Recommended GMRS radio for vehicle

[Lscott]

2 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Just be aware that the Midland models with everything in the hand mic can only be programmed through the radio. There is no provisions to program them using a computer nor to update the firmware. Midland radios are made in China too. 

I have the software for the MTX400. Never tried it since I don't own any Midland radios.

MXT400_Setup_1.05.zip

[WRYZ926]

1 minute ago, Lscott said:

I have the software for the MTX400. Never tried it since I don't own any Midland radios.

Some Midland radios can be programmed with a computer. But pretty much all of them that has everything built into the hand mic cannot be programmed with a computer. The MXT500 and MXT575 are prime examples. The 500 can be programmed with a computer while the 575 cannot be programmed with a computer.

[WRTC928]

6 hours ago, amaff said:

I normally wouldn't say anything, but since this is a 'recommend a radio' thread:
This looks to be the same hardware as the BTech GMRS-20V2. I had one for about a week... one of the worst experiences I've had with a radio. I hope yours is better than mine, but even if it didn't stop receiving entirely within a week (which mine did), the interface on the mic is not great. Having to open squelch to change the volume, at least on the BTech, was really annoying. And even at near full volume the speaker was no good. Maybe mine was a one off and others love theirs, but I can't recommend this one at all.

That's unfortunate. I've only had mine a couple of months but I haven't had any issues at all. Yeah, opening the squelch to change the volume is a little bit clumsy, but not really a big deal to me since I don't do it very much. You're not the first I've read saying the sound was poor but mine has been fine. The problem with the inexpensive radios is the spotty quality control. You can get a diamond one day and a rock the next. Obviously, if it were expensive I'd expect better QC, but when I buy a low-end radio, I'm always aware that I may be just flushing my money away.

[WRYS709]

On 11/26/2024 at 6:04 AM, WSEM262 said:

A 50 watt radio wont have the small footprint I needed to fit two radios in my truck... and would still have cost more than the $89 radio + $85 amp I am using. 

Which make/model is that 2 meter radio?

[SteveShannon]

35 minutes ago, WRYS709 said:

Which make/model is that 2 meter radio?

Looks like a Yaesu ftm-200

https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ftm-200dr-50w-vhf-uhf-dual-band-c4fm-fm-mobile-transceiver.html?utm_term=sku-zys-ftm-200dr&P_Max_Yaesu_2&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_py5FGyMGQMRPOY6wX4o3y80v18&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo5u6BhDJARIsAAVoDWtzN7mrQOJmFTNxq4vO9yXxm18ZP-Vc00M7AJXZvej194mDtq9vXYkaAslFEALw_wcB

[WRUW493]

I'm considering a Kenwood TM-481a, available on eBay. It's a model year 2012 for new old stock, so a bit on the old side, but the 281/481 are ham versions of Kenwood's commercial line. In the case of the 481 it's wide band and will do GMRS. Nothing fancy, but reliable, not large, good TX and fantastic RX. I find the Midlands are high priced and under performance, sadly. 

[wrci350]

24 minutes ago, WRUW493 said:

I'm considering a Kenwood TM-481a, available on eBay.

You might want to do a bit of Internet research before you buy one of the "new" ones from China (if that is your plan).  They are probably counterfeit.

[nokones]

On 11/27/2024 at 9:12 AM, WRTC928 said:

I did not know that you can't program them via software. That kinda sucks, but for a GMRS radio, you'll probably only program it once and occasionally put in a repeater.

 

Yes, I know Midland radios are made in China, but their reputation is that they have better QC than the cheaper radios. The Chinese can build really good radios, but in general, if they adhere to more strict QC standards, they're going to cost more.

The Midland MXT500 can be PC programmed with software and is the only GMRS radio that can be programmed by either  the Radio Menu or PC Software. The programming for the MXT105, MXT115, MXT275, and MXT575 are radio menu driven.

[WRUW493]

1 hour ago, wrci350 said:

You might want to do a bit of Internet research before you buy one of the "new" ones from China (if that is your plan).  They are probably counterfeit.

Yes they possibly are. Although it's hard to tell. The current listings for example show them as old stock, built in 2012 with genuine (looking) Kenwood markings. But to be fair it's a crap shoot as to what it is. Best I can tell the original Kenwoods were also made in China, so maybe there is a difference maybe not. I've just ordered the 2m version (281) and will access that when I get it before I make any definitive claims. There does seem to be two versions on the UHF model, one 420-440 the other 440-480. So one at least has to make sure to get the proper one. 

I've worked in the 2 way radio / cell phone business some years ago and found that many of these types of products are made in China even by the reputable US or European manufacturers. Lots of times the China factory will keep making the same model after the US manufacturer gives up selling them. Sometimes the China factory then goes and cost reduces it, thus compromising performance/quality/features. Sometimes they just keep it as is. The one thing I can say for sure is that the Chinese engineers are smart, and frequently very smart when it comes to design for manufacturing aspects. It's a crap shoot for each type and model one looks at. 

The only thing I do observe is that the Kenwood 281/481 models seem to have been flops in the US ham market. Possibly because they were single band in a time when dual band was all the rage, and rather lame single band at that with only 100 memories. 

Edited Friday at 12:14 AM by WRUW493
updated

[LeoG]

18 minutes ago, nokones said:

The Midland MXT500 can be PC programmed with software and is the only GMRS radio that can be programmed by either  the Radio Menu or PC Software. The programming for the MXT105, MXT115, MXT275, and MXT575 are radio menu driven.

Ummm ya.

My Wouxun KGXS20G can be programmed by both.  So that blows that theory to heck.

[nokones]

12 hours ago, LeoG said:

Ummm ya.

My Wouxun KGXS20G can be programmed by both.  So that blows that theory to heck.

I meant to say "the only Midland GMRS radio" that can be programmed by both programming methods. Now, that no longer blows that theory to heck and actually it never did.

[LeoG]

OK, maybe that's true.  I don't know.

[WRYZ926]

It is true about Midland radios. All of the models with everything built into the hand mic cannot be programmed with software. You can't update the firmware without sending the radios back to Midland either. The MXT500 can be programmed with software and you can update the firmware yourself.

[WRYS709]

5 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

It is true about Midland radios. All of the models with everything built into the hand mic cannot be programmed with software. You can't update the firmware without sending the radios back to Midland either. The MXT500 can be programmed with software and you can update the firmware yourself.

Another nail in the Midland coffin!

[AdmiralCochrane]

King of marketing!

 

[AdmiralCochrane]

11 hours ago, nokones said:

I meant to say "the only Midland GMRS radio" that can be programmed by both programming methods. Now, that no longer blows that theory to heck and actually it never did.

I was pretty certain you left that part out.

[Raybestos]

20 minutes ago, AdmiralCochrane said:

King of marketing!

 

Indeed Midland is.  Design and engineering, not so much.

[H8SPVMT]

I'm a ole CB person (whom got a license in the day) but was told to get a GMRS radio or no more comms with my Jeepin buddies...

Purchased the Midland MXT 400 (about three yrs ago or, just before the 500 came out) and it is has been a pleasure to operate (easy to understand instructions).  Only gripe I have is that there are few Repeaters in my area locally and almost as few people with GMRS.  GMRS was designed for a different purpose, I get it. 

Cell phone takes care of about all the other calls I need to make.

When I switch up it will likely be with the MXT 500 or the Wouxun KG1000 so I won't have to increase the volume button. 

[WRYZ926]

2 hours ago, H8SPVMT said:

When I switch up it will likely be with the MXT 500 or the Wouxun KG1000 so I won't have to increase the volume button. 

I had a Midland MXT 500 and replaced it with a Wouxun Kg-1000G. The Wouxun is a better all around radio and close to the same price as the Midland.

My MXT500 was one that suffered from low output power when set to high power. I should have sent it back to Midland to fix but sold it instead.

[SparkPlug77]

I use the Btech gmrs 50v2 with the Midland ghost antenna. Seems to work well