Can anyone advise if and which model of the Midland handheld radios can transmit five watts on GMRS?
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Midland GMRS HH Radios
- Thread starter jimg
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Not sure of the handhelds but Midland makes a Micro Mobile GMRS radio that advertises 5 watts output. The price has really come down on these units.
The Midland GXT 1000 series is advertised as 5 watt.
However, in testing they were showed to only transmit about 2 watts ERP.
Besides, under the new rules, combination FRS/GMRS radios are not allowed to transmit more than 2 watts, and no individual may transmit more than 2 watts without a GMRS License.
I had a bunch of GXT 1000's that I passed out to folks who were not really radio savvy, but we've completely switched over to commercial Kenwood units now. Performance is many times better.
It's worth it to get the license. It's 70 buck or so for 10 years, and you have a great deal of flexibility.
Delta
However, in testing they were showed to only transmit about 2 watts ERP.
Besides, under the new rules, combination FRS/GMRS radios are not allowed to transmit more than 2 watts, and no individual may transmit more than 2 watts without a GMRS License.
I had a bunch of GXT 1000's that I passed out to folks who were not really radio savvy, but we've completely switched over to commercial Kenwood units now. Performance is many times better.
It's worth it to get the license. It's 70 buck or so for 10 years, and you have a great deal of flexibility.
Delta
Yes, I've seen those advertised. Now waiting for the new MXT 275, with the display and controls in the mic, to become available.
I have already obtained my GMRS license and wanted to get a handheld that would actually do 5 watts on transmit. Are the Kenwood radios you referred to GMRS?
I've been buying Kenwood TK 380's. They are Part 95 Type Accepted.
I get them for anywhere from 45 to 100 bucks a piece. New battery for about $15. They are very rugged.
Delta
I get them for anywhere from 45 to 100 bucks a piece. New battery for about $15. They are very rugged.
Delta
mmckenna
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Most commercial radios (like the Kenwood's) are going to run 4 watts on UHF. Has to do with the final amplifiers.
And, in reality, you won't be able to tell the difference between 4 watts and 5 watts.
There's a lot of good options out there on the commercial side. I ran Icom for many years on GMRS. Kenwood is a good choice, TK-380, TK-390, etc. All will require programming to work on GMRS, but that isn't a big deal.
Yep. I think the 380's are advertised as 4.5 watt. The ranch where we use them is heavily wooded and hilly. I have a TK 880 as a base unit, and with the 380's, we have good coverage. Those Midlands started fading out after about 1,000 feet.
I'm getting an IG License for a VHF pair. UHF is just not that great in hills and thick forest.
Delta
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