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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.Midland's XT511Base Camp emergency crank radio serves as an all-purpose communication tool with two-way radio, NOAA weather and AM/FM radio functions. The radio is useful to take along on a camping trip or hiking. It is also useful from neighborhood communication in town. It is both well suited for recreational use as well as an emergency tool.Midland's XT511Base Camp emergency crank radio serves as an all-purpose communication tool with two-way radio, NOAA weather and AM/FM radio functions. The radio is useful to take along on a camping trip or hiking. It is also useful for neighborhood communication. Examples of use include monitoring the kids, as a shop to house intercom, or coordinating a community event. It is both well suited for recreational use as well as being an emergency tool.Having the ability to turn a crank for power is something that makes this a true emergency radio. I tested this having the unit gone completely dead with the rechargeable batteries installed. I was able to crank fewer than 10 times and make a transmission to announce my position. Transmitting consumes more power than monitoring or listening to broadcast radio, so this is better than expected for manually generated crank power.Having the ability to turn a crank for power is something that makes this a true emergency radio. I tested this having the unit gone completely dead with the rechargeable batteries installed. I was able to crank up enough power in a couple minutes to make a transmission on high and announce my position. Transmitting consumes more power than monitoring or listening to broadcast radio, so this is better than expected for manually generated crank 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. 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. 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. There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. Another feature lacking in this model is the ability to have a received transmission on your set channel cut in over the broadcast radio, such as some of 2-meter walkie-talkies do. I want to listen to music but not miss a transmission from a family member using a handheld trying to reach me at "base camp." 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. The optional attachable microphone also serves as a mini handheld speaker. I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld speaker/microphone. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld button mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty. There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. It does have, however, a "monitor" button that will deactivate squelch. While in this mode you will hear static and weak transmissions. So basically, this unit can operate with squelch on or off. It would definitely be better if the squelch level was adjustable. Another feature lacking in this model is the ability to have a received transmission on your set channel "cut in" over the broadcast radio, such as some of 2-meter walkie-talkies do. I want to listen to music on broadcast radio but not miss a transmission from a family member using a handheld trying to reach me at "base camp." I have a cheap wrist style walkie talkie that will do this, so I don't see why Midland couldn't have implemented this 2-way channel monitor as a feature in their XT511. The optional attachable microphone also serves as a mini handheld speaker. This gives the feel of a classic [[CB Radio]] with one strange exception. As the user manual states, "''When the HAND MIC is connected, all audio will play through theHAND MIC because it is a speaker mic. This is normal operation.''" I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld mic. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty. 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. Although adequate, the unit could use optionally more rechargeable storage. It will operate from dusk to dawn on battery power if not used to make a lot of transmissions. It will not go 24 hours while monitoring GMRS channels. Bring along extra batteries on your camping trip or be prepared to use the crank feature a lot. I consider this a minor issue as it is somewhat dependent on limitations in rechargeable battery technology and restraints regarding the overall unit price point. ''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 listen to broadcast radio while monitoring one of the 22 FRS/GMRS channels. It should cut in when a transmission is received.# Ability to listen to broadcast radio while monitoring one of the 22 FRS/GMRS channels. It should override broadcast radio and cut in when a transmission is received.# Ability to adjust the squelch level on the transceiver.# Ability to adjust the squelch level on the transceiver. # 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.Overall I liked the size of the unit and the attached carry handle is a benefit. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on an non-level surface such as an outdoor picnick table. And finally, the unit retained a charge throughout the day on battery power while monitoring and scanning FRS/GMRS channels with some light transmitter use. Until something better comes along in this very budget friendly price range with those missing features mentioned prior, I will recommend this unit.Overall I liked the size of the unit and the sturdy attached carry handle is a good design. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on non-level surfaces such as an outdoor picnic table. Some of the limitations are reasonable for a unit in this price range. After all, for the price there really is no competing product on the market as of this writing. Yet, some of the missing options could be implemented without adding much, if anything, to the manufacture cost, and would be well worth it. I would like to see an updated model Base Camp radio released by Midland that will dual monitor AM/FM broadcast and a selected GMRS channel with adjustable squelch control. With a standard M1 connector and the aforementioned improvements, Midland could have a true 5 star product in the same price category! [[File:MidlandBaseCampandFamilyofRadios.jpg]]DUAL WATCHGMRS DUAL WATCH''It cannot be tuned to AM/FM radio and watch for incoming GMRS transmissions. This is a missing feature.''FCC Reg Part 95 requires any [[FRS]] capable transceiver have a non-detachable (fixed) antenna. This is why Midland did not include an external antenna jack. Modifying the XT511 by adding an antenna jack or replacing the antenna would make it illegal to operate on the FRS frequencies, however, [[GMRS]] does allow an external antenna. The GMRS channels allow for more transmit power. If you modify the antenna then do not use the [[FRS]] only channels to transmit.If you do not use a properly SWR tuned antenna, or you transmit without an antenna connected, or there is a short in the antenna, you will destroy the transmitter inside the radio. It will cook itself if there is not a well tuned antenna functionally attached while keying down. Know what you are doing, or get help from someone that does know what he is doing before attempting an antenna mod. Don't cook your transceiver!== 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]]