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And now JJAMUSA recently stated the FRS/GMRS radios will used going forward in 2021. That is why I got into this.

I would like to report that Midland did respond to an email and are looking into this issue. Sent them pictures today.

Using the Midland MXT400 I can say that mine does not have "that feature" if, that is what you might want to call it. I recently purchased this radio and am in the process of learning it's operations. Having recently pinged a repeater I do understand the situation and can't understand "why" anyone would want to do that.

Thank you! Don't think I am ready for that move yet but it does have my interest.

For us Newbies I think this is part of our problem, at least for me, as an example: I see a repeater (let's say channel 15) I want to talk on so I first get the necessary permission (if required) following the procedures read in the MYGMRS. Using my MXT400, I scroll thru the Menu and set my REPEATER selection to "ON". Now, scrolling thur the channels I can clearly distinguish between the lower frequencies (by channel numbers) and the added, higher ones that only display the "rP" symbol now on channels 15 -22. Next, I need to select channel "rP-15" and add any CTCSS/DCS frequency to channel rP-15. All well and good now, the transmit (TX) channel is all set on rP-15. I have been wondering lately, do I need to also add that CTCSS/DCS tone to the receiving (RX) channel 15? During my failed attempts to talk with a reapter, I have not added the tone to the lower channel frequency assuming the radio did it automatically. Now the repeater channels appear on the screen with the "rP" (with "+") allowing me to manually select the repeater I want to use and I can now add the necessary tone. I have now added the CTCSS tone to the receiving channel as well. Will that help? In following this thread I believe this may explain the lost mystery to many users. I may have actually been talking to the repeater and getting thur, but not hearing the reapter TONE transmission back to my radio.

As a newbie my Midland MXT400 has gotten me no where. So far I can listen to conversations but have had no communications with anyone. Not even a signal strengh/radio check. Attempted to get onto two different local repeaters and failed that drill as well. One was on a different frequency than listed (found out later) and I failed to place the correct tone squelch on for the other repeater. The magnetic 6db antenna did bubble the paint on my like new hood. So I made a platform for it and got it off the vehicle paint. I am continuing to learn more and more everyday between work and choirs when I can. INTERESTING THAT the repeaters can have the ability to set different tones for incoming and out going transmissions. Being a MXT400 owner I didn't know that. I have done so much more with CB's thru the years that makes this endevor a total wash so far (but I will keep trying...). For nothing else it will be a good educational event in FRS/GMRS. I do still carry a CB 75 WXST. Good for on the trails and hwys when conversing with other Jeepers, or truckers...

Thanks I did find it later. Appricate the reminder, I might forget again where it's at...

Midland code for CTCSS for 141.3 is #22 on their list with the MTX400. I made that mistake already (hehe) BUT I didn't need to program code number as the actual frequency appears on the screen as you roll thurogh them. What I don't get is how to set the CTCSS code for BOTH the RX & XT freq. When I set the repeater selection to "Repeater ON" it automatically applies the code to both RX & TX as far as I can tell. The MXT400 then scrolls thru channels 1 - 7, 15 -22 & then rP channels 15 - 22. So I have to assume (ass/u/me) it applies the correct code 141.3 to TX & RX.

I find that display of many antennas confusing as a newbie. Can't tell which, if any are the puch and what to stay away from. I have one the Midland 6db gain with the open coil in the middle. And personally I am not happy with it as it is burning (bubbling) the paint on my hood. I made a side stand for it and got it off the hood. For now anyway.

Everything I read as a newbie and several folks explained to be was, FRS/GMRS did not require adjustment for SWR and was fine, right out of the box. I guess that isn't true.

Thank you and I have to remember to get the code listed onto the correct channel. I seem to have a problem "paying attention to the details" but practice is paying off. I did print out both for (Channel listing and CTCSS and DCS) quick reference.

How do I go about removing the tone squelch from a channel after I am done and just want to return to (simplex, I think is the correct term) the basic channel? On my MXT400 I have tried returning to frequency CTCSS 67.0 but it doen't clear the channel TS/DCS still appears).

Red Rock was a step above the Hard Rock edition that I have.

Bummer. The magnetic mount has screwed up my Jeep paint on the hood. Looks like burn/blister marks. Update 9/14: Made my own mount that gets the base off the paint altogether. We'll see how that works. Could it be that the antenna is putting out so much signal that it is burning the paint? I wouldn't think that possible. I think it is the rubber compound causing this issue. Any thoughts?

Thanks, words have meaning. I am learning and it all is new to me. I happened across this thread as I too had no idea what "ORI" on the repeater listings meant. I also leaned about the "Call/Emergency Channel".

And the Travel Tone is 141.3 as I understand it.

So Frank, have you connected to a repeater yet? I tried last weekend but failed on two accounts, it's a long story...

WRAA720Has a post on the subject and thanks for the quick reply. Mine is a Midland MXT400 so if I see that on the repeater listing, I'll just move along....! Drove a hundred miles out to a couple repeaters yesterday but failed to connect. One the frequency of the station had changed and I hadn't studied well enough to tag the other. Still learning... Little things like the "blinking dot" right after the (Channel #) "CH" . The dot is there to let you know you are in monitoring mode say, while it stops on an active channel temporarily.

Can anyone explain what "DPL" stands for when looking at codes for (activation codes maybe) repeaters? I understand the DCS & CTCSS but were do DPL's come from and how you set them for a repeater in a mobile station? I thought it might be DCS but not all these match what I am seeing.

I too am somewhat feeling the way of the author when it comes to educating folks interested in this field. Jeep Jamboree USA will reqiure FRS radios next year instead of the CB's we have used forever. I am a die-hard for obvious reasons like, Why change if it isn't broke? But I too am trying to embrace this new technology so I'll be knowledgeable when the change takes place. Getting my license and buying what I thought was the correct rig for me, I found I had only the manufactures literature to guide me. And I fell for the POWER of 40 watts and a 6db gain antenna before getting here, on site. I figured, well we'll be in the mountains and winding thru the hollows so more power is better. Maybe getting more like-minded (Jeepers) together and utilized the collective minds and experience to better serve our community. Just Like learning here. But there is an empty spot in world of education when it comes to FRS & GMRS. Just got it set up in the Jeep today. So far I have talked to one child on the radio that responded to a radio check.

As a newbie and looking for direction on "how to(s)" this is one subject amoungst many I am lost in and no repeaters nearby for me to interact with anyway. As I understand it, it appears I need another radio besides my MXT400 to ensure I have landed on a repeater. But I was reading and wondering, won't the radio screen show a busy signal on the screen once the repeater responds with that short transmission?

I was lead to believe that I didn't have to worry about "Tuning" these new antennas and therefore purchased the 6db gain antenna for both off road and freeway driving. The off roading is usually mountainous (east coast). The doughnut explanation helped me see the effect and describe the different size antenna, thanks. I didn't (don't) have a frequency in mind that I think I'll use often so I have always wanted to get the best out of all channels. Being new to the GMRS stuff (ole CB'er) I was thinking my best buy (using) would both FRS & GMRS ensure greater useage of the radio. So the question is, "Should I look at tuning the FRS side frequencies over the GMRS if I find I use the FRS side more?"

Works OK in the woods and running the roads with a couple friends. I do understnad your comment tho. Getting out into the woods and wet environments create oxidation on any exposed metal and rust just keeps a-creeping. I constantly have to clean my antenna connections for better TX RX power.

Jeep Jamboree USA (jeepjamboreeusa.com) will drop the CB communication systems for the FRS/GMSR starting next season. Folks will need to acquire these units in order to talk with others on the trail and to communicate with the officials at certain times. I am trying to get a good grip on the full use of these radios before next year. Midland is the pushing manufacture of course. Edited to clean up my poor english/typing skills

The DCS PRIVACY CODE CHART is located on page 26 of the Owners Manual that can be downloaded from Midland.