[Wouxun or BTech or Midland]

Midland MTX 400 NarrowBand only questions - Can anyone provide some clarification on the how the Midland MTX 400 with only narrowband will affect me and repeater use?  Isnt the unit already programmed with ALL the GRMS repeater pairs? I think it is 8 pairs/channels...Does that mean that every single GRMS repeater in on one of these channels/pairs?  And if the repeater pair/channel is on narrow band and the repeated in on high band, will i not be able to use it? I would like to use repeaters if needed and may at one point put up at repeater to use for extended use with other family members. 

 

Also did i read write that the FRS channels are not programmed on the Midland GRMS radios?  meaning I cant communicate with FRS radios that my friends or family have. (motorola talk abouts)?

 

I am seriously considering this base unit in my home and vehicle and since it is widely used in the recreational market it seems pretty easy to use and user friendly. 

 

Thank you very much

 

Here is a link that explains it pretty good with a youtube video. https://mwgmrs.com/forums/topic/midland-mxt400-programing/

[Jeep GMRS antenna grounding]

25-3/4" sheet metal disk atop the roof, properly grounded, and under the antenna mount will provide a one wavelength diameter ground plane for optimal operation.

 

The ground plane "mirrors" the antenna element to create the second element of a "virtual" electrical dipole antenna.

Thanks. Maybe that will be my next project. Working much better with the 6db antenna though. 

[New to GMRS]

I have the ghost antenna on my mobile and I have no problem hitting most repeaters that I hit with my 5/8 Nagoya 5.5db that is now on my base. The repeater you are hearing may have a really high db gain antenna and you may be just out of range. Try driving towards its location so you can rule out a possible antenna issue. It could also have a split pl tone which midlands can't do.

Drove closer to a repeater this morning and did hit it and spoke with a gentleman about 12 miles out. Now I know it works. Thanks for the advice. 

[Jeep GMRS antenna grounding]

You're good to go no need for ground wire there, aluminium is a conductor so your setup will work just fine. 

Thanks for the response, much appreciated

[Jeep GMRS antenna grounding]

Another question...I have my GMRS antenna mounted on my roof rack on my Jeep JL. The roof of the Jeep is fiberglass. The roof rack crossbars are aluminum. I have the antenna mounted to the crossbar on an approximately 8" long 3" wide 1/4" thick piece of steel. Should I run a ground wire from the steel mount to the frame of the Jeep? I know with CBs this helps but not sure about GMRS. Thanks

[New to GMRS]

I’ll give that a shot. Im thinking the closest ones listed are over 20 miles away. What is kerchunking?

[New to GMRS]

try inputting ctcss 141.3 on all your repeater channels and keying up and throwing out your call sign. If you hear it ID immediately or you hear a squelch tail after you key down you found a repeater. 141.3 is considered the travel tone and many open repeaters use it. After you find a repeater try calling out at different times of the day on it requesting permission to use it. That is what I do to access unlisted repeaters. So far everyone I have contacted has been very nice and usually don't mind you using them as long as you are licensed and don't abuse it. Things most repeater owner don't like is kerchunking, foul language, interruptions of on going conversations, and unlicensed users. Most repeater owners welcome more users so don't be mic shy.

[New to GMRS]

I have the ghost antenna on my mobile and I have no problem hitting most repeaters that I hit with my 5/8 Nagoya 5.5db that is now on my base. The repeater you are hearing may have a really high db gain antenna and you may be just out of range. Try driving towards its location so you can rule out a possible antenna issue. It could also have a split pl tone which midlands can't do.

How far away are the repeaters you are hitting?

[New to GMRS]

Ill get a chance over the weekend to get closer to the repeater and give it a shot. Once a few of my friends switch to gmrs I’ll probably be able to test distance better. CB is easy since they are all over the place.

[New to GMRS]

Can’t seem to hit a repeater. I have midlands ghost antenna at the moment. I can hear people on some but can’t respond back. Ordered the midland 6db antenna to see if that helps. The cable is very long. I don’t have it coiled but I do have it in about 2’ lengths in 2 spots. 

[Midland GMRS Product updates]

How long did it turn out to be? I wonder if this works on the MXT275.

First had to press the CTCSS button to show code then press and hold for a second then it will start scrolling. 

[Midland GMRS Product updates]

How long do you have to hold it? Doesn’t seem to be doing it on mine. 

Figured it out...

[Midland GMRS Product updates]

Found a function on the MXT400 the other day that I didn't see in the manual. You can scan for CTCSS or DCS on a channel if you long hold the CTCSS/DCS button. The codes will start scrolling. If there are active communications on that channel, it will eventually pause on the code. I've use it on the repeater channels to help figure out repeater tones if there's chatter.

How long do you have to hold it? Doesn’t seem to be doing it on mine. 

[New to GMRS]

Thanks, I will give it a try

[New to GMRS]

Thanks. How do you connect to a repeater. I see ones listed that give an input and output frequency. I have no idea what that means at the moment. 

[New to this]

I have the Midland MXT400 with the ghost antenna. I have the antenna mounted on the awning bar. I pick up people here and there, some are local businesses but don't know anything about the repeaters or repeater channels. As of now I still prefer the cb while on road. I get a decent range with it and there is much more chatter.

[New to this]

Are there any gmrs groups in Wernersville PA? Looking to learn about this since Jeep has required them for Jamborees.

[New to GMRS]

I’m new to GMRS. Have Midland MXT400 with ghost antenna. Are there any groups around Wernersville PA that would be good to go to? I’m used to chatter on the cb but don’t hear much other than some local businesses on the gmrs. Looking to learn about gmrs. Thanks and have a great day!