Midland MXT275 fail

[macleanflood]

So several years ago I purchased a Midland MXT275. Buried it behind my stereo with a ethernet cable and a bulkhead ethernet adapter running to my control panel. Everything has generally worked out ok...however several years ago when I installed a Rugged Radio intercom no matter how many adapter cables I would throw at it...it wouldn't key up the radio with PTT or voice detect.

Fast forward to our Sand Hollow trip. I noticed the radio wasn't transmitting. The red light wouldn't light up. Wiggling the cable around at the base of handset would get minimal, intermittent functionality.

Got home...pulled apart the dash...tested the handset directly plugged into the MXT275 and same results...not the bulkhead adapter...not the ethernet cable.

Now at the time I already had an open support case with Midland...I was looking for the screw that held the puck on to the back of the handset...it's a M2 screw about 8 mm long. Midland didn't know the size...but promised and failed to send me a replacement. I ordered a selection on Amazon.

So while waiting for support to return my e-mail I ordered a replacement handset...couldn't find it on Midland's site, but Google found it. Ordered the handset.

Tech support got back to me and asked if my MXT275 has a USB A or B jack on the front...I said A...they said that's the older model and the handset I ordered will not work. The correct replacement handset is out of stock and we don't know if we're ever going to carry them any more.

Ok...so pause here...you completely redesigned the radio...fundamentally completely different internals. Different handset. Different jacks. Different pinouts. And you gave it the exact same model name as the precursor. That's idiotic.

So I asked Midland support to cancel my order. I most certainly do not need a handset for a completely different radio that will not work for mine. Sorry, says Midland support...we already shipped you the handset...you'll have to fill out an RMA and ship it back to us when you receive it.

I filled out an online RMA form.

I checked my e-mail...I did indeed have a tracking number...and when I checked it, it said Midland still had the package. Whatever. I spent an hour on the phone with UPS and a supervisor and got them to refuse the shipment and immediately return it to Midland.

Thought I was done with this debacle. Today I got a text message from Midland saying my package was being delivered. Yup. Midland got the package back...ignored my RMA...ignored my support e-mails...and sent me the package. I've got a note on my gate asking to refuse the package.

So it looks like my only options at this point are to buy a completely new model MXT275...which, after above behavior I am loathe to do...or find a replacement radio.

Really doesn't look like there are many good options for something with a bulkhead connector. Radio Ditty...which looks like it uses a DIN connector. And is $100 more expensive.

I really don't want a radio on my dash. I keep the Jeep topless all summer and I want to lock up the handset and make it all disappear.

Using my Baofeng for now. Just a complete pain in the ass.

-Mac

 

[suicideking]

Tech support got back to me and asked if my MXT275 has a USB A or B jack on the front...I said A...they said that's the older model and the handset I ordered will not work. The correct replacement handset is out of stock and we don't know if we're ever going to carry them any more.

Ok...so pause here...you completely redesigned the radio...fundamentally completely different internals. Different handset. Different jacks. Different pinouts. And you gave it the exact same model name as the precursor. That's idiotic.

Yeah, this part would be pretty frustrating. Reminds me of a T-moble RMA I did around 20+ years ago before smart phoooooones. My battery on my blue flip phone died pre-maturely. They didn't make it in blue anymore, so sent me a silver battery. Tried to tell them I wanted a silver phone to match and they told me to pound sand.

I ended up buying a Radioddity DB40. Seems to work well, but yeah, simple install. Just screwed it down into the side of the trans shifter location.

 

[Harold&Cat]

Baofeng makes similar radios . I've used their portables for years .
I'm using a Yaesu FTM-150 mobile and a Baofeng UV-82 portable .

https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-20v2/

https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-50pro/

 

[KingCarGuyZ]

GME makes the closest competitor MXT275, with a much better reputation and quality

Your other option is to go Surplus comercial radio with a HHC (Hand Held Control Head) You'll have to look around for a radio on E-Bay and then know someone that will program it for you (PM me if you cant find someone local) the difficult part here will be finding a HHC, these are fairly rare int he Comercial space and generally demand a premium. Some good options would be Motorola 4550/5550e , motorola CDM, Kenwood NX-5900, etc...... I am particularly fond of the Tait's - but thats just a personal preference.

Looking at your Jeep, looks like you run without a top more often than not - you might still get some success with a remote head radio up above the mirror (see my build thread for examples) but honestly I think you would be best served by a GME.

 

[WVJeep304]

I wanted that Midland for the compactness of it. But they, like most of the GMRS radios, are too limited. I use commercial radios, mostly Kenwood. Got my friends doing the same and I have all the software and programming cables to keep everyone's gear programmed. I personally use a small mobile unit, but still thinking about doing a remote head kit on it just because I can and it'll reduce the footprint that much more.

You can usually find a good commercial radio with all the goodies for less than $150 on ebay. I've ordered a total of 5 for GMRS use and had zero trouble from any of them. My personal preference is the Kenwood TK880.

 

[DavidBT]

I replaced my Midland MXT275 for the Radioddity DB-20G. I didn't like having to go into the menu to get to the repeater channels. The DB-20G is pretty much the same size.

 

[macleanflood]

I confirmed with Midland they're no longer selling replacement handsets. I've got mine apart and I'm planning on checking the micro switches and continuity on the cable.

I've got the Radioditty DB-50B in my cart. Confirmed with Radioditty it uses an RJ45 connection for the handset (despite the picture showing a DIN 8 or 9 connector.

Just pissed at Midland. It's a four year old radio. Another brand I'll never purchase from again.

-Mac

 

[suicideking]

I confirmed with Midland they're no longer selling replacement handsets. I've got mine apart and I'm planning on checking the micro switches and continuity on the cable.

I've got the Radioditty DB-50B in my cart. Confirmed with Radioditty it uses an RJ45 connection for the handset (despite the picture showing a DIN 8 or 9 connector.

Just pissed at Midland. It's a four year old radio. Another brand I'll never purchase from again.

-Mac

Especially lame since all the controls for that model are on the handset! Essentially saying that if you break the handset, throw the entire thing in the trash and buy a new one. They still sell the whole package. Shouldn't be that hard to just sell a replacement handset.

 

[Zorba]

I confirmed with Midland they're no longer selling replacement handsets. I've got mine apart and I'm planning on checking the micro switches and continuity on the cable.

I've got the Radioditty DB-50B in my cart. Confirmed with Radioditty it uses an RJ45 connection for the handset (despite the picture showing a DIN 8 or 9 connector.

Just pissed at Midland. It's a four year old radio. Another brand I'll never purchase from again.

-Mac

I have the low end Midland GMRS, and the mic cable disintegrated after a couple of years. I replaced it myself as I know how, but I thought that was pretty shitty. But I don't blame you for being pissed over your situation, I would be too. More throw away society.