The Midland MXT500 50w GMRS mobile radio is finally out

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Only a year or so late.

https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt...e&utm_campaign=mxt500-launch&externalId=BRHCo

Pretty nice upgrade. 50w (as opposed to 40w) of power, which is the legal maximum. Otherwise looks the same but may be slightly bigger? Wideband and split tones. Have at it, off-roaders, overlanders, and radio nerds (like me). $399.

Still have to wait for the MXT575 unfortunately.

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[EveryDayBronco]

Where would you mount that thing?


I like the smaller one that's configured in a way to let you remote mount the "brain". I have it in my subaru, it's like it's not there until I plug in the handset.
MXT275 MicroMobile® Two-Way Radio | Midland USA - Midland Radio

Here's the extension that connects the brain to where-ever you want the handset blug-in to be.
Amazon.com: CERRXIAN RJ45 Male to Female LAN Ethernet Network Cat 5e Panel Mount Cable (Black)(2m) : Electronics

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Where would you mount that thing?

Good question. Possibly on the dash or on the passenger side of the center console.

I like the smaller one that's configured in a way to let you remote mount the "brain". I have it in my subaru, it's like it's not there until I plug in the handset.
MXT275 MicroMobile® Two-Way Radio | Midland USA - Midland Radio

Yeah, I mentioned the MXT575, which is the 50w version of that coming this summer. That's what I'm holding out for. Although the control unit is massive compared to the 275. But it still could be hidden I think. It's going to be hard to figure out where to mount this plus a ham radio.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

The 15w tiny one has been perfect.

If someone wants 50w that’s a specific need and they’ll know what antenna to match up with it but for typical caravan or trail use the 15w is just fine. It’s been more than adequate.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

plus a ham radio.

Mmm Hmmm , one of those guys.

Just joking, all I know about HAM radios is .... they are supposedly very desirable offroad & in extreme terrain.

I have been known to have a CB in my vehicles occasionally. I find the idea of installing a quality one... interesting.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Ive also been wondering,
What would be a good location to mount the CB whip on the new Bronco?

I recall reading that the all metal hard top on the 1G Broncos made for a great "ground plane" (I think it was called).
Not to be, with the MIC.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Mmm Hmmm , one of those guys.

Hey I admitted to being a radio nerd in the first post lol

 

[EveryDayBronco]

Good question. Possibly on the dash or on the passenger side of the center console.

Yeah, I mentioned the MXT575, which is the 50w version of that coming this summer. That's what I'm holding out for. Although the control unit is massive compared to the 275. But it still could be hidden I think. It's going to be hard to figure out where to mount this plus a ham radio.

There's no convenient spot for one of these on the dash or either side of the console.

My recommendation would be remote mount under one of the front seats with a hand set plug-in at the front of the console under the controls.

I photo-edited one into this console, not prefect edit job but you get the picture and it's probably pretty close to scale. The blue dashed outline is just me playing with the outline which wouldn't be there, the only thing you'd notice is the silver metal that's part of the female plug.

Use this extension for the remote install,
Amazon.com: CERRXIAN RJ45 Male to Female LAN Ethernet Network Cat 5e Panel Mount Cable (Black)(2m) : Electronics

When not in use the mic/handset would be stowed inside the console or glove box. BTW, replacement mic/handset is only $50.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

Or here,

 

[EveryDayBronco]

I just looked up the 575 and I don't think it's that much bigger,

specifications say 7.3" x 5.5” x 1.5” thick. This would fit definitely fit under the front seat.

The MXT275 that I have is 5" x 4.2" x 1.4" thick.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

There's no convenient spot for one of these on the dash or either side of the console.

My recommendation would be remote mount under one of the front seats with a hand set plug-in at the front of the console under the controls.

I photo-edited one into this console, not prefect edit job but you get the picture and it's probably pretty close to scale. The blue dashed outline is just me playing with the outline which wouldn't be there, the only thing you'd notice is the silver metal that's part of the female plug.

People are already mounting ham radios on the side of the console so this should be fine I think? There's a lot more room in the Bronco than in a Jeep and it's done all the time in Jeeps. Seems like the dash would be fine too on a rail. I wouldn't put it under the seat because it's not waterproof.

I think I'll wait for the 575 and put it behind the steering column or glove box. Or maybe inside the center console.

I really like your handset plug ideas.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

I just looked up the 575 and I don't think it's that much bigger,

specifications say 7.3" x 5.5” x 1.5” thick. This would fit definitely fit under the front seat.

The MXT275 that I have is 5" x 4.2" x 1.4" thick.

From left to right: 575, 400, 275. Pretty significant difference, at least visually. Particularly when space is at a premium.

 

[EveryDayBronco]

From left to right: 575, 400, 275. Pretty significant difference, at least visually. Particularly when space is at a premium.

That will fit under the seat.

Mounting the unit on the sides of the console is going to clutter it, and it's going to look ugly and unorganized with the all those wires. Don't do it!

If you don't like under the seat then look for other locations such as under the dash behind or beside the glove box, etc.

I'm wondering how much dead space is under the console or behind the plastic panels at the rear fenders?

Out of sight is better for theft prevention. With the remote mount the worse is someone steals the mic/handset which only costs $50.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

That will fit under the seat.

Mounting the unit on the sides of the console is going to clutter it, and it's going to look ugly and unorganized with the all those wires. Don't do it!

If you don't like under the seat then look for other locations such as under the dash behind or beside the glove box, etc.

I'm wondering how much dead space is under the console or behind the plastic panels at the rear fenders?

Out of sight is better for theft prevention. With the remote mount the worse is someone steals the mic/handset which only costs $50.

Yeah, like I said, I'd try behind the steering column or glove box (or under?). I wouldn't personally put it on the side of the center console, but many people do. Under the seat is a no-go for me. There has been at least one ham install on here behind the steering column. So there's some room. Remains to be seen if there's enough room for the 575. But I need space for a ham radio and a GMRS. I don't own either yet (just Has) so I guess we'll see in the future. By the time I'm ready for installs I'm sure plenty of people will have done it by then. Agreed about wire clutter. I'd hate that lol

 

[EveryDayBronco]

I found couple other jacks that might be better than I linked earlier. With these you can use a regular cat5e or cat6 cable which we all have lots of in our IT closets!

The round hole is easier to make than a square hole. When get around to do this in the bronco I'll probably do this instead of my previous method.

https://www.amazon.com/RJ-45-Ethernet-Round-Adapter-Adafruit/dp/B07QJV1YQJ/ref=sr_1_8?crid=22KQQENR9JCYO&keywords=RJ-45+Ethernet+Round+Panel+socket&qid=1641957636&sprefix=rj-45+ethernet+round+panel+socket,aps,239&sr=8-8#customerReviews

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153148972757?hash=item23a863ded5:g:01gAAOSwrORbfRZp

https://www.amazon.com/icepc-DIY-In...t=&hvlocphy=9031619&hvtargid=pla-908788584638

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