Just got my GMRS. The FCC emailed me the license in less than 24 hours. Jeep Jamboree has made GMRS mandatory this year, so now I'm set. Thanks for your great and informative videos. Safe Travels and God Bless!
You should do the MXT400 from midland if you havent already. I have that one and Im sure you would think its junk but for me it was simple and works well enough. Thanks for the informative content. I get that privacy tones aren't private but i still like not hearing everyone else on my channel even if they can still hear me.
My 2c, I picked this up on a deal with some blister pack Midland GMRS handhelds (the 2.5/5w ones), wanting to get into GMRS from CB. Its hard in my area getting everyone on something as basic as CB much less GMRS, but the quality difference between the two was night and day to me; WAY better in rock canyons/trees. These were easy to install/use, and the handhelds worked well to hand out on the trails to group members that didn't have anything. I'm hoping to get more folks to move over, just by wheeling with these handhelds and the MXT115, in our local club but it's an uphill battle. Thanks for the vids, learning more every day.
Good description of an AM radio when describing wide and narrow radio. Turn the gestures 90 degrees and you have a pretty fair description of wide and narrow band FM. GMRS is FM and channels depend on narrow band to not step on each other.
I have a MXT275. I has some faults, but its mostly a good radio. Midland's customer support is fantastic tho. I had my radio for about 18 months and it started acting up and having some minor issues. I emailed Midland.. and within a day I had a reply informing me they were going to just send me a new radio. Had it on my door step within a week. One issue I had with my first radio is that it didn't support split code repeaters, but oddly, the replacement radio is updated and it now does support split code.
I forgot to say in the box I did not get that Big o antenna ground plane like you have in either of my purchases .. I will be honest with you and everyone that reads this in my opinion only I think these radios are kind of like disposable radios. But $150 plus shipping it is a bit much for disposable radio thank you for all your videos Man you do awesome job I like your honest reviews
Randy, one big reason I wish you'd get your Technican ham license would be these awesome reviews on newly released ham gear. There's a lot of crap on the ham bands and some awesome stuff that might even give you some interesting emissions.
Tip: I have the MXT275 and saved the manual to my phone for referring to codes. I can then expand the screen to read them. I prefer to not hear the FRS channels since I can't talk on them, saves time when placing the radio on scan. Good, honest review.
4x4 users are just guests on gmrs. I once met a true gmrs guy. White ford, steel rims with small hub caps, long rain coat, suitcase repeaters, leather holsters for moto handhelds with speech inversion, hustler and soldier of fortune magz on back seat. and much much, much more...
@@W2IRT at that time that stuff was not available even to gmrs spooks. people still monitored 46/49 mhz and this was at a scanner club even phone patches from af1 were in the clear
@@concernedpatriot9314 It's already been tested and was a little over 45...So it's right in line with where it should be. I've already tested one myself. I have an MXT400 and if you have a 40 watt radio, doubtful you will notice another 10 watts.
Sonny Dryer is Midland coming out with other GMRS radios. Like some better HTs with 5watts of power and selectable bandwidth and changeable antenna’s. I would like to see the MXT115 set up with wide bandwidth. Or selectable bandwidth.
I am of the 'Dinosaur Vintage' in age. So, have seen radios over a wide span of time. Motorolla (arguably a benchmark brand of radio) had metal shelled microphones which evolved into a plastic shell microphone over time. Inside of those plastic microphones were lead weights. This gave the (hand held) microphone a good feel, similar to how their original metal mics felt. - So I don't think Midland is 'ripping us off' by adding the weights. Just the opposite. -- In regards to the MXT115 performance, I am 100% with you. The audio quality is less than stellar on the RX. This is a hit and miss situation pending what the operator on the other end is using. I tie into the NGGMRS (North Georgia GMRS) repeater system, so hear quite a wide variety of different radios. It becomes quite noticable, and annoying as some radio traffic comes in crystal clear, while others are distorted (going back to the inherent narrow band vs wideband setup).
Being new to GMRS and in possession of Baofeng UV-5R portables and, for around the property, the Baofeng G11S portables....Just purchased the Midland MXT115 at Amazone for around 89 dollars...Thank you for the insight on the MXT115...Did invest in an antenna upgrade for it....Will let you know hiw it does after install in the Jeep.... And, thankyou for all the valuable information you provide on GMRS to beginners like me....Absolutely Awesome..WSCB941...
Suggest a review of the MXT-275. The best minimalistic dyi GMRS radio (imo). All controls are on the mic. Radio tucks in the center console of a Tacoma hard-wired in. Gotta get an optional 3db ghost antenna at extra cost.
Got one of these for my side x side. All neatly hidden behind dash, and just an RG-45 port on the dash for when I want to use the radio. Otherwise the mic stays hidden away. I also installed a 3db ghost antenna and can hit a repeater 35 miles away without issue. And, just to irk Randy, I also have a MURS radio hardwired into the side x side as well. It allows me and other riders to track each other in real time, and provides a much less busy channel selection. Of course we also all carry the small handheld radios Randy loves so much for communication after parking the side x side and hiking away....
Love your reviews! Bought my MXT115 at clearance at my local Wal Mart for about $50. Didn't have any problem running with any power supply, so don't know what the problem was...weird! Also, my radio came with ch 1-8, 15-22, and 15-22 RP, so I didn't have to set any repeater channels up, except for the "privacy" (CTCSS) tones. Also, you can set a separate privacy tone on each repeater channel. The RG-174 coax supplied has a lot of loss, of course, so you will get about 5-6 watts of your signal to your antenna, which is supposed to have a gain of 2.1 dbi antenna. Altogether not a bad radio and easily mountable. Certainly worth the $50 I paid for it. I'm able to hit repeaters out to about ten miles over average terrain.
Thank you! I should have watched your videos prior to making my first time purchase of a radio. I will use this as my first GMRS radio. I have my FCC number and will also pay for the GMRS info. I’d also like to learn about ham radios but in my town they aren’t having classes yet due to Covid - I will now be ripping through your videos to learn and absorb what I can - btw you’re friggen hilarious and I enjoy your humor and honesty! Thanks again - I’m about to install this new pos in my Jeep - have some fun and then look forward to learning more & getting more informed for my next radio. Awesome shit & yes, always measure from the base! 🤣🤪
The 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz frequency bands are congested with limited frequency availability for implementation of new systems or expansion of existing systems. Narrowbanding to at least 12.5 kHz efficiency technology will enable licensees to operate more efficiently, either with narrower channel bandwidths or an increased number of voice paths or higher data rate per channel.
The ironic part is that commercial/government users are abandoning VHF-Hi and UHF/UHF-T in droves, and going to 700/800/900 MHz trunked systems, or just cell phones for businesses. You can fire a cannon up High band and not hit anybody.
Its an entry level radio. I got one from a rewards program at work. It works pretty good. 3-4 miles on simplex with obstuctions and Im hittng repeaters 35 miles away, loud and clear. Decent radio. No frills.
comment on your series of videos- I pretty much agree with what you are saying but maybe in different wording. As to the gmrs channels 8-14, these are 'splinter' channels wedged between traditional gmrs channels and thereby required to be narrowband to reduce bleedover. If they were allowed full power there would be a distinct possibility of interfering with (your and others ) repeaters on the input (receive) frequency.
I had a Glock 17 that I modified for target shooting. The base of the grip had a brass insert to balance it in my hand. Maybe the plates were put into the mic for the same reason, so it feels and handles better? Excellent video. PS, I have a Midland XMT115, and I absolutely hate it.
I have owned the MXT115 and the MXT 275, the Btech 50X1 and the KB1000g. The KB1000g Didn’t work right out of the box and was sent back ASAP!!!… I have sent back all of the Midland radios and have settled on the 50 X1. I did all of this as I watched your videos and learn more about GMRS and how I use it, for example: I like the power of the 50X1 for when I’m riding around wanting to chat with somebody on the radio, this is where I think the Midland radios would be good. A jeep buddy of mine decided to get the Midland 275 because all they wanted to do was use it as needed. But as you learn more about GMRS you quickly realize the value of repeaters. And that’s my point, the ineffectual nature of the Midland radios with regard to repeaters is why all of them went back. If I just needed a radio because I was in a jam or just didn’t have the money in the middle and would be a decent choice in my humble opinion.
I have the Midland MXT 115. I have it hooked to a radio shack regulated power supply (3Amp) works just fine. also i have it hooked to the antenna that it came with . It it used for a base.
I have the 5W version of this radio, which isn’t too bad, but it’s highly dependent on LoS or being close by. I’m able to use my Midland radio to talk to my work’s Retevis radios just fine with the proper CTCSS tone.
I have the MXT275. works fine for me but then again there are no repeaters around here except one that is over 40 miles away. I have the larger antenna for when i need it, but the standard works fine around town. the MXT275 has audio on both the unit and mic.
It's not the worst GMRS radio. Midland also sells the MXT400 which drains your battery three times as fast, overheats three times as fast, and costs twice as much. All while having otherwise identical features to this radio.
I agree with you, the weights in the mic is deceptive, older equipment used larger magnets on the speakers and or metal components or housings which is why they feel more substantial. I feel this is deceptive as well.
Great video, got the Midland MXT275 Micro for the Jeep as I am trying to get the rest of the club to get GMRS and found the “missing channels” then found the Gladiator’s hood is not a friend of mag antennas like my old Wrangler JKU was, you definitely have the better jeep areas where here in Florida its just mud….
From the way they advertise this, it seems to be meant for a small group of people such as a large farm or highway traveling because they also advertise it in a package with their standard MTX1000 frs radios. Id guess the metal plates are intended to help it stay in the mic holder better.
I have one mounted in my truck so my wife can holler at me when I am out & about on our property and nearby since we live in a cell dead zone, so cell phones do not work very well here. So we use only use channel #3
One reason for me to buy a GMRS radio would be to get a better quality radio that is also compatible with the FRS radios I already have. My deer hunting partners and I usually hunt on a farm where channel 8 is the standard farm channel. It appears that this MXT-115 would not be compatible for this use. That's okay, I already bought a Wouxon KG-905G, largely on the basis of your positive review. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I kind of went off the deep end and studied for an actual ham license. I passed the tests for a General license, but haven't quite decided what to do with it. I think GMRS will be a better fit for my needs.
Hey, Randy, thanks for another great and honest review. Now, I told you,cwhen we use the rubber gloves,cI prefer three fingers and not just two. Lol. Sorry, had to get my dirty remarks out for the day. Oh yeah, also, the link did not come up for the GMRS license. I have mine, but others might need it, lol.
I bought one of these radios about a month ago to put in our third Jeep. I have MXT400's in our primary Jeeps but picked up this one for the third that stays in a garage when we're not wheeling it. I got the model that came with the stubby antenna. Haven't installed it yet, but did plug it in long enough to program some "privacy codes" that we use. Didn't bother programming the area repeaters (yet). I think it'll end up working for us. I actually tried talking the wife into a Radioddity DB20-G (it's going in her Jeep) but she doesn't like having all the buttons on the microphone. She has M.S. and accidentally hits buttons here and there, so she wanted the basic up/down buttons only.
"First of off" (ha) I'm glad you reviewed this but I think you're nit-picking some of the beefs you have with it. I use the sister radio to this model (MX275) in my wife's SUV with great success. The narrow/wide thing has never been an issue for us whether talking simplex to a handheld Wouxan at home or using the town's excellent repeater which gives us about a 20 mile coverage area in diameter. No trouble at all with volume or intelligibility despite everyone telling me it's supposed to happen. 'Cept it hasn't. Yeah, the manual is too small, I feel that way about most of 'em these days. Took an enlarged screenshot, laminated it, shoved it in the glovebox for my wife to ignore. As you mentioned the antenna that comes with it works surprisingly well but I went with a Laird anyway and keep the original one as a spare in the trunk for a handheld or what have you. Yeah, the tones are numbered so you need the manual to know what to set 'em to but it ain't hard and, like all the other options you whined about at length, you're pretty much going to set these things once, when you first use the radio and never touch most of 'em again. We're not all driving to the next county to go off-roading, many of us just want back-up coms in the community we live in. I've heard that having metal weights in the microphone is what many mfg'rs do to give a mic some heft and you're right, it does feel better in the hand - which is why they do it. The radio we have (MXT275) while identical in functionality, except the radio has no display and has all the controls, display, and a speaker on the mic itself. In a vehicle with zero real estate like ours, that was a feature that outweighed many others as well as the small drawbacks this radio has. Our local repeaters don't use split tones (mostly) so we've no issue there and I believe you can put different tones on different repeater channels. You seem to really dislike that they eliminated the useless half-watt channels that your other radios don't even talk on but I can't understand why you care since nobody wants to use those anyway, else they'd be using an FRS radio instead of GMRS where we can up the wattage. Is it an awesome radio? For me? No. I'd want more and have it with other radios. For my wife? It's perfect. Very little to get hung up on, set your options, tell her what channels to use where and you're good to go. In my case, I put a sticker on the back of the mic to help her remember. Now, she'll call me from the road on it and say hi and I could never, as in ever, get her to attempt using one of the many other (you'd say better) radios I own. I think, for a non-radio inclined wife's car, this radio will get 'em trying it out when none of the others would due to it's simplicity and, in our case, having the display on the mic so I can bury the radio elsewhere in the car leaving only the microphone and nothing else in the passenger compartment. Installed it in ten minutes using the velcro tape they provided on the bracket. So small, it fit in the console compartment and still leaves plenty of room for doodads. Love your vids man, watch 'em all. Gripe away, best part of the show. But don't over-hate on those issues you mentioned. They're a minor nuisance 'til you set 'em where you want 'em and then you're off to the races with coms ability where you may have had none before. In my case, I could not get my wife interested enough to use any radio until I showed her how simple this one was and now she's a regular user. Huge win for a brand that I agree, isn't top shelf. But the radio, for us, works swimmingly. As do all my others, frankly; they all have quirks I could live without.
Exactly..... I have mostly Wide band repeaters near me, I've talked to them with my MXT400, on Narrow band and I've talked to them on the new 50 watt MXT version on Wide Band...From the same distance, and no one can tell a damn bit of difference. Our whole Kansas City GMRS club has been given a chance to test the 50 watt version before it was released. We were invited to do a review of what we liked, and what we thought needed changing...I thought I had Read, where there was going to be a change by the FCC, that all new GMRS radios were to be NB... Lot's of Nitpicking for the sake of Nitpicking. Seriously, if you can't turn the Repeater function on in less then 30 seconds, you are in serious trouble, LOL....I'm sure People with NO repeaters in the area, are just going to leave it off so it doesn't scan the channels they have no use for, when they are using the Radio. My first GMRS mobile Radio was an MXT275, I didn't use the little antenna that came with the radio, I bought the 6db Antenna from Midland. It Literally was installed and my local repeater channels were set up all in less then 10 minutes. I have the Wouxun KG805G, and the Manual, if you can call it that, is SHIT....doesn't tell you anything...I feel the same about the lack of those 1/2 watt channel...they aren't anything I'd ever use..... Jay Barr......I agree with Everything you said 1000% For the Price, with the antenna, is a Great Radio for a newbie, that comes complete with everything, and anyone could install it in 5 minutes, and be ready to go....As far as the "Privacy channels".... well, they are a bit of a privacy channel....because they keep people from jumping in on your conversation and walking on or keying up on you like CB.....and one more.....No, not going to attach to that jeep top, LOL....I don't believe any Magnetic will, LOL..... Use to like the vids a better a while back, almost starting to sound like a Sad Ham, LOL.....
@@eatmelily my magnetic antenna came with a metal plate that sticks to a non metal surface. Like a magnetic phone mount for a car but for the antenna. Mine is on top of my Jeep top and the antenna hasn't came off on a trail even when getting hit by branches.
It is an ok radio, but I wish you could program the same channel with different Codes as there are many GMRS repeaters using the same frequency in my area.
The difference between a wideband FM signal and a narrowband is the deviation. On FM the frequency changes with modulation, not the amplitude like AM. This is what the term "deviation" means in techno jargon for those who do not know. On a wideband FM signal, the frequency deviates + and - 5khz and the narrowband deviates 2.5khz. This is why a narrowband signal on a wideband receiver has low audio and a wideband signal to a narrowband receiver will break up and be choppy because the frequency deviates too far out of the receivers passband. For those who don't know what passband is, it's how wide in khz the receiver can listen. If you try to use a wideband rig on a narrowband repeater, your audio will break up and you'll drop out of the repeater because it can't receive your entire signals frequency deviation. I'm a bit baffled why Midland would use narrowband FM when it's very uncommon these days, this is a relic of the past when bandwidth was more of a concern. Amateur radio repeaters use wideband and have been for a very long time. Back in the day they used narrowband to help with interference to other signals but the bands are so large it makes little sense these days. The 2 meter ham band is 4mhz wide, a few khz of extra bandwidth means nothing. Perhaps the folks at Midland wanted to be sure their radio would pass muster with the FCC so they chose to error on the conservative side.
The one I have got usb c outlet in front, it does split tones both analog and digital, the tone will stick with whatever channel instead of all channels
Is it true the Midland MXZT115 only operates on the Narrow Band?... if i had know that I would have bought something else. Midland should FIX that.. I would send it back if i had not also bought the Midland MXPW115 Ammo Case that it just bare fits into -- do the make another GMRS Mobile that fits into the MXPW115 ?
Regarding the external power supply / converter, I have had similar problems powering up a CB radio on a 20 amp PS. A 1.5 amp power supply worked fine however it was a better quality power supply. I believe it boils down to how well regulated the power supply is and how well filtered the radio input is. The solution, of course, is use a 12 volt battery which gives a true 12 volt non-amplitudinal (not sure if that's a word) output or use a well regulated power supply. All this can be checked with an oscilloscope but if you're like me I don't have one.
Randy I purchased that exact radio several months back like back in January ... Have you had that radio for a while or have you just purchased it the reason I'm asking the radio I bought in January went out on me and I guess it's been about a month ago they sent me another one looks identical except for the USB port is different and it has split tone so what's really going on with Midland I would like to know...
It's about time that someone put out a video like this one. I was beginning to think that Midland must have bought all the radio-video-creators off. Midland is not and has not been keeping up. I would prefer to buy American but I just couldn't do it. Midland is not making the best radios out there. I instead bought me a Wouxun KG 1000-G also. Soon to buy a second one. I think Midland is relying on their name-brand and past reputation to keep them on top. But that can only last for so long. I looked at Midland first but quickly changed my mind when I saw what the others offered. Make America great again. Make Midland great again!!!
There is nothing wrong with Midlands radios. They are price below most of the others, you can always get at least a. 10% discount, and there is free shipping on anything over 149 bucks....and a TWO year Warranty.. I'm not saying they are the best, they have some funky issues like EVERY other radio I've either owned or seen reviewed. This radio mentioned in this review fills a Niche....for someone wanting to have a GMRS, and no nothing about buying a radio, then an Antenna, and probably have No idea about SWR or setting SWR... This is a True.....Plug the radio into the Power port....Not "Cigarette lighter" like everyone says., run your coax, find a place metal to mount the antenna, and GO....No need for an SWR meter, or screwing with any of that...It's perfect. They are selling a ton, and are usually back ordered. You all buy what you like, that's why there's a bunch to choose from...
I cry to confess.... this is true. I just bought a midland for the 4x4 and then I bought a Radioddity for the SUV. The midland sucks compared to the ddity Using identical antenna setup.... the range and quality of reception is like night and day. Midland - I give them a "C", the ddity - I give them a "A". then there is all the other things... dim mono screen vs. color vibrant screen etc etc etc etc. ....4 hours later... well the programming software for ddity SUCKS almost as bad as their inability to write a user manual. Never the less the unit is still far better than the Midland and cheaper.
Thanks for giving me (your favorite viewer), the skinny on how much this Midland radio sucks! Not gonna need the "affiliate link below" ... much appreciated!
I'm sure your criticism is well founded, but, working with the MXT105 and MXT115 has been a pleasure after years of CB. I finally brought my employer out of the dark ages and we use them on combines and tractors, and everything from the form factor, increased range, and the ability to cut out outside interference with CTCSS, has made them a favorite with every operator we have. I have/had my ham license, and also own a Leixen VV-898 which I use as my 'work' radio. I love to fiddle, but it's complexities would be beyond most of my co-workers. You're right about the antennae. They work far better than I thought they would. These are good units for people who don't want or can't handle too many bells and whistles.
I think they put steel plates inside the microphone to give it enough weight in your hand to make you feel secure and remind you that you're holding on to something 🤔
I've seen some posts commenting on measuring from the base. Of course, you would not be an American if you did not. The angle it is viewed from is also important. Great information, thank you sir.
Randy, I just bought brand-new mxt400 bundle pack with the ghost antenna and mirror or roll bar mount kit retails everywhere I'm seeing for $340. I paid $160. I understand the repeater limitations but my repeaters in the surrounding 100 miles don't use split stones. Your thoughts on my purchase as I have never seen you cover the mxt400. Thank you in advance you rock!
The 'big guys' like /\/\, Keenwood and ICanOnlyMonitor also put metal plates in their commercial hand mics so they feel more substantial. SO crack open those cheep chineese mics, cover some fender washers in electrical tape, glue them in and enjoy that nice hefty mic in your hand for less $$$ Also, where is the Midland made? Is it actually USA made of USA parts? Or is Midland USA just a ploy?
It's worth noting that some high end computer mice come with a set of weights for the user to add or remove to their preference. As you noted, the weight of something you hold in your hand can dramatically change the experience of using it. While I can see how it may feel a bit dishonest, I personally consider it a positive feature. Thought experiment: How would you feel if the box prominently advertised "Weighted microphone for enhanced ergonomics"?
I am an electrical engineer and have no idea why it would not work with your power supplies. Guessing there was an air gap in a hard to see place - but then again two wires is kinda hard to mess up. Super curious about this one.......
Someone please let me know if they make an adapter for this radio or the MXT400 to connect to a headset. I’m planning on using this for my ATV Nice review!
Good video. I've been thinking about getting a few of these just to mount on tractors and 4wheelers for the ranch where max range is maybe 4 miles. I was looking at simple simple simple where it's set to a channel and maybe a privacy tone and forget it. I was wondering though about all the extra cable, can it be trimmed, because I always thought that you shouldn't coil up extra cable for an antenna??? Also, what's your opinion as far as water getting splashed on it crossing a creek or maybe caught in the rain? I'm not talking going under water, but getting caught in a little rain for a few minutes until back home. Thanks and keep up the great work.
With a normal shielded coax, coiling is not an issue - with this tiny little threadlike wire, it might make more of a difference, but I don't know. I found nothing to indicate that this radio as any IP (intrusion protection) rating, meaning that any dust or moisture is going right inside the chassis, which would not be a good thing.
@@TheNotaRubicon Okay thanks. I didn't know that about shielded coax, but I'm no radio expert by any means either. I think I'll pass on this radio, and keep looking for some thing better. Keep up the great work.
As a Sad Ham would say, OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR 🚪 or If you line the back wall of your garage with aluminum foil and OPEN THE DOOR IT WILL ACT AS A YOGI antenna allowing you to talk to Jeff Bozo in space ! 🤣
You are being overly critical. This is a basic entry level radio and as far as not having access to all frequencies I have NO problem with no access to the ones I can't transmit on. I'm looking at buying my first one and at this stage the minimalist approach is what I want.
Same here. I dont want or know how to program a radio.. I dont know what repeaters are or split codes. All mumbo jumbo. Like he said towards the end. If you want a minimalist approach thats plug in play. Go for it. Im only using for offroading 15 times a year. Other tha. That. Itll just sit on my dash collecting dust.
I’d I have a MXT115 hard wired in my auto does the new MXT 500 use all the same connections so I can just unplug everything g from the 115 and then just plug my existing wires and power into the 500 ?
When he was removing the screws from that mic. The electronic person in me said I bet the mic has plates in it to make it feel solid guess what I was right. lol
@@TheNotaRubicon I am an extra class Happy Ham, been licensed a long time. Functionality is what matters. I have some interest in very local communication, live in Florida, hurricanes are a concern a few times a year. Getting metal roof installed as I enter this message. Now need to put up outside antenna that will work and if blown away no big deal. Interested in having backup communications in neighborhood during hurricane, FRS users. So with GMRS outdoor antenna, can easily hear them and relay if needed. Will look into the Tram. Thanks.
@@TheNotaRubicon , at one time, Dish Network had 2 satellite receivers on my roof on separate mounts. Over time, they went back to a 1 receiver system up there but they left the 2nd mount in place. Would that type of mount be sufficient for that antenna you mentioned?
Sometimes it takes a while..For the first week or so, its all subscribers and returning visitors watching, and they know better.. but eventually the random riff-raff start swooping in, and thats when the fun begins...
I like the radios for farm use, there were cheap enough to put in all the tractors with spending a fortune, they have the range we need, but they are CHEAP and that push to talk button is annoying AF try to set things like he said and we you grab it to put it back or hanger or to talk my hand always hits the push to talk button lol
Just noting, hopefully I've missed it, narrow banding I think is the new normal for GMRS (less adjacent channel interference) and the radio is minus the FRS channels because it won't reduce to one half watt on those shared channels. The latter isn't a good explanation but, I don't think the rules support this. Just because you speak to "FRS stations" shouldn't mean a reduction for a GMRS licensed station. Only the FRS handy talkie should be restricted by design. At least, you could call the preteens in for dinner and they'll hear you.
