Best Radio for Talking with Others in ORV Areas

[DocMike]

Toyotas.....another one rolled...

Who punctures a fuel tank on Imogene? ?‍

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[PsyRN]

I’ve got both my HAM and GMRS licenses and will probably go with a mobile GMRS unit. Just seems to be more accessible for others than trying to get a HAM license, and GMRS works with folks with FRS units. I also have a UV-5R for trips where HAM is used. Also the GMRS license covers the whole family, unlike HAM.

I just learned about GMRS repeaters that will help with range. My Gmrs.com is a good site to see what’s in your area.

 

[The Crusader]

I have a Midland MXT275. Its broad range is surpassed only by its dependability under various circumstances. Additionally, it contains 142 privacy codes that may be used to silence conversations and ensure that nobody else is listening. Additionally, it successfully blocks busy channels.

I'm still researching and somebody correct me if I'm wrong. I think the privacy codes only block out other people's transmissions. Other people can still hear you unless they are using a different privacy code. The name "privacy code" is kind of misleading. Also, I have heard that different manufacturers of radios have different privacy codes and may or may not be compatible with other manufacturers.

I'm looking at Midland for simplicity and on microphone controls. An extension cable could put your GMRS use in your tent. The mic is on a cat 6 cable and long extensions are cheap. The midlands have speakers on the mic and on the base unit. You can enable or disable either or even plug in an external speaker. I'm comparing GMRS handhelds to FRS handhelds also. I'd like radios that are USB rechargeable so I can charge them on the road.

I think the handheld GMRS do not require a license because they are limited to 2W transmission, but they work great with vehicle mounted GMRS and you can get 4-5 miles range in most terrain.

Correct me if I'm wrong, anybody. My skin is thick and I want the truth.

 

[Sank]

Yeah, sounds nearly right to me!

Privacy code doesn't give privacy. It only allows more usage of less frequencies. So people don't hear each other. You can Google the term "tone squelch" or "code squelch". I've heard there is some incompatibility between brands like you say, but I've never experienced it. Somebody else can chime in. If you turn off the privacy thing (just uses a power threshold to determine when to open the squelch), then you hear everybody! Woohoo

For GMRS vs unlicensed, Some channels are 2 W, some are half Watt...
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/newsletters/gmrs-radio-frequencies-and-channels

So you need an FRS radio to operate unlicensed on those frequencies at the lower power levels. Radio needs to be Type approved for the service you're operating under.

As far as I know! There are some bigger radio nerds on here!

 

[kg4wsv]

Yeah, sounds nearly right to me!

Privacy code doesn't give privacy. It only allows more usage of less frequencies. So people don't hear each other. You can Google the term "tone squelch" or "code squelch". I've heard there is some incompatibility between brands like you say, but I've never experienced it. Somebody else can chime in. If you turn off the privacy thing (just uses a power threshold to determine when to open the squelch), then you hear everybody! Woohoo

For GMRS vs unlicensed, Some channels are 2 W, some are half Watt...
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/newsletters/gmrs-radio-frequencies-and-channels

So you need an FRS radio to operate unlicensed on those frequencies at the lower power levels. Radio needs to be Type approved for the service you're operating under.

As far as I know! There are some bigger radio nerds on here!

Yeah, you've pretty much nailed it. PL "Privacy Line" was originally invented by Motorola and that's their brand name for the tone coded squelch, or the subaudible analog tone that has to be present that works as sort of a second squelch.

Even though there are a bunch of PL or DTCS (a digital version of PL) codes, there's still only so many channels. Since this is all going over FM, there's a thing called the FM capture effect where a receiver will only hear the strongest signal, so a third party on the same channel with a different PL/DTCS code may overpower a station you're trying to hear if they're closer/stronger.

kg4wsv

 

[The Crusader]

Where are the aux switch connections under the hood for the diesels?

I'm considering mounting the base unit behind the passenger back seat on the wall and wire in an outlet for charging handheld radios. It's lockable and makes it easier to not roll up the antenna cable.

How long of a CAT6 extension cable can I use with the mic? Use extension in tent?

 

[The Crusader]

Is it worth it to get the 50W Midland over the 15W? The difference is $235. I don't plan on being MR remote explorer. I'll most likely just talk to others on the trails, camping with FRS to Jeep, and car to car when caravanning. I guess I just answered my question.

 

[bd100]

How long of a CAT6 extension cable can I use with the mic? Use extension in tent?

An extension to the tent would probably work great. Nice idea.

 

[bd100]

Is it worth it to get the 50W Midland over the 15W? The difference is $235. I don't plan on being MR remote explorer. I'll most likely just talk to others on the trails, camping with FRS to Jeep, and car to car when caravanning. I guess I just answered my question.

15W plus a good antenna is better than 50W with a bad or poorly placed antenna. And the 15W unit is smaller and easier to tuck away in the dash. Many groups do fine with handhelds with 2W and small fixed antennas. You'll be fine with 15W and a 6" antenna with some ground plane.

 

[Rusty PW]

Where are the aux switch connections under the hood for the diesels?

I'm considering mounting the base unit behind the passenger back seat on the wall and wire in an outlet for charging handheld radios. It's lockable and makes it easier to not roll up the antenna cable.

How long of a CAT6 extension cable can I use with the mic? Use extension in tent?

The wires are between the battery and fender. They are taped up. Use a flash light. You should be able to see them.

 

[bd100]

... and under the dash the aux wires were above the passenger's left foot, not near the door.

 

[CJohnson2000]

For ORV parks, a reliable handheld radio is key for staying in touch. I’ve used a motorola radio from Radio Warehouse on a few off-road trips, and it worked great for communicating with other riders and getting help when needed. It’s solid for both short chats and emergency situations. We used it on a weekend trip, and it was perfect for checking in with friends and asking for directions when we got a bit off track. For your Gladiator trips, having a good UHF radio will definitely keep you connected and make the adventures more fun!

 

[snowbear]

Zombie thread.

It's not a "local area" thing; radio licenses are issued by the Feds (FCC). I think the GMRS license fee dropped to $35 a couple years ago, and it's good for 10 years.

 

[Radio Guy]

Not a “Sad Ham.” Acquired my Tech in July 2020. Was waiting for the GMRS license to drop to $35. Ham and GMRS are for $hit hits the fan situation. I remember getting my CB license for $5, when I was 14 in 1974.

You mean you had your dad get you a CB license, in 1974 you had to certify that you were at least 18yrs old to apply for a CB license. I had to wait until 1975 when I was 18.

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