Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

I would go NMO mount VHA 5/8 wave antenna, you can still talk on MURS without a lic. you can also order food in the drive through in certain places if you know the PL tone lol

 

Just for added info, not sure if you're familiar with this radio, but for a short amount of money more you can go from 15w to 50w.


I'd run an MXTA11a antenna.

 

Both of those antennas I am looking at are 5/8 NMO antennas. What do you mean by VHA?

 

What radio are you referring to? I was decided on the Midland one because that’s what everyone I wheel with is getting

 

Whoops sorry.

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_other_apa_i_xzVXEb9ENSD4X

 

Seems like there are some varying reviews on that and it seems like they don't have the best quality control. I'm thinking that if I wanted more power, I would get the 40W radio from Midland and be happy.

 

Up to you. They're all going to to have reviews with issues. But that's what warrantees are for if you get a dud. Happens to all mfgs. Including midland which is littered with questionable reviews as well.

If you wanted a sure shot, you'd most likely have to go Motorola, and that's just going to be a ridiculous price.

Midland had a monopoly on this market of casual gmrs users for awhile. I personally wouldn't spend $60 more for a radio that has 10w less.


With that being said, if you only need 15w then the Midland could save you money and also be a great choice. Just giving you options.

 

I gotcha, still have a lot of research to do to find the best solution for me and my dollars.

 

Got my call sign on Monday! KN6IWB. I have a Yaesu FT3D that I am learning quickly on. Last step is installing my antenna and cables to the truck with a Mirage amp to create a "mobile" station with my HT. Buying more than one radio just wasn't in the wallet yet.

 

Congrats!

 

Congratulations! Have fun?

 

Little info to keep you out of trouble https://hotarc.org/files/gmrs-frs/ big brother does watch that band.

 

Thanks for sharing that information

 

I will add this also you legally can not use a ham radio on the GMRS bands or a GMRS on the ham bands nether radio is type accepted for use in those freqs. Yes they will work with a little tweaking but it is illegal to do so. The FCC used to enforce the rules not so much any more what gets people in trouble is being idiots on the radio, profanity, excessive power and interference. Hams police there own frequencies and will report bad behavior or interference to the feds and often assist the FCC in tracking down the sourse. GMRS is just above the ham UHF freq range so over modulation etc. will interfere with the ham bands.

 

I have the same radio.

 

Oh yes, I’m aware

 

The mount is meant for my phone but works for now until I get the correct size. I have a Diamond HR770HAB mounted to my TV bed stiffener. Pretty happy with it all.

 

There are also ram mounts designed to work with the belt clip, might be a good option to keep the ptt and other side buttons accessible

 

Been perusing TW for almost 2 years now, since buying my Tacoma. My second 4X4 was a (new) '83 SR5- 22R 5 speed. That was a really fun truck. Looking forward to more with the Tacoma. Got my Tech license last month remotely through Anchorage. It's been a long time coming. Going to be installing an FTM-400XDR soon. Have really enjoyed this site and looking forward to more.

 

I blame you, @m603holden .