Offroad comms

[bd100]

Went on a trip to Moab and Ouray. Got the license and brought a GMRS mobile radio, and a Garmin Inreach satellite text messager. Not with a group, so we never used the GMRS. I did get to use the Inreach once when out on the trail by myself to let my family know I was done and returning. That worked fine and it was nice to be able to do.

Not much GMRS traffic, and it was mostly people in groups. Not much repeater use in either area, as there is not much coverage. I did ping a repeater from the top of Red Mountain pass but nobody responded.

I never heard a call sign being used.

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[Fpolanco]

I could be mistaken but if you’re not in a group, not much chatter on GMRS.

May want to look into a HAM radio...

 

[jeepers29]

I could be mistaken but if you’re not in a group, not much chatter on GMRS.

May want to look into a HAM radio...

That's why I like the gmrs set up.

 

[Fpolanco]

That's why I like the gmrs set up.

Same here. May get some interference from other groups in the area on the same channel but pretty quiet otherwise.

 

[jeepers29]

Same here. May get some interference from other groups in the area on the same channel but pretty quiet otherwise.

Yep, but you can change the channel and the sound clarity vs a cb is night and day difference.

 

[DavidBT]

I haven't used cb since I was truck driver some 12 years ago, and then when you were near a big city you had to deal with all the idiots with linears. We've been using gmrs HT's when traveling with another vehicle and I much prefer gmrs. I just installed a mxt275 in my TJR and will eventually install one in my Gladiator.

 

[Sandevino]

Most of my friends and I are licensed HAM’s and use handheld or vehicle mounted 2m / 70cm simplex communications. Repeaters aren't usually used as we’re all pretty close together.

GMRS is a popular but a bit hit or miss but good for close communication.

 

[bd100]

Some of the guys on the trails in their side-by-sides with headsets and boom mikes looked like mobile commando units. But few seemed to carry any kinds of emergency supplies, jackets, etc.

The satellite comms were really nice. It does take a few minutes for the text message to go through, but when you are alone in the middle of nowhere it was great to let people know you were fine, and you could be called back if there were a problem back at base.

 

[sarguy1941]

I ran basically the same this summer when we were in MOAB. I run the inReach and the Garmin Overlander. Was a little nicer to see messages on the Overlander. Also heard basically no one on GMRS. Heard one group pretty far away but too much static to understand. Did hear some guys on CB in town. To me the InReach is the best item to buy for your jeep. The safety plan is pretty cheap and I use it for work and play.

 

[bd100]

Maybe obvious once you think about it, but NOAA WX transmissions are not to be found in some of the same places you cannot get a cell signal. Satellite weather report to the rescue! We actually used it once from the trailer while camping overnight on Navaho land (huge!) in the back lot behind a fast food place. Interesting experience. A small cluster of RVs and big rigs with nowhere else to go. Cell was "emergency calls only".

 

[MajorUrsus]

I have found that people RARELY (If ever) use their call sign when using GMRS on the trail. Technically you're supposed to announce initially, every 15 minutes during transmissions, and sign off when you're done. I've also found that many people do NOT even have the license.

I have ham and GMRS, so I do try to announce accordingly.

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