Midland 75822 Channel Mod -

Here’s a concise, technical write-up for the Midland 75822 channel modification, commonly performed to expand transmit/receive frequencies beyond the stock 40 CB channels.

The Verdict: Should You Do It?

Do the mod if:

You are an experienced tech with a frequency counter and dummy load.
You understand binary logic and PLL synthesis.
You use the radio only for listening on freebands.
You have a Ham license (Technician or General) to operate on 10m (28.000-28.500).

Do NOT do the mod if:

You are a trucker just wanting more channels. (Stick to AM 19 and Ladd 1-4).
You don’t own test equipment.
This is your only radio. (You will likely brick one unit before mastering the mod).

Conclusion: Leave the Midland 75822 Alone

The Midland 75822 channel mod is a tempting rabbit hole for hobbyists who want to "hack" their gear. But after examining the technical barriers, legal risks, and practical disappointment—it is simply not worth it. midland 75822 channel mod

The 75822 shines as a legal, dependable, off-the-shelf CB. Its portability, build quality, and ease of use are its strengths. Once you start desoldering diodes and shorting PLL pins, you transform a reliable emergency communication tool into a potentially illegal, poorly performing paperweight.

If you truly need more channels, do it the right way: Get a ham license and a proper 10-meter rig. You’ll gain more frequencies, cleaner audio, and the pride of operating legally. Or, accept the CB band for what it is—40 channels of chaotic, fun, and effective short-range communication.

Your radio will thank you, and the FCC won’t come knocking. Here’s a concise, technical write-up for the Midland

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The author does not endorse illegal radio modification. Always obey your country’s telecommunications regulations.

I Found a Mod Online – Should I Try It?

If you still want to experiment for purely educational bench testing (into a dummy load, never on air), ask yourself:

Do I have a service manual with schematic?
Do I own a frequency counter and oscilloscope?
Am I prepared to permanently brick a vintage radio?

If you answered no to any of those – don’t do it. The Verdict: Should You Do It

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Step 1: Disassemble the Radio

Remove the battery pack and antenna.
Remove the four screws on the back of the chassis.
Carefully separate the front and back housing. You will see the main PCB (printed circuit board).
Locate the PLL chip – a small (usually 16 or 18-pin) IC near the channel selector knob. Look for markings like "LC7137," "D8581," or "MC145106."

Step 3: Remove Existing Channel-Locking Diodes (If any)

Some versions of the 75-822 have a diode that limits the band to 40 channels. Locate a diode labeled "CH OFF" or "BAND LIMIT." Remove it by heating one pad at a time and pulling the diode out with tweezers.

Midland 75822 Channel Mod: What You Need to Know Before You Transmit

If you own a Midland 75822 (often part of the "75-822" or similar legacy series), you might have stumbled across old forum posts mentioning a "channel mod" or "expansion." Before you reach for a soldering iron or try to clip a wire, let’s break down what that actually means, whether it’s possible, and—most importantly—why it’s probably a bad idea.

Option 3: Upgrade to a Modern FCC-Compliant CB

Today’s CBs offer features far beyond channel modding:

President McKinley (AM/SSB) – Built-in frequency counter, excellent filtering.
Uniden Bearcat 980SSB – 40 channels plus sideband; can be modified for 120 channels via a software interface (but still illegal for freeband).
AnyTone AT-6666 – Covers 10m/12m, but requires HAM license for full use.

None of these require soldering on a fragile PLL.