Convince me to get a GMRS radio

[SquirrelNuts]

Do you ever take two vehicles on a drive together? Or maybe you and some family members are taking a road trip together. Much easier and faster to communicate with each other while you drive with a GMRS radio than trying to call each other on a cell phone.

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[Gadget 1004]

I using the Midland Radio in my Gladiator. It is great for trail communications and while traveling in a convey on the highway.

 

[DanW]

I've got a Wouxun KSG1000-G. It was expensive, but it is a full 50 watts and has the convenience of a remote mount face plate. Here is how I have it set up, for now. I may do something to improve it a little. But being able to monitor 2 frequencies is great. I went on a Jeep run Saturday and was able to monitor the leaders on one channel while talking to my 3 friends in their Jeeps on another. Anything important from the leaders I just relayed to the others.

I'll post a pic later when I'm home from work. (No, I'm not slacking. It's lunch time! Lol!)

The Midland MXT 275 is my favorite but it is narrow band only. They are coming out with a new MXT575 that is 50 watts and can be set to narrow or wide band. I may go to that one eventually, since it minimizes dash clutter.

 

[DanW]

Yes. It has 15 watts. The handhelds only have 4 to 5, tops. But if you have any obstructions between you, such as a mountain, you can forget 7 miles. You won't even get close. But if there is a straight line view, you can go much further than 7, even with the handheld. With just trees between you, then maybe. It depends on how thick the forest is.

If there's a repeater on a nearby mountain or hilltop, you could use it, but not with the Midlands if it uses two frequencies, one to transmit and one to receive.

The new Midlands, including the MXT500 and MXT575 will have 50 watts of power and the ability to use two frequency repeaters. They are like other Midlands, very simple to operate, which I think is a big advantage. Some of the Chinese radios I have are powerful and have many features, but the manuals are poorly written and the menus can be confusing. The Midlands will be MUCH better on both counts. Plus, the quality of the chassis of the Midlands is first rate. The MXT500 will be IP66 water and dust resistant, too. I suspect the MXT575 will be the same, which makes them more useful for side by sides or ATV's.

You can pre-order the MXT500 at buytwowayradios.com. There is a link at this wonderful gentleman's Youtube video:

 

[antwon412]

I using the Midland Radio in my Gladiator. It is great for trail communications and while traveling in a convey on the highway.

I like that mount. Could you let me know what it is?
Thanks.

 

[hjdca]

Yes, the MXT275 does have significantly more range than a handheld, especially with a 6db antenna. It also has 15 watts compared to 5w for a handheld.
GMRS is more line of sight vs. CB. The wave lengths are shorter, so, it is more line of sight. With handhelds, 7 miles is a stretch because of the antennas..., but, if you had a clean line of sight, then, it probably would work with a 5 watts handheld. With a vehicle mount MXT275, 15 watts and a 6db (or even the stubby 3db) antenna will easily go that distance, but, your radio waves could be obstructed by a mountain that will block the radio waves going towards your dad.

 

[AKDrifter]

This is my setup in my Jeep. 50W BTech. Very clean setup you will not see an exposed wire anywhere except where it enters and exits the radio everywhere else it is all run behind the trim. It works super well I was using simplex Saturday to talk to my brother in law and was picking him up fine up to around 14 miles away when I'd get to a good vantage point I've heard of people getting almost twice that in open line of sight.There are a few repeaters in my area but they're down until the solar panels can charge the batteries up again. I say get your license, get your radio, get CHIRP, and get to broadcasting.

 

[Josh00333]

As said Gmrs is very line of sight dependent.

7 miles is a long way for any hand held type unit. CB is limited to 2 watt. Gmrs handheld is 5. To give you reference.

7 miles is well beyond horizon line of sight fir 2 6’ tall people (3 is line of site).
That said. I can easily talk 20 miles away on my hand held 5 watt to my 275 (15 watt). Whim I was 200’ up on a bluff overlooking the valley.

All bought line of sight.

I would not plan on 7 miles.

 

[AKDrifter]

Some of the Chinese radios I have are powerful and have many features, but the manuals are poorly written and the menus can be confusing. The Midlands will be MUCH better on both counts.

This I agree with 1000%. The Btech I have is a pretty feature packed radio that can do a lot, with CHIRP. Otherwise especially for a new user everything in the manual is pretty confusing, and it's supposedly much easier to comprehend than some of the others. I still have yet to find someone make a programming video on the BTech using the OEM software through the keypad beyond just keying in frequencies. Everyone says it's super easy to program and it is, with CHIRP. Otherwise I haven't figured out how to program in the tones for repeaters using the radio on its own. But I do like the radio, it does do a ton of stuff. I'll be curious to see the price on the Midland it would be pretty cool to have a simpler to use GMRS radio. One that you could easily program repeaters through the radio itself would be pretty cool.

 

[Josh00333]

Got ya. They are probably using vhf radios with repeaters like police do.

I get solid 3 mile urban range out of my handheld (not bubble pack but real 5 watt hand held).

more if flat and higher less in valleys hunting etc.

 

[hjdca]

With GMRS, more watts, up to 50, gives some additional push to the signal to blast through the trees and brush. So, that can help a lot. With all that power, at least the guys with the handheld may be able to hear you and you can direct him to a place where you can hear them.

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