GMRS RADIOS: BEST Overlanding Comms?! (Midland MTX275 Install, Long Distance Test)
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- Overlanding is more fun and safer with friends! So we installed awesome 2-way radios in our Toyota 4Runner and Chevy Colorado ZR2! We show you how to cleanly install the Midland MicroMobile MTX 275 Radio and mount an antenna. Then we hit the trails to try them out and do a long range test!
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For more off-road videos check out the "OVERLAND DIY" playlist: • 4WD Truck and SUV Mods...
Here are links to things we used in this project (Amazon Affiliate Links):
Midland MTX275 15W GMRS 2-Way Radio: amzn.to/3nvWJsv
Midland MTX275 2-Way Radio KIT (antenna, etc included): amzn.to/3aIWi9a
Midland GMRS Handheld Radios: amzn.to/3u2AEo4
Grommet Kit: amzn.to/3gN22CH
4Runner Ditch Light Brackets: amzn.to/3e16VWR
Colorado Ditch Light Brackets: amzn.to/3e1KroY
Milwaukee Right Angle Drill: amzn.to/32UwzXb
Firewall Grommet: amzn.to/3xw89RQ
Antenna Right Angle Adapters (if you have the same issue I had): amzn.to/3eI2u2v
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chapters:
0:00 10-4 Gooooood Buddy!
1:19 Intro, Project Overview
2:05 4Runner Install Plan
2:55 Colorado Install Plan
4:04 Why We Chose GMRS Radios
6:54 4Runner Antenna Mounting
9:09 Colorado Antenna Mounting
9:45 4Runner Radio Install (interior section)
11:43 Colorado Radio Install (interior section)
13:22 Long Distance Test!
15:14 MTX 275 Overview (features, controls)
16:25 Final Thoughts - Auta a dopravní prostředky
From the video (11:15) it looks like you could have unscrewed the final connector/adapter (SMA to PL-259) from the cable to make smaller holes while routing through the vehicle?
Admittedly, you probably can, and we looked at it, but not very hard, lol. We're a real bunch of schmucks.
@@PNW_Bison Next install!
Greg is correct. I use the same and the connector comes off.
Great point, your comment is pinned so it helps others!
Also since all you need on the MXT-275 is the handset, you could hidden mount the unit and put an ethernet male-to-female extension cable port through an unused panel blank or more discreet/out of the way area. Maybe combine it with a small auxillary 12v power switch for the unit. Thanks for the video
I've been waiting! Thanks for doing this Jason. I've been doing research on this myself lately.
Fantastic! I'd definitely recommend it. Fun install and pretty impressive results.
Another awesome video... thanks! Keep those 4Runner mod and upgrade videos coming. Thanks again!
Oh we'll keep rolling them out. It's now part of the rotation. :-)
I also run 275, LOVE IT!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👊🏼
I was pleasantly surprised with mine! I was able to get 14 miles while testing in a valley with a buddy on his MXT115.
Great video. I lived in Ellensburg while attending grad school and looked at this radio for the weather channels for when I had to drive to Cle Elum for work or over the desert to Yakima.
Very cool. My sister went to Central. Small world.
That is really cool, thanks for sharing guys 👍😁
You're welcome. Let me know if you like the format. I'd like to add accessories to both trucks in the same video as often as possible. Makes the video more well rounded in my opinion.
@@JasonExplainsThings great format, looking forward to more videos 👍😁
Colorado owner here. I ended up installing a molle panel I had made for my Z71 and my MXT400 hangs from there. With use of a cat 6 Ethernet cable I routed my microphone to my dash. Very clean and I have my center console space!
Nice! I'm debating doing something similar.
Just thought you should know I watch your videos I don’t actually care about to help support your channel. Much love man keep up the awesome content
Thanks! Hopefully they’re all fun.
Bison Beans! Best call sign/handle ever lol
I'm hoping it sticks!
LOL this was fun to watch
Nice! We watched a bunch of your videos researching this topic. Feel free to correct anything we got wrong. :-)
@@JasonExplainsThings I didn't see anything wrong.
Let's plan a collab video together. I am always interested in connecting with other Creators.
Great video! That intro. haha I plan on doing the same thing, and this helps it feel not so daunting.
Some good info, I've been thinking about installing a radio in my truck :)
Do it! :-)
Great videos!
3db gain ghost nmo. Works , but I switched to a bigger 6db gain antenna nice job guys
Kudos to the Dukes of Hazzard nod and especially Rosco :)
Good video. Recently started looking into upgrading from cb to GMRS. Cell service is spotty at best where we hunt in southeast OH. The off-road clubs over in that part of the state use cb and gmrs.
It pisses me off that manufacturers no longer give people dash space for radios or other instruments.
I am finding more and more that im irritated they are not intouch with their customer base.
How many people actually put radios in their vehicles?
@@OShackHennessy
Well there are about a million liscensed ham operators x 4 with unlicensed gmrs C.B. and murs operators. Thats just America.
Distance is not a problem for a clear path. I did 95 miles on 446.0 MHz with a 5W handheld from a glider at 2700 feet. Imagine deploying a portable repeater on an overlooking peak, which you can do with GMRS.
This isn't the first time I've seen this comment, you're clearly very proud of this accomplishment, wish you'd made a video.
@@ZeroEntropy. I mention it because few people other than pilots have the experience of operating aeronautical mobile. To pilots, the aircraft radio is a subsystem of the aircraft not exceptional. But when you do ham, GMRS, or CB from the airplane it's a much different experience than ground based operation. I'm sorry I don''t have a video so others could hear the complete pileup that was created on 146.52. It's best to have another pilot flying when dealing with the distraction of non-aviation radio, so I only do it occasionally. I'll see if I can borrow a GoPro next time
a repeater is on a 150 ft tower in town or a large building in town we have 6
covering three countys and 6 city' at 60 watts out and 20 miles each.
rember your in a steel box and you mite interfear with the air craft radio
so I would say no under f c c rules
Did you two check the standing wave ratio (SWR ) on those antennas?
Did you guys happen to check your swr readings after? I put the same setup on my 4Runner and was getting terrible swr
Hi Jason! First off thank you for posting this video! I have been thinking about putting in a radio in my 1987 Dodge W150 (your D150 is what brought me to your channel actually haha) Would you recommend this radio for my application? Just curious what your thoughts were. Keep them videos a comin' esp the ones with the ol' dodge!
Will do! Yes more dodge videos coming for sure. I may install that radio again in the dodge. I was planning on using the single speaker in the dash for the radio as well.
Those Midland GXT1000 "FRS" radios that you showed were actually GMRS radios.
and had thay would have talked like that I wouldn't have told them to leave
we use call signs and don't talk c b lingo W R X N 824 clear and monitoring
Awesome video. Just wondering, I noticed you were talking on channel 20 (I think) while 7 or 8 miles away. Did you have that channel configured to use a repeater? I just installed mine and still getting the hang of it. Thanks!
No repeater. Thanks for watching Ray! It's a great radio. I'm still learning new things about it as well.
@@JasonExplainsThings Can I ask how you stored the antenna cable? I was told that you do not want to have itnrolled tight together. Did you store the majority in the cab? Thanks!
you mentioned in this video that you can use it for gmrs and frs....did do have any experience with it while using frs? my buddies use both... great video by the way.
Yep, range and interference is just more of an issue. I’d suggest having some extra GMRS handsets and sharing them with friends for the best results.
Gmrs license is now $35. Not a bad deal.
Yep!
that's for the hole family also and you can use unite number's for family members
Love everything about this!!! My question is I have the exact same 4 runner and is there a way to mount the radio to where you do NOT have to notch out a piece of the center console so it can open and close with the wire going through? Thank you
Not to my knowledge.
after going through the fire wall go under the council housing near the top.
You guys do know the connection end of the antenna cable unscrews so you can go through the firewall right?
yes we know that
came for install ideas, stayed for the washington plates
I cannot find that ABS gap filler, may you please provide link or something?
i wish there is a dualband 2m/70cm version of a radio in this format. i love it but I don't want to be limited to GMRS.
been looking for months on how and where to install and run cb / ham antenna.. this is the only thing close.. could you do a vid for the ZR2 Bison ONLY please
Only thing I can add is this is how Chris ran power to the radio later on:
czcams.com/video/MWaxtRA1lho/video.html
Do u use repeater?
True it shares channels with FRS, but the low power channels of 8-14, any radio over 5W will not transmit on to keep in line with FCC regulations. That is a notable difference between handhelds and mobiles.
You mean anything over '1/2 watt'... that is the limit on those channels.
@@timtaylor8557 Correct FRS/GMRS has that limitation on those channels. I should update my verbage to say any radio that transmits on a power level of 5W or higher wont be programmed to do so (pretty much any mobile GMRS radio) but since HT's dont have a lower power limit of 5W, they can. Which is what I was saying in that comment. Any GMRS HT can since it will lower its power output to .5W so it can be in line with FCC regulation, but all mobile radios which dont have a .5W power setting, usually 5W is its lowest, are programmed NOT to be able to transmit on those frequencies.
8mi is cool. Wish you guys used that as a starting point and just kept going further out to see what your max was
I do 20 miles in town when the east coast G M r s group is on we are linked to them and I talk to Chicago I'll.
Since you have line of sight out there from hill tops, I bet you could get about ten miles or so if you wanted. I've never trusted those stubby antennas much, prefer a 5/8W on the center of the car roof (5/8 so I can still park in the garage).
Yeah, we tested around 6 miles first, then went to 8. I'm guessing you're right and it could go 10 and up. That was about as far as we could test that day (keeping line of sight).
@@JasonExplainsThings See my post about line of sight. lol. Whip antennas guys. ;). No fire sticks. No stubs. If you want the range, you have to get the height. Magnet mount on the roof is a quick and painless way of getting that range if you are in a bad place and need to get out of the neighborhood. 10 miles is good for Mattel play time. lol
Ok. So this is not a prequel to the other 4Runner video. So, not finding if you have KDSS on you rig. lol. Midlands are solid enough. But I prefer the Cobra. My younger cousin(with your same name)started out on a midland and I bought the Cobra 2 LTD Classic. Was not long after he switched over and never looked back. lol. (trim level #'s are much higher these days)BTW, line of sight where you are at, you can get that same range with hand held. The power of the device is important, but your antenna is going to be the deciding factor for range. Especially when you have obstructions such as buildings, trees, mountains between you and your intended party. Called from 40+ miles out in the forest of Rainier chatting with people in town. Can only do that with proper whip antennas. Firesticks won't cut it. On a good day, with a good location(high up, unobstructed line of sight)you can reach people in places you would not believe with the gain all the way up.
No KDSS. Wish I had it but not having it makes modding a little easier.
No KDSS. Wish I had it but not having it makes modding a little easier.
@@JasonExplainsThings Yes, you can lift away till your hearts content. If that is your goal.
@@JasonExplainsThings I did not want to live w/out it. Might limit me to a 2 inch lift(should I ever wish to)but the on road stability is exceptional. And the off road additional articulation is superb.
Under the same conditions with that kind of line of sight, an export radio with CB Band could do the same thing for less money and a handheld CB with FM can very well line of sight also for less money.
Cool. You do you. GMRS has worked great for the past few years and most of the people we travel with have them. And it's great to use the handheld units when people are spotting on the trail. Glad what you have works for you.
We run in eastern Ky forests. A lot of obstruction with tree cover and around bends. How do these stack up to that type terrain communication wise?
We did a test in the city (buildings, interference) and got about 3.5 miles. That’s probably the closest test we’ve done. We’ve gone overlanding a few times this summer in the woods/mountains and the radios worked great but we stayed pretty close to each other the whole time.
@@JasonExplainsThings Awesome brother! Thank you for taking the time to reply. Have a good day sir!
Where did you order the antenna mount from? I have a 2008 Tundra, having a hard time finding one.
It’s from Cali Raised LED. I think there’s a link in the description.
Your antenns choice will be good for very short distances. On the other hand a magnet mount will expand your range many times. It uses the roof as a reflector to gather the signal.
Good info, thanks!
6:30 license is now $35 (6.5.22)
Awesome.
Is this unit wide band or is it narrow band like the rest of them can't good radios out of the box like that with wide Band anymore for some reason
The MXT575 is wide band, the 115/275 are narrow band...not very good
By the way you can now get CB in the US with FM now. You do not need to take a test or hand out your cash.
YES I was KDL5712 in CB land also
I noticed you are on CH 20 according to my owners manual on my Mobile and Handheld radios channels 18 & 20 ARE emergency Channels like CB channel 9
Thanks for flagging this. We usually use 15-19 these days. But you are 100% correct. I confirmed this on the FCC website.
@@JasonExplainsThings No problem just rying to help a fellow GMRS user
🤜🤛
Those were the 15 watt units I think. They also make a 50 watt unit? I have the 15 watt one in my Jeep.
Yes, these are 15 watt.
How well does that antenna work.
Works great, very happy with it.
Does anyone know if an RJ45 extension cable will word with this? I would like to mount the base in the trunk of my vehicle and wire the mic to the front
Hi Carl, I've been told it will just fine.
Yes it works, they sell 3 meter extension cabe, if in stock. I got one off Amazon.
Can those radios connect to repeaters??
Yes indeed.
I bought the same radio and have some FRS radios and for some reason, they can’t talk to each other. Any idea why that would be? Maybe just not high-powered enough FRS? Idk.
Weird, no idea. Should at least work close to each other.
Make sure they’re using the same ctcss tone, or that the tone is turned off for both.
I believe they are not supposed to be able to talk with each other due to power regulation.
Lol i used to live in Ellensburg
Of course they worked from on top of two mountains.
Best test we could do. We also did an in town test with obstructions. Long story short… it works great when off-roading in a group.
You fellas made a great video my only complaint is you didnt explain to people they must have a license to use those radios now yes i know most looking know tht but new guys wanting to get one dnt
We mentioned it briefly. I gave the price for how much it cost as well. 👍
Another sad HAM here
hey!!! you guys from yakima!?
The internet has weirdos… so I’ll say we’re definitely in that general region.
@@JasonExplainsThings that's true 😂
@@JasonExplainsThings i gotta get me a radio. would amazon be the best place to buy one or locally?
Yeah there’s a link to the one I got in the description. 👍
Why GMRS over VHF?
The reasons we went with GMRS are stated in the video. :-)
My biggest issue with that antenna placement is it interferes with ditch lights.
Solid call. I did ditch lights on my last truck, but don't plan to on this one. If you want both, I know a couple of the bigger fab companies make ditch bracket extensions. 🤘
@@PNW_Bison care to elaborate on why? I've never had a truck with em, but having been on some mildly sketch dirt roads in the dark I can see why people run them. Before I just thought they were to look cool.
Hi Wade, like Chris said you can do both. You’ll just need an extension like this one: caliraisedled.com/products/hood-ditch-light-extension-for-cb-antenna-mount?variant=29454204698666¤cy=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsqmEBhDiARIsANV8H3Yga8azZl8G9Eb6KEPkAJ2j9VxGnMyuoFu6tTAUwU9P-gMYn-ba5hYaAlYNEALw_wcB
@@wadeduvall7026 absolutely. For this truck I'm about to put in some Baja Designs XLR Sport fog lights to replace the current halogen stock ones. I think these should provide plenty of forward and side lighting since I got mine with the wide angle cornering lenses. However they do sit quite a bit lower than the ditch mounts, so I'll reassess once I have them installed. Video coming soon! 👍
@@PNW_Bison Thanks! I've got the mounts for those too, and the front light bar. I look forward to it, and love how y'all set up the channel. Also Chris your son is awesome.
Are we not using the fcc call letters for some reason?
Yes, actually. Fun fact, your GMRS callsign is in a readily available database that is tied to your home address. The internet is a fairly wild and wooley place, so I'd rather not broadcast my address, and I'd guess Jason probably feels the same way. Good question though! 👍
A lot of people use post office box
I'd like to see some real-world situation distance with obstructions on these, 8 miles line of sight at 15 watts is nothing. I've done 13+ miles with the early Motorola 2-watt handheld units mountain top to valley.
So you both on top of mountains and got 8 miles? Lol I got a $20 cobra29 and made a dipole antenna set up as base station and get 15 plus miles for only $30 .
35 dollar liscence now
Just one observation. Not a good idea to have antenna cable in a huge pile like that. You are choking the signal or could be and not even know it.
You should cut excess off and at least crimp on a new adapter but better if you soldered it.
Your wrong, doesn't matter, it's shielded. 73
just get a used cb radio and antenna for 20 bucks then you're a real cb'er no license needed
It takes a much longer antenna on the fender to equal the performance of a little short antenna on the roof by 4:1. Don't do what they did and buy a wide band radio like the MXT575. 73
Even 2 watt handhelds have been known to get 10 or more miles in elevated open terrain so that doesn't impress me. It's dissappointing that this radio only got less then 3.5 miles in urban area. I wonder if they are really putting out a full 15 watts. Midland has exagerated their outputs on other radios.
Definitely not a definitive long range test... just what I was able to do locally.
worse place install that antenna
You desperately need to get a better antenna and mount it in the center of the roof.
Do not like this raido.
It’s the Choo Choo Shoe Charlie!