windshield and it works great. I am sure I can get more out of the radio, that's why I enjoy watching these videos. But on the level terrain, with house's and trees in-between my partner and I we talk 10 miles as the crow flies.
I bought this radio for everything you listed. Thanks for the reassurance.
David Canterbury recommended you on one of his last videos, glad he did. Great stuff and i love the jabs at the sad hams.
I love him! Which video? I'd like to go check it out.
@@TheNotaRubicon this one at about 14:10. ruclips.net/video/Yvp8wJIy7j4/видео.html
I know this was 2 years ago but I really enjoyed this review, especially since the Midland MXT275 is "out for delivery." I'm just getting started with GMRS and for my needs I believe this radio will meet my needs. Thanks so much for a great review!
Hey, Randy. I just got my Ham license, but I will say this: I respect experience over a permission slip.
Thank you for your videos. They’re delightful and educational. ❤
As always, I liked this video before it even gets started good. As always, I know there will be no need to change my vote.
EXCELLENT REVIEW, SIR
YOU ARE CORRECT BOUT GROUND PLATES. I LEARNED THIS THE HARD
WAY MANY MANY YEARS
AGO, BEGINNING WITH CB
RADIO! BEEN DOING HAM FOR 24 YEARS NOW. I'M DONE WITH HAM. GONNA
TRY AND BUY ONE OF THEM MIDLAND MXT275
GMRS RADIOS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, SIR!!!
I’ve learned so much about this radio from this video. You are right, I bought this radio for off roading on the weekend and don’t for trips. I don’t know anything about repeaters. I have bought a 3 foot antenna (+6db) and mounted it on the tail light area of my 4runner. I didn’t know about ground planes til now but the radio seems to pick up and transmit signal without problems. Maybe if I mounted it on the hood or roof it would have been more perfect. Thanks for the video!
Stumbled on your videos while trying to learn about GMRS. Now I find myself watching as many as I can. Anyway, just got this radio along with a Midland 3db gain Ghost antenna and these items now live in my truck. Love it so far. Thanks for the educational as well as comedy sprinkled content - keep up the great work.
Great video, i have that radio and works great. I tried a regular mag mount with RG58 coax and a higher gain antenna and did not see a real great improvement. Did find out though by not using the supplied antenna that came with the radio it would not pick up any weather stations, guess that long wire has some benefits in that band of reception.
Than ks for the imperfect test. This is how my antenna will be on the third brake light mount of my Al-Lu-Minium truck. 1/2 aluminum roof ground plane, 1/2 fiberglass topper.
I own the 115 model. I haven't a need for more power really as I live in florida... everything is flat lol. Love that little radio. Thanks again for your honest videos.
Great video. Very informative and sealed my decision to buy the MXT275. I'm a railfan and want it for those purposes. Me and my friends chase and photograph trains. I will never check the SWR or worry about the tech performance of this radio as long as I can reach and hear my friends.
Everybody knows you never use a cookie tray as a ground plane.....A pizza pan "preferably Neapolitan style" would be a much better choice. Always remember to remove the pizza before mounting the antenna. I learn that the hard way. Good review.
never thought id be entertained watching a radio review video! thanks for the info and the humor.
I have that same little antenna stuck to my plastic dashboard of my Yamaha Rhino with gorilla glue, works just fine hitting my repeater ( 20 mile radius of the farm) very happy with Midland Radios for our farm vehicle’s
In a straight line, in wooded country, how far can you talk?
I love this. I wish Motorola made something as simple as this. I want to get this for my truck and when I go back and forth to the city would love to chat with people on the road.
"I'm surprised it not only works, but works very well." Well, that's because they gave you so much wire, you can basically leave the antenna at home as you drive around town, so you can always reach home base that way. Where are you supposed to store all that extra unshielded wire so it doesn't cause interference?
Actually it is shielded cable, RG6(?) I think. Me and my Ham buddies been using it in our cars for years with no issues. Now for jamboree stuff the THICK stuff comes out.
Happy ham here with a fresh GMRS license and I can’t wait to try this thing out!
UPDATE - I exchanged the MXR275 in my Trail Blazer for a MXR575 and put on one of the Midland antennas with real coax. It's incredibly powerful and at this point, I think I'll satisfy my "dork persona" with handhelds and just leave the Midlands in as mobile units and the HTs as dork-supplementals.
So far --- I'm having a lot of fun! Oh yeah --- I bought a RT97 and antenna and ordered some LM-400 and that goes operational in a couple of weeks - as soon as the snow and cold abate just a tad.
Thanks for your info. I know where you live --- I lived in Anza.
I have this and the Uniden CMX760, which is the same form factor, stacked behind my dash. I typically go most of the summer with no roof on my Jeep, so I need something I can hide both for water protection and security. I just plug in the microphones if/when I need them.
I have the MXT400 and have no complaints. the main issues are fixed by basic programming. Thought you'd like to know as your.... favorite.... viewer
I got the same radio... There is programming software for it...
I almost decided i wanted this radio until you said it was narrow band.
What a good wide band mobile radio.
I have a HT but need a mobil rig for my truck
Ty for your content. I purchased a uv-9r based on your reviews just the other day, (a year or so after your review etc), and yes indeed, B-Tech did listen, as there was an additional screw for the programming cable. Keep up the good work.
I have this radio in my truck with the 6db ghost antennae from Midland and it works well.
This is a great choice for ham operators who just want to be able transmit on GMRS channels in an emergency. A handheld GMRS radio is OK for listening to strong signals or simplexing with someone very close, but not much good for reaching out.
Hi Randy. Please do make a video explaining the difference between narrowband and wideband. That would be very good. Thanks!
This will be nowhere as eloquent as what Randy will explain, but in hopes of tiding yourself and others over until he does a video, here goes nothing.
Running wide band with a narrowband repeater or when conversing with someone whose radio is set to narrowband is kinda like having a heavy-duty wife or girlfriend who needs to shop at Lane Bryant, and buying her the smallest panties available at Victoria's Secret. Your wife or girlfriend might be able to force herself into them but they will at some point rip open and be rather awkward. Likewise, your wideband signal will spill out over the edges of the narrowband repeater's or radio's receiver's passband and will sound awkward, maybe loud and distorted.
If you have a narrowband radio and are trying to communicate with a person through a wideband radio or repeater, it will be like getting your very thin wife or girlfriend the biggest pair of panties at Lane Bryant. She can fit into them, but they will be very loose and awkward. Likewise, your narrowband signal will fit well within the receiver passband of the wideband repeater or receiver, but there will be a lot of excess room around it. Your transmit audio, as a result, may sound kind of weak and lacking, inside those larger receiver passbands.
Hope this helps.
@@grigorirasputin5020 Thanks for that. I'm going to have to experiment with both variations of panties to fully understand the analogy, but this helps. BTW do you have a spare room?
Great Video - Im a HAM and love when you rip Sad HAMS a new one! (M7CCZ)
I thoroughly enjoy all of these shows, Im gathering stuff to get into the fun, I also have a sad ham friend who enjoys speaking on a level he knows that is far above my understanding. Thanks for helping remove some of the mystique
Something you might point out to overly critical antenna comments include: A true ground plane has perfect conductivity, is perfectly flat, and extends out forever. This means that a ground plane antenna with 3 or 4 radials is not a perfect ground plane, a car or truck roof is not a perfect ground plane, and every real antenna is a compromise. Shall we start in on the micro coaxial cable provided? In reality, the best antenna is one you can mount that doesn’t interfere with your vehicle operation. In most cases, you are not trying to reach the theoretical limits of range, just far enough to get your message through. For those who want to reach the theoretical limits, there are 30’ parabolic dishes available. Yeah, I’m one of those 50+ year extra class hams with an engineering degree, but I’m looking at adding a small GMRS mobile to replace the GMRS handheld we have been using while caravanning. Thanks!
Very entertaining and informative review. I love my little MXT275. It’s great for the limited space I have in my vehicle. I have the Ghost 3db gain antenna with mag mount that I switch out with 6db gain antenna on the roof of my vehicle. Careful sir. Some may say you are starting to like Midland radios…… 😳
I have the same setup you do. The software could be better and the screen could use an update from 1985 to 2015. But other than that I love the form factor. The handset controls are awesome. The radio can be mounted anywhere with a cat5 extension to the hand set. It is a really well built and thought out set of hardware. My only real complaint is that you can't save multiple settings for the same channel. The menu interface is also a let down because of the silly 1980s screen. I am thinking about getting the NEW 575 with the giant watt blaster feature when they are in stock again. More power is more better right?
i have been watching your videos for a few months now, and i have learn a whole lot. thank you
One use for the "Monitor" button is for those who use the mis-named "Privacy" tones (which should be called "Do-Not-Disturb" tones) to make sure no one else is already using the frequency before keying up.
I seriously watch all these just to laugh everyday. Lol
I’m learning GMRS and love this channel. 👍
There needs to be a "love it" button. Thanks for calling out the dickheads especially. Bravo on a clear, concise, no BS review. This should be a template for others. Two thumbs up!
I just bought this radio for my sxs I think it’s perfect for me. Thanks for your review 👍🏻
Just bought this radio and installed in my Jeep JK. The only things I wish it had was a way to skip channels while scanning and a setting to automatically power the radio off. I think it does power off is no signal is received for awhile but not after 30 - 60 minutes, etc. Other than that I love it.
I saw you recently (streaming with a ham guy - no less), where you stated that this radio is now wide band. I wondered how one would tell if their radio was wide or narrow (on repeater channels). I wrote to midland support and received a reply (5/20/22) that stated that all radios are set to narrow band, but that the newer ones - with the USB-C port - could be upgraded in firmware to transmit wideband. I noticed, looking at the FCC ID, that indeed there was an application for increased bandwidth transmission.
Apparently, after the firmware update, the choice of bandwidth is not user selectable. I would love to see you reach out to Midland, and do another excellent video explaining what the story is.
Thank you for your excellent videos on GMRS.
Rick
Great review. My off-roading buddy and I are thinking of getting this and doing away with the cb radios that don't work very well. I am probably in that target market for something like this. We just need to be able to communicate while we are off-roading and traveling , so will never be more than a couple of miles away anyway and this seems to be the ticket. I also don't have a lot of room for a big display, so the handheld controls are perfect and I can mount the power box out of the way somewhere. Thanks for this.
Know that the Jeep Jamboree (Rubicon) folks require GMRS radios as mandatory equipment. Maybe because Midland is now a major sponsor😉
😀 I don't usually comment on RUclips videos but I must say I enjoy your postings and most of your content. You tell it like it is (most of the time) and I THANK YOU for that❗😎👍🏻
loved how you took the time to mark the center and then purposefully put the antenna on the side. too bad the sad hams caused you to not get your license...would be great to have on the air. wish there was an echolink for gmrs, because its great for ham because you dont need radio or anything, its all done by software.
I have this little gem in my Tacoma and I love it. I don't know how it works, and I only have a mild understanding of repeaters. Much like a cell phone, I don't know how it works, I just want to pick it up and talk to my group of Tacos. I did add a 3dB stubby antenna because it looks cool and stuff.
Thanks for the quick response. Will buy and install after a major storm passes by me.
I just realized that the in line fuse holder has a spare fuse within it, that is the perfect spot for a spare fuse.
Thanks for the straight forward video, just purchased on of these for my first ever GMRS unit.
Been waiting for this review. Thank you!
Very thorough review Randy @NotaRubicon Productions
Recently discovered your channel and love it, two reasons, one, the information and 2 the addressing of that arrogant group, love it.
Thank you for the practical no nonsense review. Looks like the radio I need.
You are HILARIOUS! I loved it. Just subscribed because of your wit and dry humor. This vid was definitely targeted at me and it was exceptional. Thanks for making it. I was debating about getting the MXT275 and this convinced me it was right for me.
You should turn the cake pan right side up. This way it can catch any RF signal that may spill over the sides😂. At least until the pan fills up.
That is hilarious!
This video got a like from me just for the imperfect placement of the antenna, alone. Well done.
I have one of these in the Jeep with a nice 32” Midland GMRS antenna and it works great
Lol that antenna placement was awesome, someone’s ocd just went nuts
Hey Randy, the new MXMC01 microphone now has full word displays vs the codes the OEM mic comes with. Definitely a game changer plus it has noise canceling.
Thank you very much. I am the person that needs to get this radio.
I have read on the internets that the upcoming Midland 575 50w radio will be based off of this radio. Not sure if it is true, but if you Google it, the dope does pop up
I have this radio, it does the job with a Midland nmo 6db gain ant.. just wish FCC would expand GMRS out to 40 channels
Any chance you will review the MTX-400?
Thanks.
Sold!
Profesional review, great job.
This will be my next radio for my truck, thanks
This will probably be my next GMRS radio. I like the idea of some of the 50 watt units but I probably won't use it enough to justify the cost.
Ended up with the Wouxon KG1000G. Long story 😆
You can build your own repeater with two of those units and 40W is 👍🏻
I just wanted to let you know that I have watched and enjoyed several of your videos but today I actually hit the like button because I just love your approach. Also because you said "Every moron knows that unboxing videos are stupid." haha love it, and keep the vids coming.
awesome video i'm a ham you proved a lot wrong i like that radio going to buy one now i like you ground plane setup work great on repeaters
Love your style and presentation, going to watch more of your channel! I was on the fence for this to put in my Corvette but after watching your video I am purchasing from your affiliate link. Thank you
LOLW - love the editing to show the old 75 handheld CB - hollywood eat your heart out
I am not a sad ham, sometimes I am a happy ham, mostly I am just an old ham trying to remember a portion of what I forgot ever since I jumped head first into the hobby when I was age 17 in 1979, lol. Now that I am an official OM, we did a lot of camp hosting and now that we have moved up to management (moved up is debatable) we have a situation where nearly all 16 USFS campgrounds we manage have terrible cell coverage, if they get any signal at all. None of our camp hosts have their ham ticket, last year Sheila and I used several of the local ham repeaters to talk out of our box canyon campground through local repeaters down to town whenever one of us ran for supplies. A 50-watt radio in the truck and a strategically held 5-watt handheld back at the RV could communicate marvelously. The previous manager tried satellite radios with dismal success, too many pine trees at the campgrounds. My GMRS license expired 9 years ago and I just applied for a new license and that is where I learned that they did away with new business licenses and are going to exclusive individual licenses in addition to the active grandfathered corporate legal licenses. While we inquire who in corporate has such a license (after a corporate merger we wonder?) but it also means that only my wife and immediate family can use my license. If there is no active corporate license then we have to convince hosts to apply for their own individual licenses, however many RVers are Jeep people so maybe if I wave a new radio in front of them they will apply for the $35 license. We need by contract with the USFS to provide wellness checks and emergency communications with our hosts in the event of campground illness, animal issues, or even emergency TP orders (an outhouse without TP IS an emergency). Anyway, since none of our hosts are hams, I think this would be the ideal radio for them. Many of them already use the low-cost FRS radios, but I have to convince them that the new radio won't work with them for reasons in your video above, but we can cross that bridge when we get that far as there are also higher power handhelds, however, I will read part 95 more carefully so not as to mess up the intent with the base stations, fixed stations, and handhelds which have their frequency bands slightly separated. But this Midland looks like a great radio and I have a few road pizza pans I can give out at ground planes as needed.
Keep up the good work, sir!!! We love your sense of humor as sometimes in this business my humor is all I have that is working! -Dave, KU9L & Sheila, KB9YYI, soon to be a GMRSer again, LOL.
I purchased my MXT275 January 13th. Sadly, it is the dinosaur type A model that doesn't support split tones. Makes me sad now that I'm slowly becoming a GMRS dork. Midland's response to me was, too bad, so sad, buy the upgraded C model. Whatever. I'll wait for the 575 to come out, as I need the need the small footprint of the 275 to fit in my Jeep.
I enjoyed the sarcasm. “One ham said it would catch on fire”.
He is using a Yaesu on gmrs. I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that.😄
I see a lot of Hams here. Some happy, some sad. It's all good. Thanks again Randy! I have me eye on this one for the summer traveling. Kudos on yet another awesome video. WRKH707 -Bob
Thanks for the review. It was very helpful. We’re going to use this on SXS
Perfect timing, just bought one for my offroad vehicle and this video helped this simpleton immensely. Signed: Mongo.......ROGER BEEP
Randy, you're hilarious. I hope nobody considers me a sad ham because I laugh so hard when you bring up that stuff. I've come across so many people that are exactly how you present them to be and I fail to see it positively advancing the hobby. Anyway, I'm new to your channel, enjoy the videos and looking to get a GMRS license as well for another tool or option.
I recently got the 575. I can see this fitting a need for a much more cost effective option. I like the Wideband on the 575. Sadly, no programming is a pain if you deploy multiple.
Just got my radio in and I didn't want to be the one to correct you but I had to do it. I lost the USB rubber plug in LESS than 10 seconds. Hahahah! I couldn't believe it!
I enjoy your videos and I’m just starting to learn about GMRS and your videos are very helpful and always have me laughing.
Exactly why I have this radio!👊🏼👏🏼👏🏼. Keep great videos coming 😎