When Midland first announced the introduction of the MXT100 in early 2015, it was met with much anticipation. After all, This wasn't just another GMRS two way radio, it was a GMRS mobile radio, the first to enter the market in years, and a micro mobile at that. When the MXT100 finally arrived in the late autumn, it quickly became a popular item at Buy Two Way Radios and was generally well received.
Yet, some reviews were mixed. Many users liked the overall design and performance of this tiny mobile, but also wanted the addition of weather channels for use in off-road or recreational vehicles. Some GMRS operators needed repeater capability to truly maximize its use as a mobile. Many thought it lacked the higher wattage generally expected from a typical mobile radio.
Midland heard the feedback, listened, and took notes.
Now, Midland is introducing not one, not two, but three new mobiles in the MXT series, and all for the GMRS.
MXT105 - This model is the next generation of the now retired MXT100, and effectively replaces it. The 105 is essentially the same as the original, with 5 watts of power, 15 GMRS channels, 142 CTCSS/DCS codes, channel scan, adjustable squelch, signal strength meter, monitor function, keypad lock and 3.5mm external speaker jack. It also keeps the built-in internal speaker and the front panel backlit LCD display with 5 levels of adjustable brightness.
One of the best features of the old 100 was Display Flip, which allowed the unit to be installed upside down with an option to flip the readout on the screen around to keep it readable. The MXT105 kept this feature, as well as the flip frame detachable mount to accommodate either horizontal or vertical mounting on or under the dash.
In addition to the GMRS functionality of its predecessor, the MXT105 adds 10 NOAA weather channels and weather scan to the mix. It does all this at a lower price point than the original, taking the MXT series to a new level. The entire package includes a detachable hand microphone with a coiled cord, 12V power cable with vehicle adapter, flip frame detachable mount, microphone hanger, mounting hardware and a mobile magnetic mount antenna with 19 feet of cable. Price: $99.99.
MXT115 - The 115 has most of the same basic features found on the MXT105 and adds more power to take it to a full 15 watts. It has 15 GMRS channels, 10 NOAA weather channels and weather alert. Additional features include 5 selectable call tones, roger beep, tone alert and a USB charger port for charging other devices such as a handheld radio or cell phone. It does not include the Display Flip feature of the MXT105 but the display can be backlit in one of 8 selectable colors. The best part, it's repeater capable, with 8 GMRS repeater channels pre-programmed and ready to go.
The package includes a hand microphone, 12V power cable with vehicle adapter, flip frame detachable mount, mounting hardware, microphone hanger and mobile mag mount antenna with a 19 foot cable. Price: $149.99.
MXT400 - This powerful micromobile transmits at a full 40 watts on the GMRS and is the top of the MXT line. It doesn't have the weather channels included in the other models, but it does have the 8 repeater channels. It also has some features found on many business and amateur mobile two way radios, such as a voice compander, power and transmit LEDs, talk around function, and a timeout timer. The MXT400 comes with a hand microphone, 12V hard wire cord, flip frame detachable mount, microphone hanger and mounting hardware. Antenna not included. Price: $249.99.
For more details and an in-depth discussion on the new Midland mobile GMRS radios, listen to Episode 108 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast!
