Midland 75-507 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio

by Midland

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000K390
• Item model number: 75-507
• Batteries: 3 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This tiny, inexpensive two-way radio packs just enough features for the casual user to make it a terrific deal. With 14 channels, a scan feature, and voice-activation (Vox) capability, you'll find plenty of features and free frequencies for limitless air time.

Compact and lightweight, the 75-507 can fit into a pocket or purse easily and discreetly. We found that it fit comfortably in one hand, with a Push to Talk button conveniently located on the left side of the radio. We only noted one annoyance: after several seconds, the LED indicating the channel goes to black, even though the radio is still operating. Although this feature is designed to conserve power, we wished there was some display or light indicating whether the radio is on or off.

We put Midland's claim of a two-mile range to test in the busy streets of Seattle. One operator was in a car and the other in a tall building--two obstructions that can seriously limit range. We expected a dramatically stunted performance, but the 75-507 held up admirably. The reception began to fade at about 1.2 miles, and we lost transmission altogether near 1.4 miles. Not bad for a city packed with possible interference.

We also appreciated the radio's Roger Beep, which sounds after each transmission. Midland has made this feature optional, though, and if you don't want to hear the Roger Beep, you can easily turn it off.

You'll be surprised at how well this little radio performs, putting it on par with more pricey units with similar features. If you don't need extras like subchannels and waterproofing and don't mind its lack of sex appeal, the Midland 75-507 is a nice choice for the weekend user.

Pros:

• Small and lightweight
• Decent range
• Scan feature for monitoring frequencies
• Roger Beep tone confirmation

Cons:

• LED indicator disappears after several seconds

Product Description

14 channel family radio, full output power for up to 2 mile range, 14 channel scan, dual watch to montior 2 channels, hands free, dual level, voice activation, call button , stealth squelch eliminates "popping" noises, surface mount technology, belt clip and handstrap included

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

187 of 188 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Product is High quality and cheaply priced., November 18, 1999

By 

A Customer (Tallahassee, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midland 75-507 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

This is the best 2 way radio I have ever seen. It is 3" X 1.5" You can scan to see if other people are using channels. It deletes all static, but if the transmission is to quiet it will cut off the transmission. You can disable this feature though when a message is breaking up you hit the MON button and you can hear it clearly. It has a way to listen to two channels at once and it is very long range. It also has hookup for the type of earphones that have a microphone attached.

118 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cross country trip using the Midland 75-507 FRS radios, December 14, 1999

By 

Jeff (Chambersburg, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midland 75-507 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

My wife and I bought a pair of these affordable FRS radios for our coast-to-coast move (eight days in separate vehicles). The radios seemed to have decent reception up to a mile, more if the terrain was flat. Rain and power lines seemed to reduce range somewhat. The clarity was good enough, though I think some of the higher priced radios are clearer. Also, I found I pretty much had to turn the volume all the way up in order to hear incoming transmissions; a better speaker would be a definite improvement. As for battery life, we got about 40-50 hours of use before needing replacement. We found the CALL and SCAN features very useful as was the ability to easily switch to a clear channel. The VOX feature worked ok with the built-in microphone but there is a noticeable delay in activation that we found annoying; maybe it works better in conjunction with a headset.

For occasional use I would say the Midland 75-507 is a good choice. I would not suggest buying the really cheap radios, typically sold in pairs, which typically have just one or two channels as interference with other users limits their usefulness.

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cheapest, Yet Still Excellent Quality, November 3, 1999

By 

Albert Schilthuis ([e-mail]) (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midland 75-507 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Electronics)

I bought two of these several weeks ago and they work GREAT. I opened te box and not five minutes later they were up and running. The sound is INCREDIBLY clear, with almost no static, and the value is unmatched. They are also smaller than they appear, easily fitting into the palm of one's hand. A great buy!