Midland GMRS Radio Decision and Installs

[Panthers65]

I'm looking to pick up a permanent GMRS for the Jeep, but still trying to decide between the MXT275 package and the MXT575. I have a couple cheap Baofengs now, so anything should be an improvement. Obviously more power = better, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth it, and having issues with a few of the questions below.

Wiring- Heard mixed reviews on wiring straight to the battery vs. wiring into switches. I have the S-Tech 6 switch kit installed on my Jeep, comes with (1) 30a, (2) 20a, and (4) 15a wires. Now, 12V X 50W is just over 4a, so I would assume one of the 15a fuses would be more than enough for even the MXT575, right? Will I get interference running either radio through the S-Tech box? Also read something about wiring straight to the battery causing issues with the battery charging/maintaining system?

Usefulness- Again, fully understand more power = further transmission range all things being equal, but the 575 wouldn't help me receive signal better, right? Only transmit better? Makes sense that the radio can't really make something out of nothing. Would I see a big benefit if I'm the only one in my group with a 50w?

Antenna- Seems the consensus is to mount the antenna on one of the cowl/fender brackets, yes? Back in the CB days wrapping the antenna cord up or having it way too long would cause interference and reduce the signal, is this the same for GMRS? Any benefit to the 50w if I stick with one of the fender mounted ghost antennas instead of a tall antenna that went above the roof of my Jeep? Does the fiberglass Jeep top even reflected the radio signal like a metal top or hood does?

Planning on mounting the radio either under a seat or under the dash. The 275 is a big smaller/easier to mount, but I could find room for the 575 if I'd see a noticeable improvement over the 275.

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[Frank...]

Wired my 275 to the ignition wire under the passengers side dash, worked great.

 

[GOCAMPN]

I have the 275 with the 3 inch stubby antenna on the cowl. Even as the lead truck I could still easily communicate with the rear most truck and that's with rocky hills / trees between us. For wiring, I pulled the wires down from behind the glovebox and hooked into the ignition wire.

 

[Radio Guy]

I'm looking to pick up a permanent GMRS for the Jeep, but still trying to decide between the MXT275 package and the MXT575. I have a couple cheap Baofengs now, so anything should be an improvement. Obviously more power = better, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth it, and having issues with a few of the questions below.

Wiring- Heard mixed reviews on wiring straight to the battery vs. wiring into switches. I have the S-Tech 6 switch kit installed on my Jeep, comes with (1) 30a, (2) 20a, and (4) 15a wires. Now, 12V X 50W is just over 4a, so I would assume one of the 15a fuses would be more than enough for even the MXT575, right?

I would estimate the MXT575 to draw around 8 to 9 amps, not 4 amps. You can't multiply 12V X 50 watts transmitter output power to get current draw because the transmitter is not 100% efficient. Its more like 60% plus some overhead for other circuits.

If your using an external fuse I would go for the same value used in the radio power cable but cut out the factory fuse and ditch it, they usually have excessive voltage drop.

 

[sarguy1941]

So both require a $35.00 license so add that to your budget. I run the 275 in both my jeeps. Have used GMRS for 20+ years and never found the need for much more that 10-15 watts. Either I'm on the trail with others and just dont want to deal with an HT bouncing around or talking on a local repeater. I guess 50 watts is good for simplex many miles out but the 275 has never not worked for what I need. In my JT it goes to the aux ignition wire under the dash. In my JT its to battery just because it was simple.

 

[Panthers65]

I have the 275 with the 3 inch stubby antenna on the cowl. Even as the lead truck I could still easily communicate with the rear most truck and that's with rocky hills / trees between us. For wiring, I pulled the wires down from behind the glovebox and hooked into the ignition wire.

Thanks, and I hardly have issues even with the 5w Baofengs, but they are not comfortable to run on the trail and they get left at home more than they get remembered.

I would estimate the MXT575 to draw around 8 to 9 amps, not 4 amps. You can't multiply 12V X 50 watts transmitter output power to get current draw because the transmitter is not 100% efficient. Its more like 60% plus some overhead for other circuits.

If your using an external fuse I would go for the same value used in the radio power cable but cut out the factory fuse and ditch it, they usually have excessive voltage drop.

I figured there was some inefficiency, but even at 300%, I'd still be below the 15w. fuse. I'll check whatever comes inline with whatever radio I buy. I need to check on the ignition fuse under the passenger dash, I liked the idea of the switch so I could quickly turn it on/off and it turns off with the Jeep, but that would require running a power wire back through the firewall from the engine bay back into the cab. Not a big deal, but a little pain.

So both require a $35.00 license so add that to your budget. I run the 275 in both my jeeps. Have used GMRS for 20+ years and never found the need for much more that 10-15 watts. Either I'm on the trail with others and just dont want to deal with an HT bouncing around or talking on a local repeater. I guess 50 watts is good for simplex many miles out but the 275 has never not worked for what I need. In my JT it goes to the aux ignition wire under the dash. In my JT its to battery just because it was simple.

Thank you, got the license when I got my Boafengs, so I'm good there. I am mostly in the woods/forest trails in the SE. I've heard a lot about repeaters and understand the basics of them, but have no idea how to connect my radio to a repeater. Not sure if I'll ever get to that point but I do enjoy messing around. I would assume at that point I'd have a base station at the house, can't see myself sitting in my Jeep by myself talking on a repeater. It'd be 99% communication on the trail, and handing my Baofengs to family while carpooling on vacation or something like that.


The 275 seems to be what I'm leaning to at this point, maybe if I get more into it a 575 or another base station for the house.

 

[Panthers65]

So everyone that wired to the ignition wire under the passenger dash; -Do you have the factory Aux switches? I do not and don't seem to have the Red/White or Pink/Orange wire under the passenger side. I might be running through the firewall or under the Jeep anyways.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

So both require a $35.00 license so add that to your budget. I run the 275 in both my jeeps.

Both would fall under the scope of 1 license, as will any family members. Once you have the one $35 license, all other radios and family members are covered.

 

[Frank...]

So everyone that wired to the ignition wire under the passenger dash; -Do you have the factory Aux switches? I do not and don't seem to have the Red/White or Pink/Orange wire under the passenger side. I might be running through the firewall or under the Jeep anyways.

i have the aux switches, so there are six wires bundled together under there. May be a little harder for you to find two, sometimes Jeep berries them.

 

[OngsterA]

I also have the 275 and still using the 12V (cig lighter) outlet. Can someone upload a pic of the wiring connection under the dash or to one of the factory Aux switches since I have that? Apprec it.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

For power… thoughts on the plug and play options? I.e. https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...MIzaba-MTB_QIVvvLjBx2RuAALEAQYBSABEgLp3fD_BwE

If it was that great, I assume that it would be more popular. Can’t say that I’ve seen it mentioned in the several GMRS and CB threads that I’ve perused so far.

 

[Beemer533]

For power… thoughts on the plug and play options? I.e. https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...MIzaba-MTB_QIVvvLjBx2RuAALEAQYBSABEgLp3fD_BwE

If it was that great, I assume that it would be more popular. Can’t say that I’ve seen it mentioned in the several GMRS and CB threads that I’ve perused so far.

That harness works great, I use it to run my 275 and a couple of other items.

I'm trying to avoid cutting into my factory harness so for me, this was worth it, I definitely recommend it.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

That harness works great, I use it to run my 275 and a couple of other items.

I'm trying to avoid cutting into my factory harness so for me, this was worth it, I definitely recommend it.

Thanks for your feedback. Yeah…having had a vehicle with electrical gremlins previously, I’m wary of that, as well.

 

[sarguy1941]

For power… thoughts on the plug and play options? I.e. https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadrat...MIzaba-MTB_QIVvvLjBx2RuAALEAQYBSABEgLp3fD_BwE

If it was that great, I assume that it would be more popular. Can’t say that I’ve seen it mentioned in the several GMRS and CB threads that I’ve perused so far.

Probably because many of us have the factory switches that includes power taps.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Probably because many of us have the factory switches that includes power taps.

Yes, that’s what I get for not prioritizing the aux panel. At the time (hadn’t used a CB in 10+ years), I couldn’t think of a reason why I’d need that.?

Looks like it’s ~$400 for the factory switch kit. Wonder how much of a production it would be to install that. That or I guess I could see how much my dealer would want to gangster my wallet to install that.

Edit: Looks like it’s 12v plug or single inline plug for me.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/aux-switches-can-a-dealer-install.28844/

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