Trail Comms

What are most people running for trail comms in the SoCal area?

 

Running both VHF and CB in my truck.

 

VHF/UHF (HAM) is the preferred method now, much more clear and you can pick up a cheap handheld for $30-50, no install needed. Also commonly referred to as "race radios" since most of the desert racers use them.

 

'Race Radios' are VHF, but they are not on the 'HAM' frequency bands. VHF 'HAM" frequencies are 144Mhz to 148Mhz, while the VHF 'Race Radios' are in the 151Mhz range. These two types of radios are not interchangeable.

 

Yes the actual ham freqs for 2meter are in that range, I was referring to radios like the UV5R (multi-band) handheld so you can catch all the freqs in one setup.

 

any real benefit to HAM over say GMRS when just using the radio for off-roading?

 

Yes, but again, its all on the operator. If you get stuck on a trail out of cell range, you could use APRS to text/email for help, etc.

But just for yaking on the radio between two LOS trucks...not particularly.

HAM has a cheaper license fee, and has far better overall support/capabilities if you're trying to be strictly by the book legal.

 

Ham is great for long distance via repeaters. I mean Loooong distance like 100s of miles or more, ham vehicle to vehicle is nice to w/o repeaters. But not everyone has one. I usually bring several FRS? Radios with me in case we don’t all have CB ham or whatever.

 

Is there a particular HAM radio unit you would recommend for a beginner. I would prefer to have a dedicated mobile unit as opposed to a handheld. I also don’t need complete top of the line, but am of the “buy once, cry once” philosophy.

 

Well I was gonna recoomend Yesu, but looks liek they revamped their product line. If you can find a used FT7900, that would be my go to.

However, a good alternative is the two below. For just rocking trail comms, the 281 is more simplistic and easy to use. The V71 gives you more features in a still easy to use package, but has the advantage of being dual band so you can talk on 2m (most common freq band) as well as 70cm. It also gives you ability to dual monitor, so you could talk to your trail buddies on one "side" and then listen to the local repeater, etc on the other side. Not sure how practical it would prove to be for you, but I love dual monitor for helping at offroad races. That way I can hear/talk to race control at all times on one side and then talk to the broke/stuck race truck, chase crew, buddies while on down time on the other side.

 

I'm a big GMRS fan. It's a lot easier to get others on board with it too since no test is required. You still need a license through the FCC but it's only $70 and good for 10 years. This is my setup below. It's nice that all the controls are in the mic so I can put it away when I'm not wheeling.

GMRS also has repeaters to hit long distances if you really want to.

https://midlandusa.com/what-are-repeater-channels/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKttdPBAkPB/

 

HAM (VHF/UHF) FRS, GMRS

 

I recommend an Icom 2730a. VHF/UHF. Can be be modded to do FRS and GMRS also (not that I suggest breaking off the two diodes )

 

HAM + Iridium SATCOM!