Midland

Midland introduced the venerable GXT1000 in 2009. Now the manufacturer is giving their iconic radio a makeover, with long requested updates and new functionality to bring it up to date with the needs of today's GMRS operator. Introducing the Midland GXT3000 GMRS Two Way Radio!

In this full video edition of the award nominated The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny and Rick tell you about this new handheld GMRS radio from Midland and compare it with two previous models in that series. We’ll also take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our Two Way Radio Forum.

Listen to the audio only version of this episode and Subscribe to the show!

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As GMRS radios continue to grow in popularity, so does interest in expanding the range of the service for even greater coverage. The way to do this is through the use of repeaters.

Unfortunately, setting up a repeater can be time consuming, resource intensive and very expensive for many GMRS operators. To complicate matters further, there are not many repeaters out there that are specifically FCC approved for the GMRS.

Now, Midland is stepping up to the plate with a repeater of its own, and it may be a practical solution for all of those issues. It's the MXR10 Portable GMRS Repeater, a 10 watt repeater that can be set up in a home, a vehicle or just about any other clean and dry indoor location where such a radio range extender is needed.

The MXR10 is specifically tailored for repeater capable GMRS radios in three unique ways. First, it's a portable repeater, designed for use in a mobile or onsite environment where maneuverability is desired or needed. For instance, the MXT10 is ideal when setting up a base camp during a group hiking trip or other excursion in the wild. It is handy for extending communications during an offroading event. It can be used at in club activities and conventions. It's also great for use as a temporary range extender or backup repeater in case of a communications outage or other emergency. There are many practical applications for a mobile or portable repeater, and the MXR10 is made to fit those needs.

The MXR10 is also plug and play. It can be set up and taken down very quickly, with little effort and preparation. This is primarily due to the fact that the General Mobile Radio Service itself only has 8 sets of repeater frequencies, and these are generally pre-assigned to eight repeater channels. The MXR10 is pre-programmed with two sets of these eight channels, one in narrow band mode and a second set in wide band mode, for a total of 16 channels.

The channels can be easily customized further using PC programming software provided by Midland. This customization includes High and low transmit power selection, squelch level adjustment, repeater delay, and the selection of CTCSS tones and DCS codes. The Tones and codes can be programmed to transmit and receive independently, This feature is also known as split tones. Also, the programming software, if needed, is easy to setup up and use, and customizing the MXR10 repeater is fairly simple and straightforward. This alone makes the MXR10 a valuable asset in the field.

Most importantly, it's affordable. A traditional repeater alone can cost anywhere from $1800 on up. By the time you add the duplexer, antenna, cabling, power requirements and other expenses, the overall cost can be considerably higher. In contrast, the Midland MXR10 is only $459.99. Even factoring in the antenna, feed line, etc., the MXR10 is still a fraction of the cost of a full-fledged rack unit, and considerably less than the cost of a "home grown" GMRS repeater system.

But what about the wattage? A typical GMRS repeater is around 50 watts, the maximum allowed on the GMRS. The MXR10 is only 10 watts. Doesn't that make the MXR10 inferior?

Not at all.

While 50 watts is a significant power output compared to 10 watts, wattage alone does not determine the coverage or performance of a repeater. Location, elevation, antenna height, the feed line and reliable uptime all factor into the equation. Under the right circumstances, a 10 watt mobile repeater can conceivably match the performance of a 50 watt model. In fact, it can be an asset, as the lower wattage equates to a lower draw on power, which can potentially increase uptime, particularly when the power source may be limited or becomes compromised. Also, it's designed for mobility. The portability factor alone gives the MXR10 an advantage that the typical repeater station doesn't have. This can be especially useful in an emergency situation.

The MXR10 is compatible with all Midland GMRS two way radios with repeater capability. This includes the MXT Series mobile radios and the Midland GXT3000VP4 portable handheld GMRS radio. It will also work with any other repeater capable GMRS radio.

The Midland MXR10 includes the repeater, AC adapter, DC adapter, programming cable, owner’s manual, quick start guide, and a one year manufacturer warranty from Midland. All you need is an external antenna and a feed line (cable) to connect it to the unit.

After its introduction in 2009, the Midland GXT1000VP4 quickly became an icon in the world of GMRS walkie talkies, and it remains so today. Much has been written about the GXT1000, and there is a multitude of articles, videos and podcasts that cover nearly every aspect of it.

So it was no surprise that Midland would introduce another version of it, and in 2013 the company did so, with the GXT2000. It featured some notable improvements and was much anticipated by the GMRS community. Unfortunately, although the initial reviews were generally favorable, the product experienced delays due to production issues and was ultimately discontinued.

Yet the popularity of the GXT1000 never waned. Neither did the sales. With so much competition and innovation in the GMRS marketplace, the venerable GXT1000 is still holding its own. In fact, fifteen years later, it is still a top selling GMRS radio, and perhaps the most recognizable Midland product around. There's just one thing. It's showing its age.

Now Midland is giving their beloved flagship radio a makeover, with long requested updates and new functionality to bring it up to date with the needs of today's GMRS operator. Introducing the Midland GXT3000 GMRS Two Way Radio!

The first and natural inclination would be to draw comparisons between the GXT3000 and the original. After all, this radio is a new and improved version of the GXT1000, and many of the features included with each are the same. However, the 3000 actually has more in common with the now defunct GXT2000, especially in its overall design. Take a look at an image of the GXT2000VP4, compare it to an image of the GXT3000VP4, and you'll notice it right away. These two models look almost identical to one another.

Appearance
In a side by side comparison, The GXT2000 and GXT3000 are nearly indistinguishable, right down to the LCD display that is "split" on the lower end to separate some of the function icons. They both have the same 5-key keypad as well, although the Arrow Up key on the GXT3000 also controls the flashlight, something the GXT2000 and GXT1000 don't have. The PTT, front speaker grille, and side audio port are all identical. Even the on/off/volume knob looks the same. Overall, the GXT2000 and GXT3000 have almost the same shell, with the same shape and size. There are, however, two exceptions. The GXT3000 has the already mentioned flashlight, and one additional port on the side of the radio. It's USB-C!

Battery and Charging Options
Each of the three models use different types of rechargeable batteries. The GXT1000 uses a BATT-5R NiMH rechargeable battery pack. The GXT2000 used a lithium polymer battery. The GXT3000 operates on a Lithium-ion battery pack. According to Midland, the battery can power the new radio for up to 18 hours. All three radios can also operate on AA alkaline batteries, although this was somewhat problematic on the GXT2000, which is possibly one factor that may have contributed to its demise.

As with the previous models, the GXT3000 includes a dual pocket desktop charger, which is still considered a primary charging option. All three radios can be charged using an optional DC vehicle adapter designed for that purpose. What sets the GXT3000 apart from the others is that it also supports USB charging via the USB-C port built into the side of the radio.

It should be noted that the desktop chargers are NOT compatible between the GXT1000, GXT2000 and GXT3000. Although the radios are roughly the same size and have the same footprint, the technology required to charge the different types of rechargeable batteries for each radio is different. The power plugs on the back of the chargers are also different. The GXT3000 charger uses a USB-C plug, so it isn't possible to use the same wall or vehicle plug from the other models anyway.

Transmit Power
The GXT3000VP4 has its own FCC ID number. This typically means that there were some significant changes between all the previous models that Midland had to submit to the FCC for approval. Midland does not publish the actual wattage of its consumer radios on its site nor does it include this information on their spec sheets. This is where the FCC ID comes in handy. A simple lookup of the grant in the FCC database for the Part 95E certification reveals the actual wattage.

Based on the testing data submitted to the FCC, the GXT3000 has a maximum output power of 2.42 watts. In contrast, the wattage of the GXT1000 varies between 2.43, 2.5 and 5.33 watts, depending on which GXT1000 was tested. This is because there are several generations of the GXT1000 due to various updates and changes to it over time, each with its own FCC ID. The GXT2000 maxed out at 2.649 watts.

Receiver
Also, just in case anyone is interested, the GXT3000 has a superheterodyne receiver. While the advantages of a superhet receiver in a consumer transceiver might be debatable in this age of advanced chip technology, it may still serve to satiate the concerns and desires of a few GMRS radio enthusiasts nonetheless.

Core Functions
At its core, the GXT3000 is a bona fide GMRS radio. It can transmit and receive on all of the standard GMRS channels allocated to the service by the FCC, plus 38 "additional" channels that are pre-set with specific privacy tones. These are the same XTRA channels that the GXT1000 supports, although Midland apparently no longer calls them "XTRA". The GXT3000 also supports the same standard 38 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes as other Midland models, utilizing the same number code system to keep things copacetic across their product line. Nothing new there.

Repeater Capability
What is new in the GXT3000 is repeater support. Yes, that's right, by popular demand, the GXT3000 includes all 8 GMRS repeater channels for full, unfettered access to repeaters! This functionality has been available on the Midland mobiles for quite some time, but it is a new, refreshing and welcome addition to their GMRS portable handheld models.

Previously, those who relied primarily on GMRS repeaters but were loyal to the Midland brand were forced to settle for mixing their MXT series mobile radios with portable handhelds from other brands to make their system work. Not anymore. With the GXT3000, you can now have your repeater and transmit on it too, across your entire Midland branded fleet.

Weather Channels
Of course, it wouldn't be a top tier GXT Series radio without the weather channels and alerts, and the GXT3000 delivers. It features a built-in weather alert radio with 7 US NOAA weather channels plus 3 Canadian Marine frequencies, for a total of 10 weather related channels.

Features
The GXT3000 lists the same set of features as its predecessors. This includes 10 call tones, channel scan, dual channel watch, auto squelch, multiple power settings, battery saver, keypad lock, monitor function, silent operation, vibrate alert and VOX, for what that's worth. Like the other models, it is also JIS4 water resistant and has a three year manufacturer warranty.

To be unique, the GXT3000 also has an SOS siren, just in case you want or need one.

Group Mode
The GXT1000 has a direct call and a group mode feature, and Midland removed both of these in the GXT2000. Group Mode must have been sorely missed, because it has returned. The GXT3000 features Group Mode, which includes Group Caller ID and Group Ring Tones.

Wide and Narrow Band Support
There is one new feature aside from what was already covered that is definitely worth noting. Unlike the GXT1000 and GXT2000, which were fixed on narrowband, the GXT3000 does support both wide and narrow band and allows you to choose between the two modes. This is quite a departure from the previous models and can be quite beneficial, especially when trying to communicate with older Midland units and other makes and models of GMRS radios.

Conclusion
To summarize, the GXT3000 isn't as much an update of the ever popular GXT1000 as it is a redux of the Midland GXT2000. The difference is that the new radio uses a better battery, the choice of wide and narrow band options and, most notably, full support for GMRS repeaters. It also has the overall look and feel of the former, which is great, because we were fans of the GXT2000 and were sorry to see it go. But now it's back, apparently, and better than ever!

The GXT3000 is currently available in a GXT3000VP4 Value Pack that includes two radios, a dual pocket desktop charger, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, two belt clips, a 6 foot USB-C cable, an AC wall adapter and a 12V vehicle charging adapter. Price: $149.99.

The Midland BizTalk® Buy 6, get 2 Free offer is back for 2024! This offer runs from February 1 through April 30, 2024, so if you want to build your radio fleet faster with some FREE radios, this is the way to go. Start the year off with savings for your business radio comms and take advantage of this deal while you can!

Eligible models include the Midland BizTalk™ BR180, BR200, MB400 business radio and the BizTalk six pack radio and multicharger combos. This is an exciting offer for your business with real savings and value!

Here is a complete list of radios included in this offer.

This offer is fulfilled by the manufacturer, so the free radio(s) will be shipped when Midland receives and processes your online rebate submission form. Offer valid on up to 60 BR200, BR180 or MB400 radios per customer/company purchased from February 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024. Download the flyer for details. A minimum of 6 BR200 radios, BR180 radios or 6 MB400 radios must be purchased to qualify. Midland's rebate terms and conditions apply.

NOTE: Offer expires at midnight April 30, 2024. All claims must be entered by 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, May 31, 2024 to qualify. Redemption submissions received after that date will NOT be eligible regardless of purchase date. All transactions are subject to validation. Offer is good to U.S. residents only and is void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law..

On July 16, 2021, Midland requested that the FCC waive certain sections of its Part 95 rules to extend data privileges that are currently limited only to handheld GMRS devices to include mobile radios as well. On November 29, 2023 the FCC issued a public notice seeking public comment on the request within 30 days. What exactly is this all about?

In this extended video segment from episode 185 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast, Danny and Rick explain what is going on, the likelihood that the petition will be granted and what this potentially means for the future of the General Mobile Radio Service.

Listen to the full Two Way Radio Show podcast and Subscribe to the show!

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Most consumer grade FRS and GMRS radios sold in two packs, commonly referred to as "bubble pack" radios, do not include an option to allow the user to reset the radio if needed. However, the Midland GXT1000 apparently does have a reset feature, although it isn't in the manual.

In this episode of Radio 101, Tommy shows you how to reset the Midland GXT1000 and GXT1050 GMRS radios back to factory defaults.

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When we first announced the introduction of the Midland MXT400 in 2017, it was met with great excitement, and quickly became a top selling GMRS mobile radio at Buy Two Way Radios. Yet there were a few shortcomings, and many GMRS power users were quick to list them. Taking serious note of this, Midland worked to address them and the rumours swirled of an impending update. Now, the wait is over. The Midland MXT500 is here!

More Power
The MXT500 has many updates and improvements over its predecessor. For starters, it has more transmit power. The MXT400 was touted to max out at 40 watts, the MXT500 boasts up to 50 watts, the maximum for GMRS. This is a bit of a power boost that can make a difference when out in the woods or open range, providing a little more reach, and even more so when coupled with the right antenna. But that's just for starters.

Bandwidth Selectable
Where the MXT500 really makes a difference is in its new and improved features, and there are quite a few of them. Of course, it transmits on 15 GMRS channels and 8 repeater channels, but now it's with more flexibility. The MXT400 was limited to narrowband on these frequencies, which was a source of frustration among GMRS power users who needed to interoperate with other GMRS radios using wideband. Midland certainly listened and made note of this. The MXT500 makes this bandwidth selectable, so you can choose between narrowband and wideband operation as desired.

NOAA Weather Radio
Another quibble many GMRS users had with the MXT400 was the lack of a NOAA weather channels and alerts. Other models in the MXT Micromobile series such as the MXT105, MXT115 and MXT275 had this, so why not the one at the top of the line? It was a fair question, and one that Midland subsequently addressed. The MXT500 has a built-in NOAA weather radio, complete with a WX button on the front panel for full access to the weather band.

Split Tones and Codes
Yet another item of contention was the lack of flexibility with privacy codes. The MXT400 simply didn't have any. While not a cause for concern with anyone using the radio for general simplex operation, those needed to access GMRS repeaters found it difficult to do so if said repeater used different tones or codes to transmit and receive. This is not an issue with The MXT500. It features split tones, allowing you to set one CTCSS tone or DCS code for transmitting on a channel and a different tone or code to receive a signal. It may seem a minor upgrade to some, but an important one for power users nonetheless.

Other Features
Many of the other features inherent in the the MXT400 are also retained in the MXT500, including the adjustable squelch, voice compander, talk around, silent operation, monitor function, timeout timer and, obviously, channel scan. However, the MXT500 adds a little extra to the scan function called Scan Skip, which lets you omit or "opt out" of scanning specific channels when performing a scan.

7 Color Display
The enhancements and upgrades aren't limited to internal features. There are several aesthetic and physical changes that make the MXT500 an attractive update to the MXT Micromobile series. For instance, the display of the MXT400 had 6 brightness levels, but was limited to one static color, orange. The MXT500 keeps the adjustable levels and adds 7 color options, allowing you to customize the display color to your personal taste.

More and Better Connections
The front panel sports a few physical changes, the first to note being the most obvious. The channel selector knob is moved from the left side of the front panel to the right. Then comes the control panel. The MXT400 has three buttons, the MXT500 has five. The MXT400 speaker mic uses an RJ45 connector. The MXT500 uses an 8-pin DIN style connector. The MXT500 retains the SO-239 antenna connector and 3.5mm external speaker jack and adds a 5-pin intercom jack to connect a TA5 mini XLR intercom or headset.

One other physical attribute worth noting is the USB port. The MXT115 and MXT275 had one, but it was noticeably missing from The MXT400. The MXT500 has a USB-C port, which can be used for fast charging other devices, such as a tablet or smartphone. It can also be used to program the radio, which brings us to one of the most exciting features of this new mobile.

PC Programmable
Yes, the MXT500 is PC programmable, meaning you can customize its features and functions using a USB-C cable and programming software. The instructions and programming software are available under the downloads tab on the MXT500 product page at Buy Two Way Radios. You can also download the instructions here.

Dust and Water Proof
The final upgrade to note is improved ruggedness and durability. The MXT500 is rated IP66 dust and waterproof for added protection against the elements. If you're offroading or engaging in other extreme outdoor activities, this radio is made to mount in your jeep, ATV or UTV.

Easy to Use
As you've read here, the MXT500 is certainly a significant upgrade to the MXT400, with a lot of new and exciting features. But for all the improvements, one thing has not changed, and that is its ease of use. One of most appealing aspects of the MXT400 is its simplicity of operation. The MXT500 retains that, too. Of course, we always recommend that to get the most out of any radio, it's important to RTM (read the Manual) first. However, like all of the other Midland micromobiles, the MXT500 is extremely easy to set up and use, with or without the manual. And that makes the biggest difference of all.

The Midland MXT500 is now available to ship from our warehouse at Buy Two Way Radios.

Mobile GMRS radios have become increasingly popular during the last few years. The concept of a mobile or base station radio that operates on the GMRS and is fully compatible with a traditional handheld GMRS transceiver is of great interest to many licensed GMRS operators. Considering that the General Mobile Radio Service includes 22 standard simplex channels, it is naturally assumed that a GMRS mobile will transmit on them all, just like a portable handheld model. But that isn't the case. Why?

Our customers ask us why their mobile GMRS radio cannot access channels 8-14, or can only receive on them. For instance, the Wouxun KG-1000G can receive on those channels, but cannot transmit on them. In the case of Midland's MicroMobiles, channels 8-14 are missing entirely. It isn't just a FAQ from our customers. This is also an item of speculation on GMRS forums and in the comments section of many Youtube videos.

So, what gives? Why are these channels fully accessible on a portable handheld GMRS walkie talkie, but not available for transmit on Part 95 type accepted, FCC approved GMRS mobile or base station radios?

The popular answer provided in these venues commonly focuses on the wattage limitation imposed by the FCC on these channels. The typical line of reasoning is that these channels have a one half watt transmit limit, and high powered mobile radios simply can't reduce their power to such a low level, so therefore they can't transmit on those channels legally. While the wattage theory does make some sense, and the inability to go below one watt may indeed be the case with some mobile radios, this answer is not actually correct.

The real reason can be easily found within the FCC rules for GMRS. Specifically, the rule in Part 95, Subpart E which limits the frequencies commonly assigned to channels 8-14 to hand-held radios only. Here is the applicable section (from § 95.1763 GMRS channels):

(d) 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 467.5675, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125 MHz.

Those channel center frequencies are the seven frequencies assigned to GMRS channels 8-14.

In other words, only handheld GMRS radios can transmit on channels 8-14 because, well, you can only transmit on channels 8-14 with a handheld GMRS radio.

Yep, because the FCC said so. That's all it is. And there you go.

The Midland MXT115 is a GMRS micromobile two way radio that is also repeater capable. All you need to do is activate them. This is actually quite simple and can be done very quickly, once you know how to do it. how do you activate and configure them?

In this episode of Radio 101, Rick shows you how to easily setup the 8 GMRS repeater channels on the Midland MXT115. He also shows you how to configure a CTCSS tone or DCS code on a repeater channel.

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The Midland MXT400 is one of the few GMRS mobile radios that is also repeater capable. The question is, how do you activate and configure the repeater channels?

In this episode of Radio 101, Rick shows you how to quickly and easily activate the repeater channels on the MXT400 in a few simple steps. Plus, he shows you how to add CTCSS tones and DCS codes to a GMRS repeater channel.

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