Midland MXT575 programming software?

[WSAZ960]

Hello all,

I am looking to Clone my MXT575 to 2 more MXT575's. I cannot find software and Midland says on their website the is none available.  

I have seen 1 articles about the MXT575 that said the USB-c port is used for charging and programming.  Anyone have any experience?

Also, how the F@$% does this squelch work?? Have yet to find a pattern.  At 40 miles away from a good repeater with avg conditions, I can see 3 bars on the RX meter but no audio.  Tried from 00-09. Anyone a good handle on how the squelch should work?

[dosw]

16 minutes ago, WSAZ960 said:

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. 

Does anyone, with the exception of anyone who does not, know how to access the programming function (mentioned above) in the Midland MXT575 via the USB-C port?

Additionally, is there a work around for the lack of support?

Welcome to the Internet, where the strongest opinions are the ones who prefer to shoot down the question rather than leaving room for it to be answered by those who may have ventured beyond the immediate obstacle.

 

I do have one observation, though. The MXT-575 has a total of 23 "channels", where a channel is a frequency (simplex) or a frequency pair (repeater). You get one configuration per channel. Configuration on all simplex channels consists of PL/DCS tone or code, power level (which is limited to Low for channels 1-7), and channel bandwidth (narrow band - default, or wideband). On the repeater channels, you add both Tx and Rx tones or codes to the configuration. The 23 channels are directly tied to immutable frequencies; 1-7 and 15-22 for simplex, and 15r-22r for repeater frequency pairs. Channels don't get to be named.

 

What I'm suggesting is that the configuration is very simple, to the point that you wouldn't have as much need for CHIRP or other software support. Radios that benefit more from supporting uploads from a computer generally have 100+ "channels", but in their case, the channels have configurable frequencies within the range of GMRS frequencies. So if you take a Baofeng UV5G radio as an example; each of the 100 channels can be set to any frequency within the radio's range. You may have all 100 channels on the came frequency if you want, each with different permutations on tone/code, power, and memory bank name. The point being, many radios equate channels to memory slots. And the memory slot can contain name, frequency, power level, bandwidth, tx tone/code, rx tone/code, and possibly squelch. And there will be 100-999 memory slots.

 

Compare that to an MXT-575; it has 23 memory slots, and the slots do not allow you to set the frequency or a name. That means you get only ONE repeater on "channel 15", or on a particular frequency. One could argue that this reduces the need for programming capabilities, though I can see the opposing argument that if I'm heading across the country and want to use repeaters local to the map I'm travelling within, programability would be very useful, to avoid having to change "channel 15r" again and again manually to the repeater tones in use in that area for that frequency.

[WSAZ960]

10 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

The MXT575 doesn't even have a USB port for connecting it to a computer. So there won't be any programming software available for it.

[WSAZ960]

11 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

As what Crutchfield and the Midland MXT575 manual states, the USB port is for charging only. There is no way to program the MXT575 using computer software.

Did you read any of that?

Midland Support does post incorrect information their website. 

I am looking for someone who knows how to program a radio without the support of the manufacturer. 

[WSAZ960]

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. 

Does anyone, with the exception of anyone who does not, know how to access the programming function (mentioned above) in the Midland MXT575 via the USB-C port?

Additionally, is there a work around for the lack of support?

[dosw]

17 hours ago, WSAZ960 said:

this is why I ask.

Here's what would need to happen.

 

It's likely that if one had access to Midland's MXT-575 firmware source code (which is probably a proprietary, copyrighted trade secret), they would probably determine that the "channel" frequency configuration is hard coded into the firmware, while other variables such as PL tones are configurable through the keypad. And the firmware does not provide a protocol for altering configuration by way of programming cable. There is probably a bootstrapping system available for Midland to tie into for firmware updates, but that system would be for the purpose of overwriting the entire firmware.

 

If you look at other embedded systems such as home routers, you'll see that there is an open source software project called OpenWRT that allows enthusiasts with sufficient technical understanding to load OpenWRT firmware onto their router (as long as they own a supported router). This OpenWRT firmware is designed to provide configurability in areas that stock firmwares from manufacturers of routers don't typically provide. OpenWRT sprang into existence for *routers* because routers are a large market, they typically, internally, run a tiny version of Linux, and have a lot of potential for firmware improving their configurability.

 

In this case, what you're desiring would probably require a custom GMRS radio firmware first, that exposed capabilities not built into the stock firmware. Such a firmware could provide programming capabilities via USB cable. The problem is that this doesn't exist. Midland GMRS mobile radios are too small a market to spawn a group of enthusiasts to develop their own firmware, engineered to leverage Midland's boot loader and to fit within the hardware constraints of Midland GMRS radios. In the case of routers, it's a huge market; every home has one or more router. But GMRS, overall, is a smaller niche market, and there are options from other manufacturers that allow for programming without going to all the trouble of creating custom firmware for a Midland radio. So this side-loadable firmware just doesn't exist. Enthusiasts of GMRS don't go to the trouble of building custom firmwares to side-load into their GMRS radios. They buy radios that have the capabilities they need, and get a CHIRP profile added for that radio.

 

The MXT-575 is a very useful radio, easy to use, nice quality, nice design. But for a radio that provides programmability via USB cable, and that provides 999 memory banks, a KG1000G-Plus is $389, and an MXT-575, in good condition, should fetch at least 250 on eBay, freeing up a little cash to use to obtain a model that is better for your needs.

 

(When I say "that doesn't exist", I've looked; I checked Github, where many open source projects store their code, I've searched using search terms that would be common in such projects, I've looked in PyPI, CPAN, Node repositories, Java repositories, C++ repositories... I'm a software developer, and while there are millions of places to look, I've covered the ones that would usually matter.)

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, WSAZ960 said:

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. 

Does anyone, with the exception of anyone who does not…

Just for the line I emphasized above I think you’d be fun to drink with.  Unfortunately I don’t have the answers you’re seeking, but I like your delivery.

[WRXB215]

Yep, sure enough the MXT500 is in fact programable in addition to having software for a firmware update.

Here is the programming software:

Here is the firmware update software:

[WSAZ960]

For clarification, I really like and enjoy the MXT575. Now even more with the MXMC01 upgraded Mic and MXTA26.

The feedback is awesome. 50 watts to the antenna is why it costs more than other 50 watt radios in my opinion. 

[SteveShannon]

24 minutes ago, WSAZ960 said:

The "50 watt to the antenna" is based on reviews I have seen. I have had no reason to doubt or test it. I run clean power (a dedicated aux battery) and keep it charged. I am VERY pleased with it. Enough so, I have ordered another. My friend also bought one. Hence, the reason for this discussion.

If you have it connected directly to an auxiliary battery (lead acid) your radio is powered by 12.7 volts. It might not put out 50 watts at that voltage. But it really won’t make any noticeable difference whether it puts out 45 or 50 watts.

[WSAZ960]

this is why I ask.

[WRYZ926]

4 minutes ago, WSAZ960 said:

Did you read any of that?

Midland Support does post incorrect information their website. 

I am looking for someone who knows how to program a radio without the support of the manufacturer. 

Yes I read all of that. And the only way to program a MXT575 is through the hand mic I know this first hand when I had to help a family member program his MXT575.

[WRWE456]

Updating the firmware is not the same as programing the radio for channels etc.

[Hoppyjr]

I’d program that midland right into the trash can and spend less money  on a better radio you can program with a computer easily.    Midland… what a joke.  

Mine has been “ok” but I’m replacing it with something that would make a Ham sad.

I recently picked up the Midland MTX 275 for my son’s jeep. The radio has problems, which Midland customer service thinks may require a software update. Their customer service is so bad. I may as well be dealing with China that radio is going back to Amazon and I’ll never buy another Midland product .

[gortex2]

30 minutes ago, WSAZ960 said:

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. 

Does anyone, with the exception of anyone who does not, know how to access the programming function (mentioned above) in the Midland MXT575 via the USB-C port?

Additionally, is there a work around for the lack of support?

The MTX575 does not have the ability to program via a PC or clone or any functions such as that. The MTX500 is the only radio you can program via PC from Midland at this time. If you read there is programming software for the unit you read wrong. Midland has stated this also in the questions on their website to others that have asked. 

The radio is not marketed to folks who want to add tons of stuff to the radio. Its marketed to the KISS method and they sell thousands of them for that reason. I'm not sure why its so difficult for folks to program. Mine took 15 minutes as did all my MTX275 mobiles to add DPL tones into my repeaters. 

[WSAZ960]

46 minutes ago, WRQW589 said:

Welcome to the Internet, where the strongest opinions are the ones who prefer to shoot down the question rather than leaving room for it to be answered by those who may have ventured beyond the immediate obstacle.

 

I do have one observation, though. The MXT-575 has a total of 23 "channels", where a channel is a frequency (simplex) or a frequency pair (repeater). You get one configuration per channel. Configuration on all simplex channels consists of PL/DCS tone or code, power level (which is limited to Low for channels 1-7), and channel bandwidth (narrow band - default, or wideband). On the repeater channels, you add both Tx and Rx tones or codes to the configuration. The 23 channels are directly tied to immutable frequencies; 1-7 and 15-22 for simplex, and 15r-22r for repeater frequency pairs. Channels don't get to be named.

 

What I'm suggesting is that the configuration is very simple, to the point that you wouldn't have as much need for CHIRP or other software support. Radios that benefit more from supporting uploads from a computer generally have 100+ "channels", but in their case, the channels have configurable frequencies within the range of GMRS frequencies. So if you take a Baofeng UV5G radio as an example; each of the 100 channels can be set to any frequency within the radio's range. You may have all 100 channels on the came frequency if you want, each with different permutations on tone/code, power, and memory bank name. The point being, many radios equate channels to memory slots. And the memory slot can contain name, frequency, power level, bandwidth, tx tone/code, rx tone/code, and possibly squelch. And there will be 100-999 memory slots.

 

Compare that to an MXT-575; it has 23 memory slots, and the slots do not allow you to set the frequency or a name. That means you get only ONE repeater on "channel 15", or on a particular frequency. One could argue that this reduces the need for programming capabilities, though I can see the opposing argument that if I'm heading across the country and want to use repeaters local to the map I'm travelling within, programability would be very useful, to avoid having to change "channel 15r" again and again manually to the repeater tones in use in that area for that frequency.

Thank you WRQW589!

Great answer!!

You must have read the question without forming a negative opinion and then rushing to be the first to blast it out.

I have downloaded the software for the mxt400 and there are quite a few tunes available in that software. (Squelch of particular interest)

Programming 1 radio is not that difficult. Programming 3 radios is....   repetitive...

When the software or firmware becomes available, we will revist this.

Thanks again,

73's

WSAZ960 

 

[WSAZ960]

1 hour ago, Sshannon said:

Just for the line I emphasized above I think you’d be fun to drink with.  Unfortunately I don’t have the answers you’re seeking, but I like your delivery.

Thank you!

[WSAZ960]

Similar to this... just and example. 

I will be anxiously waiting Midland. 

[WSAZ960]

28 minutes ago, WRXB215 said:

Yep, sure enough the MXT500 is in fact programable in addition to having software for a firmware update.

Here is the programming software:

Here is the firmware update software:

Yes, indeed. I have downloaded this and familiarized myself with it. When I succeed, I will update this thread.

[WRYZ926]

I did my research before buying the MXT 500. I compared it with the MXT 575 and went with the MXT500 since it can be programmed and firmware updated with a computer. My family member bought the MXT 575 only to find out that you can't program or update the firmware with a computer.

My MT 500 came with older firmware and only had a limited number of memory slots. I had to do the firmware update to open it up to have more memory slots.

[WRYZ926]

Just now, WSAZ960 said:

For clarification, I really like and enjoy the MXT575. Now even more with the MXMC01 upgraded Mic and MXTA26.

The feedback is awesome. 50 watts to the antenna is why it costs more than other 50 watt radios in my opinion. 

I guess the MXT 575 does not suffer from low power output like the MXT 500 does. My MXT 500 would only put out 35 watts on high power.

[WSAZ960]

7 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

I guess the MXT 575 does not suffer from low power output like the MXT 500 does. My MXT 500 would only put out 35 watts on high power.

The "50 watt to the antenna" is based on reviews I have seen. I have had no reason to doubt or test it. I run clean power (a dedicated aux battery) and keep it charged. I am VERY pleased with it. Enough so, I have ordered another. My friend also bought one. Hence, the reason for this discussion.

[WSAZ960]

46 minutes ago, Sshannon said:

If you have it connected directly to an auxiliary battery (lead acid) your radio is powered by 12.7 volts. It might not put out 50 watts at that voltage. But it really won’t make any noticeable difference whether it puts out 45 or 50 watts.

10-4! Eventually I will get a charging relay and a HD Alternator. But with 305K miles on my commuter truck, I have other maintenance that takes priority!! 

Great Feedback on the NEW mic!! 

"Booming!"

[nokones]

The USB-C port is for charging external devices such as a Cell Phone, etc.  

[WRYZ926]

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[WRYZ926]

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