You do realize he addressed what you said from the get-go? In this video, I am a part of "those people" (built my own), but I also understand people would either not want to do it, not learn how to do it, or know how to do it. Those are perfectly okay.
Thanks for the excellent video! This is Bill Harrison, owner of Hardened Power Systems, and designer of these machines. I am happy to help answer some questions as I see them in this comment section. Again, well done review!
@@walkertekk9 I assume 'past mistakes' relate to delivery timing? We have, to some degree, been a victim of success. This has strained delivery timing and customer service. Being declared critical early in the pandemic also put a strain on things. I will say we are building and growing as fast as we can without getting out of hand or sacrificing quality. If you want to give us a chance, we would love to build you some gear. Remember we have a two-year warranty.
Bill do you know what the dimensions of the radio cut out are? Considering using this with a Motorola XTL5000 but it is a good bit larger than the Midland.
Bill I have owned two G5 Recons. The first started to smoke when I plugged it in for the first time and you replaced it immediately. The replacement one has been used and tested from my patio and stored in my basement (cool/dry) over the course of the last year. The unit can be described as pristine. This unit has not been run longer than 5 hours since I've owned it. It 's intended purpose is for long term power outage. Yesterday, I pulled it out charged it overnight and it does not run on battery power. I sent your firm an email to which I have not received a response. That is two for two. What do you say to the my waste of money.
I was pleased to see both ammo cans were printed at LC (Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence MO). That's where I earn my daily bread. Thank you for yet another terrific video, Randy-
I used to think things like this were over priced for what they are, so I built my own, and learned, maybe not so much. Your time is worth something, for sure. But also connectors, specialty tools, displays, meters, batteries, reliable charge controllers, etc. all add up quickly. Some people don't know you don't hold a soldering iron like a pencil, by the tip. Some people don't have the same skill sets, manual dexterity, available tools, or even space to build something like this. And for those people, there is something you can just buy. Capitalism to rescue.
Yes, exactly, just cutting the front panel to fit in the ammo box and all the holes for the connectors and displays is a royal nightmare. A PIB (pain in the bitch) . I know because I have tried when I was much younger and more stupider. All the parts and the tools required will easily run you over the price of the unit and that's not even including the medical bills when those damn power tools slip and cut a gash in your wrist. (don't ask me how I know about this) Then you have all those leftover expensive tools that you can't throw away so they just sit around cluttering up your house. Its nasty. Just buy the can and be done with it.
After attending a weekend survival course given by the State DNR I wanted a decent fixed blade knife. Having a meager income I attended youtube university and learned you can make your own knife with a few tools and a BBQ grill. Before it was over I purchased $2000.00 worth of tools and equipment, made over 200 knives I sold at work or gave to friends and relatives, and stuck my right index finger in my bandsaw requiring a trip to the ER for V E R Y painful novocaine injections and three stitches.
I was wondering why they were so expensive right up until you opened the lid. "Oh. So *that's* where the money went." Yes, expensive but very well thought out and designed. And like you said, it all depends on how much one values their time when it comes to trying to build their own or just buy an off-the-shelf solution like this. And either one can double as a battery-powered DC power supply for an amateur radio for the best of both worlds.
Funny thing is I saw a Company building this stuff a few years ago and wondered what happened to them. This is nice for the folks that go out with there jeep into the hills. Believe you did a bang up job showing the new products.
Hi Mark! This is that same company, Hardened Power Systems , we were lucky enough to partner with Midland on these projects! I am a tech for Hardened Power Systems and we are still moving along, thank you for your interest and kind words. ua-cam.com/users/hardenedpower
Wish it was manufacturer neutral, and not specifically built to one manufacturer. A Wouxon KG-1000G, would be a nice option, or a Motorola XPR Series mobile, would be nice... One Can Dream. Thanks, Sensei, for the review, and showing them off! 👌
This will work with any radio that will fit in the hole. The only thing that wouldn't be there is information specific to the radio you are using. If you buy the big one, you can print out a cheet sheet and stuff it inside if you need that...
This is marketed by Midland, for Midland radios. You can get the same thing in a version for other brands of radios, such as Yaesu and Icom, from Hardened Power Systems, and they would also work with some other radios of similar dimensions.
Dear Sensei, as always, thank you. For a person who already has these type of steel boxes filled with lead, this makes a genuinely GREAT addition for portable communication - just in cases….or just for fun. It is difficult for me to see that you bear the brunt of unkind responses from sad/angry persons, for doing this service for me and others. Please, KEEP IT UP!
Damn it! There goes a grand +! Glad I waited to use ...."Affiliate Link Below!" - pretty excited to set the MXP500 and MXPW500. Also grabbed the Antenna mag mount and MXTA26 antenna. Be sure Xenu doesn't tell my wife in her sleep this is coming as it will just look like another 'ammo can' in the shop.
These look exactly like a product made by a TN company named Hardened Power Systems. I just looked on their website and they are selling the mtx 500 unit…..for those saying they wish this existed for other radios, it does! It’s currently sold out but they sell a universal unit that has a few inches of open space that allows you to mount whatever radio you want. I found out about this company from watching tinhatranch UA-cam videos a few years ago. He used to make a lot of prepping type videos. Many were very good. His channel has a pretty solid review of a similar unit. These things are well built! He also made a video or maybe 2 of him building something comparable though obviously not as refined. I wish I wasn’t too cheap poor to buy these things a few years ago, they used to be a few hundred dollars cheaper.
Along with the frequency information, printed on the faceplate is "Manufactured in the U.S.A. by Hardened Power Systems" so there's a very good reason why they look exactly like the products made by HPS.
Great video! Thank you for the hard work you put into the excellent production quality of all of your work! It would be great if Wouxen made one for the KG 1000G that was able to fit into the Harbor Freight Apache 5800 case.
I have to admit I thought Randy was off his rocker, or pulling a funny when he said the price of the cases ($20 for a small ammo case at harbor freight ) but when he opend it up I was impressed! it would be great for disasters. I'd store the little antenna inside an maybe a car GMRS magnet antenna on the case it's self. Cool!
It good to see that you have progressed to not showing the world your broken pencil. For most ED patients it impotent to come to grips with not being able to provide for your partner. I am glad to see that your treatment has been successful and that you no longer feel the guilt. Associated with ED just because it is your fault. I hope you can continue to move forward.
MXPW500 setup is nice like that it can store the smaller antenna and the charger wall wart super sweet for The price Randy 12:19 @NotaRubicon Productions
I was building these ammo can radios about 8 years ago. Although they didn't have nice ingraved face plates. I sold a few. With current events, these should do well.
At first I thought, wait, it's not April fools day is it? He's just showing us some ammo cans. I'll wait for the punch line. Then you opened one and suddenly I understood. Thank Xenu .
We have never had problems with heat in the Recon... I honestly do not know if that is because the fan is available to cool the rig, or if the fan is not actually needed. Lots of different use scenarios, and temps can get hot, but again, we have never heard of overheating.
2 mins in the cost kinda puzzled me, but then you popped the lid and it all made sense. Both of those are slick, thoughtful, purpose driven(the magnetic feet were a subtle surprise) like IT rack mount level, set of hardware, meant to fit in a potentially beat up ammo can. Awesome video
Very interesting video -- and product merger. Hardened Power Systems makes a lot of really cool and well built, heavy duty stuff. I bought their BatPak and BatPak Solar battery topper several years ago and have had my eye on these Recon units for quite a while. Obviously Midland realized it was to their advantage to partner with them. A good decision in my opinion. Thanks for the video.
HPS, that was the name I was trying to remember. As soon as I saw this unit their products came to mind. My guess would be that this was designed by them or at a minimum, inspired by their units.
Sad Hams will tell us that this set up will NOT have Talks as far as 2,000 miles. Nor, will it have talks as far as 5,000 miles. They will also remind us that they have been licensed hams for 500 years. While they might be correct about the Fars, the way I use GMRS does not require that many Fars. Those batteries have a lot of Longs to be used before recharging and that is very good.
It is certainly a nice looking and we'll designed unit. I did something similar with a CB Radio years ago. I like it. I think I'll go outside and see if there's anything left on my money tree!
The smaller ammo can will also fit into the old Army radio harness which was used with the prc 77 radio and would make it into a high power backpack radio.
This looks nice, and even if I built one myself I'm sure it wont look at nice as these prebuilt ones since I tend to rush and get frustrated. Can I build one, perhaps but this seems better since it's ready to go. This would make a nice give away!
These units are nicely designed, with decent attention to detail. They are a bit pricey, but if someone doesn't want to dink with all the parts this may be a good value. An appropriate J-pole antenna would be a good addition to either unit.
Really I could build one maybe a little cheaper (and probably more crudely) but that is slick and looks well built. I would buy it over making it myself if I needed one. All the individual components add up cost fast. I say this after making a battery operated sdr trunk tracking computer in a pelican style case. Spent much more than just buying a p25 scanner and put many hours into perfecting it. It was worth it in the end I learned a bunch so I don't regret it, but easily cost twice what buying a decent digital trunk tracking scanner would have.
Your videos crack me up! Very informative but crack me up! I'm an FNG to the GMRS world and I've learned a ton just watching your videos! Keep them coming, looking forward to many more!! From one fellow jeeper to another thank you!
I have the Bigger one Works GREAT. It is heavy, but we dont go hiking with it. Great Video. "Some People" may explain how to go hiking with these. and carry in there back pack.
I think these are a great idea, especially with the solar charging kit. After watching a number of your other reviews I have to ask you a question. Your reviews of the Midland radios have been positive but you noted they are simpler to operate with less options. You held up the Woxoun KG-1000G as a better radio if only because of the other options and easy of programming side tones for the various channels.As someone brand new to GMRS, am I really going to miss the options that Midland’s competitors bring or would this be perfectly acceptable for SHTF comms? Since these seem tailor made for Midland Radios and I really like to capability these seem to have, I don’t want to have buyers remorse down the road. I simply don’t know what I don’t know so I ask this question.
I thought those looked like Hardened Power kits. They do awesome work and have versions that work with some of the ham rigs also. Good to see Midland partnered with them to broaden Hardened's visibility. WRDN460
I bought the Recon G1 before Midland got on board with them. I think I paid a little over $300.00. It's an awesome unit. I bought a lifpo (or whatever it's called) battery for mine. Works amazingly well.
i Have the 115 but it's back in the original packaging because I bought the KG-1000G. Excellent radio! This product looks like a better build than the radio for which it's made. I'm very impressed and my opinion has more WEIGHTS because I'm a "Happy Ham" and have been so for 500 years, Haha.
While the inital price tag seems high! Its worth it! I have spent 2 years in designing an Ammo Can, Go Box. And came up with a similar design. Not to mention piece mealing parts together. Plus, I cant make a lazer etched face plate! So, for the time, design effort, and excellent build quality.... you really cant beat it... for GMRS! But, I am to invested and want to finish my own build, for my 🐷 radio!
Pretty Neat!! Make me think of my Army Day’s, I have to decide if I really want to build it. Really leaning on buying it. But I truly LIKE THE SET UP!! Nice!
Thank you, Randy. Your UA-cams are always interesting, fun and informative with useful infodatatalkulars. You save me lots of mind-numbing comparison shopping, which I do not enjoy.
I saw Midland's announcement and eagerly awaited your video. Sad Hams aren't real preppers so a few happy hams might buy it too. -Dave Happy ham and Happy GMRS user.
I purchased my Ammo can from Hardened Power before Midland came out with their version. Mine came with an AGM type battery. I will replace it with a lipo. Your video gives me a clue on what battery to buy. Thanks.
Pretty cool! It would be a nice option of Midland to offer interchangeable Lid plates for other radios that would fit inside it. I probably wouldn't buy one of these and try to make my own one day, but for those that have the cash they don't seem like a bad option.
Before I watched the video I was figuring it would be an SLA battery. Was going to suggest swapping for a lifepo4. I guess they already thought of that. Totally worth the extra cost over a sealed lead acid battery in my opinion.
A possible additional advantage to this, would be protection from EMP. While we will never know for certain what is truly protected from EMP unless and until we experience an actual EMP event, this looks to be as good a prospect for protecting gear from EMP (while the case is closed) as any!
Those are very impressive. You mentioned the big one has a fan and small one does not. Did you notice a buildup of heat in either? I made a go box for 2 ham radios (and HF rig and VHF/UHF rig), but not nearly as feature-rich as these. I really like the look of these. Great review!
Been using mine with the 50W radio for over 2 months and I have never noticed any heat buildup or issues, and I never run the fan. I've only used the smaller one for testing, but i know it generates less heat so my guess is that heat is a non-issue as well, but thats just a guess.
Great vid! Unfortunately, both have been sold out for some time. Hopefully, they're building more. I have the MXT-575. Was told that the 575 could be used in the 500 can by swapping out the power cord (available on Amazon ~ $20).
The links don't Take you to Amazon listing for the Ammo can Station setups they take you to midlands Amazon Page are they even sold on Amazon Randy? @NotaRubicon Productions
As much as I would LiKE to brag about how many of these I have built, I won’t, mainly because I haven’t built one and have no intention of building one. I WILL however say I got my hands on one built by Amendment 1. Not quite the quality radio inside but it is nice and does the job for my local area. I like it.
Thanks, Jason! We never went away, just were greatly impacted by the pandemic. We were declared critical very early, building stuff for FEMA, etc. Never missed a day, but had to curtail our own brand in order to meet private-label demand. It is great to be back to focusing more on our public products!
Back in my day we had to mine the iron ore and forge our own ammo cans and then find our own small Chinese children to put our radios together. All jokes aside. Another great review as always, keep up the great videos
I was told I can't use ham radio without a license but I bought a uv9r and it works fine without it. GMRS is still my favorite for hunting tho. I can give it to my kid and get up and running instantly. Guess what other license I didn't pay the government?
Could you imagine the excitement if you really NEEDED a can of 5.56 and the ammo bunny dropped off a canned radio by accident? Lol I think it’s a really cool idea though!
Could you take the MXPW500 and connect it to a portable GMRS repeater that you previously shared? Seems like a great set up. Im looking for something that can be a base station and take it on the road if needed.
Randy, I just found your channel and absolutely love your work. I've been around those sad hams, I call them Karen Hams, and yes they are obnoxious and annoying with their never ending and mostly not asked for blah blah blah. You my good man are a refreshing change in the youtube comms community, Thank you sir... Now go forth and carry on irritating the Karens.
I was going to complain about the flag over your shoulder, but after thinking about it... I guess you're right.... I like these ammo can base stations.... Sad HAMs are crying everywhere.... lol
Due to supply-chain challenges, we do not promise a particular brand. But they are batteries that we have used and trusted for a long time, and they will have integrated Battery-Management Systems. LiFePO4 chemistry rocks!
Pretty cool Randy, I built my own base station cabinet for the MXT 400 for my house with homemade antenna on a 50 ft tower Rohn 29. I've been thinking about building a Ammo can unit to use in my small camper. Thx
These are very nice. I love all of Hardened Power products. Can you charge the battery from a cigarette lighter in a vehicle, besides using solar, or the wall charger? Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Yes, you can run a cable with male cigarette to a 5.5 x 2.1 DC coax male, directly into the port labeled 'Charge'. The vehicle needs to be running to get a high enough voltage for charging.
Would like to see a video of this monster radio being used I think $600 is not that bad if you get into Kenwood or icom they're much more expensive But you pay for quantity..
$600 for the big one...without a radio??? Fuck that bullshit. I built my own for a quad band Ham radio for a fraction of the cost.
How many fingers did you break in your frenzied rush to type that comment?
🤣🤣🤣
You are seriously the best radio UA-camr ever!!
Some people.............." Some.............people ".............just can't help themselves
You do realize he addressed what you said from the get-go? In this video, I am a part of "those people" (built my own), but I also understand people would either not want to do it, not learn how to do it, or know how to do it. Those are perfectly okay.
Thanks for the excellent video! This is Bill Harrison, owner of Hardened Power Systems, and designer of these machines. I am happy to help answer some questions as I see them in this comment section. Again, well done review!
Hi Bill, I've considered buying some things from you but your online reviews have held me back. Has anything been done to clean up the past mistakes?
@@walkertekk9 I assume 'past mistakes' relate to delivery timing? We have, to some degree, been a victim of success. This has strained delivery timing and customer service. Being declared critical early in the pandemic also put a strain on things. I will say we are building and growing as fast as we can without getting out of hand or sacrificing quality. If you want to give us a chance, we would love to build you some gear. Remember we have a two-year warranty.
Bill do you know what the dimensions of the radio cut out are? Considering using this with a Motorola XTL5000 but it is a good bit larger than the Midland.
Bill I have owned two G5 Recons. The first started to smoke when I plugged it in for the first time and you replaced it immediately. The replacement one has been used and tested from my patio and stored in my basement (cool/dry) over the course of the last year. The unit can be described as pristine. This unit has not been run longer than 5 hours since I've owned it. It 's intended purpose is for long term power outage. Yesterday, I pulled it out charged it overnight and it does not run on battery power. I sent your firm an email to which I have not received a response. That is two for two. What do you say to the my waste of money.
I was pleased to see both ammo cans were printed at LC (Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence MO). That's where I earn my daily bread. Thank you for yet another terrific video, Randy-
Of course the show me state
50 bmg
Do you make ammo cans?
@@chrissewell1608 Ha! No can's made here, but we run them through a can printer for each type of ammo we make here. LC=Lake City.
Hey man, can you hook up 1,000 rounds of 5.56 62gr for less than 47 cents a round sir? I’m in KCK
I used to think things like this were over priced for what they are, so I built my own, and learned, maybe not so much. Your time is worth something, for sure. But also connectors, specialty tools, displays, meters, batteries, reliable charge controllers, etc. all add up quickly. Some people don't know you don't hold a soldering iron like a pencil, by the tip. Some people don't have the same skill sets, manual dexterity, available tools, or even space to build something like this. And for those people, there is something you can just buy. Capitalism to rescue.
Yes, exactly, just cutting the front panel to fit in the ammo box and all the holes for the connectors and displays is a royal nightmare. A PIB (pain in the bitch) . I know because I have tried when I was much younger and more stupider. All the parts and the tools required will easily run you over the price of the unit and that's not even including the medical bills when those damn power tools slip and cut a gash in your wrist. (don't ask me how I know about this) Then you have all those leftover expensive tools that you can't throw away so they just sit around cluttering up your house. Its nasty. Just buy the can and be done with it.
@@craigdavidson2977 Looks like a very well done piece of kit. I agree 100%.
Plus, the face plates. Your not getting that done cheap. It really looks nice.
@@johnk23705 'piece of kit' ..... I'm going to try and use that sometime.
After attending a weekend survival course given by the State DNR I wanted a decent fixed blade knife. Having a meager income I attended youtube university and learned you can make your own knife with a few tools and a BBQ grill. Before it was over I purchased $2000.00 worth of tools and equipment, made over 200 knives I sold at work or gave to friends and relatives, and stuck my right index finger in my bandsaw requiring a trip to the ER for V E R Y painful novocaine injections and three stitches.
I was wondering why they were so expensive right up until you opened the lid.
"Oh. So *that's* where the money went." Yes, expensive but very well thought out and designed. And like you said, it all depends on how much one values their time when it comes to trying to build their own or just buy an off-the-shelf solution like this. And either one can double as a battery-powered DC power supply for an amateur radio for the best of both worlds.
Funny thing is I saw a Company building this stuff a few years ago and wondered what happened to them. This is nice for the folks that go out with there jeep into the hills. Believe you did a bang up job showing the new products.
Hi Mark! This is that same company, Hardened Power Systems , we were lucky enough to partner with Midland on these projects! I am a tech for Hardened Power Systems and we are still moving along, thank you for your interest and kind words.
ua-cam.com/users/hardenedpower
I'm just thrilled that after all this time, I am STILL his favorite viewer...
Wish it was manufacturer neutral, and not specifically built to one manufacturer.
A Wouxon KG-1000G, would be a nice option, or a Motorola XPR Series mobile, would be nice...
One Can Dream.
Thanks, Sensei, for the review, and showing them off! 👌
This will work with any radio that will fit in the hole. The only thing that wouldn't be there is information specific to the radio you are using. If you buy the big one, you can print out a cheet sheet and stuff it inside if you need that...
This is marketed by Midland, for Midland radios. You can get the same thing in a version for other brands of radios, such as Yaesu and Icom, from Hardened Power Systems, and they would also work with some other radios of similar dimensions.
Did Hardened go out of business? None of the boxes seem to be available......@@seikibrian8641
Dear Sensei, as always, thank you. For a person who already has these type of steel boxes filled with lead, this makes a genuinely GREAT addition for portable communication - just in cases….or just for fun.
It is difficult for me to see that you bear the brunt of unkind responses from sad/angry persons, for doing this service for me and others.
Please, KEEP IT UP!
Are they EMP Proof?
@@eijentwun5509 I believe they would be
@Eijent Wun , EMP proof is a misnomer, it is all subjective to the distance from the Pulse.
Damn it! There goes a grand +! Glad I waited to use ...."Affiliate Link Below!"
- pretty excited to set the MXP500 and MXPW500. Also grabbed the Antenna mag mount and MXTA26 antenna.
Be sure Xenu doesn't tell my wife in her sleep this is coming as it will just look like another 'ammo can' in the shop.
These look exactly like a product made by a TN company named Hardened Power Systems. I just looked on their website and they are selling the mtx 500 unit…..for those saying they wish this existed for other radios, it does! It’s currently sold out but they sell a universal unit that has a few inches of open space that allows you to mount whatever radio you want.
I found out about this company from watching tinhatranch UA-cam videos a few years ago. He used to make a lot of prepping type videos. Many were very good. His channel has a pretty solid review of a similar unit. These things are well built! He also made a video or maybe 2 of him building something comparable though obviously not as refined. I wish I wasn’t too cheap poor to buy these things a few years ago, they used to be a few hundred dollars cheaper.
Along with the frequency information, printed on the faceplate is "Manufactured in the U.S.A. by Hardened Power Systems" so there's a very good reason why they look exactly like the products made by HPS.
Great video! Thank you for the hard work you put into the excellent production quality of all of your work! It would be great if Wouxen made one for the KG 1000G that was able to fit into the Harbor Freight Apache 5800 case.
Pretty neat! Looks really well made, but there's no way I'd pay that much for one though.
I have to admit I thought Randy was off his rocker, or pulling a funny when he said the price of the cases ($20 for a small ammo case at harbor freight ) but when he opend it up I was impressed! it would be great for disasters. I'd store the little antenna inside an maybe a car GMRS magnet antenna on the case it's self. Cool!
It good to see that you have progressed to not showing the world your broken pencil. For most ED patients it impotent to come to grips with not being able to provide for your partner. I am glad to see that your treatment has been successful and that you no longer feel the guilt. Associated with ED just because it is your fault. I hope you can continue to move forward.
MXPW500 setup is nice like that it can store the smaller antenna and the charger wall wart super sweet for The price Randy 12:19 @NotaRubicon Productions
A nation in distress, no doubt..
Been seeing it flown like that a lot lately.
I was building these ammo can radios about 8 years ago. Although they didn't have nice ingraved face plates. I sold a few. With current events, these should do well.
At first I thought, wait, it's not April fools day is it? He's just showing us some ammo cans. I'll wait for the punch line. Then you opened one and suddenly I understood. Thank Xenu .
That's cool! Seems like it would be a bit hot inside the box with the big one even with a fan.
We have never had problems with heat in the Recon... I honestly do not know if that is because the fan is available to cool the rig, or if the fan is not actually needed. Lots of different use scenarios, and temps can get hot, but again, we have never heard of overheating.
These are built by Harden Power Systems and they are very well made in Tennessee. My friend has one and its impressive when used.
2 mins in the cost kinda puzzled me, but then you popped the lid and it all made sense. Both of those are slick, thoughtful, purpose driven(the magnetic feet were a subtle surprise) like IT rack mount level, set of hardware, meant to fit in a potentially beat up ammo can. Awesome video
Thank you Randy for your no-nonsense, excellent review. I’m sure these will be sold out by tomorrow.
Very interesting video -- and product merger. Hardened Power Systems makes a lot of really cool and well built, heavy duty stuff. I bought their BatPak and BatPak Solar battery topper several years ago and have had my eye on these Recon units for quite a while. Obviously Midland realized it was to their advantage to partner with them. A good decision in my opinion. Thanks for the video.
HPS, that was the name I was trying to remember. As soon as I saw this unit their products came to mind. My guess would be that this was designed by them or at a minimum, inspired by their units.
Wow very nice Units for the price thanks for the overview Randy 6:07 @NotaRubicon Productions
Sad Hams will tell us that this set up will NOT have Talks as far as 2,000 miles. Nor, will it have talks as far as 5,000 miles. They will also remind us that they have been licensed hams for 500 years. While they might be correct about the Fars, the way I use GMRS does not require that many Fars. Those batteries have a lot of Longs to be used before recharging and that is very good.
It is certainly a nice looking and we'll designed unit. I did something similar with a CB Radio years ago. I like it. I think I'll go outside and see if there's anything left on my money tree!
The smaller ammo can will also fit into the old Army radio harness which was used with the prc 77 radio and would make it into a high power backpack radio.
This looks nice, and even if I built one myself I'm sure it wont look at nice as these prebuilt ones since I tend to rush and get frustrated. Can I build one, perhaps but this seems better since it's ready to go. This would make a nice give away!
I built one out of one of those old school grocery bags. They make a popping sound when you open them. Total gangsta.
These units are nicely designed, with decent attention to detail. They are a bit pricey, but if someone doesn't want to dink with all the parts this may be a good value. An appropriate J-pole antenna would be a good addition to either unit.
Really I could build one maybe a little cheaper (and probably more crudely) but that is slick and looks well built. I would buy it over making it myself if I needed one. All the individual components add up cost fast. I say this after making a battery operated sdr trunk tracking computer in a pelican style case. Spent much more than just buying a p25 scanner and put many hours into perfecting it. It was worth it in the end I learned a bunch so I don't regret it, but easily cost twice what buying a decent digital trunk tracking scanner would have.
Okay, this is cool. Both of them. Now it's a must-have for me. The portability is quite appealing and useful.
Hah, I saw the announcement for these and I thought they’re pretty cool. Then I realized some of my ham radios will fit in those too!
Your videos crack me up! Very informative but crack me up! I'm an FNG to the GMRS world and I've learned a ton just watching your videos! Keep them coming, looking forward to many more!! From one fellow jeeper to another thank you!
This is cool! And at least you know it'll work and not explode when you first turn it on!
I have the Bigger one
Works GREAT. It is heavy, but we dont go hiking with it. Great Video. "Some People" may explain how to go hiking with these. and carry in there back pack.
how do you like it? Im late the game but considering getting one soon.
Those are nice units. Just when I think that I'm done buying radio stuff, you go and show me this. Thanks.
I think these are a great idea, especially with the solar charging kit. After watching a number of your other reviews I have to ask you a question. Your reviews of the Midland radios have been positive but you noted they are simpler to operate with less options. You held up the Woxoun KG-1000G as a better radio if only because of the other options and easy of programming side tones for the various channels.As someone brand new to GMRS, am I really going to miss the options that Midland’s competitors bring or would this be perfectly acceptable for SHTF comms? Since these seem tailor made for Midland Radios and I really like to capability these seem to have, I don’t want to have buyers remorse down the road. I simply don’t know what I don’t know so I ask this question.
Just a side note. If you place the lid on a flat surface the ammo can can sit on top and be positioned well without the magnetic feet.
I thought those looked like Hardened Power kits. They do awesome work and have versions that work with some of the ham rigs also. Good to see Midland partnered with them to broaden Hardened's visibility. WRDN460
I own many Hardened power products.. Quality Quality Quality. Take that to the bank..
I bought the Recon G1 before Midland got on board with them. I think I paid a little over $300.00. It's an awesome unit. I bought a lifpo (or whatever it's called) battery for mine. Works amazingly well.
I need to replace the small AGM in mine also they don’t last long which battery LIPO did you get?
i Have the 115 but it's back in the original packaging because I bought the KG-1000G. Excellent radio! This product looks like a better build than the radio for which it's made. I'm very impressed and my opinion has more WEIGHTS because I'm a "Happy Ham" and have been so for 500 years, Haha.
While the inital price tag seems high! Its worth it! I have spent 2 years in designing an Ammo Can, Go Box. And came up with a similar design. Not to mention piece mealing parts together. Plus, I cant make a lazer etched face plate! So, for the time, design effort, and excellent build quality.... you really cant beat it... for GMRS!
But, I am to invested and want to finish my own build, for my 🐷 radio!
Ham's have done similar things for years, it's a great way to build an emergency communication package.
These look very good, closer to art than a proper radio.
Pretty Neat!! Make me think of my Army Day’s, I have to decide if I really want to build it. Really leaning on buying it. But I truly LIKE THE SET UP!! Nice!
All right dude…. You effing crack me up. I don’t give two shits about radios, but find myself watching these reviews just for the laughs. Good stuff.
Your comment was hilarious. It made me laugh.
Thank you, Randy. Your UA-cams are always interesting, fun and informative with useful infodatatalkulars. You save me lots of mind-numbing comparison shopping, which I do not enjoy.
Thank YOU!
I feel the distress and danger sir, everyone pray 🙏 for our country.
Our country is just fine....much better than 2016-2020.
Daren, shut up and sit down you F’in puke. F’in troll pos
@@321southtube , put the crack pipe down , you've had enough
I saw Midland's announcement and eagerly awaited your video. Sad Hams aren't real preppers so a few happy hams might buy it too. -Dave Happy ham and Happy GMRS user.
I purchased my Ammo can from Hardened Power before Midland came out with their version. Mine came with an AGM type battery. I will replace it with a lipo. Your video gives me a clue on what battery to buy. Thanks.
Looks like Midland finally did a deal with Hardened Power Systems. Many other options available for different radios.
Pretty cool! It would be a nice option of Midland to offer interchangeable Lid plates for other radios that would fit inside it. I probably wouldn't buy one of these and try to make my own one day, but for those that have the cash they don't seem like a bad option.
These are made by Hardened Power System. They have a model that would allow you to use pretty much any mobile radio you want
That's kinda mind blowing. That a company would create what looks like a hacker project as a professional product. Pretty cool. Quite unexpected.
Before I watched the video I was figuring it would be an SLA battery. Was going to suggest swapping for a lifepo4. I guess they already thought of that. Totally worth the extra cost over a sealed lead acid battery in my opinion.
I’ve been a fully licensed spam radio operator since the 1800’s and I know for a fact that 13.1 volts isn’t enough it should be 13.8 volts
A possible additional advantage to this, would be protection from EMP. While we will never know for certain what is truly protected from EMP unless and until we experience an actual EMP event, this looks to be as good a prospect for protecting gear from EMP (while the case is closed) as any!
Similar to placing all your "back-up commo gear" in a steel trash can? I agree'
@@charleswade2716You have Coma gear? 😴 Then Back Up Coma gear? 😴😴
LOL 😂😂😂 Just Kiddin!
Those are very impressive. You mentioned the big one has a fan and small one does not. Did you notice a buildup of heat in either?
I made a go box for 2 ham radios (and HF rig and VHF/UHF rig), but not nearly as feature-rich as these. I really like the look of these.
Great review!
Been using mine with the 50W radio for over 2 months and I have never noticed any heat buildup or issues, and I never run the fan.
I've only used the smaller one for testing, but i know it generates less heat so my guess is that heat is a non-issue as well, but thats just a guess.
Great vid! Unfortunately, both have been sold out for some time. Hopefully, they're building more. I have the MXT-575. Was told that the 575 could be used in the 500 can by swapping out the power cord (available on Amazon ~ $20).
Very cool. So since you have the MXPW500.....can you fit a Wouxsun KG-1000G in it? Its a little bit bigger than the MXT500.
love your sense of humor, man - been watching for a while. good content
Is it made by hardened power systems? Certainly looks like their's
This is SO cool. Wish we could get that here in the Netherlands..
The links don't Take you to Amazon listing for the Ammo can Station setups they take you to midlands Amazon Page are they even sold on Amazon Randy? @NotaRubicon Productions
I think they may have sold-out.
@@TheNotaRubicon awww okay I will use your link when They show back up I hope it will help you and your family.. Appreciate your time Randy
As much as I would LiKE to brag about how many of these I have built, I won’t, mainly because I haven’t built one and have no intention of building one. I WILL however say I got my hands on one built by Amendment 1. Not quite the quality radio inside but it is nice and does the job for my local area. I like it.
Interesting, I checked their BBB score and its an F with many people complaining they never received their orders.
Glad to see Hardened Power Systems back in motion.
Thanks, Jason! We never went away, just were greatly impacted by the pandemic. We were declared critical very early, building stuff for FEMA, etc. Never missed a day, but had to curtail our own brand in order to meet private-label demand. It is great to be back to focusing more on our public products!
Back in my day we had to mine the iron ore and forge our own ammo cans and then find our own small Chinese children to put our radios together.
All jokes aside. Another great review as always, keep up the great videos
Thanks for not begging viewers to subscribe or instructing me/us/them on how to ring the bell notification!
Great video
I was told I can't use ham radio without a license but I bought a uv9r and it works fine without it. GMRS is still my favorite for hunting tho. I can give it to my kid and get up and running instantly. Guess what other license I didn't pay the government?
Not going to lie, Those are pretty badass.
Could you imagine the excitement if you really NEEDED a can of 5.56 and the ammo bunny dropped off a canned radio by accident? Lol
I think it’s a really cool idea though!
Great idea for bug out location base radios after the crap has hit the fan
Could you take the MXPW500 and connect it to a portable GMRS repeater that you previously shared? Seems like a great set up. Im looking for something that can be a base station and take it on the road if needed.
Randy, I just found your channel and absolutely love your work. I've been around those sad hams, I call them Karen Hams, and yes they are obnoxious and annoying with their never ending and mostly not asked for blah blah blah.
You my good man are a refreshing change in the youtube comms community,
Thank you sir...
Now go forth and carry on irritating the Karens.
I was going to complain about the flag over your shoulder, but after thinking about it... I guess you're right.... I like these ammo can base stations.... Sad HAMs are crying everywhere.... lol
Considering what's happening in our country it's very fitting
So the LiFePO4 is 5ah on the small one and 10ah for the big one. Not bad for a portable.
Surprise! At first I thought it was April 1st. I've got quite a few of those cans that need filling.
Pretty slick, and a very professional finish to them. What brand battery are they shipping with?
Due to supply-chain challenges, we do not promise a particular brand. But they are batteries that we have used and trusted for a long time, and they will have integrated Battery-Management Systems. LiFePO4 chemistry rocks!
Love your background pic! Randy knows the deal!
That's all well and good, but where the heck is the ammo?
Very cool set ups. Thanks for the rundown man.
Randy, would this product also accommodate other GMS radios like the KG 1000 ?
Looks like midland took some inspiration from the tin hat ranch channel. I have been wanting to build one ever since I saw his video years ago.
Nice Setup, appreciate the demo's
Dude, I love your sarcasm
That is the only correct way to display the American flag right now. Good job.
They are very well done. Next..... repeater in a box!
I CAN EASILY BUILD ONE OF THESE MASELF!!!
But I support Randy and the folks at Midland so I'll buy this nicely-built one instead.
Pretty cool Randy, I built my own base station cabinet for the MXT 400 for my house with homemade antenna on a 50 ft tower Rohn 29. I've been thinking about building a Ammo can unit to use in my small camper. Thx
$500 for a battery is high as eagle ass in my book.
I wonder if that solar panel will fit inside the bigger one. Its super cool 😎 I think I need it haha
These are very nice. I love all of Hardened Power products. Can you charge the battery from a cigarette lighter in a vehicle, besides using solar, or the wall charger? Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Yes, you can run a cable with male cigarette to a 5.5 x 2.1 DC coax male, directly into the port labeled 'Charge'. The vehicle needs to be running to get a high enough voltage for charging.
I've got a jackery and it's a great bang for the buck
I like the look. thanks for the demo. I hit the like and following. Happy New Year.
Would like to see a video of this monster radio being used I think $600 is not that bad if you get into Kenwood or icom they're much more expensive But you pay for quantity..
Actually have one for the mxt115 had it for about 2yrs ago from another company.. These are awesome works awesome I luv mine....
LOL. I thought I was in an April Fools time warp - - several hundred dollars for an ammo can. Then slooowly the info came out. Ya got me.
Harden power great job
Hi that is awesome use of ammo can
This is a good start on a contingency communications box. Happy Ham N6JAI
is there a danger of overheating? I do not see any ventilation in the case. I love your videos!
I have never had any temperature problems but if i did, i would just turn on the fan.