Switching from CB to GMRS/FRS

Well, I've had a CB for a few years now and quite honestly never even seriously used it. Been to Moab twice and no one (in my group) used CB, but instead used the little handheld GMRS/FRS radios.

So...before I switch as opposed to ditch cab mounted radios all together. What is the consensus with something like the Midland MXT400 40 Watt GMRS radio? Or would you stick with the cheaper handheld ones?

 

Bump. Im no help but i do have one of these.


Im just starting to learn how all this stuff works so if you could explain how it all works together that would be great.

 

I've always used a handheld FRS/GMRS radio. Mine are midlands.

I don't usually go in large groups, so I have a spare that someone else can always use. That's always been enough.

Comms are always about going with what the group(s) you run with mostly have. Ham is cool I guess, but a little "techy" for my taste.

Handhelds (of any type) are great for when you have to exit the vehicle and spot someone, etc... Rather than yell at them, just use the radio. Doesn't work all the time, but you can put that in the "pro" column.

I've just learned, actually, I've been operating on GMRS channels without a license. Channels 1-7 and 15-42 are GMRS are require FCC licensing. The other channels are lower power FRS...

Guess I should switch mine before I get thrown in the pokey, lol

 

How is the voice/sound quality of the handhelds? Are they loud enough to be heard in the cab while driving?

I like that larger handheld in the photo...

I’d like the cab mounted midland because of the power that it has. It’s pricy though.

 

B-tech. More punch, less $. Gmrs

 

@Shellshock

I have a radio from http://battlebornoffroad.net
It’s exactly what I needed for 60$

 

$180 vs the $280 midland equivalent. And has 10 more watts to boot


BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 50 Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99MHz (VHF) 400-520.99MHz (UHF))

BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 50 Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99MHz (VHF) 400-520.99MHz (UHF))

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RDM9LMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8HGjDbYFH3YCR

 

Most people are going to HAM (VHF/UHF). Theres honestly not really any good reason to run CB or GMRS / FRS these days (aside from FRS / CB don't require a license). You can get a handheld for < $50 and you'll have much better voice quality, range and battery life.

 

Honestly, unless you typically separate from your group, the power of a handheld GMRS/FRS is more than enough. I was using my midlands in Yellowstone with my friend and his family, we would get separated due to bison/bear related traffic jams and still could easily communicate. Never had an issue while wheeling. As far as battery life, I had my handhelds running for 3 days straight on a motorcycle/camping trip (basecamp and running bikes for day trips) and the battery meter barely moved (didn't have to charge them at all). That said, on one wheeling trip, my friend's daughter was reading my son (over the radio) joke books, and the battery died within an hour, lol...

Just run with whatever your "normal" group runs with. Given that I don't have trouble with power or range of my FRS/GMRS handleds, I doubt you'll have an issue with any UHF handheld. Lots of people have one of each, maybe a cab mounted CB (because those are so cheap), then a UHF and FRS/GMRS handheld. Just pull out whatever the group that day is using.

 

I think it should be loud enough. I dont understand how to program it so i havent done much with it but i have been able to pick up the NOAA channel.

 

Won't be able to buy ham gear that can transmit outside of ham bands much longer. Finally passed a bill saying they're now illigal to sell. At first it was only to import.

The new ones will most likely only be under the BTECH brand and be FCC certified for the ham bands only. Meaning you'll need a license to operate them legally.

The Btech gmrs handhelds can also have a mag mount antenna attached to it which a big Improvement be ause a handheld inside a vehicle is hindered by all the sheet metal, and this method is cheaper.

 

you have a link for that?

 

For which part?

 

The new bill being passed restricting sales.

 

It's common knowledge that they're phasing out the old baofengs for the new ones because they can transmit on bands not permitted by the FCC. They'll fix that and the new ones will only be able to TX on ham bands. Which means people won't be able to tune them to the GMrS bands and talk to people on the bubble pack walkie talkies anymore.


The more recent article is buried in my social media feed somewhere. I'll try to find it if I can.

 

Reviving my old thread here. Due to being at home for weeks on end, I’ve been researching all the gadgets and other crap I want to no end.

I think I’ll do the Btech 50X1. I picked up one of their GMRS V1 handheld radios for Moab last October and loved it.

I’d like a high power cab mounted unit. Probably don’t NEED it but you can’t argue with the cool factor.

A few weeks ago my kids 6 and 4 discovered their cheap Minon walkie talkies and had a blast, but soon lost one at a park. Turns out they were FRS channel 8 so I could use mine.

So I found a screaming deal on some Midland T71VP3. $49 at Staples no less. Yes the office supply store. They’re usually $79. Now we have 3 to play with.

 

Hello. I have A midland MXT 115. Where are the best locations for antenna or 3rd party mounting bracket?

 

For my CB, I used a CBI antenna mount. It bolts to the finder up by the A pillar. Some people use a mag antenna on the roof. The roof offers a really good ground plane. Personally I’d look at the CBI mount or similar. Midland has some really good antennas available too.

 

Well my boss just unloaded 6 midland gmrs radios on me so i guess im gonna be using gmrs now haha

 

I'm looking into getting some FRS radios right now and came across both of the ones you mentioned. If you had to choose between the BTech 50X1 and the Midland GMRS V1 which would you go with? Does one seem to be more powerful than the other, or have a better battery life? It seems like the Baofeng has more features, but the Midland is easier to use and less bulky to keep in the cab. I can't see in the descriptions or pictures how the midlands charge. Do they have to be plugged into their station, or can you just plug one in at a time with a USB cable? Sorry for the barrage of questions but I'm new to the comms stuff, and a lot of these radios seem to be very similar.