Midland MXT500 High-Powered Mobile GMRS Radio. Review & Demonstration of Midland's New 50W Radio

[@jamesc7273]

Had the 40 watt version it stopped transmitting just days before the first year. Contacted Midland and the sent me the new 500 version. Excellent service.

[@rkuehner1012]

You got me when you said you're going to show everything included...I thought they were including the P365 too 😁

[@seandrake7534]

So I wasn't the only one Man I was disappointed 😂

[@williampiergiovanni5227]

You can add ADDITIONAL frequencies / repeater frequencies to the Midland MXT500. Just hook up your software and have it read the radio. You will see the channels 8 through 14 are blank. If you wand to add a repeater, just fill in the blanks with the frequency desired, say 467.675 for RX frequency and 462.675 tor TX frequency. Then add the repeaters in tone and out tone. That’s it… Now click on write to the radio and allow the software to clone the radio. This is very useful if you want to add several repeaters, even though they are on the same frequency. The DPL or CTSS code (depending) will take care of the overlapping on the same frequency.

[@kornhead37]

Ok so noob question then, I bought the Motorola Talkabout T605 due to the waterproof nature of them (kayaking, dirt biking,etc) and I am looking to use the MXT500 as the basestation inside the RV. The T605s are FRS/GMRS 426-467MHz so they should be able to be compatible correct? They say so on the box... lol.

[@TheRealRenn]

@@kornhead37 yes, but you may have to turn off the privacy tones on your Talkabout. Motorola calls them something else, but you'll figure it out by reading the manual.

[@gregorymccullough3801]

I have learned a huge amount about GMRS from you. I hold a tech HAM license, but it is hard to find out anything about GMRS from HAM sources. Thank you for your great work.

[@farmergeo5374]

You're getting famous, I heard your channel mentioned a little while ago on GMRS here in Seattle. Happy new year and keep up the great work.

[@eTexNerd]

I've heard "NotaRubicon" mentioned on GMRS here in Texas too. And mentioned in a few forums/email-lists. Randy's a KZbin Celeb!

[@donaldoc]

Same here, in the metropolitan areas around Detroit, Michigan, too! 👌👍

[@TheMsterblaster]

@@eTexNerd He is showing up in the GMRS subreddit a lot. I like seeing his vids posted all over.

[@jester5980]

Same thing down here inSW Florida. Thanks Randy!!! Your the man !

[@DC-ok6bk]

I appreciate how the KZbin algorithm now recognizes your channels value as demonstrated by the commercial (they chose to splash ahead of the information you provide) is about something germane to your topic rather than some random food infomercial. It’s 2022 and things might be heading in a logical direction (well for Randy and myself- his favorite viewer).

[@TheNotaRubicon]

When I watched this video I got a tampon commercial.

[@SocialistDistancing]

@@TheNotaRubicon shut your talking hole. You did not get a tampon commercial. LoL

[@NoName-OG1]

@@SocialistDistancing KZbin Google and Facebook think I am a 114 year old woman electrician - the ads I get are bizarre. Industrial electrical supplies, and depends ads.

[@wjf213]

@@TheNotaRubicon I've always wondered, when showing a commercial for pots and pans, they show someone cooking, a car, they show someone driving, but a tampon commercial, they're always playing TENNIS....I just don't get it. Seriously though, good info on the radio. I'm going to get a couple when they come out. Thanks, and keep up the great work.

[@timremley6013]

@@TheNotaRubicon haha, you must get a lot of nose bleeds in that dry desert air.

[@thelandrethfarm4782]

Looks like you got there attention! Excellent, we’re Midland fans out here on the farm we might have to update! Thanks buddy

[@BillyMcCord]

Happy New Year ! Great review as always, if Midland is reading the comments , seems like a good radio.. but for the price point a limit to 30 channels seems low.

[@andrewyoung-n8ary]

Another quote: “expectation is the #1 cause of disappointment.”

[@EverydayATV]

So glad I found your channel while waiting for my SDS100 to arrive. Great review and seems like a nice radio. I still have my Midland 40 channel mobile radio from my high school CB radio days and have always liked their products. I was worried about the included antenna not being compatible with my aluminum bodied F-150 but you addressed that issue nicely. Keep up the great videos and love your style/humor. That’s what makes your channel enjoyable in addition to the great info you provide.

[@codym4859]

Great job, nice review, actually got notification about this video while in middle of viewing another of your videos. Very much enjoy your work, thanks!

[@Warpetrie]

Seems like there's alot of included value with the MXT500, but for a little more money ( to include the cost of an antenna, antenna mount and antenna cable) the KG-1000G still seems to be the "king" for now. For a simple "all in one" package, this will definitely be a hit for many people though.

[@skye1355]

wouldnt Btech 50x3 be a better deal?

[@bpchristensen]

@@skye1355 Depends on what you mean by "better deal". Less expensive yes, but the KG-1000G presents as a higher quality superheterodyne radio with a detachable faceplate (and probably some other features too).

[@shepherdofchaos8853]

I'm torn between them but leaning to the kg. I love the idea of the faceplate

[@GrizzintheWoods]

Started out with the MXT275. Because of this Channel I have purchased the Wouxun 805G and KG-UV9G Pro. I guess I could buy just one more.

[@wordslinger]

I'm using the Midland MXT400 now, and LOVE IT!!

[@monkey-yb7mo]

Thanks for the review on the midland MXT 500. Love your channel.

[@huf67]

8:40 ... Just like pulling a good scab ... So satisfying

[@JDK45ACP]

Nice. Great review. I overheard on a local Ham Repeater (yes, I’m a Happy Ham as well as Happy GMRS dude) a couple of guys talking about your KZbin Channel here in Lawton, Oklahoma. Happy New Year, Sir.

[@PWarmuskerken]

WRNU337 here in Lawton. Repeater “625” 136.5 tone TX/RX

[@JDK45ACP]

@@PWarmuskerken hey Paul. JD here, WRCP821. I’ll try to find your repeater. I’m in the process of purchasing a new radio. The one I currently have in my truck is a Midland micro and I don’t think it is capable of repeater transmission.

[@GBNTGroup]

Man you are f'ing funny and informative. Keep it up 😂

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video as always Randy @NotaRubicon Productions

[@magking1971]

I was wondering about these radios, now I know. I had had ALOT of radios in my years and have never had a problem with midland

[@Sonicgott]

I've only got a Midland 5W radio, but it gets the job done for small jobs. Pretty solid unit.

[@ehayes5217]

No matter what ur talking about, I always enjoy watching ur vids; for some indescribable reason, it's eerily entertaining😂

[@Jesse-Rodriguez]

Is that a breaking bad homer? Love it.

[@RandellReeder]

Thank you Sir for the great Review. For just one more penny, Midland could have programed the "Roger" beep.!

[@zapalskic]

I carry a p365. I own 3 of them. They are so good.

[@michaelwright7270]

Loving your channel! My father-in-law turned me onto it as well as the Baofeng UV-5RIII

[@yuuyiatakahashi1943]

Great Peel. Been learning a lot from your channel. Content is much appreciated.

[@williampiergiovanni5227]

Been thinking of that Midland radio and you just talked me into it!! Thank you….

[@robertbeda959]

Thanks, Randy, I just received my kg1000g....but, I have multiple vehicles so.....

[@frankieraymond]

I really like the Midland but i like what the kg1000g can do with setting up the tones feature better

[@SocialistDistancing]

That radio seems pretty easy to set up. I'd be interested in more information on the intercom feature, or what exactly that port is for.

[@RisingTidesAC]

Socialist Distancing, Great Name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@blankreganon5395]

I was just going to ask the same question.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

probably P.A. for external loud speaker

[@SocialistDistancing]

@@TwoFeatherChannel that would make sense, however, the type of connector is not used for that type of system. Also, why call it an intercom and not a PA speaker? There's something else going on with it.

[@davidmaclennan5252]

@@SocialistDistancing off road enthusiasts sometimes use headphones 🎧 with intercom features similar to pilot and co pilot in an airplane I believe...

[@mattgibson1699]

Your videos are always super helpful, and entertaining. Thanks for reviewing this radio. Looking forward to it's release!

[@ravendon]

Could you do a video on how and where to mount a mobile GMRS in a typical SUV?

[@mikestone9129]

Sounds like an awesome radio. Hopefully Midland will put it on sale, or get a discount code.

[@williamjames890]

SORRY Here is my edited comment.... You can add ADDITIONAL frequencies / repeater frequencies to the Midland MXT500. Just hook up your MXT500 software and have it read the radio. You will see the channels 8 through 14 are blank. If you want to add a repeater; click on one of the blank channels and in the pop-up window, fill in the blanks with the frequency desired, say 467.675 for RX frequency and 462.675 tor TX frequency. Then add the repeaters in tone and out tone. That’s it… Now click on write to the radio and allow the software to clone the radio. This is very useful if you want to add several repeaters, even though they are on the same frequency. The DPL or CTSS code (depending) will take care of the overlapping on the same frequency.

[@ducktapepilot]

Great review! I'm torn between this radio and the MXT-575. I like the MXT-500's ability to program with software that the MXT-575 doesn't have. I have a Jeep so I prefer the size of the MXT-575 and also that it has a speaker in the microphone.

[@Redfishdaddy]

Great video! I think this will be the model radio I will get. I bought the set of handheld Midland radios. I applied and payed for my license ($70.00) Whew ! Your video link helped, but I did get lost because their website timed me out. Thanks for your help. I subscribed and clicked the bell for notifications. Now to learn the rules and figure out a call sign.

[@Matt-KG7JQH]

Is that the new 575 in the background? That's the one I'm waiting for!

[@TarrinLupo]

We are on a solar storage battery, I heard you say you can't use a cig lighter port, can I just hard wire this to a car battery to make it work without a car?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

as long as it can provide the 13.8V @15Amps.

[@TarrinLupo]

@@TheNotaRubicon Hmmm, I will have to see if the Bluetti I have gets that high voltage, I think it does, but if not I think the car battery should at full power. I just got a property in SC that has a 100 foot fire tower on it. I am brand new to radio and found your videos to be awesome. So I am going to invest in a GMRS radio to help folks out during the breakdown and what is coming. Is there a 50 watt radio that also doubles as a repeater, like an all in one? I would love any advice you can offer about setting up a repeater in the tower and a very strong radio to help my community in a grid down situation.

[@TarrinLupo]

@@TheNotaRubicon hmmm I really wanted to be able to just plug this in the cig lighter on my solar generator, guess that won't work.

[@jeremiahtorres6297]

Does this radio put out the 50 watts it advertises. Did you do a power test?

[@TheRealRenn]

Late to the game here, but I kinda like the MXT575 with the fully integrated Mic display

[@joshuachambliss8297]

New to GRMS and I’m glad I found your channel. I plan to order this radio from your link below. One question, will the midland software work on a MacBook?

[@mak90rocker86]

Its pretty much a big walkie talkie with gmrs. Its perfect for hunting and off road or just out with friends keeping communications going.

[@fm71450]

Dear Randy, as always thank you! Perhaps some output power measurement would be beneficial in a follow up video - with SWR for the antenna? Anyway, your videos are greatly appreciated here in Tennessee. Please keep up the excellent work.

[@mcresq65]

I'm under contract to purchase a home outside of Del Rio right now. Given the plethora of hills and mountains there, naturally I'm curious as to how that will affect GMRS transmissions. I don't know where in TN you are located, but have you had insurmountable problems with various mountains getting in the way of YOUR radio(s)????

[@kungfucommando1642]

If ANYONE says they can tell the difference between a radio that puts out 40, 45, or 50 watts, they are lying!

[@rkaag99]

Okay, this has to be asked so I'll step in it! If YOU were buying 3 units (disregarding the mountain of radios you own already)... Wouxun KG-1000G or the Midland MXT500? Why 3? ---- Mine, my Honey's, a base.

[@paulfountail]

So, based on your review of the Mxt 500, I'm in. However, can you suggest the size of a Jackery style power supply as I wish to take advantage of the AC port using a Btech RPS-30M DC Converter. As you can tell, electricity not be my friend. Thanks...

[@jburdick1969]

great content !!! i love being your favorite viewer btw!!! :)

[@michaelphennicie6419]

So sweet when you peel off the face plate plastic......

[@terrybeckelheimer3633]

Great review as usual, I like what they did with the power cord.

[@aronhanson]

Im waiting for the mxt575 and your review on it

[@Texas1FlyBoy]

What?! No roger beep?! Well... bleep! The next version needs that bleeping roger beep. Great review. Thanks!

[@mv8685]

Great info as always! Just received my MXT500 and will be installing it in my sxs.

[@robertalonzo5725]

Was there not going to be one like the MXT275 but with a 50W output? Wanted the controls in the mic for my wife’s Jeep. Valentine’s Day is around the corner!!!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yup! See that big white box in the Jenga-wall-of-boxes behind me? but it wont be available for another few months..

[@joecerda630]

Could you power it by using an add a fuse on the fuse block inside the vehicle?

[@Slogdawg]

I'm glad I waited... Can't wait to get one!!!

[@cjsullivan2767]

What Power Supply do you use for a Home Installation ? Duracomm LPX-14 ?

[@davidbrock4104]

I can see off-road people loving these. Great review

[@jamiehoneter2691]

What's the chance of Midland producing a Hand held with similar features? Would this potentially fit "in dash" (looks like it would but you're the one holding it)? Also how are things going with the Salton Sea issues?

[@kimmccarl1089]

Well ...I have the 40 watt ,,still in the box ...Now I want the 50

[@wendiig0]

Very cool radio! If only it had the Roger Beep ;)

[@donaldoc]

Better Radio than I expected, and you yourself seem to be a bit impressed by it as well. Enough so, to wear their T-shirt in support... Great that they made a, "wideband" radio, that is as easy to program, as my one, Wouxon KG-UV9 Pro! (🤫 My Moto's, may be listening!) Thanks for the informative, and, "straight to the point", product demonstration! 👌👍

[@ryanptitmas]

thank you for the review, I just received mine and set up in my jeep, what antenna would you recommend to replace the tiny one it came with? even though you mention the tiny one works well😜

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Use use the Midland MXTA26 antenna on both my Jeeps even though neither has a midland radio ..

[@shepherdofchaos8853]

Would you do a review of this new 50w midlands against the 50w kg1000 gmrs wouxun. I'm torn between them. I love to removable faceplate of the kg but tis new midlands looks great. The price seems to be within about 15 bucks

[@photoshootcentral]

Love the samall manual, after all smaller is better.

[@aaronlawrence3127]

Retevis Just came out with the RB86 20 watt mobile GMRS radio. I’ve wanted to pull the trigger but haven’t seen any reviews yet. Love the channel!

[@SKADYT2]

Videos in this channel feels normal when played in twice the speed 😂

[@bubbascoutdog]

Happy New Year man!

[@sfcastro61]

Thanks for all you do.

[@TractorsNStuff]

Looks like Midland finally got their shit together with GMRS! YAY!

[@hamradiohobo4250]

Solid radio so if you have to you could use it as a weapon

[@wsd2007]

My MXT500 doesn't seem to scan. Can someone confirm if the channels change on the screen or not?

[@wsd2007]

Just did a reset and it scan through the channels now.

[@rpjr5637]

Is the radio still working great for you since you've had it for a while?

[@rpjr5637]

Can i plug it in to my car audio AUX to listen through my car speakers?

[@kimdavis5194]

I'm getting that radio. Thanks for your show. I love your show.

[@OkieProductions]

I like the radio but the price is a little steep for the limited channels of the gmrs world. Not sure 50watts is gonna do much better than a cheaper 20watt radio for half the price. Nice review as always tho.

[@Burps___]

I threw up in my mouth a bit when Randy said the price. lol

[@andrew1898]

Yeah, but 50 watts

[@ZetaMensae]

No power cable in the box i received 😢 had to order separately.

[@DOGALR]

you sold another MXT500 for midland, i see they even changed the box, says Wide/Narrow Band thank to you

[@DOGALR]

Wow this is a nice heavy radio

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@jeffreybraga907]

Could you possibly do a range test and power output test on this radio?

[@carlgalantino7274]

I am new to the GMRS scene and your channel has been very helpful to me getting started. I've watched your reviews on the new Midland MXT500 and the Wousun KG1000G and I am in the market for a base radio. I do use some split tone repeaters and I do prefer programming using my PC. Which radio would you lean towards? Thanks

[@PaulMeixnerFilms]

I just replaced my 50W BTECH with the Wouxon KG1000G and haven’t looked back!

[@131Dusty]

Nice review,....... Awesome... NO rookie beep

[@Nick-gi6ym]

Question do you need a windows pc to make this work and us it problem free. Thank You

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

I REALLY covet that T-shirt.

[@bah5310]

Nice radio, I guess I could just use a manual Roger Beep "BEEP". Thanks Randy.

[@rpjr5637]

Any updates from people that have used this for a while?

[@jmr]

Anytime you must deal with the US government IT'S A TEST!

[@rowanlawson3844]

Doesn’t look like the new Midland has a port to connect two together to create a repeater platform like the Wouxun - presumably this would have been mentioned if it had that feature (I’m new to GMRS, considering setting up a repeater locally since the HAM guys took the last local one down). Looking forward to a comparison as suggested above.

[@410dash]

My GMRS walkie talkie’s have 30 channels, however my Midland MXT 500 has 50 channels. I can transmit from my handheld radio to my MXT 500 but my MXT 500 won’t transfer to my handheld unit on the same channel (16)

[@rayarthur586]

Another great video thanks.

[@EMiniTutor]

Need to clarify to those not aware. You cannot use just ANY USB-A to USB-C cord. That cord MUST be capable of transferring data and not be just a power cord used to charge an device. If your cord is not finding the driver, it's a power cord ONLY and not meant for data transfer.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

Does the MXT 500 have to be turned on when connected to a pc for programming?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yes

[@hatchetjackphillips]

One more dumb question. To operate this model as a base station, what size power supply would you recommend using. I can’t find any specs on how many amps it draws.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

you will need something like the Duracomm LPX-14 power supply. You can see it here: bit.ly/3y5jlrh

[@jackedupvideos5785]

Is the 50 watts unit worth the extra money or will the 25 or even 40 be enough? Mine will be for Jeep outings with other Jeeps. I have no desire to learn all the peripheral stuff other than maybe a little about the repeater functions. I do want to use this with a couple of FRS handhelds occasionally too.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

For most people, most of the time, for most uses, 25W is plenty. What I think is more important is getting a radio that can do WIDEBAND. A lot of the Midlands are narrowband only.

[@pastorofmuppets924]

Does it have a pa output?

[@keiththompson2289]

What would happen if you bought this and placed it in your house? Would I get better reception than talking on my hand to hand KG-S88g?

[@jaydurtsche2569]

Thanks Randy!

[@MrGoodSkills]

Sig P365, nice daily carry on.

[@kungfucommando1642]

Thank goodness it doesn’t have an annoying roger beep.

[@GForceAthlete90]

Stumbled on your channel when looking into gmrs use and licensing. Just got my license and purchased this radio to get started. Is there a fold down antenna bracket that you would recommend? Wanted to use the 6db antenna on my roof rack but be able to park in parking garages from time to time.

[@paulreddin9962]

Have you done a comparison between the the midland mtx500 and the rugged radio GMR45?

[@jasonconaway69]

Does the mxt400 also allow multiple repeater tones on a single frequency/channel?

[@soundsofnature2239]

Yes there is a way fast forward to 15m 14s. After watching this video you can program the same frequency with different tones using the software to program it. That was also one of my questions regarding this 500 series release.