GMRS / FRS vehicle mounted radios

**BroncoHauler** · 05-25-2022, 09:54 AM

I'm making the migration from a vehicle mounted CB radio to a vehicle mounted GMRS/FRS radio, and I was wondering if anyone had any firsthand experience with either the Midland MXT115 (15 watt) or the MXT400 (40 watt) radios?

I would be open to other brands as well.

thanks,
Herb

Youngster · 05-25-2022, 10:58 AM

Sorry, I don't have experience with those. But I have to ask:
Do you have a good antenna in mind, something GMRS specific? A good antenna can make 5 watts seem like 40. From my experience the 70cm and 70cm/2meter antennas are close but not as good as a GMRS specific antenna.

**BroncoHauler** · 05-25-2022, 11:07 AM

I'll be using a GMRS specific antenna.

FWIW, I already have a Yaesu 7800R dual band Ham radio, but not enough people have Ham radios, so I need to branch out to some more "popular" frequencies.

Herb

CDACamper · 05-25-2022, 10:00 PM

Your dual band ham should communicate on GMRS frequencies assuming it's 2 meter/70 cm.

WanderingBison · 05-26-2022, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDACamper

Your dual band ham should communicate on GMRS frequencies assuming it's 2 meter/70 cm.

Not all units do - it would require the band to be unlocked which likely is locked for transmit from the factory.

bec_n_em · 05-26-2022, 11:42 AM

Herb, just PM'ed you. Best, Em -

CDACamper · 05-26-2022, 02:53 PM

The Yaesu 7800R ham radio you already have can be programmed to receive and transmit on all 2m 70cm frequencies including GMRS and Murs (108-520 mhz). Just mentioning it because it may save you from buying a second radio.

**BroncoHauler** · 05-26-2022, 03:59 PM

Copy all, thank you very much for all the wonderful advice.

Frankly, I think my biggest challenge is myself. Even though I installed my Ham radio, I rarely use it since almost no one else I wheel/explore with has one, so it does not get much use at all, so my familiarity with using all of its features is very limited.

Herb

CDACamper · 05-26-2022, 10:07 PM

I understand. If you are ever in the pacific northwest, I'd be happy to program it for you.

Glenn P. · 06-02-2022, 11:29 AM

The MXT400 is a great unit, I have them in both of my trucks with a mag mount antennae on the roof. A few of my buddies have the 15 watt model and they definitely notice how clear my transmissions come across compared to theirs. I mounted mine in the center console for the doghouse and it is a great radio in a great location.