Great White Taco build

That's nice. I'm also interested in getting the tent addition. I feel like it would come in handy for dining and hanging out in really bad weather. I also have a idea for a portable truss to bow the awning itself which I understand can fill up with water. Yours sits up much higher than mine does so you can lower a corner pole or even both poles. Some people just use a center pole. I feel like that would just get in the way.

 

Make sure you ask @eccracer104 . He works at AutoAnything

 

Kool! I like discounts! Thanks Brother!

 

@m603holden I want to get a GMRS radio. That Btech one is a little out of my budget at the moment, although I should have gotten it when you told me to. I want to hard mount the antenna on the roof rack or on a ditch light bracket. How tall should it be? like a CB 4-5 feet? or can it be the short stubby one? What about that antenna that you gave me?

 

TRAM 1267R 5 ½” Magnet NMO Mounting with Rubber Boot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E48AGC6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_iT4QEb2FFQE3G

Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna

$25 TRAM 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDTJ2KE/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_cV4QEb4KTC8CD

Probably the cheapest way to do it. They make lip mount brackets for around $45 that you can also put in the rack. I wouldn't go with anything less than that because then they get brittle.

If you end up with a handheld gmrs you'll just need an SMA to so-239 adapter. I can give you a link if you'd like.

 

I need to look at the antenna that you gave me almost a year ago haha. I think you also gave me that lip mount bracket.

 

That antenna might be a bit long. Whether or not it'd mess up a radio, who knows. The little hand helds are pushing 5w haha

 

Also, here's what you're looking at if you don't have a radio. The more expensive one is a legit gmrs radio. The cheaper one is a Chinese no frills radio. That one you'll have to program the channels yourself. It's not hard.

I suggest getting a hand speaker mic. Holding up all that cable from the coax sucks. Just toss the radio in a cup holder and forget about it.

 

Good call on the baofeng. Most of the guys out west run these which makes for great comms. I have ditched my cb because of these.

 

I dont want a handheld one. I want a hard wired one. Was thinking this:

$165 Midland – MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-Micr...H-Q&hsa_cr_id=1091808570601&ref_=sb_s_sparkle

 

@fatfurious2 David, that first one is what I have and what we used that time we took that trip up to Philly for the convoy comms.

I was using this one:

$63 BAOFENG BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAULSOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(Note - when I bought it the price was $62 and some change. Maybe this pandemic is forcing the price hike?)

I used that radio with this mic (below) but the UV-5R Marteeen posted above comes with a that in a kit :

$25 BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series IP54 Rainproof Shoulder Speaker Mic for BaoFeng, BTECH, Kenwood Radios

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z4X3MM6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

David, I have this magnetic surface mount antenna, below (I didn't use it that day) @m603holden . What is your opinion on this and the one below it for these handhelds?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016SIJX28/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$21 Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-24J 16.2" Ultra Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H2HOKI6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

That'd a fine radio too. Midland is getting some competition from BTECH these days for $50 you can go from the 15w midland to the 50w Btech.


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_sms_apa_i_p6bREbNRKQ0DT


15 would be fine for trail coma though.

 

If you look at the antenna it'll say 144/430. Ideally you'd like to find one that say /470.

Gmrs runs on 465ish for frequency. Having an unmatched antenna can cause damage to the radio. With that being said how much damage for it being only slightly off and under 10w in the real world? Who knows. I probably wouldn't lose sleep over it if it's all I had.

 

Tank you Marteeen!

Damn, I went online to one of those "what's the best antenna" radio sites and thought I did all my homework. I read these specs and figured I was ok.

The replacement whip:

• Frequency Range: 136-174MHz, 400-520MHz.
• Optimal Frequency Range: 140-150MHz, 420-450MHz

The mag mount:

• Frequency Range: 136-174MHz, 400-520MHz
• Optimal Frequency Range: 140-170MHz, 420-470MHz

I should also point out, I purchased these antennas for HAM radio use. Are there better options for both HAM and GMRS use? Or should I just buy dedicated GMRS antennas?

 

@RobP62 whats up my dude?!

 

Sup Brother!? You staying socially distant on that Hog?

 

As much as I can! Going to ride with David at some point this weekend.

 

Your first antenna is fine for ham use. That's what it's designed for. The gmrs frequency is just a bit beyond ham frequency.

It won't do the antenna any harm if you use a gmrs radio with it. When the antenna isn't matched it just reflects power back into the radio. Depending on how much power you use and how bad the mismatch will determine the damage. So when it comes to lower power gmrs stuff I don't have a real accurate answer on what the risk is.

 

Thanks for taking a look and the info Marteeen!