- Joined
- Jul 18, 2020
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- Location
- Huntsville, AL
- Vehicle(s)
- 2022 Bronco
- Your Bronco Model
- Badlands
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey guys,
This is my install process for the Midland MXT275. I went with the 275 over the 575 for a couple reasons:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/super-clean-gmrs-radio-install.42659/
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-interior-fuse-box-with-add-a-fuse-tap.32486/
I'm going to focus on where I deviated from their installs, or where I ran into problems. I knew I wanted to tap into "switched" (ignition position 1) power so that I wouldn't drain my battery if I forgot to power off my radio, ESPECIALLY if I forgot to power it off before disconnecting my mic. For those wondering the 275 draws 3 Watts when on but not transmitting. I also knew that I didn't want to tie up an Aux switch (only 1 in use currently, but plans for all 6). So that led me to @SPITmadFIRE's write up of tapping into the in-cabin fusebox.
I decided to use slot 35 instead of slot 2 since it was listed as a spare. I tested the port with a volt meter to confirm the tap-a-fuse was in the correct orientation, that the port had power, and that power was turned on with a single push of the ignition and cut off when you turn off the vehicle. Note the MXT 275 wiring ships with a 5A fuse. I didn't use their wiring or fuses, but mimicked the 5A fuse in my install.
For the antenna I went with the upgraded Midland Ghost antenna over the basic antenna. Again, I didn't feel like I needed the extra gain of the 6dB antenna, the Ghost is cheaper, and looks better than the basic antenna and 6dB antenna. (Had the basic antenna been "mountable" I'd probably have just rolled with it)
I mounted it on the driver's side @JcrOffroad Cowl bracket.
Once, the antenna and power were run, it was time to tackle the center console removal. I'll give another internet high five to @Bo-Ronco for not only finding this location but for apparantly getting the center console in a position to work in the area without removing the shifter handle. I'm not sure what kind of wizardry he possess to do this, but after 60 seconds of trying to manipulate the console around to put it in a workable area, I gave up and removed the handle.
If you want to do this yourself during your install there is one small harness to disconnect in the front of the handle, and then two small philips screws in the back (towards the engine bay).
One other note, I actually did use a panel popper to get the center console pull up started. I inserted between the armrest and cup holders.
With that out of the way, the install went pretty similar to @Bo-Ronco. I drilled out the center hole in the midland bracket and placed the radio in the same location as him. I used the same ethernet panel mount extender etc.
Finished product:
I knew I wanted a magnetic mounting solution, and the 67 Designs magmount G3 works great for this. I was worried that it wouldn't be strong enough to hold the heavy handset, but it's fine. I've got it attached to the 67 Designs bronco rail, but this is only temporary until Archtype Racing get's their act together and ships me my "D". Once that arrives I'll be relocating the G3 magmount to the D and my install will finally be complete!
This is my install process for the Midland MXT275. I went with the 275 over the 575 for a couple reasons:
- Price - There's just too much gear to buy and not enough cash to go around
- Power - I don't need it for my application. I've run 5W handheld units with crappy antennas inside my vehicle for years with no problems.
- Heat - I was concerned about heat build up with my planned install location.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/super-clean-gmrs-radio-install.42659/
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-interior-fuse-box-with-add-a-fuse-tap.32486/
I'm going to focus on where I deviated from their installs, or where I ran into problems. I knew I wanted to tap into "switched" (ignition position 1) power so that I wouldn't drain my battery if I forgot to power off my radio, ESPECIALLY if I forgot to power it off before disconnecting my mic. For those wondering the 275 draws 3 Watts when on but not transmitting. I also knew that I didn't want to tie up an Aux switch (only 1 in use currently, but plans for all 6). So that led me to @SPITmadFIRE's write up of tapping into the in-cabin fusebox.
I decided to use slot 35 instead of slot 2 since it was listed as a spare. I tested the port with a volt meter to confirm the tap-a-fuse was in the correct orientation, that the port had power, and that power was turned on with a single push of the ignition and cut off when you turn off the vehicle. Note the MXT 275 wiring ships with a 5A fuse. I didn't use their wiring or fuses, but mimicked the 5A fuse in my install.
For the antenna I went with the upgraded Midland Ghost antenna over the basic antenna. Again, I didn't feel like I needed the extra gain of the 6dB antenna, the Ghost is cheaper, and looks better than the basic antenna and 6dB antenna. (Had the basic antenna been "mountable" I'd probably have just rolled with it)
I mounted it on the driver's side @JcrOffroad Cowl bracket.
Once, the antenna and power were run, it was time to tackle the center console removal. I'll give another internet high five to @Bo-Ronco for not only finding this location but for apparantly getting the center console in a position to work in the area without removing the shifter handle. I'm not sure what kind of wizardry he possess to do this, but after 60 seconds of trying to manipulate the console around to put it in a workable area, I gave up and removed the handle.
If you want to do this yourself during your install there is one small harness to disconnect in the front of the handle, and then two small philips screws in the back (towards the engine bay).
One other note, I actually did use a panel popper to get the center console pull up started. I inserted between the armrest and cup holders.
With that out of the way, the install went pretty similar to @Bo-Ronco. I drilled out the center hole in the midland bracket and placed the radio in the same location as him. I used the same ethernet panel mount extender etc.
Finished product:
I knew I wanted a magnetic mounting solution, and the 67 Designs magmount G3 works great for this. I was worried that it wouldn't be strong enough to hold the heavy handset, but it's fine. I've got it attached to the 67 Designs bronco rail, but this is only temporary until Archtype Racing get's their act together and ships me my "D". Once that arrives I'll be relocating the G3 magmount to the D and my install will finally be complete!
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