Comms on trails?

I also use a 2m/70cm Kenwood dual-channel Ham radio. The license is easy to get, and my crew has had vastly better luck with them than we did with CB. We'd frequently be reaching each other clearly from miles apart using roof or bumper mounted ~3ft antennas.

Having handhelds as well makes it better if you're in technical terrain and someone is acting as ground guide. Instructions over the radio, even from close by, are a lot clearer then when shouted over engine and wheel noise.

 

40 miles out of that gmrs radio is some really lofty expectations. Perhaps line of sight on a super clear day without a single obstruction in sight. Those numbers are lab produced and highly theoretical at best.

Stick with a ham radio. Just get your license first.

-PyroTaco

 

Better than nothing. If we split up if one is injured at the very least we have an option

 

Ham and CB, 3rd generation, Tacoma, interior and exterior photos. Full thread is "Installing amateur and CB radios in a 2016 Tacoma"
Its tight, but you can make both fit. Everything is shielded,and kept as far away from the truck electronics as possible. RF Chokes everywhere.
Interior photo; the ugly black tape has been replaced with black plastic cable clips. This was temporary; had to find an adhesive that would hold on the dash plastic. Black silicon rubber on back of small black plastic cable clips, give it 24 hours to dry before running cable through the clips.

 

Second Photo; many use Firestick antennas, but this is less damage prone if you are inclined to hit things with the antenna.
Amateur VHF/UHF Antenna is on your left below, CB is on the right

 

Both are fantastic brands. I'd say the deciding line is when you go to digital

 

Just keep in mind that mounting antennas on hood hinge brackets and broadcasting at high power makes for RF exposure way over the recommended limits. Transmitting at 15 watts on the 2m band and 10 watts on 70cm exceeds the limits with my antenna.

 

Thank you, keep my power at medium at most. And aware of RF Exposure limits; in the thread you will find an RF Exposure tool, and the limits for various powers at various distances.
Am also aware that many run linear amps on CB. I never run a linear on any frequency, see the examples at the end of the thread.

 

Not a lot of people here have Ham radios. And since we’re talking trail com, not emergency, I’d also say CB would be the way to go. Easy to set people up with handhelds (no license needed) and most people have one. This obviously depends on what your group runs.

I’ve thought about getting a Ham. It would be cool, but to me, it’d be a novelty thing that would get used a couple of times every other year, if that. Just not worth the cost/hassle for me.

 

I mounted a cb in my taco initially but I’d say 99% of the guys here in the bay / Northern California use ham. Super easy and relatively cheap to get your license. Signal goes further and sounds better than cb.

 

The hand held Baofengs are as low as $20.
And as a ditch bag radio a HAM would be a way better choice than grms/frs.

 

Looks like that CB has the ability to scan too.
I was thinking of getting hand held scanner, do you know any good ones to look into?

 

Yeah I'm waaay overdue to do that.

 

I have pretty much been a Uniden fan from the start. Not so much from research and reviews, but from good luck and having become familiar with their features and such.

Hand helds in vehicles are tricky...antenna is key to scanners...my mounted mobile unit has a good one. My hand held is the 436HP and I've been satisfied with it...it does not charge while in use...but you can use it on the charger exclusively. If you are new to scanners you do want to spend too much time getting used to the nuances, channels, trunks, digital, features, favorites and the software that supports it all...somewhat "kluged" in the age of Google, but when you understand the underlying technology you both accept if not appreciate how amazing they are. Check out radioreference.com and other sites for real experts to ask. Enjoy the airwaves!

 

I was looking for a hand held scanner so that I could use it camping, driving or at home.
With all the fires and potential for disaster I'd rather hear that kind of chatter than the reverse 911 or agencies tweeting about stuff...which I don't subscribe to.


Wow, I had no idea that they were that expensive....just looked at that 436hp

 

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwj0kMm13d_eAhUxmuAKHYvoDZwQgTYI1QE
Just an example of one model that does. There are a few different ones that do but I am strapped for time to sue a thorough search atm. If I can find the original one I was going to get I'll send you a model number since it was much more reasonably priced with really good reviews

And just to throw this out there a lot of the ones you have to make them do cb, and ham channels which is considered illegal and not advised

 

Have used these,

https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MS3..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=N5G1H4HQEMMSN1NPYXT6

But a CB is probably a better low cost solution. Ham radio is not a bad option if you need more range.

 

I noticed that you are in SoCal. OC is totally encrypted( fire and LE) so you won't hear much there. SB and Riv are also moving to encrypted. LA, SD and Imp can be heard for now. Scanners are becoming less useful as time goes by.

 

License $15
Radio (HT) $26
Roof mag antena for HT $25

$66.

Jump up to a $65 handheld radio and you're already double the power of CB ( not factoring in SSB for trail comms )

Edit :Not directed at you. Just a general comment for anyone currious on cost who's looking for information on the topic

 

AWESOME rig. Time for a panel removal tool and one small wire chase hole in the OEM Head End shroud ;-)...well ok, it wouldn't be ham without some duct tape and you did color match...I actually love it!