Midland MICRO MOBILE MXT500 Manual

To install the Midland MXT500 in your vehicle, follow these steps:

1. Preparation for Installation: Ensure your vehicle has a 12-volt negative ground system. Read all instructions and safety precautions, gather tools, and disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. Determine a mounting location that doesn't impair visibility or driving.
2. Installing the Mounting Bracket: Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark screw hole locations, then attach the bracket to the dash with the provided screws. Slide the radio into the bracket until it locks securely.
3. Installing the Antenna: An external antenna is required. Mount the antenna as high as possible, preferably in the center of a metal surface, avoiding fiberglass or vinyl. Route the 19.7 feet (6 meters) antenna cable carefully, keeping it away from noise sources and protecting it from damage.
4. Connecting the Radio to a Power Source: Connect the positive lead (RED wire with in-line fuse holder) to the fuse block or the positive post of the vehicle's battery. Connect the ground lead (BLACK wire) directly to the vehicle's metal frame for optimum performance.
5. Connecting the Microphone: Insert the RJ45 connector into the front of the MXT500 and attach the microphone mounting bracket to a convenient location.

The Midland MXT500 radio can be programmed for various operational parameters through its menu functions. You can adjust settings such as privacy codes, transmit power level, channel bandwidth, Time Out Timer, Automatic Power Off, squelch sensitivity, display color, display brightness, and repeater channels. To access these settings, press the MENU button and use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate through the options. The radio also has a USB-C port which may be used as a programming port for updates.

The MXT500 can talk to GMRS repeaters and has 8 repeater channels. To enable or disable repeater channels:

1. Press the MENU button and use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #12 – REP.
2. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob and choose between ON or OFF. Confirm your selection.

Once enabled, repeater channels will be available in the channel list and displayed as RP 15 – RP 22. When using a repeater channel, a "+" will appear on the LCD to indicate the repeater offset direction.

If your Midland MXT500 is not turning on, you should:

• Check the vehicle power source (battery) and replace it as needed.
• Check the input power connection and/or wires to the vehicle power source.

The Midland MXT500 operates on UHF frequencies for both operating and repeater channels.

• Operating Frequencies: 462.5500 ~ 462.725 MHz
• Repeater Frequencies: 462.5625 ~ 467.725 MHz

Detailed GMRS and GMRS Repeater Frequency Charts are available in the manual.

The Midland MXT500 is a 50-Watt GMRS Radio. It provides up to 3 transmit power levels: Hi, Mi, and Lo, with the Hi power level recommended for maximum range.

The Midland MXT500 offers the following GMRS features:

• 50-Watt GMRS Radio
• 15 GMRS Channels
• 8 Repeater Channels
• Split Privacy Tones
• Water Resistant – IPX6
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Narrow and Wide Band
• 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS/104 DCS)
• Monitor Function
• Keypad Lock
• Talk Around Function
• Automatic Power Off Function
• Adjustable Color and Brightness Settings for Backlight on LCD
• Call Function
• Scan Function
• Silent Operation
• Scan Skip
• Power Hi/Mi/Low Settings
• External Speaker Jack
• Intercom Jack
• USB-C Port for device charging
• 3-Year Warranty
• Compatible with all Midland FRS/GMRS radios
• GMRS License Required

The Midland MXT500 can be installed in any 12-volt negative ground system vehicle. To power the radio:

1. Connect the positive lead (RED wire with in-line fuse holder) to either the fuse block or directly to the positive post of the vehicle's battery.
2. Tightly connect the ground lead (BLACK wire) directly to the vehicle's metal frame. The fuse block is usually the most convenient connection point, and the power cord positive lead can also be connected to the Accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch, allowing the radio to automatically turn off with the ignition.

The MXT500 has 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS and 104 DCS codes) that can be applied to any channel. To use privacy codes:

1. Press the MENU button and use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #01 – PRIVACY.
2. To edit the privacy codes, press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob and choose between OFF, TSQ (CTCSS), or DCS for the receive privacy code (RCP).
3. Repeat step 2 to set the transmit privacy code (TRP).

Note that the MXT500 can have separate privacy codes for receiving and transmitting on all channels.

To activate the channel scan feature (auto-scan) on the Midland MXT500:

1. Press the SCAN button to enter "auto-scan" mode. Your radio will rapidly scan through the 15 GMRS channels and pause on any active channel.
2. "Auto-scan" will resume after five seconds of no activity on the current channel.
3. To exit "auto-scan" mode, press the SCAN button again.

Yes, the MXT500 provides a rear-panel jack for connection to an intercom or headsets with a TA5 mini XLR connector. When an intercom is connected, you should unplug the speaker mic from the radio to avoid echo.

The MXT500 is compatible with an optional external speaker (sold separately) that connects via a 3.5mm audio connector, requiring an 8-ohm impedance and rated for 4 Watts. It also provides a rear-panel jack for connection to an intercom or headsets with a TA5 mini XLR connector. The power cable, antenna, and microphone are included with the unit.

Yes, the MXT500 provides a rear-panel jack for connection of an optional external speaker (sold separately). The jack is compatible with a 3.5mm audio connector, and the external speaker should have 8-ohm impedance and be rated for 4 Watts. When an external speaker is connected, the radio's internal speaker is automatically disabled.

To clean and maintain the Midland MXT500 radio:

• DO NOT use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.
• DO NOT immerse the radio in water.
• Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the radio.
• Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth if it gets wet.

To adjust the display brightness on the Midland MXT500:

1. Press the MENU button and use the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob to navigate to menu setting #11 – LAMP.
2. Press the CHANNEL/MENU SELECTION knob and choose between OFF, 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05. Confirm your selection.

You can preview the brightness level while navigating the menu options.