MXT500
Model MXT500 TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND............................…………………………………....…….3 FEATURES................………………………………………………………………………………………....3 FCC NOTICE................……………………..…………….……………………………………………..…..4 Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy................………..……………………………………………........4 INSTALLING YOUR RADIO...............………………………………………………………………….…...5 Preparation for Installation.............…........…………………………………………....5 Installing the Mounting Bracket.............…...
Model MXT500 WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND RADIO Congratulations on your purchase of a high-quality Midland product. Your MXT500 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.
Model MXT500 FCC NOTICE The MXT500 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 or RP15-22, which comprise the GMRS channels of the MXT500. 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).
Model MXT500 2. Use an antenna with maximum gain of 2.5 dBi including coax losses. 3. Maintain a minimum safe separation distance of 60 inches (151.8 cm) between the antenna and all persons when transmitting. INSTALLING YOUR RADIO Preparation for Installation This 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.
Model MXT500 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. Once the bracket is secured to the vehicle, slide the radio into the bracket.
Model MXT500 INSTALLING THE ANTENNA An external antenna (50Ω) is required for the MXT500. The antenna is 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 affects 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.
Model MXT500 CONNECTING THE RADIO TO A POWER SOURCE 1. 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. 2.
Model MXT500 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS RADIO OPERATING CONTROLS 1. Power and Volume Knob 2. Mic Jack 3. Menu Button 4. Scan/Scan Skip Button 5. Monitor Button 6. WX Button 7. Lock Button 8. Power Indicator 9. TX/RX Indicator 10. Channel/Menu Selection Knob 11. USB-C Port 1 9 2 midlandusa.
Model MXT500 MICROPHONE OPERATING CONTROLS 1. Channel Down 2. Channel Up 3. PTT 4. Microphone 1 2 3 4 Page 10 midlandusa.
Model MXT500 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 1. Antenna Jack 2. Intecom jack 3. External Speaker jack 2 1 midlandusa.
Model MXT500 LCD DISPLAY 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 12 15 2. Medium Power 3. Low Power 4. Narrow Band Channel 5. Auto power off 6. Repeater offset direction 7. CTCSS Privacy Tone 8. DCS Privacy Tone 9. Key Lock 10. Compander indicator 11. Weather band 12. Channel number 13. Menu item indicator 14. Receive indicator 15. Receive and transmit signal strength Page 12 midlandusa.
Model MXT500 OPERATING YOUR RADIO About Range Your MXT500 is designed to give you maximum operating range under optimal conditions.
Model MXT500 POWER ON/OFF 1.To power on, press the POWER/VOLUME knob. • The LCD will display the welcome screen and then display the factory settings (if first time powering up) or the most recently selected channel. 2. To power off, press and hold the POWER/VOLUME knob. The LCD will go blank when the radio turns off.
Model MXT500 TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL IMPORTANT! To communicate between two MXT500 radios or any GMRS radio, both radios must be set to the same channel and privacy code (see Selecting a Privacy Code) selections.. 1. To transmit a call, press and hold the PTT button on the microphone, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice. • The bottom LED will illuminate red while your radio is transmitting. • The signal strength indicator on the LCD will display the transmit signal strength. 2.
Model MXT500 LOCKING THE KEYPAD You 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 POWER AND VOLUME KNOB on the radio remain active. This allows you to transmit and receive a call, adjust the volume and power the radio on/off.
Model MXT500 SCANNING FOR ACTIVE CHANNELS Your MXT500 includes an “auto-scan” mode that continuously scans all 15 GMRS channels for activity. 1.Press the SCAN button to enter “auto-scan” mode. • Your radio will rapidly scan through the 15 GMRS channels and will pause on any active channel. • “Auto-scan” will resume when there has been no activity on the current channel for five seconds. 2.
Model MXT500 • A period will appear after the CH icon on the LCD noting that the channel is active in the “auto-scan” list. NOTE: The radio comes standard with all channels enabled for “auto-scan”. NOAA Weather Radio/Scan Your MXT500 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.
Model MXT500 1. Use the Channel Up or Channel DN on the microphone to select the desired Weather Channel. 2. Press and hold the WX button to turn the Weather Alert on. The WX icon will begin flashing. ▪ 3. To return to GMRS mode, press and release the WX or PTT button. When a Weather Alert goes off, the MXT500 will sound an alert tone. Pressing any button on the mobile will take you to the assigned weather channel and you will be able to hear the weather alert.
Model MXT500 SELECTING A PRIVACY CODE Continuous 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 are 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.
Model MXT500 To Select a CTCSS Privacy Code: The MXT500 has 38 CTCSS privacy codes. 1.Follow steps 1-3 under SELECTING A PRIVACY CODE. 2. For receive privacy code (RCP), select TSQ in the privacy menu by pressing the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob. 3. Use the CHANNEL/MENU Selection to navigate through the privacy code options. Select the desired privacy code by pressing the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob. • Once the CTCSS privacy code is enabled, the SQ icon will appear on the LCD.
Model MXT500 To Disable Privacy codes: 1. Follow steps 1 & 2 under SELECTING A PRIVACY CODE. 2. Select OFF in the privacy menu by pressing the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the privacy code settings. NOTE: If you select a CTCSS Privacy Code, any pre-selected DCS Privacy Code will be cancelled, and vice-versa. NOTE: The LCD icons for privacy tones (TSQ and DCS) will be displayed while receiving and transmitting.
Model MXT500 SELECTING A CHANNEL BANDWIDTH GMRS radios may operate in wide band mode, maximum 20 kHz occupied bandwidth. FRS radios are limited to narrow band mode, maximum 12.5 kHz occupied bandwidth, by FCC regulations. For best clarity, all radios communicating together should use the same bandwidth. Midland GMRS radios use narrow band mode to provide optimum communication and spectrum efficiency with both FRS and GMRS radios which share the 12.5 kHz spaced FRS/GMRS channel frequencies.
Model MXT500 1. Press the MENU button to enter the menu. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #04 – TALK. 2. To enable or disable the talk around function, press the CHANNEL/ MENU SELECTION knob. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to choose between ON or OF. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to confirm your selection. • The “+” icon will be off when talk around is on. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the talk around settings.
Model MXT500 Time Out Timer (TOT) Function The Time Out Timer limits the amount of transmitting time the radio has per PTT activation. 1. Press the MENU button to enter the menu. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #07 – TOT. 2. To set the time out timer, press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION nob. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to choose between OFF, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300 seconds. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to confirm your selection. 3.
Model MXT500 2. To set the squelch sensitivity, press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to choose between 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 06, 08 and 09. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to confirm your selection. • If the squelch sensitivity is set to off, the BUSY icon will appear on the LCD. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the squelch sensitivity settings.
Model MXT500 • Once you confirm your brightness level, the LCD will display the brightness chosen. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the display brightness settings. Repeater Channels The MXT500 can talk to GMRS repeaters, which can greatly increase radio range. You can enable and disable the repeater channels on the MXT500. There are 8 repeater channels. NOTE: Be sure to be aware of the local sharing and usage policies set forth by the owner and operator of the repeater. 1.
Model MXT500 1. Press the MENU button to enter the menu. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #13 - USB. 2. To enable or disable USB-C programming, press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob. Use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to choose between ON or OFF. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to confirm your selection. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the USB-C programming settings.
Model MXT500 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE If you experience difficulties using your MXT500, refer to the following chart to correct common operation problems. If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please call our Midland customer service representatives at 816-241-8500 on Monday – Friday between 8 AM to 4:30 PM CST. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for service. PROBLEM No Power SOLUTION Check vehicle power source (battery); replace as needed.
Model MXT500 SPECIFICATIONS Channels: 15 GMRS Channels and 8 Repeater Channels Privacy Codes: Receive Frequency: Transmit Frequency: Power Source: 38 CTCSS; 104 DCS UHF; 462.550 ~ 462.550 MHz UHF; 462.550 ~ 467.725 MHz 13.8 VDC Nominal Menu Quick Reference Chart MENU QUICK REFERENCE CHART MENU privacy Rcp-off trp-off sql Of-09 pwr nb talk comp mute tot apo lo-mi-hi Off-on Of-on Of-on Of-on Off-300 Off-on Rcp-tsq rcp-dcs 67.0-250.3 001-104 trp-tsq trp-dcs 67.0-250.
Model MXT500 GMRS FREQUENCY CHART (MHz) Ch. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ch. Freq. (MHz) Ch. No. Ch. Freq. (MHz) 462.5625 462.5875 462.6125 462.6375 462.6625 462.6875 462.7125 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 462.550 462.575 462.600 462 .625 462.650 462.675 462.700 22 462.725 CH 8-14 Restricted to Portable Use Only GMRS REPEATER FREQUENCY CHART (MHz) Ch. Number TX Freq. (MHz) RX Freq. MHz) 15RP 467.5500 462.5500 16RP 467.5750 462.5750 17RP 467.6000 462.6000 18RP 467.6250 462.6250 19RP 467.6500 462.
Model MXT500 CTCSS PRIVACY CODE CHART Code Freq. Freq. Code Freq. Code 67.0 9 Freq. 91.5 Code 1 Code 17 118.8 25 156.7 33 Freq. 210.7 2 71.9 10 9 4.8 18 123.0 26 162.2 34 218.1 3 74.4 11 97.4 19 127.3 27 167.9 35 225.7 4 77.0 12 100.0 20 131.8 28 173.8 36 233.6 5 79.7 13 103.5 21 136.5 29 179.9 37 241.8 6 82.5 14 107.2 22 141.3 30 186.2 38 250.3 7 85.4 15 110.9 23 146.2 31 192 .8 8 88.5 16 114.8 24 151.4 32 203.
Model MXT500 FCC WARNINGS AND STATEMENTS 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. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Model MXT500 LIMITED WARRANTY (United States) Subject to the exclusions set forth below, Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any MXT500 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.
MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION 5900 Parretta Drive Kansas City, MO 64120 Call 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.
POWER / VOLUME KNOB LCD DISPLAY CHANNEL/ MENU KNOB '' ' ' ' ' ' MIC JACK MENU WEATHER USB-C PORT .--- INTERCOM JACK 1. INSERT THE MICROPHONE'S CONNECTOR BY LINING UP THE KEY WITH THE MATING SLOT AND GENTLY TWISTING THE LOCKING COLLAR CLOCKWISE. 2. ATTACH YOUR ANTENNA INTO THE SO239 ANTENNA JACK ON THE BACK OF THE MXT5OO. 3. PLACE THE ANTENNA AT THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE VEHICLE. 4. TIGHTLY CONNECT THE GROUND LEA□ (BLACK WIRE) DIRECTLY TO THE VEHICLE'SMETAL FRAME.
~ I D L A N D" Follow us: 6 @ 5900 Parretta Drive, Kansas City, MO 64120 Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Visit midlandusa.com for more information on genuine Midland accessories (not included) for all Midland Micromobile~ products. ©2021 Midland Radio Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
5900 Parretta Drive ● KANSAS CITY, MO ● 64120 PHONE: (816) 241-8500 ● FAX: (816) 241-5713 EMAIL: mail@midlandradio.com WEBSITE: midlandusa.com 12/1/2021 Quick Start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install the MXT500 PC software and the GD VirtualComDriver. Use a USB C cable to connect the radio to a USB port on your PC. Turn the radio on. Turn the USB function On in the radio menu. Your PC should find the new virtual com port and finish installing the hardware.
[2] CH Screen CH 01 – CH 07 Unused CH 15 – CH 22 RP 15 -- RP 22 The CH screen is shown above. CH 1-7 and CH 15-22 directly correspond to those default channels on the MXT500. CH 8-14 are unused with the default MXT500 channel configuration, but may be used for additional channels as needed. CH 23-30 correspond to RP 15-22 on the MXT500. The repeater channels are only displayed when they are enabled.
[3] Channel Edit Screen The Channel Edit screen allows per channel options configuration. To open the Channel Edit screen, double click anywhere on the desired channel row of the CH screen. Or place the cursor on the desired row and select CH Edit from the Edit menu. RX Frequency The default receive frequency is displayed for the channel. Channels 8 -14 will allow any valid receive frequency within the MXT500 UHF receiver’s bandwidth to be entered.
[4] TX Power Allows selection of the channel’s transmit power. Same function as the PWR selection in the radio menu. CH 1-7 are fixed at low power, 5W, to comply with FCC rules. CTCSS/DCS Decode Allows selection of the receive privacy tone or code. May also be referred to as the repeater output tone or code. Same function as the RCP selection in the radio’s PRIVACY menu. CTCSS/DCS Encode Allows selection of the transmit privacy tone or code. May also be referred to as the repeater input tone or code.
[5] Function Setup Screen The Function Setup screen allows radio wide options configuration. To open the Function Setup screen, click Function Setup on the tree view or select Function Setup from the Edit menu. Starting Display A seven character alpha-numeric name can be entered to display in place of “WELCOME” when the radio is turned on. The characters display as all caps, but are best entered without using the shift key on the keyboard.
[6] TBST Frequency Selects the burst tone frequency that might be used to open a repeater. The burst tone is sent by pressing the microphone channel DN button while PTT is pressed. Time Out Timer Selects the maximum time for continuous transmission. Same function as TOT in the radio menu. Auto Power Off Selects the idle time before the radio will turn off. Same function as APO in the radio menu. Mute Selecting On disables the keypad tones. Same function as MUTE in the radio menu.
[7] Embedded Message Screen The Embedded Message screen shows factory configured parameters. To open the Embedded Message screen, click Embedded Message on the tree view or select Embedded Message from the Edit menu. Midland Radio Corporation midlandusa.
MXT500 GMRS two-way radio MXT500 KEY FEATURES • Full 50 Watt Radio • 8 GMRS Repeater Channels for Increased Communication Range • Split-Tone Capable • 15 Hi Power GMRS Channels • 142 Privacy Codes • Water Resistant (IP66) • Narrow & Wide Band • USB-C Port – Fast Charging • Power Hi/Mi/Low Settings • NOAA Weather Radio • Magnetic Mount Antenna • Automatic Power Off Function • Channel Scan and Keypad Lock • Monitor Mode and Digital Volume • Silent Operation • Compatible with Midland FRS/GMRS Walkie Talkies •
MXT500 Specs UPC Code 0-46014-50952-8 Product Size (H x W x D) 5.5” x 1.8” x 7” Product Weight (lbs) 3 Gift Box Size (H x W x D) 13.4” x 10” x 3” Gift Box Weight (lbs) 5.0 Master Carton Size (H x W x D) 14” x 10.
