The Midland 75-822 is famous for its flexibility (it runs on AA batteries or a vehicle power cord). However, like many standard CB radios, it is locked by the FCC to 40 channels. Enthusiasts often perform "mods" (modifications) to unlock additional frequencies, commonly known as "Extra Channels" or "Expanded Band."
⚠️ Disclaimer: Modifying your radio to transmit on frequencies outside the standard 40 CB channels may violate FCC regulations (Part 95) in the United States. Transmitting on restricted bands (such as government or amateur radio allocations) can result in significant fines. This guide is for educational and theoretical purposes only.
You will wire three SPST switches to apply +5V (High) or Ground (Low) to these pins.
The Wiring Logic:
How it works: Flip the switch up = +5V (Logical 1). Flip down = Ground (Logical 0). By changing the binary code, you shift the VCO frequency.
If you need more channels or different bands, there are legal ways:
| Need | Legal Solution | |----------|--------------------| | More CB-style channels | Get a 10-meter amateur radio (requires Ham license) | | Short-range, license-free | MURS (151–154 MHz) or FRS/GMRS (462–467 MHz) | | Long-range HF voice | Amateur Radio license (Technician or General class) | | Just more CB channels | Most modern CBs already cover 40 channels – that's all you get legally | midland 75822 channel mod
Important: A 10-meter Ham radio (like the popular "10-meter" export radios) is not legal for CB even if you turn the power down. Those are for licensed amateur operators only.
The most important thing to know about the Midland 75-822 channel mod is that it is not like older export radios.
When you perform the modification to unlock frequencies outside the standard 40 channels, the radio enters a restricted power mode. The Midland 75-822 Channel Mod Guide: Expanding Your
Midland designed the radio this way to prevent users from using it as a high-power ham or freeband radio. While you can unlock the frequency, you cannot easily unlock the power on those bands.
If you still want to experiment for purely educational bench testing (into a dummy load, never on air), ask yourself:
If you answered no to any of those – don’t do it. Step 4: Wiring the Switches You will wire
Disclaimer: The following information is provided for educational and historical purposes only. Modifying a CB radio to operate on frequencies outside of the designated 40-channel Citizen’s Band (26.965 MHz – 27.405 MHz) is illegal in most jurisdictions, including the United States (FCC Rules Part 95). Transmitting on unauthorized frequencies (such as “Freeband” or amateur radio bands without a license) can result in significant fines and equipment seizure. Proceed at your own risk.
There is a lot of confusion online because the 75-822 has gone through several board revisions over the years. A modification that works on a unit manufactured in 2005 might not work on one from 2018.