Thank you for a really nice presentation like you, I was very happy they did another run and I ordered one today. When I wasn't looking for one of those it seemed they couldn't give the 5-11 away, however once I realized that I wanted one I couldn't find them anywhere. So, thanks again for a great presentation and let's enjoy our radioman
I have both new one and old one XT511. The only difference was the AC charger that came with it. I use for camping and ext solar charging works great !! Harberfrat 12V solar car charger . Most of my GMRS is Midland . got some old Radio Shack FRS 14Ch and they work with GMRS . 1 to 14 is the same . The GXT 1000 series takes same battery and has 50 Ch . GMRS licence is simple just fill out form send in think $70 for 10 yr group . no test like ham. All Midland GMRS accessories can interchange ! The only down side of the base camp is it takes a long time to recharge using the hand crank.
welcome to 2024 licensee i know $ 35.00 dollars for 10 years and it will interest you that ALL F R S G M R S radios the same board in side so everything will match
you got hung up on 50 channels wrong there are 22 channels for family service with channel's 15 through 22 which are 8 repeater channels with 120 security codes which are not secure we still here you just the same. I bought radios with no security codes just 22 open F R S channels
I noticed this radio in the store today, it caught my attention. So I had to do some research on it. Great video, very informative. Thinking og getting one for emergencies.
@@autoadjuster ....Wow!..Congratulations.That's great! Had I known they had a radio with a longer range then I would have surely opted for the newer & improved version.✌🤓
I've had mine for ten years. Great product. It's not made for people to take classes and to get FCC mandated operators licences. It's for survival. And it pretty works anywhere...forever.
I have a G M R S license you need that that is like phone if you want to have someone call you give them your phone number on radio your call sign is your number for the radio I am licensee to use it.
I have one of these radios. There is a feature on it whereby you can do split freq on it. It is not for all the freqs on the radio, but a chosen few. The split is 5 Mhz. There is your repeater split folks. Now to the beef with this radio. I bought mine 9 years ago for about $60 CDN. Today Amazon wants $180. AYFN???
@@SFMPreparedness Sorry for the delay. Turn radio on,.. select GMRS, press MENU, After the 8th push, you will see DW in the top left hand corner. That stands for Dual Watch. With the tuner knob you may select the channel you wish to do the dual watch on. Can't remember which way it will offset, (up 5 mhz or down 5 mhz) Then press Select. You're in.
I bought three radios from a real radio store set me back $ 450.00 dollars base went for $ 250. out the door at $ 700.00 dollars this is off road toy's
I just received mine today does the screen always stay illuminated with the time or how do you turn it off completely I can't find that in the directions
Yes that's what I meant the information is continuously on the screen even when it is off. But however I did find if you switch over to alkaline batteries and do not have any alkaline batteries installed you can indeed have the screen off completely thus saving the battery life
@@adam10532 That is really good to know. I have only used the midland battery. I keep alkaline on rotation in our comms, but I think I have only used them as a test. Thank you for the new info.
Question on the NOAA weather alert function. Does the radio need to be on to get the weather alert? Severe weather often comes through when we’re sleeping in the middle of the night. I was hoping I didn’t have to have the radio on in order for it to receive the weather alert because you cannot turn the volume all the way off. Turning the volume dial all the way down still allows some sound through whether that be the WX band repeating weather report or the static from the AM band or music from the FM band. This noise doesn’t allow us to sleep through the night. I’d like to turn the radio off in the hope of the weather alert still sounding of there is an alert for our area. Will I still Get the alert? Appreciate any feedback.
I had the same issue. You probably need to get a midland rechargeable battery 5RX. It is a small block that will sit in the back of your radio behind the removeable panel. I believe this will store charge if you use the hand crank.
@@tedjordan7567 thanks for the tips, I have one inside already. I think i just need to crank it up a little more or maybe just plug it in to get a good charge.
That is a great question. I would assume this specific model would not be available on Canada as a few of the FRS or GMRS channels are not allowed to be used near the US / Canada border.
In my personnel opinion, the Midland XT511 isn't a true GMRS radio. You maybe able to communicate 2 to 4 miles in rural areas and less then 2.5 in urban areas. Midland should have added repeater channels with split PL capability
@@SFMPreparedness You can't add mobiles, because Midland has two part 95 E typed accepted mobiles. I wish Motorola and Kenwood had Part 95 E equipment. The Majority of true GMRS Radios and Repeaters are Surplus Part PLMRS Commercial equipment. Forget about BAOFENG their radios aren't typed accepted for Part 90 / 95 or 97. BAOFENG is on thin with the FCC not getting pro certification for equipment marketed for us Amateur Radio Service.
I do like this radio but I doubt it would be practical here in Canada since GMRS use here almost non existent outside of businesses, yard and mall workers, drive throos, forklift drivers ect, 2 watts are the maximum allowable power here.
Thats what would make it ideal then, not a bunch of other people on it. Just get a few other radios to work with it and you will be set, without a lot of others on your system.
@@NoKamalaIn2025 listen this really is far from FANTASTIC. FOR THE PRICE THERE IS WAY BETTER OPTIONS. CB REACHES OUT MORE THEN THIS AND IS ATLEAST MONITORED.
Yeah, I agree it repeater use would be an awesome feature. Hopefully with repeater options going to most all the mobile Midlands it would be great if the XT511 and handhelds had that capability also. That being said I still think this is a wonderful large group, large family, emergency preparedness fit.
First of all you actually need a license to use any gmrs radio. The fee for the license has absolutely nothing to do with paying for the repeaters. The reason why you can't use this radio with a repeater has nothing to do with licences.
Listen I dont wanna cut this dude down. But this really is far from FANTASTIC. FOR THE PRICE THERE IS WAY BETTER OPTIONS. CB REACHES OUT MORE THEN THIS AND IS ATLEAST MONITORED. You can get an anytone smart radio for 60 to 70 bucks on Amazon and talk even farther then cb.. You could get a beofeng 6 pack of uv5r radios for not much more then this and in an emergency talk to those 6 people u handed them out to PLUS on the bands or hit a local repeater and go even farther. I'm sorry I think this radio is a rip off and they just taking your money. Is it good just to camp and have some recharging options and a radio to listen to and weather. Yeah I suppose. But to use it when ya most need it. Its gonna disappoint and u will be stranded not able to reach anyone to save you..
Thanks for the comment. I agree Beofengs and similar radios have their place. However, I think for an out of the box good family option the XT511 is still a really good. I think it is built solid and has multiple charging options. It is light weight while still giving you lots of options. I have had the XT511 a little longer than my several Beofengs and I have had multiple Beofeng drop in chargers fail as well as the power brick. I have also had the Beofeng battery itself stop working after a few years. The Midland battery has always worked, and I have numerous GXT 1000 and XT511. I do like having a fully programable radio. That is even the criteria on my Adult Bug Out Bag Advanced list on my site. But for the basic new comer and solid faraday cage store away option I still love the XT511. Thank you again for commenting.
CB is FULL of noisy static. The GMRS are quiet FM channels. I have had many Cb’s and a licensed ham. GMRS is a great tool and while 5 watts isn’t overly powerful it’s good enough for campground use. I would Susie t there is a way to add an external antenna which would greatly increase the range. Andy KBPB 4713 ( my old CB license) and N3_ _ _. My current ham license.
Thank you for a really nice presentation like you, I was very happy they did another run and I ordered one today. When I wasn't looking for one of those it seemed they couldn't give the 5-11 away, however once I realized that I wanted one I couldn't find them anywhere. So, thanks again for a great presentation and let's enjoy our radioman
You should thank Midland for making this again... 🙂
I have both new one and old one XT511. The only difference was the AC charger that came with it. I use for camping and ext solar charging works great !! Harberfrat 12V solar car charger . Most of my GMRS is Midland . got some old Radio Shack FRS 14Ch and they work with GMRS . 1 to 14 is the same . The GXT 1000 series takes same battery and has 50 Ch . GMRS licence is simple just fill out form send in think $70 for 10 yr group . no test like ham. All Midland GMRS accessories can interchange ! The only down side of the base camp is it takes a long time to recharge using the hand crank.
I love the GXT 1000 radios. We have a few and they are very solid in build and function.
welcome to 2024 licensee i know $ 35.00 dollars for 10 years
and it will interest you that ALL F R S G M R S radios the same board in side
so everything will match
you got hung up on 50 channels wrong there are 22 channels for family service
with channel's 15 through 22 which are 8 repeater channels with 120 security codes which are not secure we still here you just the same. I bought radios
with no security codes just 22 open F R S channels
I noticed this radio in the store today, it caught my attention. So I had to do some research on it. Great video, very informative. Thinking og getting one for emergencies.
... Thats Goodnews! I just got mine...And Im adding it to my doomsday preps for the coming Civil War...Did you get yours???✌🤓
@@LionofLight777 Actually went with a midland mobile 40 Watt, much better range.
@@autoadjuster ....Wow!..Congratulations.That's great! Had I known they had a radio with a longer range then I would have surely opted for the newer & improved version.✌🤓
@@LionofLight777 midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio/ , I am able to hit a local repeater
@@autoadjuster Okay. Gott it! Thanks.✌🤓
I've had mine for ten years. Great product. It's not made for people to take classes and to get FCC mandated operators licences. It's for survival. And it pretty works anywhere...forever.
with a 2 mile range or line of site only
I have a G M R S license you need that that is like phone if you want to have someone call you give them your phone number on radio your call sign is
your number for the radio I am licensee to use it.
Makes me love it too...
I have one of these radios. There is a feature on it whereby you can do split freq on it. It is not for all the freqs on the radio, but a chosen few. The split is 5 Mhz. There is your repeater split folks. Now to the beef with this radio. I bought mine 9 years ago for about $60 CDN. Today Amazon wants $180. AYFN???
How do you do a repeater split?
@@SFMPreparedness
Sorry for the delay. Turn radio on,.. select GMRS, press MENU, After the 8th push, you will see DW in the top left hand corner. That stands for Dual Watch. With the tuner knob you may select the channel you wish to do the dual watch on. Can't remember which way it will offset, (up 5 mhz or down 5 mhz) Then press Select. You're in.
@@jimkobler8434 ...Sweet!..And what kind of advantages or capabilities will this technique grant me?.....✌🤓
I bought three radios from a real radio store set me back $ 450.00 dollars
base went for $ 250. out the door at $ 700.00 dollars this is off road toy's
Looks like these are out of stock now Jan 11 but Midland reports it will be available in about 2-4 weeks.
what you have is a two mile F R S radio in a lunch box with a two mile
I just received mine today does the screen always stay illuminated with the time or how do you turn it off completely I can't find that in the directions
The backlight does not stay on for my two. The screen does display time or radio info continuously.
Yes that's what I meant the information is continuously on the screen even when it is off. But however I did find if you switch over to alkaline batteries and do not have any alkaline batteries installed you can indeed have the screen off completely thus saving the battery life
@@adam10532 That is really good to know. I have only used the midland battery. I keep alkaline on rotation in our comms, but I think I have only used them as a test. Thank you for the new info.
Question on the NOAA weather alert function. Does the radio need to be on to get the weather alert? Severe weather often comes through when we’re sleeping in the middle of the night. I was hoping I didn’t have to have the radio on in order for it to receive the weather alert because you cannot turn the volume all the way off. Turning the volume dial all the way down still allows some sound through whether that be the WX band repeating weather report or the static from the AM band or music from the FM band. This noise doesn’t allow us to sleep through the night. I’d like to turn the radio off in the hope of the weather alert still sounding of there is an alert for our area. Will I still
Get the alert? Appreciate any feedback.
Mine goes dark the second I stop cranking it. Do I need to plug it on or crank it more?
I had the same issue. You probably need to get a midland rechargeable battery 5RX. It is a small block that will sit in the back of your radio behind the removeable panel. I believe this will store charge if you use the hand crank.
@@tedjordan7567 thanks for the tips, I have one inside already. I think i just need to crank it up a little more or maybe just plug it in to get a good charge.
hows the reception in the hills?
I have noticed the FRS drops to about a mile once there are obstructions. The FM radio has usually been really good with the included antenna
Will it be available in Toronto Ontario Canada? And if it is where
That is a great question. I would assume this specific model would not be available on Canada as a few of the FRS or GMRS channels are not allowed to be used near the US / Canada border.
@@SFMPreparedness we don't need a license to operate gmrs in Canada
it run's under F C C rules you may not be able to run in canada
In my personnel opinion, the Midland XT511 isn't a true GMRS radio. You maybe able to communicate 2 to 4 miles in rural areas and less then 2.5 in urban areas. Midland should have added repeater channels with split PL capability
I would love if Midland made repeater capable handhelds as well as the basecamp.
@@SFMPreparedness You can't add mobiles, because Midland has two part 95 E typed accepted mobiles. I wish Motorola and Kenwood had Part 95 E equipment. The Majority of true GMRS Radios and Repeaters are Surplus Part PLMRS Commercial equipment. Forget about BAOFENG their radios aren't typed accepted for Part 90 / 95 or 97. BAOFENG is on thin with the FCC not getting pro certification for equipment marketed for us Amateur Radio Service.
Why can't you use Midland's mobile radios? They have 4 radios in their MicroMobile line.
Its,a 1.5 watt tx ,radio
it's not 5 watts it's output on high power is only 1.5 watts
Where can I get one in Toronto Ontario Canada can I get it on wish?
I wouldn't go through wish. Try the Midland main site
The midland XT511 is the holy grail of emergency crank radio
crank your arm off have fun and be safe I run a 45 watt base camp radio.
on a 50 ft tower.
I do like this radio but I doubt it would be practical here in Canada since GMRS use here almost non existent outside of businesses, yard and mall workers, drive throos, forklift drivers ect, 2 watts are the maximum allowable power here.
Thats what would make it ideal then, not a bunch of other people on it. Just get a few other radios to work with it and you will be set, without a lot of others on your system.
This can't be used as a cb correct? I'm not certain the difference between a hamm radio and a cb
Correct. I have a video series on the difference between GMRS, FRS, CB, Ham(Amateur), and Satellite
@@SFMPreparedness ok thank you. I use a cb for work and was wondering but couldn't find enough info to understand.
@@NoKamalaIn2025 listen this really is far from FANTASTIC. FOR THE PRICE THERE IS WAY BETTER OPTIONS. CB REACHES OUT MORE THEN THIS AND IS ATLEAST MONITORED.
Perfect.
Does it have a compass and can opener?? just kidding, this thing has a lot of stuff, does wal-mart sell em??
I have never seen them at a Walmart. I have seen them at Fry's. Amazon or from Midland directly would be the easiest.
@@SFMPreparedness Walmart has it just ordered it tonight. After I looked up on UA-cam and found your channel 👍
I definitely need one of those
family service is 2 miles or line of site
The XT511 may look like nice radio, but you can't use It on repeaters.
Yeah, I agree it repeater use would be an awesome feature. Hopefully with repeater options going to most all the mobile Midlands it would be great if the XT511 and handhelds had that capability also. That being said I still think this is a wonderful large group, large family, emergency preparedness fit.
Why can’t you use it for repeaters?
@@wookie9581 you would need a GMRS license to use a repeater.. Which is not hard to get. Have to pay to use the repeater.
First of all you actually need a license to use any gmrs radio. The fee for the license has absolutely nothing to do with paying for the repeaters. The reason why you can't use this radio with a repeater has nothing to do with licences.
@@N4TCM $35.00 for 10-years from the ,FCC.and No Test,Im Licensed For Ham,And GRMS.
My battery wont hold a charge.
Cheaper now.
You love this radio...
What it's not 22 caliber
Its ,worse than a bb gun.
MIDLAND XT511 GREAT RADIO FOR EMERGENCY RADIO ESPACIALY IN THE USA REGARDING HURRICANE OR FLODDING THE PRICE IS AFFORDABLE GET ONE RIGHT NOW.......
Listen I dont wanna cut this dude down. But this really is far from FANTASTIC. FOR THE PRICE THERE IS WAY BETTER OPTIONS. CB REACHES OUT MORE THEN THIS AND IS ATLEAST MONITORED. You can get an anytone smart radio for 60 to 70 bucks on Amazon and talk even farther then cb.. You could get a beofeng 6 pack of uv5r radios for not much more then this and in an emergency talk to those 6 people u handed them out to PLUS on the bands or hit a local repeater and go even farther. I'm sorry I think this radio is a rip off and they just taking your money. Is it good just to camp and have some recharging options and a radio to listen to and weather. Yeah I suppose. But to use it when ya most need it. Its gonna disappoint and u will be stranded not able to reach anyone to save you..
Thanks for the comment. I agree Beofengs and similar radios have their place. However, I think for an out of the box good family option the XT511 is still a really good. I think it is built solid and has multiple charging options. It is light weight while still giving you lots of options. I have had the XT511 a little longer than my several Beofengs and I have had multiple Beofeng drop in chargers fail as well as the power brick. I have also had the Beofeng battery itself stop working after a few years. The Midland battery has always worked, and I have numerous GXT 1000 and XT511. I do like having a fully programable radio. That is even the criteria on my Adult Bug Out Bag Advanced list on my site. But for the basic new comer and solid faraday cage store away option I still love the XT511. Thank you again for commenting.
CB is FULL of noisy static. The GMRS are quiet FM channels. I have had many Cb’s and a licensed ham. GMRS is a great tool and while 5 watts isn’t overly powerful it’s good enough for campground use. I would Susie t there is a way to add an external antenna which would greatly increase the range. Andy KBPB 4713 ( my old CB license) and N3_ _ _. My current ham license.