Rugged Radio Rig set up or similar

[Stroked 550]

hey guys


I want to run several radio sources in my rig through a headset intercom system like the rugged system or similar

I am looking to run


1. Rugged Radio RM100 VHF 100

2. HAM Radio

3. CB Radio

Has anyone done this?

 

[aearles]

Hate to help support Rugged Radios in any way... but is the RM100 radio even compatible with their own intercom setup? They have intercom-radio cables listed here, and I don't see anything that would match up.

I think this will be fairly complicated to switch so many circuits at once since audio in/out and PTT all have to move between radios and they'll all have different interface cables (if available at all).

 

[Stroked 550]

hey Aaron,

Why dont you like Rugged Radios?

It looks like they do have interface cables see here

https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53_48&products_id=90
https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=643
https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53_256&products_id=603

So I spoke with a tech at RR and this was his response so it looks like it is possible
I can also use the RRP 3 which has input for 3 radio sources plus cell phone

https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=158_160&products_id=343




RRP102-A
RADIO 1 --> RRP102B
RADIO 1 --> CB Radio w/ CJ-CB Jumper
OUTPUT PIGTAIL --> Intercom system
RRP102-B
Radio 1 --> RM100
Radio 2 --> ICOM-IC-7100 (With possbly the CJ-ICOM-M jumper, you may need to custom build your cable using the CJ-MOBILE-UNI cable if the ICOM-M is not compatible, you would need the pinout from a handmic)
OUTPUT PIGTAIL --> RRP102A



Intercom pigtail would connect to RRP102A
You could use the RRP660PLUS intercom to connect wirelessly to your cell phone, or a hard connection via the CS-iPhone-6P on the [RRP660] (Non-Bluetooth)

The problem with all of this in the end is ensuring the microphone you are using would be compatible across the board. That being said, our dynamic microphones are compatible with the intercom itself, it would then be up to the radio to interpret the signal. I can assure you the RM100 will accept the signal from our dynamic microphone used in one of our headsets which is what I imagine you would be using.

Of course the 3 different radios would be using 3 different antennas, so I would not be able to consolidate there. This case is a bit of an oddity as far as requests go as we do not generally have someone running this many systems through one intercom but again, theoretically that is how it should work.The only two problems I could ever foresee would be the microphone compatibility between all sources and the added resistance setting up two switches inline like this. Let me know if this answers your questions and if I can assist you further.


The RRP100 can be used as well, my apologies, I meant to include that option and link along side the RRP102.

 

[Rando]

Compare the $700 RM100 from RR to:
https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=296_26&products_id=2340

To the $147 QYT 780 from ebay or any number of dodgy sources:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/QYT-Mobile-Radio-KT-780PLUS-VHF-136-174MHz-100W-Walkie-Talkie-/263202408838

Any company that buys a direct from china radio slaps their label on it and marks it up by more than 400% is not one I would give business to.

Also, what frequencies are you going to legally use this on?

 

[Stroked 550]

Compare the $700 RM100 from RR to:
https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=296_26&products_id=2340

To the $147 QYT 780 from ebay or any number of dodgy sources:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/QYT-Mobile-Radio-KT-780PLUS-VHF-136-174MHz-100W-Walkie-Talkie-/263202408838

Any company that buys a direct from china radio slaps their label on it and marks it up by more than 400% is not one I would give business to.

Also, what frequencies are you going to legally use this on?

Oh wow thanks for sharing the link, thats crazy how much they mark it up.. I dont blame you for not wanting to do business with them.

Can you educate on what frequencies I can use?

 

[Rando]

Unless you have an amateur radio license, or a commercial radio license, I don't think you can legally use these radios at all. As programmed these radios are totally illegal to use - which is why they don't publicly release their frequency list. Dodgy company all around.

 

[Stroked 550]

Unless you have an amateur radio license, or a commercial radio license, I don't think you can legally use these radios at all. As programmed these radios are totally illegal to use - which is why they don't publicly release their frequency list. Dodgy company all around.

The FCC clearly states you can use an amateur radio for emergency purposes without a license.

Rugged Radios definitely doesn't state you need a commercial radio license, I figured you would need one. I will get one.

 

[Rando]

True on the amateur radio emergency use thing - but they are not exactly selling these radios for emergency use are they?
It looks like they are mostly using the MURS and marine frequencies for their VHF channels, MURS frequencies are limited by law to 2W, yet they are selling 100W radios. It is illegal to use marine frequencies on land. There is no license that allows you to do this.

Honestly, I am not the radio police (all though I am sure they will chime in soon) and don't think someone programming their radios for these frequencies is that big a deal. However a commercial company selling overpriced radios that they full well know are not legal to use is really bad form.

 

[aearles]

Exactly! Rando covered my thoughts on RR completely.

 

[Rando]

If you want a legal radio to use, these are high powered and seem popular:
https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio/

 

[Stroked 550]

hey rando

I 100% agree RR is not running their business in a legit manner and the mark up they have is insane. I am mostly interested in RR for their intercom box that allows me to plug in several radio sources into it however if i can find another manufacture at a better price I will go with them

The midland radio looks like a good unit and the price is much better

 

[Ray_G]

The Midland will also require a lic from the FCC as a GMRS radio.
I'd suggest a quick look at this: http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...ut-the-radio-communication-options-in-the-USA

From there you'll start to appreciate the nuance of potentially running a GMRS radio (i.e. a UHF), a 'HAM' which likely means VHF or UHF frequencies (and requires you to pass the test), and CB which is HF.

Running each through a single headset is feasible of course, but given the content thus far I'd make sure you know what you want and why you want it (not to mention some vestige of compliance with law/regulations that while unlikely to be enforced are borne from a reason).
r-
Ray