Explorer I
- 4,285
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Denniston
- Member #
3030
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KJ7LYZ
Advocate III
- 5,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Rose
- Member #
20990
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W7FSB
- Service Branch
- US ARMY Retired
Member III
Yeah, they mostly use Baufung handhelds but they use them on GMRS channels. I actually bought them before I joined the club, so I lucked out. I bought them because I've got two Wranglers and my daughter has a Renegade and my son a Grand Cherokee. I've put GMRS in each of them and immediate family can all use one license. I'm starting to see a few more folks here and there using them.
I've got the MXT275, the 115, and a couple of 5w units, plus two handhelds for spotters. Even if I didn't run across anyone else with one, I still have plenty of use for them.
Pathfinder III
- 1,876
- First Name
- Kyle
- Last Name
- Betts
- Member #
13310
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KF0AWV
So I was able to install an MXT275 in my vehicle a couple of weeks ago. So far I'm pretty happy with it. Did a write-up with a few pictures on the FJ forum (link below).
I approached the question of what communication method to select with two things in mind. The first was what capability do I really need? The second is what will I use it for?
Suffice it to say, GMRS meets my need right now. When I get a chance to do more frequent trips I'll look at upgrading my capability. Even if I do eventually expand, I'll likely still keep a GMRS capability if for no other reason that the ability to communicate with various handhelds - whether in a recovery situation or just maintaining contact while away from a campsite (fishing, hiking, etc).
www.fjcruiserforums.com
I approached the question of what communication method to select with two things in mind. The first was what capability do I really need? The second is what will I use it for?
Suffice it to say, GMRS meets my need right now. When I get a chance to do more frequent trips I'll look at upgrading my capability. Even if I do eventually expand, I'll likely still keep a GMRS capability if for no other reason that the ability to communicate with various handhelds - whether in a recovery situation or just maintaining contact while away from a campsite (fishing, hiking, etc).
GMRS Installation
Member III
Member I
Great list; My main comm is also Ham, but installing GMRS as backup.
Thanks
Explorer I
- 3,038
- First Name
- Dave
- Last Name
- Stockslager
- Member #
2951
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KM6ZGS
Not to be the GMRS police, but you do realize unless you are using the Baofeng GMRS V1 radios, the Baofeng ham radios are illegal to use on GMRS frequencies. Will the FCC chase you down? Probably not, but in the spirit of good radio practices it should be noted.
Maverick1701
Rank I
Off-Road Ranger I
I got a new ride and decided to not go "full radio guy" this time (last truck had HAM & CB radios). The only mobile radio I installed was a MXT275. For 2m/75cm I'm going to just use my handheld & call it good.
I installed the MXT last week. It works GREAT. We have 3 repeaters in my area which is pretty nice.
GMRS is the way to go in my area.
I have used my GMRS radio more in the last week than I ever used my mobile HAM radio in the year it was installed. Apparently HAM is pretty dead in my area.
I installed the MXT last week. It works GREAT. We have 3 repeaters in my area which is pretty nice.
GMRS is the way to go in my area.
I have used my GMRS radio more in the last week than I ever used my mobile HAM radio in the year it was installed. Apparently HAM is pretty dead in my area.
Attachments
Member I
Nice - I like it. I'm in an area that is opposite. Ham's are fairly active and in my area, we have 11 to 13 fusion linked repeaters. I did install GMRS, even though there are 0 in the immediate vicinity. There are some but way out of range. But I did install a GMRS also.
I recently installed the MXT115 and I would say I was very happy with the performance. Even with the stock antenna I was picking up people miles away. I am going to upgrade to the 6DB antenna (ordered). I would rather give a friend a handheld to use if they don't have GMRS or HAM than deal with a CB anymore.
Enthusiast III
I just ordered the MXT275 and a couple X Talk handhelds. Also just paid for my license and got a call sign. Any tips for a noob? is it basically a more powerful CB?
Very few people use their call signs. In the Phoenix area I have heard a few from a local private repeater group. Other than that it seems pretty much like a free for all. Some companies. Lots of kids. General profanity and music like CB. On the trail it’s more quiet and similar to the Ham users. My 2 cents.
Enthusiast III
Yeah. I'm hoping to use it mostly for keeping in touch with basecamp while we're in the backcountry (if we ever get to go back). And travel. Sounds like it's not very strict. I've been considering a HAM license, too but stalled out trying to figure out the test/class.
Member III
Technician: Entry level, mainly VHF/UHF frequency access some voice on 10m. Typically all that is needed for offroad/back country travel. There is a push right now to open up tech privileges to more HF voice frequencies.
General: More HF frequencies, good for longer distance if you are really in BFE where repeaters are sparse (Alaska & Canada perhaps). Most hobbyist.
Extra: ALL ham radio frequency privileges, typically only the radio hobbyist goes this far.
Feel free to make a thread and ask if you have any radio questions. We are glad to help.
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
Make sure it's what you need for your terrain. Here's a good graphic on antenna gain vs coverage. More gain isn't always the answer. One of my favorite GMRS antennas for trail use is a little LARID 1/4 wave that's about 6 inches long and has "unity" gain. Get's me excellent coverage over varying terrain and is so short nothing grabs it. It's also a 9 dollar antenna so if I destroy it no big deal.
Antennas are like tools. There's correct ones for various jobs. I keep more than one in the Jeep they take up basically no space. Short one when on the trail then a longer one with more gain when I'm on the pavement on flatter terrain.
Sorta. It's like CB in that you use radio waves to communicate. But the waves are a lot shorter on the GMRS unit compared to the CB so you can run a much smaller antenna that has less chance of getting snagged on crap. It also gives you access to GMRS repeaters that can greatly extend your range from a few miles to dozens of miles. We have a really good unit in our area that has a range of about a 40 mile radius around the unit. Giving me a theoretical range of almost 80 miles.
See if you have any repeaters locally and try to get on them. It's where you'll find the more serious radio users.
Enthusiast III
Yeah, so I was just planning to use it for family and small group trips, but there's a whole world out there that I have exactly 0 knowledge of...
Enthusiast III
Just installed my MXT400. I'm a fan. I just wanted to know if anyone had a suggestion for an antenna that I can keep mounted but still enter my garage with. I'd like to keep the antenna on. I know the 6db it came with will snap if I pull in with it.
Antenna is mounted in the middle of my roof rack. Thank you!
Antenna is mounted in the middle of my roof rack. Thank you!
Member III
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
Need this info. The shortest you will be able to go will be either a Phantom type or a 1/4 wave.
3.5 inches tall. DOn't let the looks fool you these still perform really well as long as you have a ground plane for it. This is pretty much as short as you are going to be able to get.
This little guy is one of my favorite antennas for trail use. Only about 6 inches long and still gives excellent performance. Look up about 2 or 3 posts to my post about antenna gain. in many cases off road a 3db gain antenna is one of the best choices you can do. I keep an extra antenna or two in the Jeep because they take up basically no space and are easy to change. Allows me to change antennas for a given situation.
