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The XT511 can be powered with AA batteries, its internal rechargeable battery, a DC power supply, AC power supply, and the crank arm. The XT511 can be powered with AA batteries, its internal rechargeable battery, a DC power supply, AC power supply**, and the crank arm. <nowiki>**</nowiki> The [[AC_DC_Adapter_Reference#Midland_18-394|Midland 18-394 MODEL: U090030D]] AC adapter is rated 9 volts at 300ma. It supplies enough current to charge the battery pack, operate the radio. It will allow you to transmit at the low TX power setting. It has insufficient current to allow for transmit at the high TX power setting. An aftermarket 9v AC adapter is recommended with at least 1000mA rating or higher.There are two transmit power settings for the [[GMRS]] channels. [[FRS]] only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with attached antenna. I was able to easily communicate in town between this unit and a mobile, neither operating on more than 1 watt, over 12 city blocks with hills and trees being common where I live. The mobile was 500mw and the XT511 set to low transmit power. There are two transmit power settings for the [[GMRS]] channels. [[FRS]] only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. I was able to easily communicate in town between this unit and a mobile, neither operating on more than 1 watt, over 12 city blocks with hills and trees being common where I live. The mobile was 500mw and the XT511 set to low transmit power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with such a small attached antenna. The small antenna really is the limiting factor in the reduced transmit range and receive sensitivity. A longer antenna would have helped this unit a lot. Another trait of the attachable microphone that I consider a detriment is that although it appears to have the standard M1 two prong connector, there is a slight difference. The two prongs are spaced slightly closer together than the industry standard. The result is that standard M1 headsets, microphones, and accessories will not connect to the Midland XT511. This makes no sense.On two-way radios an attachable microphone or speaker accessory connector is the M1 two prong standard. The Midland XT511 visibly appears to have the standard M1 two prong connector, however, it is not. The two prongs are spaced slightly closer together than the industry standard. The result is that standard M1 headsets, microphones, and accessories will not connect to the Midland XT511. The spacing difference is intentional as their unit doesn't follow the M1 standard wiring and electrical convention. This makes no sense.''Update: It should be noted that the AC adapter does not power the radio directly. I provides low current to charge the battery. The radio cannot be operated directly from the AC adapter without battery installed. Using a higher current adapter of the same voltage is irrelevant since the internal circuit within the transceiver is design only for charging.''# Ability to switch sound from mic back to base unit while mic is attached.# Ability to switch sound from mic back to base unit while mic is attached and implement it with the standard M1 connector pair. In all fairness, the hand microphone is designed more like a police radio rather than a [[CB Radio]] microphone. However, I find this awkward for a "base station" style unit. The design would be more logical on a smaller mobile unit like the police walkie talkies. Again, a simple toggle switch would resolve this shortcoming and give the owner the option of using the attachable mic as a mic only.[[File:MidlandBaseCampandFamilyofRadios.jpg]]== Microphone Mod ==This microphone is compatible with Midland XT18 XT20 XT511 XT511MO G-225 G-226 G-227. [[File:Midland_XT511_Base_Camp_Two_Way_Radio_micmod.gif]]Modify the microphone for auto from the base speaker and mic from the hand mic. There are 4 wires in the cord. ----* Black - sleeve on the 3.5mm TS Phono Plug ~ SPEAKER ~ ground* Red - tip on the 3.5mm TS Phono Plug ~ SPEAKER----* White - tip on the 2.5mm [[TRS Phono Plug]] ~ MICROPHONE +* copper / not insulated - sleeve on the 2.5mm [[TRS Phono Plug]] ~ MICROPHONE -* The ring on the 2.5mm [[TRS Phono Plug]] is null----There's 2 strands of white string in the cord not to be confused with the single white wire.[[File:midlandxt511_trspinoutcolors.jpg]]Make the hand mic / speaker a mic only (like a CB radio): To disable the hand speaker part of the mic unit you may simply cut off and remove the 3.5mm TS Phono Plug. Attempts at removing the entire connector and replacing with a single TRS by soldering may be met with difficulty. The Midland microphone uses extremely cheap, thin [[Litz wire]]. It is difficult to make a good solder with this type of wire. This type of wire is typically crimped, however, in this case it is so small and extremely difficult to work with all over a $5 cheapo mic it is not worth the trouble. Just cut off the 3.5mm TS Phono Plug if you want a CB radio type mic, the sound output will continue to come from the main radio unit. Buy a second hand mic / speaker if you change your mind and want to return to the combined functionality. [[Category:2-Way Radio]]