Exactly. Forget the handheld in the vehicle. I use the Midland MXT-275 with a Midland MXTA26 antenna. Good range, clear transmissions. You could even use the magnet antenna that comes with the radio and be better off than a handheld. If you go with the stock antenna, the radio is completely portable because it plugs into the cigarette lighter for power. No need to hard wire anything.
To give units to your family all members must have a ham license.How do these compare with MURS or HAM radios? I want them for family communications in an emergency situation. I'm leaning toward a HAM radio such as the BTECH DMR-6X2 (DMR and Analog) VHF and UHF. I want a handheld unit so I'm not tied to the JT. I would give simpler HAM radios to my family with chargers and instructions, perhaps the Mengshen Baofeng or similar.
I'm just starting the learning process and want maximum range. Your advice would be appreciated!
MURS is limited to 2 watts and 5 channels.
Did you mount the antenna? If so where? pic?
Yep. Used a Diamond K400SNMO lip mount. Ran the cable through the firewall and under the dash to the front passenger floorboard. Then came up through the carpet under the front passenger seat to my ham radio which is mounted to the bottom of the seat. My ham radio stays mounted in the Jeep at all times. When I need a GMRS or CB radio, I disconnect the antenna cable from the ham radio and plug it. My GMRS and CB radio use the 12v plug for power. My ham is permanently hard wired. I use the GMRS and CB infrequently, so don't mind them laying unsecured in the passenger seat or center console. The antenna works well. I get a 1.2-1.5 SWR on my ham, 1.2-1.4 on the CB and 1.1-1.3 on the GMRS.
Are you using the same antenna for all three?
Nope. Have a different antenna for each radio. Only takes 5 minutes to switch the antenna cable and antenna for whatever radio I want to use. All fit on the same mount.
I guess I didn't ask the right question in the beginning, same coax or wiring for the antenna.
Yep.
