Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: jpkidd on May 11, 2021, 02:17:40 PM

Title: Radio's???
Post by: jpkidd on May 11, 2021, 02:17:40 PM

After being on a couple of runs now, I have come to the conclusion that I need to get some kind of better communication.
It has been a few years for me and I am quickly realizing that the CB is no longer.
it seems to be that everyone has moved to a GMRS/FRS, whether that is with a handheld pre-programed GMRS/FRS or a VHF that is operating on the GMRS/FRS frequency. (Biofang style)

I like the idea of having a more powerful mobile unit mounted in the jeep with the handheld for times when I am out of the jeep.
I have been doing some research and have found a couple of models and wanted some opinions on them.

Midland MicroMobile Units either the MXT115 or the MXT275
https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt115-micromobile-2-way-radio/

Pros;
pre-programed to GMRS/FRS channels, easy to use.
includes pre-tuned antenna

Cons;
Only a GMRS/FRS radio


Retevis RT95 or similar Mobile VHF/UHF Radio
https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Transceiver-136-174-430-490-Function/dp/B075M9QV8P/ref=pd_lpo_107_img_0/147-9471801-4781338?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075M9QV8P&pd_rd_r=9fe2ba37-51ea-4f42-940b-a3c8a5cbf87b&pd_rd_w=freep&pd_rd_wg=UUR6P&pf_rd_p=a0d6e967-6561-454c-84f8-2ce2c92b79a6&pf_rd_r=7K5S5VQ7E96FC88YWQRT&psc=1&refRID=7K5S5VQ7E96FC88YWQRT

Pros;
can be programmed or used on any frequency not just GMRS/FRS (ie BC FSR frequencies)

Cons;
Need additional cost for antenna
Need to tune the antenna
Need to set up device and program channels
Not as simple to use as the Midland

I just am wondering if anyone is running the Midland GMRS MicroMobile Unit and how do they like it.
Is anyone using a VHF mobile unit and how do they find it working?

Thanks
Kirk

Title: Re: Radio's???
Post by: YJGUY on May 11, 2021, 03:34:59 PM

It's an issue for me as well. On the last run I think I only heard half the conversations that were going on and I know some people couldn't hear me when I was using my hand held normal FRS/GMRS Midland radio. Even at the end of the day when we were all parked within 100 feet of each other I had no idea people were talking. Current radio: https://midlandusa.com/product/x-talker-t77vp5/

I bought a Yaesu FT-65 radio locally last week at GPS Central and haven't had a chance to sit down and figure out how to use it yet. It can be unlocked to allow you to receive and transmit on GMRS channels which overlaps the FRS Channel 13 the club uses. It is illegal to modify the radio to receive or transmit on GMRS frequencies with this radio, so I'm not suggesting anyone does that...  People using BaoFeng radios like the UV-5R are doing the same thing but I think they are unlocked from the factory. I plan on getting my HAM license at some point so I can legally transmit on VHF/UHF frequencies. I'll just set it up as a scanner on my desk for now.
https://www.gpscentral.ca/products/yaesu/ft-65r.html

If I were getting a hard mounted GMRS radio for my Jeep I'd get the Midland MTX275. The guts of it can be hidden away from the elements in the glovebox or up under the dash and just control everything through the Mic. Disconnect the Mic when you don't need it and know one would know it's in the Jeep.
https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio/

There are a few companies that make kits for the JK and JL that include antenna mounts and mic holders but I didn't see anything for the TJ. I'm sure there are lots of options out there though.

https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/140-211-jeep-wranglergladiator-gmrs-all-in-one-kit.html#/92-jeep_gmrs_bundle_options-front_mount_antenna_bracket

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/gmrs

It's a real rabbit hole of a topic if you go on YouTube and start watching videos.

Title: Re: Radio's???
Post by: Tee-Hee on May 11, 2021, 05:43:03 PM

It depends what y’all want and how you plan to use it. A few of us recently got our radio license and are/will be running UHF/VHF. Some of us have handy talkies while others got mobile radios. Honestly the Baofengs are cheap and useful for GMRS/FRS and UHF/VHF. Clubs runs are on the GMRS/FRS. I use my CB a lot with other folks I got out with and in the states. Yes technically having GMRS/FRS and UHF/VHF on one radio is illegal.

Best thing to do is figure out your radio plans and go chat with the guys at GPS Central. They won’t sell you crap or things you don’t need and are super experts in this area. If you happen to deal with a guy named Vince he used to wheel and he knows his stuff.