Midland MXT275 Mobile GMRS Radio
When exploring off-road with your buddies, there is lots to see and watch out for. That beautiful lake off in the distance, the water crossing up ahead, or the group of dear that just ran across the trail. Or there's the deep ruts, the large rock in the center of the trail, or the tree that has fallen across your path. Being able to communicate in these situations, whether you're sharing experiences or warning of trouble, increases the enjoyment of your off-road adventure.
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Two types of mobile communication used by off-road enthusiasts are an Amateur (or HAM) radio, and(or) a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio. The operation of a HAM radio requires some study, the understanding of frequencies, passing a test, plus a $70 fee for a 10-year license.
With GMRS you don't have to study, take a test, and understand frequencies. Operating a GMRS radio does requires a license which cost $35 for 10 years, but no test, uses channels instead of frequencies, GMRS radios cost less than HAM radios and are simpler to operate. For those reasons, many off-roaders these days are choosing the simpler option of GMRS.
My research showed the Midland MXT275 Mobile GMRS radio to be a good, low-cost entry-level radio. It comes with a mic that contains all the controls necessary to operate the radio. The base unit can be placed in a remote location. In my case, I installed it in the glove compartment.
The MXT275 comes with a good magnet mount antenna. However, one pass through the drive-through car wash while leaving it attached to the roof of my truck caused it to be ripped off ever to be seen again. For that reason, I now have
Midland stubby Radio Antenna mounted to my truck's hood.
This radio also came with a small mic mount with peel-off stick backing. I opted to purchase a more secure mount and attached it with screws to my dash.
To complement the Midland MXT275 Mobile radio I chose a set of Midland handheld radios. These offer communication with a person outside of the vehicle such as a spotter, or for two people who have walked away from the vehicle, maybe exploring the surrounding area on foot.
Buy yourself some communications gear and stay in touch with your friends while out on the trail, exploring, or camping.
Continue Reading
Two types of mobile communication used by off-road enthusiasts are an Amateur (or HAM) radio, and(or) a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio. The operation of a HAM radio requires some study, the understanding of frequencies, passing a test, plus a $70 fee for a 10-year license.
With GMRS you don't have to study, take a test, and understand frequencies. Operating a GMRS radio does requires a license which cost $35 for 10 years, but no test, uses channels instead of frequencies, GMRS radios cost less than HAM radios and are simpler to operate. For those reasons, many off-roaders these days are choosing the simpler option of GMRS.
My research showed the Midland MXT275 Mobile GMRS radio to be a good, low-cost entry-level radio. It comes with a mic that contains all the controls necessary to operate the radio. The base unit can be placed in a remote location. In my case, I installed it in the glove compartment.
The MXT275 comes with a good magnet mount antenna. However, one pass through the drive-through car wash while leaving it attached to the roof of my truck caused it to be ripped off ever to be seen again. For that reason, I now have
Midland stubby Radio Antenna mounted to my truck's hood.
This radio also came with a small mic mount with peel-off stick backing. I opted to purchase a more secure mount and attached it with screws to my dash.
To complement the Midland MXT275 Mobile radio I chose a set of Midland handheld radios. These offer communication with a person outside of the vehicle such as a spotter, or for two people who have walked away from the vehicle, maybe exploring the surrounding area on foot.
Buy yourself some communications gear and stay in touch with your friends while out on the trail, exploring, or camping.
