GME USA GMRS radios (from Australia)

[Corbet]

OK, digging into this a little deeper.

What features does the GME have verse the Midland. For the discussion let’s compare the GME/330 and Midland MTX275. I realize there is a cheaper Midland but not with the full controls on the mic. And for my application that’s required.

GME - Connect Super Compact GMRS Radio - Slee Off Road

In the box XRS Connect GMRS Radio (XRS-330C-U) Professional-grade Speaker Microphone (MC664B-M-U) Magnetic Microphone Mounting Bracket (MB207) Microphone Extension Lead (LE040) Microphone Extension Adaptor Kit (AD008) 12V DC Power Lead (LE125) Mounting Bracket Mounting Hardware Quick Start Guide

sleeoffroad.com

MXT275 GMRS Two-Way Radio | Midland Radio

The Midland MXT275 MicroMobile two-way radio offers 15 GMRS channels, a powerful USB-C charging port, NOAA weather alerts, & more. Order yours today.

midlandusa.com

What features is the GME providing that the Midland doesn’t? I saw GPS but it needs to be linked to a phone. But what does the GME do with the GPS signal? Sounds like both/all parties need the GME for the fancy stuff to work.

 

[Pskhaat]

OK, digging into this a little deeper.

What features does the GME have verse the Midland. For the discussion let’s compare the GME/330 and Midland MTX275.

Of course in full disclosure I am the North American Evangelist for GME; no grains of salt needed, just want to be transparent.

All GME GMRS radios have identical internals. There is no radio function that is different between one or the other; the radio footprints (metal casing and IP67 waterproofing) are the differences.

I'll list just a few of the applicable feature differences, they include but are not limited to:

1. It is a "digital" radio. Being GMRS the emissions (transmissions ... and also receiving) are analog, but internally it processes stuff digitally like your phone, this means:
2. GME does noise reduction both on send as well as receive like removing wind noise and background non-voice noises and normalizes volume. Makes the audio markedly clearer.
3. It records up to 12 minutes of conversations, meaning you can scroll back (if you will) and hear transmissions you may have missed for whatever reason (e.g. phone call came in).
4. It gets firmware and software updates, kind of like your phone/computer. When new features, functions, or even new channels (believe it or not there are petitions into the FCC about this) you aren't buying a new radio, the radio gets updates as if it were brand new.
5. Bluetooth capable to connect to your car's audio, headsets, et cetera.
6. Can program the channels and the channel features (e.g. CTCSS) via an app. Can do this in the radio menus too, but oftentimes easier in an app.
7. Has a thing called Crew Talk (I call it "Convoy Talk"), where it actively scans all channels simultaneously, finds the channel that has the least amount of noise/traffic and activity to transmit and all other GME radios will lock onto that, and repeat that when they want to transmit. In a way, it completely obviates the concepts of distinct channels and let's you just focus on a group chat.
8. Priority Channels and "Dual Watch" where you can have a working channel and then a priority channel in case you want to have family members or maybe a trail leader conversation on the side.
9. 5 year warranty direct from GME regardless of where you purchased it.

What features is the GME providing that the Midland doesn’t? I saw GPS but it needs to be linked to a phone. But what does the GME do with the GPS signal? Sounds like both/all parties need the GME for the fancy stuff to work.

Data including GPS and other telemetry currently is NOT allowed by the FCC on GMRS radio units that have external antennas. Even handhelds that have a removable antenna can't send data. THIS RESTRICTION IS ACTIVELY UNDER LEGAL REVIEW. When the FCC does allow for data transmissions, the GME radios will be able to send GPS (as an example, but other data too) either obtaining that from the phone's GPS receiver or the GPS receiver inside the speakermicrophone unit. Again, you won't need to buy a new radio, that update will simply be pushed to the radio as an update.

Even in mixed radio environments, you still benefit from the noise reduction, Bluetooth, programming, priority channel, voice playback, &c &c.

 

[Corbet]

Thank you that was very helpful.

 

[Corbet]

Thinking the GME is probably worth it for the 250 but the 80 probably will see a more budget based decision. All my friends down here have cheap Chinese radios. A Midland would be a flex in my immediate circle.

 

[Inukshuk]

The mic cord for my Midland MXT 275 is falling apart. Literally the rubber cover is splitting the whole length. It uses an 8 wire with 8-pin RJ45 at the radio end. At the mic end is a plastic computer style connector (just inboard of the molded strain relief) Midland does not offer a replacement cord. Midland discontinued selling the mic with cord for this slightly older (five years) MA275 handset (because the USB port is USB-A).

I can find a coiled cord with RJ45 at one end. Likely I could figure out what the internal connector is an buy a new one and pins and crimp it (PITA). Then I'd still have to figure out strain relief.

By contrast, a two-pack of 6 pin RJ12 to fit a HAM handset was easy to get on Amazon for $16. Bought this for an very old FT-1802M whose cord had seen better days.

My 9 year old FTM 400 HAM cable is holding up fine.

 

[On the RX]

Of course in full disclosure I am the North American Evangelist for GME; no grains of salt needed, just want to be transparent.

All GME GMRS radios have identical internals. There is no radio function that is different between one or the other; the radio footprints (metal casing and IP67 waterproofing) are the differences.

I'll list just a few of the applicable feature differences, they include but are not limited to:

1. It is a "digital" radio. Being GMRS the emissions (transmissions ... and also receiving) are analog, but internally it processes stuff digitally like your phone, this means:
2. GME does noise reduction both on send as well as receive like removing wind noise and background non-voice noises and normalizes volume. Makes the audio markedly clearer.
3. It records up to 12 minutes of conversations, meaning you can scroll back (if you will) and hear transmissions you may have missed for whatever reason (e.g. phone call came in).
4. It gets firmware and software updates, kind of like your phone/computer. When new features, functions, or even new channels (believe it or not there are petitions into the FCC about this) you aren't buying a new radio, the radio gets updates as if it were brand new.
5. Bluetooth capable to connect to your car's audio, headsets, et cetera.
6. Can program the channels and the channel features (e.g. CTCSS) via an app. Can do this in the radio menus too, but oftentimes easier in an app.
7. Has a thing called Crew Talk (I call it "Convoy Talk"), where it actively scans all channels simultaneously, finds the channel that has the least amount of noise/traffic and activity to transmit and all other GME radios will lock onto that, and repeat that when they want to transmit. In a way, it completely obviates the concepts of distinct channels and let's you just focus on a group chat.
8. Priority Channels and "Dual Watch" where you can have a working channel and then a priority channel in case you want to have family members or maybe a trail leader conversation on the side.
9. 5 year warranty direct from GME regardless of where you purchased it.

Data including GPS and other telemetry currently is NOT allowed by the FCC on GMRS radio units that have external antennas. Even handhelds that have a removable antenna can't send data. THIS RESTRICTION IS ACTIVELY UNDER LEGAL REVIEW. When the FCC does allow for data transmissions, the GME radios will be able to send GPS (as an example, but other data too) either obtaining that from the phone's GPS receiver or the GPS receiver inside the speakermicrophone unit. Again, you won't need to buy a new radio, that update will simply be pushed to the radio as an update.

Even in mixed radio environments, you still benefit from the noise reduction, Bluetooth, programming, priority channel, voice playback, &c &c.

This answers questions I either couldn't verbalize or know i had! Thank you for that information!

 

[Corbet]

The mic cord for my Midland MXT 275 is falling apart. Literally the rubber cover is splitting the whole length. It uses an 8 wire with 8-pin RJ45 at the radio end. At the mic end is a plastic computer style connector (just inboard of the molded strain relief) Midland does not offer a replacement cord. Midland discontinued selling the mic with cord for this slightly older (five years) MA275 handset (because the USB port is USB-A).

Not sure if I follow your post completely but replacement mic listed available online.

MA275 Replacement Microphone for MXT275 | Midland Radio

Upgrade your MXT275 Micromobile with the high-quality MA275 Replacement Microphone from Midland Radio. Shop today and experience top-notch performance.

midlandusa.com

OK, that’s weird, first time the page loaded it said I could add to cart, now getting “notify when in stock” so nevermind.

 

[Inukshuk]

Not sure if I follow your post completely but replacement mic listed available online.

MA275 Replacement Microphone for MXT275 | Midland Radio

Upgrade your MXT275 Micromobile with the high-quality MA275 Replacement Microphone from Midland Radio. Shop today and experience top-notch performance.

midlandusa.com

OK, that’s weird, first time the page loaded it said I could add to cart, now getting “notify when in stock” so nevermind.

 

[Corbet]

I was editing my post above while you posted…

But it did it again