Midland GMRS mic not working

[vballman]

Hey all. So as I found out yesterday on the Bacon to Margarita run yesterday my mic on my GMRS wasn't transmitting. I tested with my handheld FRS and I could hear it on there, but as I found out trying to tell everyone I was pulling off from the group and for everyone not to follow and they did. So I am not sure what to check so any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. It receives well, just doesn't transmit.

[Ivoryring]

Hey all. So as I found out yesterday on the Bacon to Margarita run yesterday my mic on my GMRS wasn't transmitting. I tested with my handheld FRS and I could hear it on there, but as I found out trying to tell everyone I was pulling off from the group and for everyone not to follow and they did. So I am not sure what to check so any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. It receives well, just doesn't transmit.

Is your Midland a mobile (i.e. hard wired install with a mic that's a plug in separate unit?) - my Midland of that style with a "network cable plug" end, I had to replace the mic because they dont have any real strain relief on the cable end. After replacing it, I used zip ties to fix it to the support bar so the end isn't constantly being pulled apart during use.

[elliott35]

Hey all. So as I found out yesterday on the Bacon to Margarita run yesterday my mic on my GMRS wasn't transmitting. I tested with my handheld FRS and I could hear it on there, but as I found out trying to tell everyone I was pulling off from the group and for everyone not to follow and they did. So I am not sure what to check so any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. It receives well, just doesn't transmit.

If you could hear on a handheld but others couldn't on their radios maybe you have a faulty antenna connection? Could be that you just have reduced range from a bad antenna or cable?

[vballman]

Is your Midland a mobile (i.e. hard wired install with a mic that's a plug in separate unit?) - my Midland of that style with a "network cable plug" end, I had to replace the mic because they dont have any real strain relief on the cable end. After replacing it, I used zip ties to fix it to the support bar so the end isn't constantly being pulled apart during use.

It is hardwired, the MTX400 model. It does have that "network cable" plug. I was wondering if i'd have to look into a new mic.

[vballman]

If you could hear on a handheld but others couldn't on their radios maybe you have a faulty antenna connection? Could be that you just have reduced range from a bad antenna or cable?

That sounds possible, but curious why I could hear others are a greater distance. I will definitely double check the antenna connections for sure.

[elliott35]

That sounds possible, but curious why I could hear others are a greater distance. I will definitely double check the antenna connections for sure.

Squelch settings could do that depending on signal strength and or your SQ setting. If you have access to another radio for testing, you could try dropping squelch all the way down and see if anything comes through.

[Ivoryring]

Test your handheld at some distance - not just right next to the Jeep. Poor antenna connection can show different results for transmit or receive. For the mic cable issue - for me it wasn't visible when inspecting the plug - but the behavior did change when I wiggle the connection

[vballman]

Thanks guys, I'll try both of those suggestions this week and see if something happens and report back.

[NH-PLAY]

Not sure if the hard wired radio is like the hand held settings. Was on group on my radio the other day and I could transmit out but nothing coming back in. Glad that didn’t happen on my plea for help when alone in the dark with tundra, or wait a min here now.


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[mtyler11]

That sounds possible, but curious why I could hear others are a greater distance. I will definitely double check the antenna connections for sure.

when you installed your antenna/ran the cable, what did you do with the extra length? did you coil it up? If yes, there's your problem. On rx, the coil doesn't greatly diminish your signal, but on tx, its getting choked out. The figure8/infinity loop trick helps, but isn't best either. If you have just a rew feet of xtra cable, just take the long way around between radio and antenna.

[GA D90]

I’m with your thought of the mic . The wires and connector are pretty wimpy on those mic cables.
Don’t think it would take much to mess things up.