Customer Reviews

Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio

5 star:		(74)
4 star:		(46)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

I couldn't be much happier with this unit. Where it really shines is in battery life. I've used this in various 4x4 competitions and my teammates use some much larger, clunky handhelds that require 10 batteries and eat them up quick (several sets in a weekend). I use 6 nicads in my midland unit and they last and last.

Its a pretty decent mobile unit too with the adapter. With an external antenna the range is tremendously improved. My only real complaint is that I wish that there was a way to lock the backlighting on when using the car adapter - this would make it easier to use at night.

All the complaints I've read about this scanner are pretty pointless. This is the best Hand Held scanner I've ever owned. Go to Sears or Best Buy, see what HH CB's they have in, Probably just one, the Cobra 37 ST. Does that have channel scan, 5 memories, memory scan, freq. display, REAL mobile adpater not just a car power cord, NOPE. How much do they want? $40 in Best buy, and get this, $79.99 in sears, check their website.

The problems with range come with any handheld. I dont see the problem, take any hand held in a car and its range will go way down, But midland is only company that provides you with an external antenna hookup/power cord combined and make your radio the size of most mic's, you cant go wrong. The best you'll get from others is a DC power cable, but no way to connect an external car antenna to it. and they will still be full length.

You could also MOD this unit to pick up 120 channels CB (all you need to do is solder one connection...) if your more experienced, you can mod it to pick up 400 channels (dont believe me, try a search engine and type "Midland CB Mod"...

This scanner is the BEST on the market, and I cant belive the price. Would be nice if it has USB/LSB but hey, you cant get everything. It covers all the bases.

This is a very compact, well designed, and versatile unit that can be easily moved from one vehicle to another or used as a handi-talkie. The number of useful features and sensitivity of the receiver pleasantly surprised me. With an external antenna, I found the NOAA weather band usable with broadcasts 50 miles distant and the CB effective at five miles. Adjacent channel selectivity is quite good. Perhaps the only limitation in this unit is the relatively low audio output that might require near maximum volume when the windows are open at highway speeds. But, audio quality is very good with no distortion even at maximum volume.

This CB, the 18-2983 magnet base antenna, and a helmet headset I purchased from Sound Radio Products are by far the most economical way of putting a CB on a motorcycle ($160). The Midland CB is small and already comes with the lighter plug adapter and external antenna connector. The Midland base antenna is just enough for better reception. If your riding in a group its perfect. I have a 1998 Electra Glide. I will mount the CB to the inside of the fairing. The CB is light enough and small enough not to be in the way. The antenna cable can be hidden along the frame and under the gas tank to the rear fender. The magenetic base is a tad large, smaller would be better. But fabricate a flat metal surface for it to mount to is easily done. The antenna cable is long enough, with a little excess to bundle up under the seat. Nothing has to be permanent with this set up. Put it on when you want, take it off when you want. The only thing I have not figured out is waterproofing the CB. You will need a helmet headset, the volume level is far too low to hear over an engine, air, and outside noises.

I purchased this CB radio at a local electronics store for $[...]. It comes with an adapter to plug into your vehicle. The adapter also has a hookup for an external antenna. You can use the unit as a hand held with the battery packs. The radio comes with two battery holders. One for disposable batteries, another for rechargeable. The rechargeable battery holder has an AC adapter included. It comes with a steel belt clip. Though, be careful it can easily scratch your belt.

The radio isn't very loud, even with the sound at max level. The only time I have any issues hearing it is when I have a window cracked. It does come with a jack for headphones or an external speaker. This Midland model also does not have an ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter), and does receive interference from time to time.

The range is to be expected for a hand held radio. Using it with the rubber antenna inside of your vehicle you can expect 1/4 - 3/4 mile range depending on the time of day and terrain. You get better range outside of your vehicle. Excellent for use on ATVs. If you plan to use this radio in your vehicle, it would be wise to purchase an antenna. I purchased a magnetic antenna for portability: [...]

Works very well and a great value for the purchase price. The fact that this radio can be a handheld or a mobile radio and that it comes with a 12-volt cigarette lighter plug, a PL-259 external antenna connector, a portable antenna, a battery box for using six "AA' batteries, and an AC adapter made the system very versatile. The NOAA weather band capabilities only added to this versatility My only complaint is that the radio could use more volume output as it is sometimes hard to hear when used in a vehicle.

I would highly recommend the 75-822 for a Jeep owner. I recently took mine on a Jeep Jamboree and it worked perfectly. It is very small and light. It can be used as a handheld unit but can quickly be connected to your vehicle CB antenna for better reception and work off the vehicle battery. It is similar to the Cobra 75 WX ST but has the advantage that you can take it with you as a handheld when on foot hiking. Reception and transmission was excellent. In a Jeep with a soft top it is nice because you can quickly disconnect it and lock in the glove compartment.

I was pleasantly surprised with the compact size of this radio. It is a versatile little item: full-power 40 channels of CB, 10 NOAA channels (not available with all CB brands, but Midland seemed to recognize the importance of this feature), and an included adapter that turns the unit into a mobile. Be careful when you compare; this adapter isn't always included and could cost $20+. Also note it's range as a portable is limited, but then again, that's the nature of the portable CB beast.

The Midland 75-822 is a neat little device, it comes with everything for both HT & mobile use except, a hand microphone, mobile antenna & batteries. External hand microphone, external antenna, & both rechargeable & alkaline cells are each purchased separately. Rechargeable & alkaline cell battery cases, plus cigar lighter power cable with an external antenna adapter are included (Type BNC & SO239/PL259 HF antenna connector) They really thought of almost everything in this package. The one drawback I found was the build was cheap. One of the screws came from the factory cross threaded into the bottom of the unit. The screw was crooked and caused difficulty, impairing the battery pack's ability to slide on and off the radio. There was evidence that the internal wires were pinched causing case/frame misalignment during assembly and when examined the internal frame was slightly bent. As a result someone had forced the screw into the slot and stripped all of the threads on both surfaces. The radio is still usable after clearing the pinched wires except the threads are damaged and the screw may come loose (only use & time will tell). I don't think I should have to repair a radio's defects brand new from the factory, and I feel it's just another example of the cheap, inferior quality of Chinese gear pouring across borders everywhere. Also want to state two (2) radios were purchased. Be aware when you purchase an inferior Chinese product, you might be stuck with the Status Quo. Amateur radio & GMRS/FRS gear is slightly more expensive in most cases but, in this case would have been a better purchase as it is engineered to higher quality standards. Decided to purchase two Yaesu HT's to replace them. These Midland radios are still as new in their boxes sitting on the shelf. They will likely play an emergency backup role to the new Yaesu radios. Caveat Emptor! (Let the Buyer Beware)

The Midland 75-822 would have received 5 stars had they both been 100%. However, sometimes Chinese gear is sub standard so, in this case it receives 3 stars (because it's just ok under the circumstances). IF there is any change I will update this review appropriately.

I hope this saves somebody a headache (check the build very carefully prior to posting your review). I hope Midland and Amazon are listening.

Thank you for reading

CB is an enjoyable alternative to Mobile CB's where room in your car is at a premium. The mobile adapter combined with an external ant makes this radio a must for the car. Range is the same as with the bigger units. The flexable ant gives you a very short range.