Midland MXT115 Review: The Best Off-Road Two-Way Radio?

By: Jeremy Neisser

Looking for a reliable two-way radio that can keep you connected while you're out and about? Look no further than the Midland MXT115 MicroMobile!

As someone who's spent plenty of time camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors, I know how important it is to have a reliable communication device on hand. And the MXT115 definitely fits the bill.

With 15 high/low power channels and a range of up to several miles, this two-way radio is perfect for staying in touch with your team or family members while you're out on the trails. And with privacy codes and silent operation, you can rest assured that your conversations will stay private and secure.

One of the standout features of the MXT115 is its NOAA weather scan and alert system. This feature automatically scans through 10 available weather channels and alerts you to severe weather updates, ensuring that you stay safe and informed no matter where you are.

Overall, I highly recommend the Midland MXT115 MicroMobile for anyone who needs a reliable two-way radio for outdoor activities, business, or personal use.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a high-quality two-way radio that offers extended range, privacy codes, and advanced weather alerts, the Midland MXT115 MicroMobile is definitely worth considering!

Overview of the Midland MXT115 Two-Way Radio

If you're looking for a reliable and versatile two-way radio, the Midland MXT115 is a great option. This 15-Watt MicroMobile device operates on GMRS frequencies, which are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use. With 15 high/low power channels, you can expect a clear communication over a longer range. The channel scan feature allows you to search for active channels in your area.

The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes provide a level of privacy and security for your communications. You can select a specific code to use with a particular channel, which helps to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel. The MicroMobile also comes with a NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature that automatically scans through 10 available weather band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.

Overall, the Midland MXT115 is a compact and easy-to-use two-way radio that is perfect for camping, hiking, hunting, outdoors, and business. It's compatible with all Midland FRS/GMRS walkie talkies, making it a convenient tool for communicating on the go.

Key Features

When it comes to two-way radios, the Midland MicroMobile MXT115 is a great choice for those who want a reliable and versatile communication tool. Here are some of its key features:

Two-Way Radio

The MicroMobile MXT115 is a powerful 15-watt two-way radio device that operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies. With 15 high/low power channels, it provides increased range and clearer communication over a longer distance. The channel scan feature allows you to search for active channels in the area, making it easier to find a clear channel to communicate on. Its compact size and easy-to-use interface make it a convenient tool for communicating on the go.

GMRS

The GMRS channels used by the MicroMobile MXT115 are licensed by the FCC for personal and business use. These channels have a range of up to several miles, depending on terrain, weather conditions, and obstacles in the way. While a 40-mile range may be possible under ideal conditions, it's important to consider terrain and other factors that can affect the range of the radio in use. For the best communication, it's best to test the range of your radio where you plan to use it.

Privacy Codes

The MicroMobile MXT115 comes with 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes that allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel. This helps to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel, providing a level of privacy and security for your communications, especially in crowded areas where multiple radios may be in use. You can also use the silent operation feature to turn off all tone.

NOAA Weather Scan + Alert

The MicroMobile MXT115 comes with NOAA Weather Scan, which automatically scans through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. In addition, NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area. NOAA Weather Radio will also be used to broadcast AMBER alerts for missing children.

Midland MicroMobile

The MicroMobile MXT115 is compatible with all Midland FRS/GMRS walkie talkies, making it a great choice for those who already have a Midland radio. Whether you're on a hunting trip, exploring outdoors, or working on a farm, the MicroMobile can help you stay connected with your team or family, even when you're far from civilization. With its powerful GMRS two-way radio, you can take your radio range to the next level.

In case you want something a little more premium - Midland MXT575 MicroMobile GMRS Radio Review

Pros and Cons

Pros

I have been using the Midland MXT115 Two Way Radio for quite some time now, and I have to say that I am impressed with its features. Here are some of the pros that I have experienced:

• Increased Range: The 15 high/low power channels of the MicroMobile provide increased range and clearer communication over a longer distance. This is especially helpful when I am out camping, hiking, or hunting.
• Privacy Codes: The 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow me to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, which helps to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel. This provides a level of privacy and security for my communications, especially in crowded areas where multiple radios may be in use.
• NOAA Weather Alerts: The NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert me of severe weather updates. The NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in my area. This feature has come in handy on several occasions.

Cons

While the Midland MXT115 Two Way Radio has many pros, there are a few cons that I have noticed:

• Split Tones: This radio is unable to do split tones and is low. This makes it unsuitable for repeaters, especially if the repeater has split tones.
• Audio Quality: This particular Midland GMRS radio only works in narrow band. GMRS radios operate in wideband. This issue only affects the audio quality and not necessarily the output. Some of their other models do a better job.

Overall, I think that the Midland MXT115 Two Way Radio is a great communication tool for outdoor activities, and it has served me well. The privacy codes and NOAA weather alerts are particularly useful features. However, it may not be suitable for repeaters or those who require high-quality audio.

Conclusion

After using the Midland MXT115 for a few weeks, I'm impressed with its performance and functionality. The radio's compact size and magnetic mount antenna make it easy to install and use on the go. The external speaker is also a great addition, allowing me to communicate with my Midland handhelds from a distance.

While the radio works well for anything local, it may not be the best option for those looking to use it on repeaters, especially if the repeater has split tones. The audio quality is also affected due to the radio's narrow band operation.

Overall, the Midland MXT115 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use two-way radio for off-roading, outdoor activities, and farming. Its extended range and NOAA weather alerts make it a versatile and valuable tool for staying connected in the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Midland MXT115?

The range of the Midland MXT115 can vary depending on several factors, such as terrain, weather conditions, and obstacles. The GMRS channels used by the MXT115 have a range of up to several miles, but it's essential to consider these factors when determining the range you can achieve with your radio. In my experience, I was able to get clear communication over a longer range than some other GMRS radios I have used.

Is the Midland MXT115 a good GMRS radio?

Yes, the Midland MXT115 is a great GMRS radio. It has 15 high/low power channels that provide increased range and clearer communication. The compact size and easy-to-use interface make it a convenient tool for communicating on the go. Additionally, the 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes allow you to select a specific code to use with a particular channel, which helps to prevent unwanted transmissions from being heard on the same channel.

What are some reviews of the Midland MXT115?

Based on my research, the Midland MXT115 has received positive reviews from customers. Many people appreciate the compact size and easy-to-use interface of the radio. Some reviewers have also noted that the radio has a good range and clear communication. However, some customers have reported issues with the audio quality and the inability to use split tones on repeaters.

Does the Midland MXT115 come with programming software?

No, the Midland MXT115 does not come with programming software. However, you can program the radio manually using the keypad. The process is straightforward, and the manual provides clear instructions on how to do it.

What is the Midland MXT115 manual?

The Midland MXT115 manual is a comprehensive guide that provides information on how to operate the radio. It includes detailed instructions on how to program the radio, use the various features, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. The manual is well-written and easy to understand, making it a valuable resource for anyone who owns a Midland MXT115.

How does the Midland MXT115 compare to other GMRS radios?

In my experience, the Midland MXT115 is one of the best GMRS radios on the market. It has a good range, clear communication, and a compact size that makes it easy to use on the go. Additionally, the 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes provide a level of privacy and security for your communications. While there are other GMRS radios available, the Midland MXT115 stands out for its reliability and ease of use.