COOL COMM UPGRADES
Ditch that old cracklin’ CB for the advanced tech of GMRS/FRS for reliable communications on the trails.
One experience that brings enjoyment to us while wheeling is chatting with our buddies over the radio. Whether it’s on the trail, on route to the trailhead, approaching a tough obstacle, or talking about the day’s events, a good onboard communications unit is crucial.
A!er using every manner of citizen band (CB) radio known to man, it was time for us to "nd a better way to communicate and share some humour with our friends during weekend wheeling trips. MidlandUSA has been providing two-way radio communication units for more than "ve decades and while they are a staple in the agricultural industry, we thought that any radio robust enough to be used by Canadian farmers would be more than tough enough for o#-road use.
We were super excited to replace our aging, "nicky, CB radios with something new and improved. A!er receiving the MicroMobile MXT400 and MicroMobile MXT275, the installation was a breeze. Even though we connected the two units directly to our existing 259 cm (102 in) whip coax CB antenna, the manufacturer strongly recommends using a proper GMRS antenna.
What we did then was designate the ultra-compact version with a hand-held mic and channel receiver for the centre console of one
Jeep, and the second unit with all the controls on the panel was placed overhead in the other.
A!er installation, the true test was the reception on the road. Once underway, we quickly realized these units would work exceptionally well for us. $e sound on both was clearer than even cell reception in certain areas – thanks in part to the incredible external speaker – and we were able to maintain clear communications up to 11 km (7 mi), even when out of line of sight.
When we went o#-road, there was no longer the chatter or squelch we experienced with our old radio and the reception was again, crystal clear. We also found that the mic is smaller than previous models we’ve used, making it easier to handle.
Certain versions o#ered by MidlandUSA even come with an additional USB charging port. In all, the clarity, ease of installation and great range had us scratching our heads as to why we hadn’t switched to GMRS/FRS earlier.
As o#-roaders, we are a brand-loyal and skeptical bunch who are o!en resistant to change.
But in this case, we couldn’t be happier with this upgrade. Now, if we could just convince our old cronies to join us in the 21st century, we’ll be laughing all the way through the trails and back.
Ed Note: It’s important to note that the Midland USA MicroMobile MXT400 and MXT275 GMRS radios are illegal to use in Canada and are only available for use in the U.S. among licensed radio operators.