Comms Suggestions

I have been contemplating upgrading my communications ability for when I am in the NMW (and other off-grid areas in Maine). I currently have a couple of usable FRS walkie talkies. They have been adequate for close vehicle-to-vehicle comms and for person-to-person while hunting/hiking.

I "think" my needs are:

1. same as above, comms with people in my immediate group.
2. Comms with people I might meet up with in the back country. If we don't have the same radios, can we still talk?
3. Ability to communicate at a further range than FRS. Nothing dramatic, but longer is better, right?
4. Still want flexibility of handheld for out-of-vehicle use.
5. Don't think I want to get into much programming. Radios should be usable as purchased.
6. Possible emergency comms.
7. I don't want to go the HAM route.
8. USB charging would be a plus.

So, FRS, GMRS, or MURS? From what I have read they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. What are your experiences? Do you have any recommendations for make and model? I have read a few reviews of radios, and watched a few videos. I trust and respect what my fellow TWers think more than some of these other reviews. I really appreciate and real-world advice you can give me!

(Cross-posted from Maine thread)

 

That's a shame, would love to help you get a radio and a tech license, have a ton of bands to choose from, figure out your repeaters, look at a whole world of equipment, meet a bunch of radio guys and girls, maybe even get into a new hobby..

good luck with your Comms then.

 

I profess to know nothing about radios or how they work, I just talk into the mic and it comes out the other one. However, I have used two different setups over the past couple months. I started out with some cheapo Midland handheld FRS/GMRS walkie talkies from walmart, with one in my taco and the other in my friends 4runner.

However, after talking to a bunch of people on our trips, we decided to go the CB route. I bought a used Cobra 19 Ultra III and a magnetic antenna for my roof for super cheap. I don't have it permanently mounted in my cab, but I velcro it to the passenger side of the center console. This and the magnetic antenna make it a 5 minute setup. I recently bought a firestick antenna with the intention of permanently mounting it, but I haven't got around to it yet.

In all though, having whatever the guys you are rolling with is the most important thing. We took my brother and his truck out, and I had a CB and walkie talkie and was the middle man since he doesn't have CB, and it was a pain in the ass.

Just my two cents from an 18 year old college kid who professes to know nothing.

 

If you have no license (ham gear) the only worth while one is GMRS you will still need a license but no test. FMRS is light weight and basically worthless. There are GMRS portables available but not a real good repeater coverage you are stuck with UHF band simplex. If you want to reliably communicate at any distance you'll need a ham license and a VHF radio in the pucker brush.

 

You still accepting applications?

 

Come post in here, we’ll get you sorted;
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amateur-ham-radio-bs-and-callsign-thread.260643/

 

You gotta do the research man, I got schooled last week by a peer on wave lengths and making your own antennas to make comm better. Mind blown and has me wanted to know more and get smarter in comms.

 

Definitely doing the research, part of which is asking here

 

I just went through this, and after doing several weeks of “research” (here on TW, the youtubes, other forums, and talking to other explorers), I went with GMRS.
The reasoning I got was this (and I am paraphrasing a bit): “GMRS can maintain communication at long distances between users. If you’re alone in such a remote place that a repeater can’t get your signal, you should probably be equipped with satellite messaging/SOS…” and went on to explain a dozen situations where a situation that one might not want to admit was an “emergency” can escalate into one where a satellite SOS would be necessary.
GMRS options fit almost all of your criteria, just not sure about USB charging. I went with a

$161 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

Midland MXT275, which is 12v powered, but I know they have handheld options available. I almost bought from Rugged Radios, but glad I didn’t. FWIW, I also carry a Rocky Talky for solo FRS and Motorola 800 series walkies for spotting/camp comms.
I got my GMRS license within 24 hours of applying for it, the process is a little tedious, but can all be done online.

 

Thanks for the info. I do have a Zoleo unit for emergency situations. It works well and I recommend it. SOS and Texting functions.

 

3 choices:

“Family” - Kids walkie talkies aka GMRS - Range 1/2 mile
CB - Range 3 miles
Entry level Ham - Range 45 miles or more.

Everything else printed on the boxes is theoretical maximum ranges over line of site when the sun is extinguished. Aka total bull.

 

Ya, that seems to be the common theme in response to the advertised specs of radios. Thanks!

 

I am the repeater tech for Mt Washington Valley radio club (W1MWV) from my window I look at Mt Washington it is 29 air miles away I can easily use a hand held in my living room it is a VHF repeater on top of the Mt. Latterly within feet is our UHF repeater yes I can use it but it is marginal. That is the way it is so even a GMRS repeater is going to have trouble in the woods. A tech class license just involves a little knowledge and study but it is the first step in a life time of fun. Generally clubs will do classes when they get a couple of interested people. I'm in south western Maine our club is based in Conway NH Let me know where your town is and I'll try and find you a near by club if nothing else maybe just sit in on a club meeting every one else there was in the dark when they started.

 

The ham tech license takes four good nights of study in order to pass. It really opens up the airwaves.

I have all 3. Only use ham. Only

 

For me, I'd go gmrs and cb just for the convenience. Gmrs has fantastic distance and clarity and you can use repeaters just like HAM. But eventually I'll be getting going HAM so I can have all three. Better to be safe than sorry when we're out in the middle of nowhere

 

+ with Ham you get to have a whole bunch of cool stuff to bolt on an in your taco!

Head on above console + Mic.

Transponder, remote batter hookup and charger for continuous use:

Array:

 

Is that a fucking Nintendo Switch!?

 

Seriously though, @Cudgel dets on that set up?

 

Tonka Toy

 

Chapter from my build thread.
Happy to expand:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cudgels-build-thread.600420/#post-20174395