Midland 275 - should I upgrade to the 575?

[chorky]

Ok so quick background. A few weeks ago I ordered the new mic
https://midlandusa.com/collections/...ducts/mxmc01-anc-microphone-for-mxt275-mxt575

It wouldnt turn on when plugged into my 275. After chatting with support I found out my 275 is the older USB version and this mic only works with the USB-C version. I know I saw that when ordering but I assumed wrongly it would still work because what could be the difference? Well….nope it doesnt work at all. They are offering me a full return.

But I really wanted this mic because I dislike having to remember to power up the radio each time I start the engine…. That to me was the primary purpose.

So I can do a full return. However there is another option. I can offload this one and upgrade to the 575 (assuming I didnt damage the mic). I say this because after testing my antenna SWR yesterday it was significantly better than I assumed it could be (thanks to @Radio Guy). So I am assuming that I might actually be able to take advantage of the higher power of the 575 since my signal doesnt seem to be reduced too terribly bad.

But seeing as how mounting options for antennas are not the best, I am curious of real world experiences in terms of how much difference the 575 offers over the 275. I ask this question only due to watching this video where it clearly shows antenna quality (we all know this) made a significant singal and range difference where as a substantial jump in power made very little difference.

Also keep in mind this applies to extremely hilly terrain with steep and deep gullies. I do NOT live in flat lands and need good elevational signal, not so much distance on a flat highway.

So. Just trying to decide if I should return the $100 mic, or use this as an excuse to upgrade if upgrading will make a worth while difference.

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[mx5red]

Why is your decision based on your SWR? Wouldn't it be the same theoretical improvement even if your SWR wasn't as good? just curious.
575 also may be harder to fit/mount.

 

[sharpsicle]

What are you doing with the radio? That usually dictates your needs more than anything else. Or is this a "have it just to have it" situation? In that case, it's completely up to you.

 

[chorky]

Why is your decision based on your SWR? Wouldn't it be the same theoretical improvement even if your SWR wasn't as good? just curious.
575 also may be harder to fit/mount.

Knowing Jeeps have relatively poor options for good mounting locations I expected relatively poor or borderline swr based on not ideal ground plane options. But seeing as how mine is almost perfect and I havent had to make any adjustments I am open to taking advantage of more powerful radios if it will benefit. my mounting location isnt super affected by the size difference. This is a very temporary location until i bulld my own seat delete unit.

What are you doing with the radio? That usually dictates your needs more than anything else. Or is this a "have it just to have it" situation? In that case, it's completely up to you.

Currently…nothing lol. But I am doing some trips this summer where it will be needed. I would like to be able to say that I use it to to hit repeaters and chat with friends or others70 miles and 3 valles away…although I dont think anyone actually does that other than HAM’s and I dont want to invest into the 2m/70cm world yet - although APRS is pretty cool. In fact I think theres only one gmrs repeater in my entirely large state! Kinda a bummer…. Cell pones and txting really dominated the radio wave world. That being said, our uhf radios we use on the federal side (forest service) suck big time ever since they went digital last year, and my area has serious hilly terrain, so if the 575 can make the difference in talking to someone in a off road group 4 drainages away that might only be a half mile in distance, then it would be worth the price to me because Im probably the only one in the group with sat coms. This is also the reason I continue to use CB as wel

 

[sharpsicle]

I'll be honest, without a use case that drives the need for the MXT575, I think it's plain overkill. And likely a one-way conversation as anything you reach at the edges of its capability aren't going to reach back to you outside of repeaters.

Then, add on top of that the outrageous $400 price tag (where as the more-than-adequate 275 is $165) and there really isn't much value you'll get out of it. All for a 15w to 50w change on a couple of frequencies.

I firmly believe the MXT275 is the one to stick with.

 

[hjdca]

I went for the upgrade. I went from the MXT275 to the MXT575. There is a good place to install/hide the MXT575 under the steering wheel. Ozark Overland Adventures has a video on it. There are two main reasons to upgrade - 50 watt power and wide band. I had the narrow band version of the MXT275. I upgraded because I live and 4wheel in mountainous areas, and I need all the help I can get using GMRS.

Note: The MXT575 on wideband is a great sounding unit on other radios, and it is also super loud with both speakers on - base unit and hand held.

Note2: Because of the 50 watts, and the static I was getting sometimes with the MXT275, I stopped using the 12 volt hot wire that comes with the aux switches, and went directly to the battery. I think this is the best bet with the MXT575.

 

[JTR178]

I wish I had a need for that mic.

 

[Radio Guy]

I wish I had a need for that mic.

Need is just a word. If you want it, just get it!

I have a garage full of radios I don't need. But I really want them.

 

[sarguy1941]

I use the 275. I have yet to find a place I can't use it. I guess if your looking to talk to folks miles away maybe but on all my trail rides and on my local repeater the 275 and a 1/4 wave works fine.

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