DanW

Has anyone given this radio a shot?

I ordered one from btwr and it is backordered. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for them to get them in stock? I've got a trip in 3 weeks and will have to cancel and order a different radio if it doesn't arrive in time to properly install it.

How did you find it in stock? Was that at Btwr?

I think I'll be selling mine, too. I just ordered a Wouxun KG-1000. At least I can mount the big base under the seat in my Jeep and then have some flexibility on where to put the face plate. I'd hold out for the 575, but I don't think it will be out in time for my next big trip. Quick question....If wide band is better, why did they ever make these radios narrow band? (I don't know the difference, really, but I know my MXT275 has trouble communicating with wideband radios.

Midland told me August for the new 50 watt radios. So keep an eye out! They could drop any day!

Any new news as to when we might see these? I'm particularly interested in the 575.

Not sure why that's a problem if they meet your needs. They have good customer service, so there's that.

That is great news! I'll be all over that 575!

What are some other cheap radios that would be able to receive? The GMRS Wouxun looks nice but is pricey. Would a cheap $26 Baofeng be able to do it?

Where did you see it for $40? The first search I did turned up about $90. What about this, same unit you are suggesting? https://www.amazon.com/50KHz-900MHz-Analyzer-Measuring-Parameters-Standing/dp/B07Y53RCKW Thanks!

I may have missed this in previous posts, but are the Baofeng radios technically legal on any frequency range? GMRS? I'm seeing what I think are mixed views on whether they are GMRS legal, or not. They are popular with 4wd and car clubs, and I know many are using them, sometimes on GMRS frequencies, without a license. I've cautioned them on using them and also about using GMRS frequencies without a license but none seem to care. So can a licensed GMRS user communicate with them on a GMRS channel legally? And it looks like they are not technically legal for FRS, partly due to too much power. I guess I'm confused as to why they would be permitted to be sold if they aren't technically legal at least somewhere. That'd be like an illegal drug being permitted to be sold but not used. Then again, with the federal government, nothing really surprises me. Maybe legal for licensed HAM operators? I just thought of one use that should be 100% legal. They receive FM radio! Lol!

Hello, I'm pretty new and I know others around here are too, and I first want to thank all the experienced folks here for all of the help in answering questions and giving advice. It is deeply appreciated and I'm learning at a rapid pace because of it. Is there a sticky somewhere on this forum with a vocabulary list? I'd love to find one and pour over it so that I can read through some of the more technical threads and have a better understanding of what is being discussed. I think a list of terms and phrases and definitions/explanations would be helpful and would love someone to point me to it if it exists. It will also save us all a little bit of effort in answering the most basic questions I and others might have. Thanks!

It will perform well enough for my uses, which do not require the top hobby-grade equipment, but rather to do a basic function check and trouble shooting. The level of precision I need doesn't justify the higher cost, which I simply cannot afford anyway. But I appreciate your advice, though.

I'm going to pull the trigger on the SW-102, unless someone else has another suggestion. I sure appreciate the input!

That looks nice but is a bit beyond the budget. Thank you, though!

Thanks! What do you think of this one. Another friend told me this one is good, too. Thoughts? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H8FDDR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can anyone suggest a good cheap SWR meter that works well for GMRS frequencies? I've got some antenna trouble shooting to do. Thanks!

Is the software the DBR2500 linked on this page, or is it different software? Looks like you can download it right there, if it is the correct software. https://midlandusa.com/dbr2500-software-download/ Update...I see now the DBR2500 is a different radio. I've got a bit to learn before I jump into programming my MXT400, but the cable is fairly reasonable at 14.95. I may go ahead and grab one to have on hand when I'm ready.

Ok, I'm new, so pardon any silly questions. So you inquired about channel scan changes....meaning you were looking for the split tone capability, or what channel scan changes did you mean?

I'm dumber than you, so I won't be much help with this. I've got a new issue with my 400. I can't transmit on the GMRS channels. Only FRS. So it isn't the mic. When on GMRS channels, the transmit light illuminates and the signal strength bar pegs. My buddy can hear me keying the mic, but no voice. i reset factory defaults and it still does this. The one variable that changed since I was able to transmit was that I put a brand new Midland 6db antenna on it. I certainly think you might be right, though, that it could have a better receiver or better performance there. But again, I know very little about these things and am just beginning to learn.

So I've done a very little research this morning and I'm reading that these radios are narrow band from the factory, and I don't see any information on how to check this or even change it. So far, I'll take this as a non-issue. I think the more challenging part for me is antenna location. Jeeps don't offer optimum placement due to not having a metal roof, so you can't put it high and centered. On the Jeep with the mxt400, it is just above the fender on the edge of the hood. I'm running a Midland MXTA11 6db gain antenna.

You can probably guess the next questions. What software? I see nothing from Midland in the manual on this. And what do I want to program? Link to info? I'm just beginning to learn about these radios and how they work. Thanks