Midland MXTA26 GMRS Antenna Review - The Best GMRS Mobile Antenna IMO - MXTA 26 GMRS Antenna Review

You can get a Midland MXTA26 GMRS Antenna here: amzn.to/49AliLq
and you can see all NMO magnetic antenna mounts on Amazon, here: amzn.to/4d4Ddwy
and get my exact shirt, here: amzn.to/3U3oedT
In this episode of " GMRS stuff I've already talked about in other videos because I am running out of new GMRS stuff to talk about " I am RE-reviewing the Midland MXTA26 Mobile GMRS Antenna - a mobile GMRS antenna that is, in my not at-all-humble opinion, the best GMRS mobile antenna you can find. I go over the features of this Midland GMRS antenna and I go over several of the reasons why I use the MXTA-26 GMRS antenna on my Jeep and why I use another MXTA26 in my house.
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[@TheNotaRubicon]

Get yourself a Midland MXTA26 GMRS Antenna here: amzn.to/49AliLq You can see all NMO magnetic antenna mounts on Amazon, here: amzn.to/4d4Ddwy Get my exact shirt, here: amzn.to/3U3oedT

[@TheRealRenn]

Any chance you've done a review of the Retevis NR30? I searched around but couldn't find anything. Thank you in advance.

[@TheBoogieManNightmare13]

I was wondering if you've ever used a qyt kt-780 plus radio? I've heard and read that it could transmit on gmrs frequencies with 80 watts from the factory. I'd love to see your review on such radio or at least hear your opinion on it.

[@patrickmcconkey]

I was thinking of running one of these on the front fender/cowl of my F150. Only concern would be since the truck is all aluminum would I need to come up with some type of ground plane at the base of the antenna between it and the mount?

[@trep17mag]

@@TheNotaRubicon cool, thanks.

[@AmericanStrong1977]

I'm GMRS licensed thanks to you !! Also, thanks to you, I've bought nearly every damn radio you've recommended !!!

[@urnaighean_shamhach]

One of the few channels that I know I can give thumbs up on a video before even getting through the video! Love it!

[@ordyy89]

Agreed👍

[@Willysaholic]

💯%

[@franksouter3939]

same here. i love the dry humor

[@brianmiller1098]

Never disappoints!!

[@bodazaphfa]

You sir have great taste.

[@seansdriveway]

Because of you, I got into GMRS! And I just got my Technician license this week (1 year later) Thank you for being a great teacher and an inspiration to not be what other people make HAMs out to be :D

[@grigorirasputin5020]

Members of our GMRS group tried different mobile antennas on different vehicles to see which worked best. Out of all of them, the Midland antenna featured in this video was found to be the best of the bunch. It is a great mobile antenna.

[@Wickedtrucker75]

Just got my GMRS license today.. now to describe on radio

[@krisssstronggg5178]

i really love your channel dude, i bought a baofeng because you explained everything to me. i would love if you do a video about listening to satellites with our favorite baofeng

[@timaskew4837]

The funniest videos on KZbin. I love the small details….

[@breckfreeride]

We have the same birthday... Odd

[@GB-rb1up]

KMG365. I remember.

[@briantipton356]

YoU maDe mY day

[@Meow_Ag47]

black and long!

[@colonelkernal297]

Best ending

[@billlang1635]

Station 51 responding, KMG365

[@jake_710X]

Duty

[@RicArmstrong]

I love that your FCC license was issued July 4th 1776 😅

[@mclovengarcia2883]

He is a time traveler!

[@german69692007]

He may not be a Comedian but He sure makes me laugh why actually trying to learn. :)

[@jjmrogers01]

LEGEND!!!!!!!

[@bodazaphfa]

Yeah, that’s funny as fk.

[@ssrrocks22]

Just FYI, the NMO mount was developed by Bell systems for Motorola back in the 60s for the high powered radios being installed in many law enforcement and government agencies of the time. Motorola insisted the antennas had to be very rugged to withstand the high powered RF and would hold up for years of use. Bell labs delivered an antenna mount that required a 3/4" hole along with a 17" and 18" whip type antenna for the new mount. Hence, the NMO mount was born. The mount was used on a number of antennas back in the 70s and 80s for CB radio antennas. It was able to hold a lot of weight and could be adapted to many other antennas of the area.

[@wheelersecuritygroup]

What's crazy is I want on the Amazon tonight and ordered the same antenna but it was not the Midland antenna and it was $10 cheaper. Your video came out and just watched it and I canceled that order and spent $10 more for the Midland. Attention to detail😊

[@MartindeHMO]

KMG365. Very clever. Love that show!

[@baldknobby]

OMG dude, you are so funny. Subscribed.

[@michaellastrina4758]

Please don’t ever stop making videos. I still can’t figure out if I watch them to learn or just for unadulterated entertainment. Either way…..I can’t stop watching.

[@bluedeval03]

😂😂😂 EXACTLY!!!!

[@richb.4374]

Great antenna. I use the same mag mount and not once has the antenna come off of the roof of my truck even at highway speeds. I use this antenna with the Midland MXT400 radio. For those unaware, the MXT400 is set up from the factory to use narrowband FM on the simplex channels and wideband on the repeater channels. There is no menu setting in the radio to change from narrow to wide band, it must be done via a PC. The problem is, narrowband FM has low modulation. This is easily fixed by getting the Midland software and a programming cable and reprogramming the simplex channels to wideband. No more low modulation issues. Midland dropped the ball on this one by not having a menu setting for this but other than that it's a nice radio.

[@Pyjamarama11]

Its just a length of metal, so don't allow yourself to be confuculated by the manufacturers You can use a coat-hanger provided you cut it to the right length to resonate

[@thebiggestoneyouveverhad]

I'm laughing thinking about how long you spent chewing on that pencil in preparation for this video...

[@melissasmess2773]

It's been this way for many videos. 😜

[@deronthomas7904]

Just opened youtube, and I saw this video. And it's exactly what I was looking fore.

[@gfin4576]

for*

[@dflynn2499]

Look a hole in one ☝️ 😂😂😂😂😂

[@rpjr5637]

Same here. I was just thinking of a different antenna, and then this video popped up. So I did more research and bought it.😅

[@GregBeaver-x8o]

Love your channel! I created a YT account just to subscribe to your channel. Do you have a recommendation to mount this antenna on a Gladiator, given the lack of ground plane (don't like mag mount) and ragtop limitations? Thanks!!!

[@briannagorman3119]

Thanks for your wonderful words which always brings smiles. You’re the best

[@l3arrett82]

whats it do on a UV-5R

[@MUMZZ400]

There are some good channels for radio information, but yours by many fars is the most entertaining. I never knew I was such a fan of radio comedy. I enjoy a tearjerking laugh while getting great information on this incredibly entertaining topic of radio communication. Looking forward to more on th beep beep. 🗽✌🏻

[@davidbakara5044]

My God this is a great channel! Helped me get my gmrs radio set up!

[@ChristiannTyler]

Maybe you or the people in here can help me out. I’m trying to set up some gmrs mobile radios for my girlfriend and family. Would like to go with a mag mount option it’ll only be put up if there is an emergency (unless they start to enjoy the hobby) I was gonna get a couple of the btech 50w mobiles already have some of the little 50 channel gmrs radios along with my ham radio stuff but the hams are pricks every time we’re doing any testing so I’m just gonna go the gmrs route soo basically need some advice on antennas

[@thebiggestoneyouveverhad]

Hey man. I know you're probably busy, but I just wanted to share that I've been watching your videos for a little bit. You're hilarious. Got a Tid h3 and was able to find a couple of repeaters and join in on a grms-net call. Very cool. Thanks for all the info!

[@craigdavidson2977]

Nerd alert! Danger Danger Will Robinson. If you are alergic to nerdy talk, READ NO FURTHER...... 9:02 I looked it up on the interwebs and NMO stands for “New Motorola Mount" and was a standard configuration developed by Motorola for their land mobile radio antennas quite a few years ago.

[@dannyappleby703]

Is there a mobile antenna that goes both ways (like my ex-girlfriend in high school - ((responsible for many spurious emissions)) ) for ham and GMRS?

[@TheAaronReynolds]

Question sir. I purchased one for my new Tidwell TD-H3 after loving your content. I’m a subscriber and enjoying all the sarcasm and also all the learning. However my new antenna does not fit on the TD-H3. The threads for the base of each do not reach each other due to the radio’s protruding body. Is there an adapter? Total newbie here. Thanks in advance.

[@danielmcneely1579]

Maybe you’ve already made a video for it, but I haven’t seen it. If you have one, what’s your favorite dual band mobile antenna? I mean 2m/70cm. Sorry for the confuckulation.

[@DesertRado]

@TheNotaRubicon Dude! Do you know how many people I’ve been attacked by on reddit for having my antenna mounted on the hood of my truck instead of the roof! Absolutely insane!

[@lifesparagon]

Would this work well within a city/suburban area? I have a cb antenna and was thinking of mounting it magnetically next to my cb attenna on yhe roof. Thanks for any feedback or thoughts.

[@wjf213]

I didn't know it could handle that much power through it or that it didn't "NEED" aground plane. If it works, it works. I wonder, without getting into a ton of radio theory, could you do a video on antenna gain, and which gain would work best for certain situations? I mean I've been reading about it, and from what I'm understanding, the lower gain antennas are better for areas with more obstructions, because they give you more punch through ability, but range suffers some, and higher gain have better range, but lack the ability to punch through areas with more obstructions??? Maybe I'm screwed up as polio in what I'm understanding, I don't know, but I've been hoping you'd do a video on it, and keep it simple like you do. I mean I don't want to hear about all the labor pains, I just want to know if it's a boy or a girl. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@warlockcommandcenter]

First you broken pencil say your still having an ED problem with your equipment if you care about you significant other you need to deal with that issue. It is obvious you asking for help. I hope your signs other (Jane or Jim) should have to deal with you problem. Even your caressing of that antenna is a call for help.

[@victoraguirre5920]

Got mine today!!! It so happens that when they came to shut my lights off the company truck had this very same antenna,, thanks first energy,

[@kurtbauman4251]

I like the pencil the best.

[@MrHandyDad]

I have little to no interest in radios, Ham or Ham swand'wich... And yet this is one of my favorite channels. The lttile guy is funny !!!

[@javabeanz8549]

A pizza pan is another good option, if you don't have a cookie sheet.

[@Uncleharkinian]

It’s probably really great, I live in Canada and there is no provisions in the regulations for mobile GMRS, but from my understanding this antenna is great, really easy to install in a automatic jeep, which I have, right thru the plug where the clutch would be if it’s manual, from my understanding.

[@iffykidmn8170]

but which provides more fars?

[@GordonKupiec]

For the Midland MXTA26 antenna what mount did you use to place on your jeep. I have a jeep also and would like to place the antenna as you have on yours Thank you.

[@RebelNerd]

Love the reviews. Always helps someone like me, who Wasn’t into radio usage until I stumbling upon this channel. Keep making the sad hams sad.

[@OGamputee]

Sad ham 2.0 ain’t going to like this 😂. Their gigawatts will be in a bunch for a week

[@evosolutionsllc.910]

I got one of the shorter versions of that exact antenna for my radios. Great antenna. Garbage gasket. The one got moisture in it less than a year of having it on there. Probably just a fluke. 🤷

[@NM-pl1iv]

I’ve always been confident in my antenna size but after seeing that manly jeep it may have a Shrunk in size.

[@Crushbandicoot-wv8xb]

I mean earth is flat 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RisingTidesAC]

Randy, how did you get that FRN? I wanted that one!

[@rickreese5794]

GR8 T shirt 💯👍😎

[@Desertdweller1965]

Thanks. I'm putting a UV-50 in my Dodge/RV.

[@zapman2100]

that's the most believable flat earth map I've ever seen!!!

[@kchaney56]

F Quote"somepeople"Quote and I do not give a shit about those sad hams either,

[@larryjanson4011]

or buy a car or truck with a aluminum body.

[@juannajera881]

Can i use this on a btech pro handheld radio ? Im new to this soo im kinda lost here lol how will it preform with a handheld ?

[@geraldsims3137]

A master of sarcasm .

[@mondavou9408]

...even funnier after a couple margaritas.

[@dannydivine7699]

Completely unrelated comment, Just saw an apparently new "BTECH GMRS-RPT50 50W GMRS Repeater" You should do a review on it, inquiring minds want to know!!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Stay tuned...

[@thegreener196]

cant seem to find a decent handheld radio mount for a car/truck

[@enigma51ted]

im the one who chewed on the pencil. anyone want some used pencil's?

[@ericsotelo211]

Hey randy, New to radios in general and thinking of getting cb for the vehicles but i have a few boofwangs that ive been playing with would this antenna work as a mobile antenna for them i know it wouldnt have the same power as a mobile radio but im limited on space and i dont think the wife would appreciate 2 full size units in the vehicles 😅 if it isnt great do you have any recomendations on antennas better suited for such a perfect handheld?

[@senfo-s5p]

I don't know why people are raving about this video. The only thing I got out of it is that you like this because it's flexible. And don't get me wrong, the flexibility is great, but you're glossing over details that actually matter. For a 5/8 wavelength antenna, you're getting a longer antenna than a 1/4 or 1/2 wavelength, but you didn't want to talk about why you like the 5/8 wavelength antenna. A 1/4 or 1/2 wavelength antenna might be better for some folks, depending on where they're going to be off-roading and they're shorter, so they might be something to consider. But I'm not even sure why I'm wasting my time with you. You're just going to call my comment stupid and be on with your day when all I'm trying to do is help people make informed decisions.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

If people wanted your help, they'd be watching your videos and not mine.

[@641northwestgeorgia]

Super helpful video as usual, Randy! I bought and am using one of these Midland antennas with a mag mount on my truck. I haven't had it long, but it works just as well as other 5/8 waves I've tried, with the added benefits that you described so well. I recently set up a GMRS base station for my father in law who lives a little farther away than shouting distance (aka just out of FRS radio range). I used a 5/8 wave mag mount antenna on a cookie sheet in his attic with a handheld radio. It works well for our needs, even in the hills of northwest Georgia where we once again have a very high foliage count. 😃

[@TimmyMoza]

OMG i laffed my ass completely off at the end about your ground plane antenna placement… by the way your transmission cut off short when telling us about th

[@chrissmart9761]

Much more fars when Earth is flat

[@k6usy]

I think I missed something at the end that was targeted at me…

[@bradmiller159]

You are straight up comedy gold.

[@philc6670]

Few weeks ago I bought a Nagoya 200C, turned out to have SWR between 1.3-1.8 on GMRS simplex and 3.5 on the repeater channels. Exchanged for another and it also tested the same. After getting my moneys back I bought the MXTA26 and SWR is below 1.5 across all simplex and repeater channels. Much good. Many nice. Thank you for validating my purchase!

[@Desertdweller1965]

"92 miles of fars?" Because the earth is flat , your still 'line of sight'

[@Normie-c7s]

I like that Midland is an American company

[@e.c.8668]

@2:49...my stomache turned a flip as my OCD kicked in when he didn't put the pencil straight with the edge of the screen. It was only slightly quelled when I realized that the pencil was at a right angle to the antenna. It got worse when he tried to fix it at 3:40. I think I shivered a bit. Cinematic genius!

[@mikeperry2814]

Hi! 👋

[@jeffi.8074]

In this case, size matters.

[@cypressres1965]

Luv it! No talk about ham.

[@spyhunter6411]

Love it! Was just starting to shop for one. If you had to recommend an antenna for an unlocked radio, what would you choose? Also, you use the same music as another one of my favorite channels

[@thebear6751]

Have you tried the laird or browning gmrs antennas

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yes, both. Neither has the fancy coil in the middle and IIRC neither has the heavy-duty spring on the mount.

[@strangerous1313]

Can you please provide an affiliate link for the Notarubicon Signature Series Ground Plane Cookie Sheet? I want to own the best!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Sure, here you go: amzn.to/4b5oqzV

[@ThePewski]

@@TheNotaRubicon HAHAHAHAHA, Fucking hilarious!

[@iffykidmn8170]

@@TheNotaRubicon Out of an entire case I could get no mag mount to stick to the aluminum. Is the magnet defective or the cookie sheet?

[@jweaver7170]

AI ?

[@kb6lcw99]

😊

[@DePalma.]

I have that antenna & it works well…it’s mounted on the hood of my truck, next to the stereo antenna…and the coax is run under hood, through the firewall & into the truck’s cab.

[@edgoodwin9939]

Love your videos ! I do have a question. Do you have a ground plane on your MXTA26 antenna for your Jeep ?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

My MXTA26 is mounted on the rear tailgate/fender/corner.. the groundplane there is poor, but its a groundplane.

[@edgoodwin9939]

@@TheNotaRubicon ok thank you

[@TR_TenSeven]

The pencils are still looking glorious and today's background pic is outstanding!

[@ShowerSquid95]

Can you please do a video about the baofeng uv-5r?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No I will never make a video about that radio.

[@darthtater4844]

Just received the Midland MTXA26 antenna to replace my 15 whip. I ran an SWR test on it and get a 2.2. The shorter antenna I planned on replacing has a 1.5 SWR. My original thought was maybe to get a little more distance with the new antenna, but wonder if I’m gaining an advantage with a higher SWR. OR, am I just being too nerdy about the whole thing?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You will never notice any difference between 1.5 and 2.2 SWR when using your radio to talk with other human-beings. Stop trying to over-complicate it and just use your radio.

[@darthtater4844]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thanks. A practical answer that brings me back down to earth.

[@dflynn2499]

Thanks! Love, Love, Love the duplicity in the background TV/monitor 😂😂😂😂

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thank YOU! .....thank you... ...........thank you....

[@danhandke5012]

👍💪🤣💪😂👍

[@Benjamin-ek4iu]

A large flared base is a fine suggestion good sir.

[@evl150]

Your doody 😅

[@Dan-bj1cz]

Hey which is the best GMRS radio. That you would recommend.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Watch this video to see which radio I recommend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWm3aJ5pqdRkhqcsi=axhgsVIrmcjyhfQE

[@Dan-bj1cz]

For a person that lives in the city.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

For someone that lives in the city, watch this video to see what I recommend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWm3aJ5pqdRkhqcsi=axhgsVIrmcjyhfQE

[@kgoldric]

You should really expand your reviews. Maybe review tyson hams, honey baked, spiral, etc. Maybe make your own live Joe Rogan Experience styled podcast show and invite sad hams, hamster furries, radio and non-radio dorks like Tucker Carlson,... we need more content!

[@Aegisltd]

1:00 “Duty......Doody!” (listen carefully for the very slight inflection difference). 🤔

[@jeepinbanditrider]

The only antenna I found that's held up better than the MXTA26 so far has been the Larsen NMO2/70B, which resonates on GMRS as well but runs about 10 dollars more.

[@thetravi1348]

You should review the Boofwang UV-21 GMRS radio. Looks like it just came out. I like the uv-21 in the ham flavor so the GMRS flavor one should be cherry.

[@ColoRadio6996]

GE NAR Did you see the new GMRS repeater by BTECH? any chance for a review, please? TIA.....J

[@TheNotaRubicon]

It's already on its way....

[@craigdavidson2977]

Found it on the interwebs [BTECH GMRS-RPT50 50W GMRS Repeater with Built-In Auto-ID] Very interesting. Looking forward to the review.

[@blairM363]

A+

[@donaldtaylor2161]

Nice! Thanks.

[@MerpSquirrel]

😀

[@LIFTSMITH]

Hi. I’ve enjoyed your videos and your wit. I’m just getting into the GMRS radios for the off road/overlanding I am also getting into with a 2004 Wrangler LJ. I was about to order the Midland MXT275 combo with their whip antenna like you’ve covered in this video. Most of the local trail riding we do is in the Ted River Gorge area in Kentucky which is hilly and a lot of trees. Of course we are on highways and two lane roads in route to the trails. Midland was recommending the standard 2.1db and the Ghost antenna over the Whip for my environment. But I’ve interpreted your review of the Whip as a better antenna? Please recommend what you’d think would be best for my environment.