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While looking up something else today, I came across some information about the Midland MXT-275 that indicates it can be reprogrammed to change some the the default settings. Bad news first. This is only theoretically possible. The required software is not readily available. The good news. The radio can be programmed with OEM software and a special programming cable that plugs into the Microphone. This was discussed in a thread on reddit The thread was initially about the MXT-400, and includes a nice video showing the programming of that radio. However, 3 days ago a user named looks_good_on_paper posted some notes about his experience with the MXT-275 and an email exchange with Midland. He also included a link to an Australian video about programming the MXT-275. Unfortunately, his conversation with Midland hit a dead end. The challenge. The MXT-275 is, like everything else Midland sells, almost certainly manufactured by another company for Midland. So, like the MXT-400, software might be available for other versions of that hardware. It is also possible that the Midland software might be available somewhere out there on the web. The reddit article gives some information about other similar Midland models sold in Europe and Australia. So, perhaps that info might help track down other versions of the radio. In any case, it looks like the radio can be "fixed," and good luck to those who wish to pursue the challenge of getting the tools together.

if it's something you're going to use regularly, definitely worth adding to its own memory slot once you get it figured out. my setup is the base 30 presets, my 3 local repeaters (2 of them on .625 with different tones), and then a second set of repeater channels (as "new 15r" through "new 22r") to have an extra set when traveling.

We motorhome. I've switched to GMRS from FRS recently and do not regret it at all. We started using them for backing in to a site or the storage unit and hiking in case we got separated. Occasionally, one of us will take the dog while the other stays in the motorhome and that's a little peace of mind. When we fish (poorly), we sometimes separate a ways to try different areas. In the last few months, I've built a GMRS base here at home, a Micromobile in the TOAD Jeep and soon in the motorhome. I don't know of any RV groups that exclusively use GMRS but Jeep Jamboree is going that way this year.

In answer to your question, I agree with Citizen, it will be easier if you have another radio rather than changing channels. If it helps, I do like the Wouxun KG-805G as it receives a bit better than a less expensive radio but you will pay more.

You could buy a cheap bubble-pack GMRS HT (~$20) for monitoring only, and set it to the correct frequency/PL tone for listening. Battery would last a long time if you are only monitoring. That way, you could keep the MXT275 on the repeater TX frequency/PL without having to change it, and still hear all the repeater return traffic on the HT. ...

As others said the radio doesn't work well with split tones. I still have them in both my jeeps. There are many repeaters that do not use split toners and other than one location I have not had an issue.

I agree with wayoverthere suggestion... BUT if that does not work what I learned from my 805G is best to go back to factory settings then add just the channels and not the PL codes but do them via the HT menu for the DCS. Hope that helps from me having same issue... Just a work around. Jack Edit: Then upload radio settings to software files.

Welcome fellow Jeeper/Overlander to the forum... Glad you are here. This forum has a great group of helpful/friendly/mentors/coaches with a wealth of info.

Hello and welcome! Glad to have you on board. Unfortunately most midland radios are unable to do split tones. I learned this the hard way myself. The MXT400 will do split tones if you buy a programming cable and find software for it. Keep in mind that you only have seven slots available to make custom stations on the 400. If you do a search on this site, you’ll find many topics and discussions about this very topic.

Kid is getting things DONE! I sat for tech, went for general and didn't quite make it. Been meaning to study up and go back! And for this episode of "are you smarter than a 5th grader" the result is "Not even close"

NOAA weather is super cool, I've been using it for about 30 years from when I started sailing and was on a marine VHF. I haven't tried inland much, but everywhere I've been pretty much has a NOAA station broadcasting on one or more of the 7 channels. Where I'm at I can pick up like 4 of them, one in spanish For the RV, Im not sure what your goals are - but if you can avoid a repeater, you'll have a lot less headaches. There isn't really a good "plug and play" option. You can get close though! Get something like one of those 1225's people use so much, turn the power down so you don't burn out the finals, buy it already tuned and programmed for a repeater pair with PL tones and the duplexer tuned - and make SURE you keep in mind that even REALLY good cable isn't necessarily suitable for repeater use. The "good stuff" as far as coax has silver plated conductor / shield, and you want to use silver plated connectors. Getting the programming cables / software, and the gear to tune a duplexer is expensive, and there is a fairly steep learning curve. If possible, I'd opt for a nice mobile rig, and use simplex, but if the range isn't enough, it might be repeater time. If its a fiberglass RV the antenna will need some kind of ground plane. If it's a truck towing a trailer, you can mag mount an antenna to the truck. A repeater you're probably not going to be using while in motion (I can't think of a reason to), and a mobile rig will get you a little further than a walkie in the cab. If you do opt for a repeater setup when you set up camp, think about a setup with like a pushup pole or something to get that antenna as far up as you can. Height = range more or less.

I have a Kenwood TK8180k and it is an amazing radio. It works great and the audio is clear and the speaker is great. I highly recommend getting one, I use mine as a base station.