New Midland MXT295 Pro

[GATORB8]

Hopefully this isn't a repost, but just ran across a new Midland release. The MXT295 Pro is basically a next generation upgrade of the 275 I have in both of our rigs.

I don't know that I'm going to go through the effort/cost of replacing the 275s, but some pretty stellar usability upgrades (and one big downfall).

Basically the same head unit functionality with added channels. But adds a wireless handset (not sure I'm down with having a battery handset though) that you can grab and use outside of the Jeep. BT headsets and PTT. Looks like an intercom function, so you could throw it to a spotter and they could use it to talk to you?

MSRP is $299 vs $199 for the 275. Does not look like they released a 50 watt version to match the 575.

https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt295-pro-micromobile-gmrs-two-way-radio

 

[voodooridr]

I have a 575 sitting on the shelf to replace the 275 that died, then I saw this little jewel and now I'm questioning my life decisions
I'll probably just install the 575 and watch for a 595 to be released

 

[GATORB8]

I have a 575 sitting on the shelf to replace the 275 that died, then I saw this little jewel and now I'm questioning my life decisions
I'll probably just install the 575 and watch for a 595 to be released

I’m sure the 575 can reach out like crazy.

I need to put something in my truck for when we do long distance wheeling trips in the tow rigs. Tired of messing with the handheld GTXs and their batteries.

 

[WVJeep304]

I’m sure the 575 can reach out like crazy.

I need to put something in my truck for when we do long distance wheeling trips in the tow rigs. Tired of messing with the handheld GTXs and their batteries.

When it comes to GMRS comms, a good antenna will do more for you than more wattage. The Kenwood I'm running in my jeep is only 25w, but with a Midland MXTA26 antenna (which isn't even a fantastic antenna, but a good one) on a Teraflex mount, I get out and receive as well as I could ever expect to in our mountainous terrain.

I can hit a repeater 27 miles away that a buddy couldn't hit with his 40w radio and a ghost antenna from 20miles away. (for the record, there are a few mountains and an entire city between me and this repeater, so I was quite impressed).

Edit: not trying to insult your intelligence with this post, just pointing out something I see a lot of people not understand. I hate to see someone spend money on a powerful radio and get no better performance from it than a lower wattage unit.

 

[GATORB8]

When it comes to GMRS comms, a good antenna will do more for you than more wattage. The Kenwood I'm running in my jeep is only 25w, but with a Midland MXTA26 antenna (which isn't even a fantastic antenna, but a good one) on a Teraflex mount, I get out and receive as well as I could ever expect to in our mountainous terrain.

I can hit a repeater 27 miles away that a buddy couldn't hit with his 40w radio and a ghost antenna from 20miles away. (for the record, there are a few mountains and an entire city between me and this repeater, so I was quite impressed).

Edit: not trying to insult your intelligence with this post, just pointing out something I see a lot of people not understand. I hate to see someone spend money on a powerful radio and get no better performance from it than a lower wattage unit.

Makes sense. To be honest I wouldn’t mind a little less reception sometimes in the Jeeps even with just the ghosts. Tend to get more outside transmissions than the little handhelds.

 

[WVJeep304]

Makes sense. To be honest I wouldn’t mind a little less reception sometimes in the Jeeps even with just the ghosts. Tend to get more outside transmissions than the little handhelds.

In that case, set DTC/DCS codes for a frequency for you and your buddy/group/whoever you're talking to. Everyone on that channel can still hear you, but you won't hear them unless they also turn on the same DTC/DCS code.

I have a few different channels set up for different people/purposes with codes for that very reason.

 

[macleanflood]

Im pretty pissed at Midland. My 275 is the original USB A model. They ninja switched to a USB A model and discontinued all support or spare parts for the original.

I now have a 275 with a bad handset cable and I need to figure out how to source a replacement. Apparently this was endemic on the 275 and to some extent the 575.

Therefore I consider the 295 an admittance from Midland that they can't figure out how to run a cord from a base station to the handset in a robust enough manner to last more than 3-6 months.

-Mac

 

[Zorba]

Im pretty pissed at Midland. My 275 is the original USB A model. They ninja switched to a USB A model and discontinued all support or spare parts for the original.

I now have a 275 with a bad handset cable and I need to figure out how to source a replacement. Apparently this was endemic on the 275 and to some extent the 575.

Therefore I consider the 295 an admittance from Midland that they can't figure out how to run a cord from a base station to the handset in a robust enough manner to last more than 3-6 months.

-Mac

I had the mic cable disintegrate on my Midland GMRS - I just replaced it with a generic mic cable from eBay - maybe its better, maybe its not. *shrug*

 

[WVJeep304]

Im pretty pissed at Midland. My 275 is the original USB A model. They ninja switched to a USB A model and discontinued all support or spare parts for the original.

I now have a 275 with a bad handset cable and I need to figure out how to source a replacement. Apparently this was endemic on the 275 and to some extent the 575.

Therefore I consider the 295 an admittance from Midland that they can't figure out how to run a cord from a base station to the handset in a robust enough manner to last more than 3-6 months.

-Mac

Any reason not to just make your own cable?
https://www.reddit.com/r/gmrs/s/wib2qL8GB2

 

[macleanflood]

Any reason not to just make your own cable?
https://www.reddit.com/r/gmrs/s/wib2qL8GB2

None...I saw that post...I think it's the right connector. Then I need pins, the cable, and a way to terminate the pins. I have RJ45 ends and a crimper.

And then there's the issue of it's damn small and I'm having enough trouble seeing small parts.

Gotta sign up for eye doc insurance on the next enrollment.

-Mac

 

[WVJeep304]

None...I saw that post...I think it's the right connector. Then I need pins, the cable, and a way to terminate the pins. I have RJ45 ends and a crimper.

And then there's the issue of it's damn small and I'm having enough trouble seeing small parts.

Gotta sign up for eye doc insurance on the next enrollment.

-Mac

Does this look like it could work?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3666505837...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[Apparition]

Know nothing about the 295 other than another forum is trying to work a group buy on it.

And someone posted this review


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL_NZlyA8h8

 

[NashvilleTJ]

With it not connected, I can see myself somehow losing the mic...

 

[macleanflood]

With it not connected, I can see myself somehow losing the mic...

More ballistic objects in the cab when this happens...

-Mac

 

[NashvilleTJ]

More ballistic objects in the cab when this happens...

View attachment 710438

-Mac

Jeremy could actually have been holding that wireless mic in his left hand.

 

[Apparition]

More ballistic objects in the cab when this happens...

View attachment 710438

-Mac

I see 2 Mike's