Midland MXT575 - User Manual

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND RADIO
Congratulations on your purchase of a high-quality Midland product. Your MXT575 2-way radio
represents state-of-the-art high-tech engineering. Designed for General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
operation, this compact package is big on performance. It is a quality piece of electronic equipment,
skillfully constructed with the finest components. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a
rugged printed circuit board. Your MXT575 radio is designed for reliability and trouble-free performance
for years to come.
FEATURES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
50-Watt GMRS Radio
15 GMRS Channels
8 Repeater Channels
Split Privacy Tones for Repeater Channels
142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS/104 DCS)
Controls on Mic – ability to remote the
unit Monitor Mode
Keypad Lock
Call Function
Scan Function
High/Low Power Settings
External Speaker Jack
Intercom Jack
USB-C port – charging only
1 Year Warranty
Compatible with all Midland GMRS radios
GMRS License Required
FCC NOTICE
The MXT575 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies, which require a Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) license. Serious penalties may result from unlicensed use of GMRS
channels, in violation of FCC rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act’s Sections 501 and 502
(amended). You will be issued a call sign by the FCC that should be used for station identification when
operating your radio on GMRS channels. You should also cooperate by engaging in permissible
transmissions only, avoiding channel interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the
length of your transmission time. To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application,
contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC’s website:
http://www.fcc.gov and request form 605.
EXPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY ENGERGY

Summary

FCC NOTICE

INSTALLING YOUR RADIO

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION

INSTALLING THE MOUNTING BRACKET

Instructions for attaching the mounting bracket securely to the vehicle.

INSTALLING AN ANTENNA

Guidance on installing the radio antenna.

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

CONNECTING THE RADIO TO A POWER SOURCE

Steps for connecting the radio's power wires to the vehicle's power source.

OPERATION CONTROLS - MIC

OPERATING YOUR RADIO

LOCKING THE KEYPAD

SELECTING AN ACTIVE CHANNEL

Guide on how to choose and switch between different radio channels.

SCANNING FUNCTION

TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL

Procedures for making and receiving calls, including PTT usage and indicators.

MENU FUNCTIONS

SELECTING A PRIVACY CODE

Guide on setting CTCSS/DCS privacy codes for standard and repeater channels.

SELECTING A TRANSMIT (TX) POWER LEVEL

Instructions for choosing between high and low transmit power levels.

RESTORING THE DEFAULT SETTINGS

Procedure to reset the radio to its original factory default settings.

SQUELCH SENSITIVITY

How to adjust the squelch sensitivity for optimal signal reception.

REPEATER CHANNELS

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features
4. Installation Considerations

The Midland MXT575 is a high-quality 2-way radio designed for General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) operation, offering robust performance in a compact package. This device is built with solid-state circuitry and fine components, ensuring reliability and trouble-free operation for years. It is intended for use in vehicles with a 12-volt negative ground system and requires an external antenna for optimal performance.

Function Description

The MXT575 serves as a communication device, allowing users to transmit and receive calls on GMRS frequencies. It features 15 GMRS simplex channels and 8 GMRS repeater channels, which can significantly extend radio range. The radio also includes scanning receiver channels for 136-174MHz. To facilitate private communication, the MXT575 supports 142 privacy codes, comprising 38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) codes and 104 DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) codes. These systems mute incoming signals unless they carry the correct tone, ensuring that only transmissions with the matching privacy code are heard. The device allows for separate privacy codes for receiving and transmitting on repeater channels, offering enhanced flexibility.

The radio offers two transmit power levels: High and Low. The High power level is recommended for maximum range, while the Low power level is suitable for optimum conditions or when operating on channels 1-7, which are restricted by power output regulations.

A squelch sensitivity feature allows users to adjust the radio's sensitivity to incoming signals. A minimum squelch level (00) makes the radio highly sensitive to weak signals, while a maximum setting (09) requires strong signals to open the squelch. The default squelch setting (04) is generally recommended for reliable operation.

The MXT575 includes a "Roger Beep" function, which emits a beep when the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button on the microphone is released, confirming to other users that the transmission is complete. Additionally, there are five selectable call alert tones that can be used to signal other users. For discreet operation, the radio features a "Silent Operation" mode that disables all beeps and tones.

Usage Features

The MXT575 is designed for user-friendly operation, with most controls located on the microphone for convenience.

• Power On/Off: To power on the radio, press and hold the POWER button for two seconds. A tone will sound, and the LCD display will show all icons for one second before displaying the most recently selected channels. To power off, press and hold the POWER button for two seconds until the LCD goes blank.
• Channel Selection: Channels are selected using the CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN buttons on the microphone. The active channel selection is displayed on the LCD. Repeater channels can be enabled and disabled through the menu settings.
• Volume Adjustment: The VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons on the microphone allow users to increase or decrease the radio's audio volume.
• Transmitting and Receiving: To transmit, press and hold the PTT button on the microphone and speak in a normal voice. The TX/RX LED indicator will illuminate red, and the TX icon will appear on the LCD, along with the transmit signal strength. To receive a call, release the PTT button. The TX/RX LED will illuminate green, and the RX icon will appear on the LCD, showing the receive signal strength.
• Keypad Lock: The "lock" function prevents accidental changes to the radio's settings. To activate, press and hold the LOCK button for two seconds. "LC" will appear on the LCD, and the key lock icon will display. The PTT, Volume, and Call buttons remain active when locked. To unlock, press and hold the LOCK button again.
• Monitor Mode: This mode allows users to check for activity on the current active channel and adjust the radio's volume when no signal is being received. Press the MONITOR button to enter this mode, and release it to exit.
• Scanning Function: The "auto-scan" mode continuously scans all channels, pausing on any active channel. To enter, press the SCAN button. The scan will resume after four seconds of inactivity on a channel. To transmit during a scan, press and hold the PTT button on the microphone while the radio is paused on the desired channel; the radio will remain on that channel for three seconds after the PTT is released. To exit, press the SCAN button. The MXT575 also has a scanning receiver function for 136-174MHz, activated by pressing the WX button.
• Menu Functions: The MENU button provides access to various operational parameters, allowing users to customize settings such as privacy codes, transmit power level, squelch sensitivity, Roger Beep, call alert tone, silent operation, repeater channel activation, display color, and channel bandwidth.
• Privacy Code Setup: To set privacy codes for standard channels, navigate to the "Pt" menu setting, press the LOCK button, and use the VOLUME buttons to choose between "oF" (disabled), "Ct" (CTCSS), or "dC" (DCS). Confirm with the LOCK button. For repeater channels, navigate to "rC" (receive privacy tones) and "tC" (transmit privacy tones) in the menu.
• Display Color: The MXT575 offers seven adjustable LCD display colors, which can be set via the "db" menu setting.
• Channel Bandwidth: The radio's channel bandwidth can be switched between "bN" (narrow band) and "bW" (wide band) in the "b5" menu setting.
• Output Speaker Selection: Users can choose between the handheld speaker, radio base speaker, or both for audio output. This is done by pressing the LOCK button and using the VOLUME buttons to scroll through "HF AO" (Handheld Speaker Active, Radio Base Speaker Off), "HO AF" (Radio Base Speaker Active, Handheld Speaker Off), and "HO AO" (Both Handheld and Radio Base Speakers Active).

Maintenance Features

The MXT575 is designed for straightforward maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance.

• Cleaning: The radio should be cleaned with a soft cloth moistened with water. It is crucial not to use alcohol or cleaning solutions, and the radio should never be immersed in water. If the radio gets wet, it should be dried with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Default Settings Restoration: The radio's original factory default settings can be restored at any time. To do this, press and hold the PTT and Weather buttons simultaneously, then turn on the radio while still holding the buttons. All user settings will be cleared.
• Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide to help users resolve common operational problems, such as no power, inability to receive messages, unresponsive keypad, or a dim backlight display. For issues requiring service, Midland customer service can be contacted.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is key to the MXT575's performance.

• Mounting: The radio can be installed under the dash or vertically on the center console. The mounting bracket is used as a template to mark screw holes, and the bracket is then secured with self-tapping screws. The radio slides into the bracket and locks in place. Care must be taken when drilling to avoid damaging vehicle wiring.
• Antenna Installation: An external 50Ω antenna is required and should be mounted as high as possible on the vehicle, preferably in the center of the chosen surface (roof, trunk). Metal surfaces covered by fiberglass or vinyl may affect range. The antenna cable (19.7 feet/6 meters) should be routed carefully, avoiding noise sources like the ignition system, and protected using existing gaskets and weather stripping.
• Power Connection: The positive lead (RED wire with in-line fuse holder) should be connected to the vehicle's fuse block or directly to the positive battery post. Connecting to an accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch allows the radio to turn off automatically with the ignition. The ground lead (BLACK wire) must be tightly connected directly to the vehicle's metal frame for optimal performance.
• Microphone Connection: The RJ45 connector of the microphone inserts into the front of the MXT575.
• External Speaker: An optional external speaker (sold separately) can be connected to the rear-panel jack (3.5mm audio connector). The speaker should have 8-ohm impedance and be rated for 4 Watts. Connecting an external speaker automatically disables the internal speaker.
• Intercom: The MXT575 includes a rear-panel jack and supplied cable for connecting to an intercom or headsets with a TA5 mini XLR connector.

The MXT575 is designed to comply with national and international standards for radio frequency electromagnetic energy exposure. Users should transmit no more than 50% of the time and maintain a minimum safe separation distance of 16 inches (40 cm) from the antenna when transmitting to ensure compliance with exposure limits. A GMRS license from the FCC is required for operation, and users are expected to adhere to FCC rules regarding channel usage and transmission times.

Midland MXT575 Specifications

General

Power Output	50 Watts
Repeater Capable	Yes
Programmable	Yes
External Speaker Jack	Yes
Display	LCD
Weather Channels	Yes
Privacy Codes	142 Privacy Codes
Microphone	Yes
Weight	1.5 lbs
Channels	15 GMRS Channels, 8 GMRS Repeater Channels