GMRS Radio Variables

[CrazyCooter]

Funny you should say that. I recently went to a jeep jamboree. Had the radio turned on but the volume was turned all the way down.

Not disrespecting you or anyone else who aren't radio junkies, but it's been frustrating at time trying to get everyone in the group on the same freq, PL tone, radio on, equipment working, antenna installed.......etc.

I haven't done much traveling in the Jeep with other Ham or GMRS users, but in the UTV's....once everyone made the investment.....It was pure magic and efficiency being able to call out turns and ride out of the dust without losing anyone!

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[cranbiz]

I don't bother with PL tone for a trail ride. We pick a channel and if it's busy, pick a different one. There are enough GMRS/FRS frequencies available that you should be able to find one even if it's a 2W channel.

Besides trying to program one of my mobiles for a PL tone on the fly is not something I ever want to do and then try keypad programming a Baofeng VX5.

 

[wachuko]

What is your real intendand purpose. If its close by trail comms the MTX 15 watt radio is ideal with the ghost style antenna. Battery is never dead and the mic is on a cord. I run them in all my vehicles. When out of the jeep I use my T600 hand held.

Apologies to the OP for the hi-jack... That is the setup that I have... Have not installed it back in my new Gladiator...

I have the MXTA26 6dB whip antenna, the MXTA25 3dB Ghost antenna and the MXT275 GMRS 15-Watt radio.

Now that I have the opportunity to make any changes:

1. Where is the best place to install the NMO antenna mount? - in my previous Gladiator, it was mounted on the side of the hood... but only because it looked cool... this time I would like the feedback of those that know more about this, as to where to do the install this time around.

2. I will follow the suggestion on the cable and use something better than what I had before (left the cable in my previous Gladiator when I traded it in)

Thank you in advanced

 

[sarguy1941]

Depends on use. I run my ghost on side of hood. Never had an issue in my JT or JK with trail comms. On my JK I do have a second UHF radio with a 1/4 wave antenna. Its on a bracket on the rear.

 

[HorsesRear]

Not disrespecting you or anyone else who aren't radio junkies, but it's been frustrating at time trying to get everyone in the group on the same freq, PL tone, radio on, equipment working, antenna installed.......etc.

I haven't done much traveling in the Jeep with other Ham or GMRS users, but in the UTV's....once everyone made the investment.....It was pure magic and efficiency being able to call out turns and ride out of the dust without losing anyone!

I am very happy for you.

 

[wachuko]

Depends on use. I run my ghost on side of hood. Never had an issue in my JT or JK with trail comms. On my JK I do have a second UHF radio with a 1/4 wave antenna. Its on a bracket on the rear.

So this location is fine?

 

[sarguy1941]

Mine is further forward on the other screw. I'd move it up there if that's the plan. If your trying to talk 50 miles to repeaters and simplex then that won't work well. But for talking to a jeep in front of behind you that's fine.

 

[wachuko]

Mine is further forward on the other screw. I'd move it up there if that's the plan. If your trying to talk 50 miles to repeaters and simplex then that won't work well. But for talking to a jeep in front of behind you that's fine.

That was the question... since I do not have a base... and I can install anywhere... what would be a good location that would work in both situations? Is that possible?

Thank you for your help/guidance.

Just in case... I plan on installing a half-roof rack... if that would be a better place for the install.

 

[sarguy1941]

Sure others can comment but a jeep isn't the vehicle to get great comms with. Unless you want an antenna dead center of your hood you won't find the optimal location. Lots of posts on this forum of ideas. Adding aluminum tape under those plastic pieces or the cowl will help. A lip mount on the side back of the hood is a good compromise. Do some searching here and you'll find lots of good info.

 

[ABQJeep1848]

What is your real intendand purpose. If its close by trail comms the MTX 15 watt radio is ideal with the ghost style antenna. Battery is never dead and the mic is on a cord. I run them in all my vehicles. When out of the jeep I use my T600 hand held.

I think my intended purpose is to setup the best for wheeling, overlanding, and long distance without having to become pros like many of the gang is here. I love learning from this group. I know I’m not going to be off grid in the middle of red dawn. Mostly I’ll be mid group in a Jeep Jam…. But I’d love to ronco this thing, set it and forget it!

 

[cranbiz]

My antenna is mounted to the bed on the drivers side.

 

[Radio Guy]

Apologies to the OP for the hi-jack... That is the setup that I have... Have not installed it back in my new Gladiator...

I have the MXTA26 6dB whip antenna, the MXTA25 3dB Ghost antenna and the MXT275 GMRS 15-Watt radio.

Now that I have the opportunity to make any changes:

1. Where is the best place to install the NMO antenna mount? - in my previous Gladiator, it was mounted on the side of the hood... but only because it looked cool... this time I would like the feedback of those that know more about this, as to where to do the install this time around.

2. I will follow the suggestion on the cable and use something better than what I had before (left the cable in my previous Gladiator when I traded it in)

Thank you in advanced

Top of hood using a trunk lip mount is the best place I’ve found. The side of hood mounts don’t provide a good ground plane and put the antenna base about 6” below hood level like my response to a post below. GMRS is UHF and mostly line of sight, what can the antenna below see?

 

[Radio Guy]

So this location is fine?

No.

 

[wachuko]

Top of hood using a trunk lip mount is the best place I’ve found. The side of hood mounts don’t provide a good ground plane and put the antenna base about 6” below hood level like my response to a post below. GMRS is UHF and mostly line of sight, what can the antenna below see?

Thank you. I will do the same. Ordering the mount today.

 

[Radio Guy]

Thank you. I will do the same. Ordering the mount today.

I used a Laird TM8B mount which is black and very good quality, they can sometimes show up on eBay new in the $20 range. Someone complained in the past about another brand that may not have worked out.

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