Review on Enhanced Communication with Midland MicroMobile 15W GMRS Two-Way Radio and Control Microphone Combo by Nick Beck

Pros: + RJ45 patch/extension cable can be easily hidden and routed to place the mic anywhere removes any portable device with the correct antenna + The included bracket makes it easy to remove the base unit or move to another to move vehicles + Can be programmed to use a local repeater which can significantly increase range beyond simplex + Communicates only with FRS radios on channels 1-7 and 15-22 for added versatility + NOAA weather station channels are a nice added feature + Customizable noise reduction, beep, call alert, mute, and background color display + CTCSS and DCS privacy tones available to turn off busy channels (note: actually doesn't start others on the same channel won't turn on monitor mode or use the same privacy tone and you can hear ) Cons: - The microphone/louds The speaker of the handset is sensitive to the whistling of the generator (but not on the base). Device speakers?) - Handset controls are a little awkward to use with one hand and could be better positioned - Adhesive handset hanger probably won't stand up to internal heat, screw on best. - UI and menus are cryptic due to small screen real estate (in other words, keep the manual to yourself) - Cannot access channels 8-14 which are FRS only (FCC error, not Midlands) - License required for transmission of GMRS by the FCC which only exists for revenue purposes (especially if you want to access repeaters as most of them require callsign identification BTW, filters). My MXT275 now suffers significant signal loss when the car is moving, almost ¼ to ¾ of the Rx signal strength disappears instantly and gets progressively worse with jittery static pops as speed increases. It becomes so distorted that it makes communication over 80 km/h almost impossible. Even other people can hear distortions in my broadcasts. I've fitted it to several cars, tried different filters, changed wiring, played with different antennas and grounds and nothing has solved this annoying problem. It's only when I park in idle that the distortion goes away, rendering it useless as a "mobile" GMRS radio. I understand that radios can be tricky things, but what I personally find most unacceptable is the near-lack of customer service. There were also no fixes or suggestions in their documentation. I couldn't even get a reply to the email listed on the customer support list, forcing me to find an alternative address hidden on the Midland website. The response I received was basically "Call our warranty department and have the device replaced" so I did and paid for the shipping cost to have my device replaced. Luckily their warranty department was receptive and promptly sent a brand new MXT275 in the pits which unfortunately STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM! I'm really not sure how all the others are working well, I actually have two faulty devices at the moment. It's really unfortunate because it's arguably one of the best FCC-cleared GMRS cellphones out there, but it was nothing short of disappointing to me.