Walky Talkies for trails?

[Lynn]

There's another option for a really simple antenna mount for a handheld radio.

IF you get a handheld that uses a standard BNC connector for the antenna mount, you can get a window clip antenna mount:

and relocate the rubber ducky antenna to the top (outside) of a roll-up window.

It will work better than having the antenna inside the car, but not as well as a 'normal' outside antenna.

The only real advantage is that it's a lot easier to carry and store than a mag-mount antenna. With this option you could carry a small handheld Cb and the antenna clip in your glove box and be ready to loan it out when needed. But, like I said, performance will suffer.

 

[Lynn]

Please note that ANY of the FRS/GMRS radio will require a FCC issued license on some of the channels. Typically, 7 channels are license free the rest require a license to legally operate

Just for clarification, FRS frequencies do not require a license. GMRS frequencies do.

So if you get a radio that's just FRS, you don't need the license. If you get a radio that's just GMRS you do. If you get one that's combo (like most on the market now), you don't need a license if you only use the lower 14 channels (FRS).

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

FYI, Amazon has that Midland 1001Z CB radio for $30.75 with free shipping, no sales tax. But if you can wait, Amazon seems to fluctuate the price depending on which way the wind blows, I got one last year for under $26.

Another nice low-end CB radio is the Uniden 510XL. The size is about the same as the Midland but the height is about 1/4" smaller which makes it easier to install. Also the Uniden feels better built than the Midland, the case is metal whereas Midland is plastic. But the Midland does have a PA system. Amazon currently sells this for $36, I got it last year for $34.

Thanks for the tip, ill keep my eye on that midland unit, it looks to have the features I need for a reasonable price.

Now for an antenna..... so many choices and so many people saying "I ONLY use......" make it hard to choose one. I think to research "ground plane" more and get a better understanding. Would I only need a "no ground plane" unit it I was mounting it to anything other than metal, say a fiberglass topper or Jeep top? What type would i need if I wanted to mount it to the front bumper or fender?

 

[gary in ohio]

There's another option for a really simple antenna mount for a handheld radio.

IF you get a handheld that uses a standard BNC connector for the antenna mount, you can get a window clip antenna mount:

No GMRS/FRS radio will have a removable antennas. Not permitted by FRS rules.

 

[gary in ohio]

So if you get a radio that's just FRS, you don't need the license. If you get a radio that's just GMRS you do. If you get one that's combo (like most on the market now), you don't need a license if you only use the lower 14 channels (FRS).

ONLY PARTIAL CORRECT. FRS only has 7 unique channels. Then you have 7 shared GMRS and FRS channels and 8 GMRS only channels. Depending on how the radio was certified will determine what channels do and don't require a license, Using only the frequency you cant tell if a license is required or not on the shared channels.

I have several combo gmrs/frs radios, I have 22 channel radio that has 14 license free channels and another one with 22 channels that has 7 license freq channels. ALL the frequencies are the same, but the radio was certified as an FRS radio on one and GMRS radio on the others.

BLAME the FCC for allowing this mess. They NEVER should have allowed a combo certification. They have stopped this mess with MURS but GMRS/FRS is a mess.. Even looking at the manuals its hard to tell what does and doesnt require a license. On the radio's I had I had to go to the FCC specs and trace it back that way for my radios.

 

[Lynn]

No GMRS/FRS radio will have a removable antennas. Not permitted by FRS rules.

Sorry, I was thinking of the CB handheld discussions. I should have been more specific.

Plus, I haven't tested it, but I suspect an FRS radio inside the vehicle may outperform a CB with the ducky on a window clip anyhow.

 

[Rev]

I picked up my hybrid whip antenna for $15 and it pulls in amazing reception. And the mount I bought is easy to remove (I think it was $40 so a bit more cash). You don't need to spend a lot of money on this stuff.

I don't really have a good pic of the whole thing.

 

[HanzoSteel]

No GMRS/FRS radio will have a removable antennas. Not permitted by FRS rules.

Unless you have one of these.

 

[gary in ohio]

Unless you have one of these.

Thats not a GMRS/FRS radio, Thats an Icom UHF or ICOM GMRS radio. It wouldnt be legal to use that radio on FRS.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I'm starting to think that everyone is making this much harder than it really is.

I'm calling it...."the impossible to communicate....Internet Time Lag! With no face....communication"......:sombrero::costumed-smiley-007:ylsmoke:


.

 

[matt s]

There is a lot of overkill going on in this thread. Yes for long term solutions Ham or CB with good antenna is the way to go. I use a dual band myself.

But I have used FRS motorola radios all over the place and with great range, in the mountains, around the corner, etc. My brother and I ran the Alcan in two vehicles and stayed in contact through the mountains in BC without issue and due to limited passing lanes etc. were often a mile or two apart.

For what the original poster described I think it's likely the best and simplest solution to his groups comm challenge.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Go to Costco, Bestbuy, Target, Sears or any other emporium of your choice.

Purchase a sufficient number of Motorola FRS radios to test (probably at least two). Don't forget some AA batteries.

Test.

Let us know how they work for you. If needed, we will be glad to tell you what to do next

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Go to Costco, Bestbuy, Target, Sears or any other emporium of your choice.

Purchase a sufficient number of Motorola FRS radios to test (probably at least two). Don't forget some AA batteries.

Test.

Let us know how they work for you. If needed, we will be glad to tell you what to do next

.

Also try Fry's.....

Yes! And get the kind of batteries that can recharge. And bring the recharger, the kind that can plug into your cig lighter....and you are set!


Study up on.....

Battery Chargers.....





.

 

[matt s]

(probably at least two).

:wings::victory:

Not nice, but I am still laughing.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

:wings::victory:

Not nice, but I am still laughing.

Well, I don't know how many you run with... But it WILL take MORE than OnE!:elkgrin: