1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Switching from CB to GMRS/FRS

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by JJ04TACO, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. Jun 25, 2019 at 10:35 PM
    #1
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2013
    Member:
    #114311
    Messages:
    1,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    04 White DC/TRD
    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    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?
     
  2. Jul 9, 2019 at 2:40 PM
    #2
    clc clc

    clc clc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2012
    Member:
    #88658
    Messages:
    1,102
    Gender:
    Male
    PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 4x4 reg cab tacoma/2020 subaru crosstrek
    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.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2019 at 3:18 PM
    #3
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    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. :anonymous: 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
     
    galito likes this.
  4. Jul 10, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #4
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2013
    Member:
    #114311
    Messages:
    1,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    04 White DC/TRD
    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    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.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2019 at 8:46 AM
    #5
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Member:
    #140581
    Messages:
    11,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marteeen
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCSB OR MT
    Lots of sail boat fuel
    B-tech. More punch, less $. Gmrs
     
  6. Jul 10, 2019 at 8:47 AM
    #6
    uploadadventure

    uploadadventure It’s all @ColoradoTJ’s fault

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2019
    Member:
    #281288
    Messages:
    9,874
    Gender:
    Male
    Dixon, Mo
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tacoma TRD OR (sold) 05 Duramax
  7. Jul 10, 2019 at 8:48 AM
    #7
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Member:
    #140581
    Messages:
    11,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marteeen
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCSB OR MT
    Lots of sail boat fuel
  8. Jul 10, 2019 at 8:51 AM
    #8
    Shellshock

    Shellshock King Shit of Turd Island

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2015
    Member:
    #170338
    Messages:
    22,096
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra TRD PRO / 2024 GRC Circuit
    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.
     
    0xDEADBEEF and uploadadventure like this.
  9. Jul 10, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #9
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    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.
     
  10. Jul 10, 2019 at 3:03 PM
    #10
    clc clc

    clc clc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2012
    Member:
    #88658
    Messages:
    1,102
    Gender:
    Male
    PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 4x4 reg cab tacoma/2020 subaru crosstrek

    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.
     
  11. Jul 10, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #11
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Member:
    #140581
    Messages:
    11,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marteeen
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCSB OR MT
    Lots of sail boat fuel
    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.
     
  12. Jul 11, 2019 at 8:53 AM
    #12
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    you have a link for that?
     
  13. Jul 11, 2019 at 9:06 AM
    #13
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Member:
    #140581
    Messages:
    11,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marteeen
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCSB OR MT
    Lots of sail boat fuel
    For which part?
     
  14. Jul 11, 2019 at 10:50 AM
    #14
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2011
    Member:
    #51038
    Messages:
    17,612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills)
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC
    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    The new bill being passed restricting sales.
     
  15. Jul 11, 2019 at 6:31 PM
    #15
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Member:
    #140581
    Messages:
    11,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marteeen
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCSB OR MT
    Lots of sail boat fuel
    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.
     
    jbrandt likes this.
  16. Apr 18, 2020 at 7:40 AM
    #16
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2013
    Member:
    #114311
    Messages:
    1,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    04 White DC/TRD
    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    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.
     
    fatfurious2 likes this.
  17. May 9, 2020 at 6:45 AM
    #17
    laddertoyou

    laddertoyou Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2009
    Member:
    #13718
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    VA
    Vehicle:
    17 DCSB TRD Sport
    Hello. I have A midland MXT 115. Where are the best locations for antenna or 3rd party mounting bracket?
     
  18. May 9, 2020 at 7:41 AM
    #18
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2013
    Member:
    #114311
    Messages:
    1,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    04 White DC/TRD
    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    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.
     
  19. May 18, 2020 at 7:42 PM
    #19
    boston23

    boston23 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2019
    Member:
    #304290
    Messages:
    3,588
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5 DCSB 4x4
    Well my boss just unloaded 6 midland gmrs radios on me so i guess im gonna be using gmrs now haha
     
    JJ04TACO[OP] and 2013XSPX like this.
  20. Nov 21, 2021 at 8:11 PM
    #20
    Jojee117

    Jojee117 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2018
    Member:
    #261068
    Messages:
    939
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    MT
    Vehicle:
    06 TRD Sport Prerunner 4WD swapped
    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.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top