Midland 75-822 only outputs 2 watts max

[LostSignal]

Hi all, I've verified that my Midland 75-822 only outputs approx 2 watts max with 3x different "watt" meters. I connected to a General Dynamics R2670B, a BIRD Wattmeter, and my personal SWR/Watt Meter. On the 2670B it was coming in as approx 1.94W max. This is even with a 12Vdc source? Is the radio not supposed to be at least 4W max output per CB specs??? Can I legally "correct" this as well and how is it done as far as where is the VR potentiometer located on the inside? I want to at least have it so that I can get the legal max wattage output per CB FCC rules. More of a question on the rules than anything, but also, want to have max output/range (i.e. again, legally) from the unit. My Cobra Ultra III in my truck is outputting like I would expect, but the HT is not. Thank you and hope to hear from someone soon.

 

[LostSignal]

just wanted to add in the fact that

I have a HAM license myself and know, understand, and comply to the rules. So not into doing anything illegal!!! I just want to simply get the Midland 75-822 CB to what it should be putting out per FCC guidelines/rules. If I can get it to 3.5W or 3.9W or even 3.99W that would be AWESOME!!!

PM me is fine by me, because I do understand that there are people out there that would crank it as high as it can go without any regard to rules/regulations.

-LostSignal

 

[firefighter_21701]

From what I've been told most mobile units are leaving the manufacturer with roughly 3 Watt out put. Handheld depending on brand are equal or less running as low as 2 Watts. That's not according to law that's just a manufacturer thing ( possibly to give radio shops some business, that for everyone else to decide). Last time I actually looked at part 95 I think Max allowable for any cb was 5 Watts Max out put ( someone correct me if I'm wrong, please) but that reading was back in the 90's when I was just a teenager with a radio shack handset. If your part of a club maybe someone there could help you or if you know of a cb shop they might be able to help.

 

[LostSignal]

didn't think about a CB shop? I'd rather do it myself when it comes down to it if I can, but yeah, I'm hear'n ya. Also, I'm pretty sure that it is 4W, but I could be wrong myself and would have to look it up. I just, fairly recently, received my HAM license. I need to be on it more often to get the "practice in". Anyways, thanks for the reply. My 4WD Taco has a 2meter Yaesu FT1900 and a Cobra Ultra III. Then I have the Midland as a carry around if needed. The idea is that when SHTF scenario comes into play, I have a CB for non-HAM's to communicate with and I have a HAM to communicate with as well. I also have other HAM HT's. Then I also have the GMRS radio's with me as well, although I don't have a GMRS license, but I just use the "FRS" portion of it anyways... Anyways, sorry to get off topic on my own thread... LOL!!! I was just curious if someone could help me slightly increase the output to legal max allowed on the Midland 75-822? I will look into some HAM clubs as well as talk to some HAM's. Thank you firefighter. Funny, I deal with fire station alerting equipment and we do Miami City, West Manatee, East Manatee, Southern Manatee, Cedar Hammock (North Manatee), and the list goes on. Take care and thank you for your duties that you perform.

-LostSignal

 

[KC4RAF]

4 watt max to the antenna.

HH units were always under powered, mainly to try and save the batteries' useful charge time. With a little know how, the limit can be upped a small bit.

 

[LostSignal]

Thank you raf. That makes sense for it to be down to 2W to save/conserve battery power. I marked the pots on the inside of their "original" positions and then starting turning, not losing count of turns if it went that far, and the needle never moved on the meters? I just wish I could up it a little and/or to the max or close to max legal limit. Other than that... I guess I will just have to see if I can get a hold of some HAM's on the air and ask if anyone is familiar with these CB's? Or possibly a CB radio shop, although I don't know if 2W is worth the cost? I'm thinking, highly not worth the cost, but it is a possible option nonetheless. Anyways, thanks again and I'll just keep reading this post until it "falls out of favor"

73
LostSignal

 

[KC4RAF]

I halfarse tried to find the schematic

to this unit, but couldn't. The pots you were turning probably were for other circuits. W/O the schematic, it would be hard to know which component are for the final. Hope a ham in your area will be knowledgeable and can help you. Like I said, I tried to find a wiring diagram; it looks like a fairly new unit they came out with.

 

[LostSignal]

Yeah, I figured that the other pots were for something else??? There are 2x of them that are directly connected to the "GND" side and those were the ones that I concentrated on first, but didn't seem to see annnny needle movement on the watt meter? Maybe not enough turns? Nonetheless, yes, I agree, without schematics it would be pretty hard to do... definitely not any easier that's for sure. I deal with schematics, for the most part, on a daily basis and not a "newbie" with them (i.e. schematics). Finally, these radios have been out for a few years now, that I know of and I to was unable to get very far in finding the schematics for them? Anyways, thank you so far for the input/help raf. This would be more of a "fun" project in that sense if anything, but really would like to get it up to at least the legal limit of 4W.

73
LostSignal

 

[k3cfc]

Thank you raf. That makes sense for it to be down to 2W to save/conserve battery power. I marked the pots on the inside of their "original" positions and then starting turning, not losing count of turns if it went that far, and the needle never moved on the meters? I just wish I could up it a little and/or to the max or close to max legal limit. Other than that... I guess I will just have to see if I can get a hold of some HAM's on the air and ask if anyone is familiar with these CB's? Or possibly a CB radio shop, although I don't know if 2W is worth the cost? I'm thinking, highly not worth the cost, but it is a possible option nonetheless. Anyways, thanks again and I'll just keep reading this post until it "falls out of favor"
If it's not broke be sure to fix it till it is. just let it be.
73
LostSignal

If it's not broke be sure to fix it till it is. just let it be.