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Comms on trails?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by 19taco4x4, Nov 17, 2018.

  1. Nov 17, 2018 at 7:55 PM
    #21
    MadRax

    MadRax Member

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    2m/70cm Kenwood V71 Radio, ARB bumper and side rails, CBI rear bumper, SnugTop HiLiner, WARN winch, Caribou antler rack.
    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.
     
    helix66 and rob1208 like this.
  2. Nov 17, 2018 at 7:58 PM
    #22
    PyroTaco

    PyroTaco Well-Known Member

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    Fat Bob's lift kit, 30's on stock steelies, lunchbox locker in the rear, and a ton of other general mods and additions to help the utility of the truck for my particular uses.
    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
     
  3. Nov 17, 2018 at 7:59 PM
    #23
    Nunya Bizness

    Nunya Bizness A-A-Ron aka Stunny Gunny

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    Better than nothing. If we split up if one is injured at the very least we have an option
     
  4. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:12 PM
    #24
    EWCFred

    EWCFred Well-Known Member

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    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.
    March 7, 2018 Truck Radio Mounting 002.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2018
  5. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:16 PM
    #25
    EWCFred

    EWCFred Well-Known Member

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    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
    February 19, 2018 Truck Radio Mounting 001.jpg
     
  6. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:24 PM
    #26
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Both are fantastic brands. I'd say the deciding line is when you go to digital
     
    helix66[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:27 PM
    #27
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  8. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:38 PM
    #28
    EWCFred

    EWCFred Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    crazysccrmd[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:44 PM
    #29
    phsycle

    phsycle Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  10. Nov 17, 2018 at 8:50 PM
    #30
    rob1208

    rob1208 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Cclogan8 and Realoldfatguy like this.
  11. Nov 17, 2018 at 11:48 PM
    #31
    helix66

    helix66 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Realoldfatguy likes this.
  12. Nov 17, 2018 at 11:51 PM
    #32
    helix66

    helix66 Well-Known Member

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    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?
     
  13. Nov 17, 2018 at 11:53 PM
    #33
    helix66

    helix66 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I'm waaay overdue to do that.
     
    Realoldfatguy and Cudgel[QUOTED] like this.
  14. Nov 18, 2018 at 12:13 PM
    #34
    Cudgel

    Cudgel “Tonka”

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    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!
     
    helix66[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Nov 18, 2018 at 5:45 PM
    #35
    helix66

    helix66 Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2018
  16. Nov 18, 2018 at 9:35 PM
    #36
    mosquitoTaco

    mosquitoTaco Has an attractive member

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    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 :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2018
  17. Nov 18, 2018 at 9:40 PM
    #37
    docbrown

    docbrown Well-Known Member

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  18. Nov 18, 2018 at 9:44 PM
    #38
    tacovagon

    tacovagon Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  19. Nov 18, 2018 at 9:56 PM
    #39
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    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
     
    rob1208 likes this.
  20. Nov 19, 2018 at 7:35 AM
    #40
    Cudgel

    Cudgel “Tonka”

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    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!
     
    m603holden likes this.

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