MIDLAND Micro Mobile GMRS 2-Way Radio Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

MIDLAND Micro Mobile GMRS 2-Way Radio

 

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND RADIO

Congratulations on your purchase of a high quality MIDLAND product.Your MXT115 2-way radio represents state-of-the-art high tech engineering. Designed for General Mobile radio Service (GMRS) operation, this compact package is big on performance. It is a quality piece of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finest components. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a rugged printed circuit board. Your MXT115 radio is designed for reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.

 

FEATURES

  • 15 GMRS Channels
  • 10 NOAA Weather Channels
  • 8 Repeater Channels
  • 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 104 DCS)
  • Monitor Function
  • Keypad Lock
  • Power Hi/Lo Settings
  • External Speaker Jack

IMPORTANT!Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION could void your right to operate this unit. Your radio is set up to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. It is against the law to alter or adjust the settings inside the COMMUNICATOR to exceed those limitations. Any adjustment to your radio must be made by qualified technicians.

 

FCC NOTICE

The MXT115 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies, which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1-7, 15-22 and repeater channels 15-22, which comprise the GMRS channels of the MXT115. Serious penalties may result from unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act’s Sections 501 and 502 (amended). You will be issued a call sign by the FCC that should be used for station identification when operating your radio on GMRS channels. You should also cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channel interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the length of your transmission time.

To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC’s website:

http://www.fcc.gov and request form 605.

 

Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy

Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings to radio frequency electromagnetic energy.

  • United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition
  • National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the United States, Report 86, 1986
  • International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998
  • To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting.
  • The consumer must maintain a minimum safe separation distance of 26.37 inches (67 cm) from the antenna when transmitting.

 

INSTALLING YOUR RADIO

Preparation for InstallationThis radio may be installed in any 12-volt negative ground system vehicle. Most current U.S. and Foreign vehicles use a negative ground system, but some older models and some newer large trucks may have a positive ground. Check the specifications for your vehicle before beginning installation. Generally, you have a negative-ground system if the negative (-) battery terminal is connected to the motor block. Contact your dealer if you are unable to determine your vehicle’s polarity system.

  1. Read these instructions completely before beginning installation
  2. Read and follow all safety precautions in your vehicle’s Service Manual.
  3. Make sure all necessary tools, materials, and parts are on hand.
  4. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before installing your radio. Be sure to reconnect the cable when installation is complete.
  5. Determine a mounting location for your radio. The MXT115 is designed to be installed under the dash or vertically on the center console. Choose a location that does not impair visibility or interfere with driving. Also take into consideration the routing and length of the lead wires and cables to the power source, antenna, and/or optional external speaker.

CAUTION: Extreme care should be exercised when drilling into the dash to avoid damage to under dash electronic ignition, cruise control, instrument and/or accessory wiring.

Installing the Mounting Bracket

  1. Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the location of each screw hole under the dash. Use a nail or other sharp pointed object to mark the hole locations. 
  2. Attach the bracket to the dash with the Phillips head sheet metal screws provided. Tighten the screws securely. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.                        
  3. Slide the radio into the mounting bracket. BE SURE the mounting bracket retainers engage the slots in the sides of the radio to prevent movement while driving.

Installing the AntennaThe MXT115 includes a “magnetic mount” antenna, intended to be attached to the vehicle’s roof, trunk or similar location. Specific installation requirements vary between vehicles. Use the following guidelines to install the antenna.

*Where you locate your antenna does make a difference.*

Some general rules for antenna location that can aid radio performance.

  1. Metal surfaces covered by fiberglass or vinyl may affect radio range. Avoid these locations.
  2. Mount the antenna as high on the vehicle as possible. The higher the better.
  3. If possible, mount the antenna in the center of whatever surface you choose.
  4. The antenna cable is 19.7 feet (6 meters) long. Be sure the mounting location will allow for connection of the cable to the radio.
  5. Be sure the mounting location is clean and dry before installing the antenna.
  6. Route the antenna cable through an accessible entry point, such as a rear door or trunk opening.
  7. When routing the antenna cable inside the vehicle, keep the cable away from noise sources, such as the ignition system, gauges, etc.
  8. Exercise care to prevent cable damage. Make use of existing gaskets, grommets and weather stripping to protect the cable along its route.

Electrical and Rear Panel ConnectionsRefer to Rear Panel Connections for rear panel connector locations.

NOTE: Radio antenna is installed separately.

  1. The power cord supplied with the MXT115 is equipped with a cigarette lighter adapter for easy installation. Simply plug the connector into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. If a “hard-wired” installation is desired, connect the power cord to the vehicle’s electrical system as follows:
  • Cut the power cord just after the cigarette lighter adapter.
  • Connect the positive lead (RED wire with in-line fuse holder) to either (a) the fuse block or (b) directly to the positive post of the vehicle’s battery.NOTE: The fuse block is usually the most convenient connection point. The power cord positive lead can also be connected to the accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch, so the radio automatically turns off when the ignition is turned off.
  • Securely connect the ground lead (BLACK wire) directly to the vehicle’s metal frame. A good direct metal-to-metal ground is essential for optimum performance.

2. Attach the antenna cable to the ANT jack on the rear panel.3. If desired, an optional external speaker (purchased separately) can be connected to the EXT SPKR jack (see Using an External Speaker).

Connecting the MicrophoneInsert the RJ11 connector into the front of the MXT115. The microphone mounting bracket can be attached to the vehicle dash or other convienent location in a manner similar to the radio’s mounting bracket..

Using an External SpeakerThe MXT115 provides a rear-panel jack for connection of an optional external speaker (purchased separately).

When selecting an external speaker, ensure the speaker has 8-ohm impedance and is rated for 4.0 watts.

NOTE: When an external speaker is connected, the radio’s internal speaker is automatically disabled.

 

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

 

Operating Controls

Microphone Controls

  1. Channel Up
  2. Channel Down

Rear Panel Connections

  1. ANT Jack – SO-239 UHF connector for external antenna (included)
  2. EXT SPKR Jack – 3.5mm Audio connector for optional external speaker (purchased separately) (see Using an External Speaker for specifications).
  3. 13.8V DC Cable – 2-wire DC connector for 12V DC nominal input power connection

LCD Display

 

OPERATING YOUR RADIO

About RangeYour MXT115 is designed to give you maximum operating range under optimum conditions.

Optimum conditions for maximum operating range are:

  • Over water
  • In open rural areas without obstructions
  • On flat areas where you can see the other radio user

To ensure you get maximum range:

  • Be sure to mount the antenna (included) as high as possible on your vehicle
  • Be sure to set your radio to use Hi power (see Selecting the Transmit (TX) Power Level)

Power On/OffTo turn the radio on and off:

  1. With the radio off, turn the knob clockwise. You will hear a tone when the radio is on.         ▪ The LCD display will show all icons for one second and then display the most recently selected channel.
  2. With the radio on, turn the knob counter clockwise.                                                              ▪ The LCD display will go blank when the radio turns off.

Selecting the Active ChannelIMPORTANT! To communicate between two radios, both radios must beset to the same channel (see Selecting a Privacy Code) selections.

To Select the Active channel:

  1. Be sure the radio is turned on (See Power On/Off)
  2. Press and release the Channel Up button on the microphone to scroll forward through the available channels. Press and release the Channel Down button on the microphone to scroll backward through the available channels.
  • The Channel icon on the LCD display will show the active channel.
  • To make the repeater channels selectable, see Activate Repeater Channels.

Adjusting the Volume

  1. Turn the Volume knob clockwise to increase the volume
  2. Turn the Volume knob counter clockwise to decrease the volume

Transmitting and Receiving a CallIMPORTANT! To communicate between two radios, both radios must be set to the same channel (see Selecting a Privacy Code) selections.

To transmit and receive a call:

  1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off)
  2. To transmit a call, press and hold the PTT button on the microphone, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice.NOTE: For maximum clarity, hold the microphone 2 to 3 inches from your mouth when speaking.▪ The TX icon will show continuously on the LCD display while transmitting.
  3. To receive a call, release the PTT button on the microphone.▪ The RX icon will show on the LCD display when your radio is receiving a transmission.
  4. If necessary, turn the volume knob clockwise or counter clockwise to increase or decrease the radio volume.

 

UTILITY FUNCTIONS

Utility functions let you configure several operational parameters of the MXT115 to suit your personal preferences. For additional functions, see “MENU” MODE FUNCTIONS.

Locking the KeypadYou can use the keypad “lock” function to prevent accidentally changing your radio’s settings. When the function is enabled, the current radio settings are “locked” in place.

NOTE: When the “lock” function is enabled, the PTT button on the microphone and the Volume Knob on the radio remain active.

Scanning for Active ChannelsYour MXT115 includes an “auto-scan” mode that continuously scans all 15 available channels for activity.

 

NOAA Weather Radio/ScanYour MXT115 has a NOAA Weather Radio function, to enable the user to receive weather reports from designated NOAA stations. Your radio also has a NOAA Weather Scan function, to enable the user to scan all 10 channels for the NOAA National Weather Service.

To enter and exit Weather Scan

1. Press and release the Weather button to enter weather mode.

To Enable Weather Alert:

 

MENU MODE FUNCTIONS

The “Menu” mode provides access to the features and functions shown in the chart below. For additional utility functions, see UTILITY FUNCTIONS. MXT115 “Menu” Mode Quick Reference Chart.

  • Pt – Privacy Tones – Use this option to set the privacy code.
  • Pr – Transmit Power Level – Use this option to change the trasnmit power level to Hi or Lo.
  • Sq – Squelch Sensitivity – Use this option to adjust squelch sensitivity.
  • rb – Roger Beep – Use this option to set the option for the Roger Beep.
  • CA – Call Alert Tone – Use this option to select the Call Alert tone.
  • bP – Silent Operation – Use this option to set the option for the kepadaudible “beep” tones.
  • rP – Repeater Channels – Use this option to set the option for Repeater channels.
  • db – Display Background – Use this option to select the color of the display background.

Selecting a Privacy CodeContinuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digitally Coded Squelch (DCS) are systems that allow several users to share the same channel without disturbing each other. When CTCSS or DCS is enabled for a selected channel, the channel is muted to all incoming signals unless they carry the correct CTCSS or DCS tone.

When a transmission with the correct tone is received, the mute is removed and the voice audio can be heard. When the transmission ends the channel is muted again. Transmissions that do not have the correct tone are not heard.

The MXT115 has 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS codes and 104 DCS codes), which can be applied to any channel. If desired, you can select a different Privacy Code for each channel. See CTCSS Privacy Codes Frequency Chart and DCS Privacy Codes Chart for lists of available Privacy Codes.

IMPORTANT! To communicate between two radios, both radios must be set to the same channel (see Selecting the Active Channel) and Privacy Code selections.

To select a Privacy Code:

NOTE: DCS Privacy Codes 100-104 are shown on the LCD display as A0-A4.NOTE: Selecting a Privacy Code of “oF” will disable the Privacy feature.

6. When the desired Privacy Code is shown on the LCD display, press the Monitor/Scan / to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE Monitor/Scan BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION OR THE PRIVACY CODE WILL NOT BE CHANGED

NOTE: If you select a CTCSS Privacy Code, any pre-selected DCS Privacy Code will be cancelled, and vice-versa.

Selecting the Transmit (TX) Power LevelThe MXT115 provides two transmit power levels; HI and Lo. the Lo power level is generally suitable when operating under optimum conditions (see About Range). The HI power level is recommended to ensure you get maximum range from your radio.

To adjust the Transmit Power Level:

Note: Due to output power regulations channels 1 through 7 cannot be removed from the Lo transmit power setting.

Adjusting Squelch SensitivityThe MXT115 has adjustable squelch sensitivity. The minimum squelch level of 00 is the most sensitive, which allows the squelch to open on very weak signals. Setting the squelch to the maximum setting of 09 requires very strong signals to open the squelch.

To adjust the Squelch Sensitivity:

Roger BeepWhen the PTT button on the mic is released, the radio will beep to confirm to other users that your transmission is complete

To Activate the Roger Beep:

Call Alert ToneYour MXT115 has 5 selectable Call Alert Tones

Selecting a Call Alert Tone:

Silent OperationThe MXT115 has a SILENT OPERATION mode. In this mode, all “beeps” and “tones” are disabled.

To Set the Silent Operation:

Repeater ChannelsYour MXT115 has the ability to access repeater channels. The use of a repeater can significantly increase a radio’s range and coverage area. Prior to using a repeater you must coordinate with the owner of the repeater to gain permission to use the repeater. Be sure to understand and follow the sharing and usage rules for each repeater system.

To Set the Repeater Channel:

Selecting the LCD Display Background ColorYour MXT115 has 8 different color options for the LCD Display background.

To select the LCD Display background:

5. When the desired color has been selected, press the Monitor/Scan button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE MONITOR/ SCAN BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION OR THE BACKGROUND COLOR WILL NOT BE CHANGED.

 

RESTORING THE DEFAULT SETTINGS

You can restore the original (factory default) settings for your MXT115 at any time.

To restore the default settings:

  1. Be sure the radio is turned off (see Power On/Off).
  2. Press and hold the PTT and the Weather button simultaneously..
  3. With the buttons still held, turn on the radio.                                                                         ▪ All user settings will be cleared, returning the radio to all default settings.

 

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: DO NOT use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio. DO NOT immerse the radio in water.

  1. Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the radio.
  2. Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.

 

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

If you experience difficulties using your MXT115, refer to the following chart to correct common operation problems. If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please call first and speak with a service technician at 816-241-8500. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for service.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Channels: 15 GMRS Channels and 10 NOAA Weather Channels
  • Privacy Codes: 38 CTCSS; 104 DCS
  • Operating Frequency: UHF; 462.5500 ~ 462.725 MHz
  • Repeater Frequency:  UHF; 467.5500 ~ 467.725 MHz
  • Power Source:  13.8 VDC Nominal

GMRS Frequency Chart

WX Band Channels

 

GMRS Repeater Channels

 

CTCSS Privacy C odes Frequency Chart

 

DCS Privacy Codes Chart

 

ACCESSORIESAccessories can be purchased at midlandusa.com

 

LIMITED WARRANTY

(United States and Canada)Subject to the exclusions set forth below, Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland FRS/GMRS which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within One Year following the initial consumer purchase.

This warranty does not apply to water damage, battery leak, abuse or misuse of unauthorized accessories, unauthorized service or modification or altered products. Accessories have a 90 day warranty from date of purchase including the power cable, antenna, and microphone that are included with the unit.

ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIEDWARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND TO THE DURATIONOF THE LIMITED WARRANTY, OTHERWISE THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT ASPROVIDED UNDER THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER AND IS PROVIDED IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERWARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT SHALL MIDLAND BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TONEGLIGENCE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGEAND DEATH) FOR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT OR ACCESSORY, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS,LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA OR OTHER FINANCIALLOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABILITY OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCTS OR ACCESSORIES TO THE FULL EXTENT THESE DAMAGES MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.

For Product Purchased in the USA:Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, prepaid freight, along with proof of purchase to:

Midland Radio CorporationWarranty Service Department5900 Parretta DriveKansas City, MO 64120

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

NOTE: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.

For Product Purchased in Canada:Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, along with proof of purchase, to your place of purchase in Canada.

This warranty gives you specified legal rights. Additional warranty rights may be provided by law in some areas within Canada.

 

MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION5900 Parretta DriveKansas City, MO 64120Call 816.241.8500

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you think of your new Midland product at:

or by visiting us at: midlandusa.com

Note: Features and Specifications are subject to change without notice. MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on its packaging.

 

MIDLAND Micro Mobile GMRS 2-Way Radio Owner’s Manual – MIDLAND Micro Mobile GMRS 2-Way Radio Owner’s Manual –

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