GMRS mobile radio

[prerunner1982]

If you and your offroad buddies/group have been using the "bubble pack" FRS/GMRS handheld radios (http://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/b46d...0&odnBg=FFFFFF) during your off road excursions but you are tired of the radio bouncing around the cab only to end up in the floor board or under the front seat here is a mobile GMRS radio that might suit your needs.

The Midland MTX100 Micromobile: https://midlandusa.com/micromobile-2...adio/#features


129.00 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Midland-MXT10...nd+micromobile

First thing is it is very small, only 4" wide by 3.5" deep so it can be mounted virtually anywhere. The radio does only puts out 5 watts, but then again a CB only does 4 or so. Though it only does 5 watts it does come with an external antenna which will help it's range considerably over the handheld GMRS radios. Upgrading the antenna to an aftermarket UHF antenna would also do well to increase the range. Range greatly depends on terrain and surroundings.


If you are a CB user and contemplating different communications this might be a viable alternative.

Compared to the compromised CB setups that a lot (most?) off roaders use effective range of this radio will likely be as good or better. A properly setup CB would have better long range communications than the GMRS radio, but unfortunately you are only as good as the person you are trying to talk to and if their CB set up is subpar your well set up radio doesn't mean much.
The biggest issue with CBs and 4x4s is the antenna and it's mounting location. Most users want a small antenna and mount it with insufficient ground plane. A mobile antenna for GMRS can be 6" (https://www.amazon.com/Antenna-410-4...ds=uhf+antenna) upto about 3' and requires much less ground plane than a CB antenna allowing it to be mounted in places and perform well where a CB antenna would not. A 6" antenna would not only be less susceptible to trail damage but would be less noticeable to the general public.

GMRS is also FM which equates to better audio quality over AM CB.
Though GMRS does allow repeaters, this radio does not have the split capabilities to utilize them, unfortunately.

NOTE: A FCC license is required for GMRS use, though with the above mentioned "bubble pack" FRS/GMRS radios being so widely available I wouldn't be surprised if there were more unlicensed users than licensed. There was talk of making GMRS license by rule (as is FRS, MURS, and CB radio) unfortunately it hasn't gone far in getting approved. The current GMRS license is 65 for 5 years and covers your whole immediate family.

[bluedragon436]

Yeah, well I can tell you that I have a set of those bubble pack radios (well mine are a bit older and not nearly as nice as the ones you posted the pic of)... and I never knew you were supposed to have a lisc. for them.. and doubt anyone else did either... especially since that isn't anywhere on the packaging or documentation for them....

But this is a pretty cool option if your group runs those type radios... Because I know I've taken my bubble pack handhelds with me the two times I've gotten to hit the semi local trails just in case... and they were a PITA to keep up with... and it wasn't nearly as technical as a true trail...

[prerunner1982]

and I never knew you were supposed to have a lisc. for them.. and doubt anyone else did either... especially since that isn't anywhere on the packaging or documentation for them....

Exactly. There are some shared FRS/GMRS channels in which the bubble pack radio may operate under the FRS guidelines (it may not) and there are also FRS only channels in the radio so it is not necessarily illegal to operate the radio without a license it's just knowing what channels you can/cannot use. And like you said there is little to no info included with the radios pertaining to that.

It would be nice if this radio put our a bit more power though. The GMRS only channels are allowed 50 watts, so 15-20 watts in this little radio would be alright.

[prerunner1982]

It would be nice if this radio put our a bit more power though. The GMRS only channels are allowed 50 watts, so 15-20 watts in this little radio would be alright.

Midland must have been listening to me...

https://midlandusa.com/midland-annou...mobile-radios/

"Las Vegas, Nev. — After the success of the MXT100 MicroMobile two-way radio, Midland Radio has announced the release of three new MicroMobile radios at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

With the initial success and popularity of the innovative MXT100 in the offroading, overlanding, ATV/UTV and other auto markets, Midland Radio will now expand the line to three radios. Launched in 2015, the MXT100 represented a significant advance in GMRS two-way communication with the 5-watt MXT100.

The three new MicroMobile versions: the MXT105, MXT115, and MXT400, all build on the popular design platform and add new features to further benefit avid off-road, UTV, overland, rock-crawl, and sand sports enthusiasts. As with the original MXT100, the three new models offer silent operation capabilities, programmable squelch, backlit displays, and 142 privacy codes. The new MXT105 and MXT115 models include detachable antennas with magnetic mounts and introduce NOAA Weather Radio technology to the MicroMobile line with weather scan technology in both models and additional weather alert technology in the MXT115 version.

•The MXT105 features 5 watts of power broadcast across 15 high-power GMRS Channels.
•The MXT115 boasts 15 watts of power with the addition of 8 repeater channels, drastically improving the range of the unit and any units communicating with it in the field. At a retail price of 149.99, the MXT115 also includes the useful addition of a USB charging port in the faceplate, giving a convenient option to charge other devices.
•The immensely powerful MXT400 completes the updated MicroMobile product line with 40 watts of power across 15 high power GMRS channels and benefitting from 8 repeater channels at a retail price of 249.99.

The MXT115 and MXT400 will go on sale in early 2017, while the MXT105 will be available in mid-December this year. More information will be available as the release dates near.

For more information about the new MicroMobile line, visit Midland Radio at 2016 SEMA booth No. 38005, in the SEMA New Product Showcase, or reach out to the Midland Radio PR team for details.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bryson Ross, Backbone Media
bryson.ross@backbonemedia.net
970-963-4873, ext. 160"


The MXT105 looks just like the MXT100 but includes Weather channels. Same 5 watt ouput.


The MXT115- also does weather channels and GMRS repeaters and puts out 15 watts on the "high power" channels.


The MXT400 looks like the TYT TH-9000 and Baofengtech UV-5001 radios. Does repeaters but no weather channels. Puts out 40 watts on the "high power" channels.



I think the addition of the new radios makes GMRS a valid choice for trail/convoy comms.

Even though the GMRS license covers your immediate family I am not a fan of the cost (65 for 5 years)...perhaps that's because I am a cheap ass, or the fact my ham radio license is free, good for 10yrs, and gives me a heck of a lot more privileges and responsibilities. Not to mention with the sale of the FRS/GMRS handheld radios for relatively cheap there are already a plethora of unlicensed users, not that that makes it right but it's already too far gone for the FCC to do much to regulate it. Not that I am suggesting unlawful and unlicensed use, would just like to see it changed to license by rule or the license fee dropped to more reflect the fact you only get 15 channels and some repeaters.

[bluedragon436]

Midland must have been listening to me...

https://midlandusa.com/midland-annou...mobile-radios/

"Las Vegas, Nev. — After the success of the MXT100 MicroMobile two-way radio, Midland Radio has announced the release of three new MicroMobile radios at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

With the initial success and popularity of the innovative MXT100 in the offroading, overlanding, ATV/UTV and other auto markets, Midland Radio will now expand the line to three radios. Launched in 2015, the MXT100 represented a significant advance in GMRS two-way communication with the 5-watt MXT100.

The three new MicroMobile versions: the MXT105, MXT115, and MXT400, all build on the popular design platform and add new features to further benefit avid off-road, UTV, overland, rock-crawl, and sand sports enthusiasts. As with the original MXT100, the three new models offer silent operation capabilities, programmable squelch, backlit displays, and 142 privacy codes. The new MXT105 and MXT115 models include detachable antennas with magnetic mounts and introduce NOAA Weather Radio technology to the MicroMobile line with weather scan technology in both models and additional weather alert technology in the MXT115 version.

•The MXT105 features 5 watts of power broadcast across 15 high-power GMRS Channels.
•The MXT115 boasts 15 watts of power with the addition of 8 repeater channels, drastically improving the range of the unit and any units communicating with it in the field. At a retail price of 149.99, the MXT115 also includes the useful addition of a USB charging port in the faceplate, giving a convenient option to charge other devices.
•The immensely powerful MXT400 completes the updated MicroMobile product line with 40 watts of power across 15 high power GMRS channels and benefitting from 8 repeater channels at a retail price of 249.99.

The MXT115 and MXT400 will go on sale in early 2017, while the MXT105 will be available in mid-December this year. More information will be available as the release dates near.

For more information about the new MicroMobile line, visit Midland Radio at 2016 SEMA booth No. 38005, in the SEMA New Product Showcase, or reach out to the Midland Radio PR team for details.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bryson Ross, Backbone Media
bryson.ross@backbonemedia.net
970-963-4873, ext. 160"


The MXT105 looks just like the MXT100 but includes Weather channels. Same 5 watt ouput.


The MXT115- also does weather channels and GMRS repeaters and puts out 15 watts on the "high power" channels.


The MXT400 looks like the TYT TH-9000 and Baofengtech UV-5001 radios. Does repeaters but no weather channels. Puts out 40 watts on the "high power" channels.



I think the addition of the new radios makes GMRS a valid choice for trail/convoy comms.

Even though the GMRS license covers your immediate family I am not a fan of the cost (65 for 5 years)...perhaps that's because I am a cheap ass, or the fact my ham radio license is free, good for 10yrs, and gives me a heck of a lot more privileges and responsibilities. Not to mention with the sale of the FRS/GMRS handheld radios for relatively cheap there are already a plethora of unlicensed users, not that that makes it right but it's already too far gone for the FCC to do much to regulate it. Not that I am suggesting unlawful and unlicensed use, would just like to see it changed to license by rule or the license fee dropped to more reflect the fact you only get 15 channels and some repeaters.

That's cool that maybe it seems they do listen to the feedback from their customers (or possible customers)... It is funny they have one that looks just like two other radios.. wonder if they're all owned by the same parent company?!! And for the pricing, you might as well just purchase one of the TYT TH-9000 or Baofengtech UV-5001 radios.. and get more use, more power and more options out of them... and more range!! But I think these GMRS radios are great options for someone who is not wanting a huge big permanent ant, and huge radio.. or the want to put in the work for a lisc, to be able to have a pretty decent option for communication out on the trails.. Wonder if you can tune in the same channels as the bubble pack handheld radios with them?! That way when you have someone new to the group or something like that, you can hand them a radio and they can still stay in contact with the group...

[prerunner1982]

wonder if they're all owned by the same parent company?!!

Just all cloning the same cheap radio.

And for the pricing, you might as well just purchase one of the TYT TH-9000 or Baofengtech UV-5001 radios.. and get more use, more power and more options out of them... and more range!!

Agreed. The Baofengtech type radios can be programmed for FRS and GMRS frequencies and repeaters. They aren't really legally type accepted to use on FRS and likely not type accepted for GMRS but are openly programmable. The Baofeng HTs are this way as well. However for the general user that doesn't want to jack with a programming cable and program these Midland radios would do the trick.

Wonder if you can tune in the same channels as the bubble pack handheld radios with them?!

Yes they can, they are both GMRS radios and operate on the same channels.

[prerunner1982]

A new GMRS radio by Midland will be on the market soon. It's following in the all controls in the mic CB craze.
Im not sure yet if the mic plug is a RJ45 (Cat 5/6) type connector. If it is, an extension with a plug in the dash would be super easy.

https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt27...two-way-radio/

[bluedragon436]

That new unit looks pretty nice... I think it looks like it will in fact be a RJ45 connector, just can't tell if that USB line is running into the same line back to the mic or not... We don't make use of any radios on the local Jeep club land... but from what I've heard they do on the larger trail.. Guess I'll have to see what is being used wherever I end up living in the next couple of months and then purchase to fit that... But if they do use the small bubble pack style radios, even though I have a set of those.. I'd look at picking up this new unit for the XJ use, ad the bubble packs can be handed out to folks with no radios in their Jeeps...

[prerunner1982]

That new unit looks pretty nice... I think it looks like it will in fact be a RJ45 connector, just can't tell if that USB line is running into the same line back to the mic or not...

What you are seeing from the USB I believe is just the retaining cord/strap for the USB dust plug, or at least that is what I see it as.

We don't make use of any radios on the local Jeep club land... but from what I've heard they do on the larger trail.. Guess I'll have to see what is being used wherever I end up living in the next couple of months and then purchase to fit that... But if they do use the small bubble pack style radios, even though I have a set of those.. I'd look at picking up this new unit for the XJ use, ad the bubble packs can be handed out to folks with no radios in their Jeeps...

They will probably use CBs, unfortunately.

[bluedragon436]

Ahh you are probably right as far as the dust plug lanyard.... Guess I didn't think of it as being that... lol... And you're right they probably will use CB... which I already have (although I need to get it tuned in)... I definitely want to work on getting my amateur radio lisc, and setup a radio in the XJ for that once I get it...

[downsy]

Neat to see these purpose built GMRS units especially the higher powered ones. I may or may not just run my Btech mobile with GMRS/FRS channels programmed in. And I may or may not just run them on low power and will bump to high power on the GMRS side when needed. I can't justify the space of adding a second radio just for GMRS when a radio in there will do it already. I did run a HAM and CB both in my last jeep. I removed the AM/FM antenna and ran the HAM radio antenna on that side and a CB antenna on the other side.

[prerunner1982]

"Midland Radio will provide its proven, category-leading MicroMobile and X-Talker GMRS radios to enhance on-trail navigation and communication, as well as event organization."(Jeep Jamboree)

https://midlandusa.com/midland-radio...-jamboree-usa/

Will have to see if this will change Jeep Jamboree's CB recommendation...

[downsy]

"Midland Radio will provide its proven, category-leading MicroMobile and X-Talker GMRS radios to enhance on-trail navigation and communication, as well as event organization."(Jeep Jamboree)

https://midlandusa.com/midland-radio...-jamboree-usa/

Will have to see if this will change Jeep Jamboree's CB recommendation...

If they did and started requiring GMRS radios it would probably force a huge shift in trail communcations nationwide. We'd be seeing a lot less CB antennas and more 6 inch gmrs antennas.


Well people would probably still run the 35 inch antennas that midland sells just based on looks.

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[denverd1]

What's the range on a 15 watt GMRS? Sounds like a lot of advantages over CB

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[prerunner1982]

What's the range on a 15 watt GMRS? Sounds like a lot of advantages over CB
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They are all "line of sight'.. which is about 6-10 miles with the antenna at 6-7' above ground (flat ground) due to the curvature of the earth...unless you are a flat earther in which case this doesn't apply to you.
There are really only 2 things that CB has over GMRS... no license and still most popular form of communication in many groups and parts of the country.

Groups and clubs are just resistant to change when it comes to some things and communications seems to be it for most.
I don't know if it's the pay to play license (70) that they don't want to spend money on, but will spend thousands to modify their Jeep....and spend thousands more to change it again in a year or two?
Most of the GMRS mobile radios aren't that much more expensive than a big CB.
To advance someone has to take the first steps, but the clubs don't want to be the ones to do it until everyone else has.
The above is just my experience, a handful of us have tried to get the groups to change with little success.
But then again if all they are going to do is play music, fart, and play grab ass... they can keep that to CB.