MXT115 scan issue

[WRXZ797]

 Hello all. I got an MXT115 about 2 years ago that has until now worked relatively well. That is until recently I put it into scan mode and absolutely can not get it to stop scanning. Tried the button obviously with no luck. None of the buttons work to take it out of scan. I can temporarily stop the scan by hitting the PTT, but it goes right back. Tried turning it off/on goes right back. Did a factory reset and just goes right into scan. Has anyone experienced this? 

[Socalgmrs]

THIS and many other reasons why I keep saying midland stink.  I have radios 1/2 the cost that have lasted over 10 years of hard use every single day all day long.  Midland is just not up to the task especially for the money they cost. 

[WRXZ797]

I have moved on from that radio and really don't use it much. I was hoping to give it to my son, who has expressed interest in GMRS. I am going to reach out to Midland to see what they say, but I'm not holding my breath. I have also moved on to Ham radio and have been doing a lot with that on HF, but I really see the benefit still in GMRS as a family communications system. I'm planning on outfitting all my kids with radios. Do you have any suggestions on better, affordable GMRS radios?

 

[WRYZ926]

 

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for drinks that might be spit onto screens and/or keyboards.

[WRUU653]

I wonder if the button has gone bad. I realize the scan button is on the radio body but I would try unplugging the mic on the off chance there is a short in the cord and see if there’s any change. This probably isn’t much help but doesn’t hurt to try. 

[WRYZ926]

What @WRUU653 suggested is definitely worth trying. Plus those RJ connectors are not the strongest and will wear out with constant movement of the cable/cord. It could be something as simple as the connector went bad or there is a break in the wires. 

And the RJ connector going bad or wires breaking can happen with any brand of radio. RJ connectors are not the best choice for this application since the cables are constantly getting moved around. plus the wires are small too.

[H8SPVMT]

On 2/25/2025 at 8:00 PM, WRXZ797 said:

 Hello all. I got an MXT115 about 2 years ago that has until now worked relatively well. That is until recently I put it into scan mode and absolutely can not get it to stop scanning. Tried the button obviously with no luck. None of the buttons work to take it out of scan. I can temporarily stop the scan by hitting the PTT, but it goes right back. Tried turning it off/on goes right back. Did a factory reset and just goes right into scan. Has anyone experienced this? 

Scanning for Active Channels Your MXT115 includes an “auto-scan” mode that continuously scans all 15 available channels for activity.

 

To enter and exit “auto-scan” mode:

1.Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).

2.Press and release the Monitor/Scan / button to enter “auto-scan” mode. ▪ The Scanning icon will show on the LCD display when the radio is in “auto-scan” mode. ▪ Your radio will rapidly scan through the 15 available channels and will pause on any active channel. ▪ “Auto-scan” will resume when there has been no activity on the current channel for four seconds.

3. To transmit during “auto scan,” press and hold the PTT button on the microphone while the radio is paused on the desired channel. ▪ The radio will remain on the active channel for three seconds after the PTT button is released.

4. To exit the “auto-scan” mode, press and release the / Monitor/ Scan button. ▪ The Scanning icon will turn off when the radio is no longer in “auto-scan” mode.

All from the Operators Manual hope that helps

[SteveShannon]

On 2/25/2025 at 6:00 PM, WRXZ797 said:

 Hello all. I got an MXT115 about 2 years ago that has until now worked relatively well. That is until recently I put it into scan mode and absolutely can not get it to stop scanning. Tried the button obviously with no luck. None of the buttons work to take it out of scan. I can temporarily stop the scan by hitting the PTT, but it goes right back. Tried turning it off/on goes right back. Did a factory reset and just goes right into scan. Has anyone experienced this? 

 

On 2/26/2025 at 7:17 AM, WRUU653 said:

I wonder if the button has gone bad. I realize the scan button is on the radio body but I would try unplugging the mic on the off chance there is a short in the cord and see if there’s any change. This probably isn’t much help but doesn’t hurt to try. 

I suspect the same thing as @WRUU653, a stuck button or bad switch.  @WRXZ797, you might want to crack open the case and take a look at the circuit board.  If it’s like many devices it will have dome switches that are closed when the membrane that forms the keyboard are deformed and a conductive element bridges a couple of PCB traces. It’s possible that the membrane has delaminated or permanently deformed.  If nothing else maybe you can turn it on with the keyboard removed and bridge across the two traces for the scan switch to turn scanning off, then disable the function by placing a piece of tape over the two traces.

If it has tiny discrete electromechanical switches instead of the cheaper dome switches you might be able to put an ohmmeter on the switch to see if it has failed in one state or the other.  
Or it might simply be time to replace the radio.

[WQAI363]

I don't own plan to make a purchase of any MIDLAND GMRS Radios, because I have too many radios, and need to sell some. Another reason, MIDLAND radios don't have extended receive capabilities, which other manufacturers, such as BTECH and WOUXUN has. Now, don't get me wrong, MIDLAND has always been an excellent manufacture of Two-way Radios, especially with CB Radios. 

But if I was looking for a radio for GMRS and the ability to monitor other services, MIDLAND wouldn't be my choice, unless came out with wide range UHF / VHF receiver.

 

[WSGI548]

On 2/26/2025 at 6:23 AM, WRYZ926 said:

What @WRUU653 suggested is definitely worth trying. Plus those RJ connectors are not the strongest and will wear out with constant movement of the cable/cord. It could be something as simple as the connector went bad or there is a break in the wires. 

And the RJ connector going bad or wires breaking can happen with any brand of radio. RJ connectors are not the best choice for this application since the cables are constantly getting moved around. plus the wires are small too.

Regarding this… Is it possible to get a short CAT cable jumper and use it between the radio and the mic?

I have read numerous times where people have had problems with those connectors being weak. It seems like that would an easy kind of strain relief as the weight of the heavier mic and mic cable would not be pulling down at 45 degrees(assuming a horizontal-ish mounting), but rather pulling on an inexpensive 1ft jumper cable.

edit- NM. It looks like this should work with most radios, at least according to a quick look.

[WRYZ926]

1 hour ago, WSGI548 said:

Regarding this… Is it possible to get a short CAT cable jumper and use it between the radio and the mic?

Yes it should work using  a straight through CAT cable.

[WRUU653]

4 hours ago, WSGI548 said:

Regarding this… Is it possible to get a short CAT cable jumper and use it between the radio and the mic?

I have read numerous times where people have had problems with those connectors being weak. It seems like that would an easy kind of strain relief as the weight of the heavier mic and mic cable would not be pulling down at 45 degrees(assuming a horizontal-ish mounting), but rather pulling on an inexpensive 1ft jumper cable.

edit- NM. It looks like this should work with most radios, at least according to a quick look.

I used one of these to relocate the mic plug for my Icom IC-2730A.