Jeep Wrangler GMRS

[Rob Frank]

Just installed the Midland GMRS in my jeep, removed my Cobra CB radio, and enjoying this radio.

CB has too many issues and upkeep, tuning/keeping it grounded, lack of range.

With my install, went with a different antenna; from my local radio shop

http://www.cabelas.com/product/MIDLAND-MICRO-MOBILE-GMRS-RADIO/2041820.uts?productVariantId=4199603&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKEAiA-rfDBRDeyOybg8jd2U4SJAAoE5XqukcMRkcjo2dkOupGRezYnQOw_Tgzy3TzZCneVjf_TRoC54Pw_wcB

 

[dstock]

I'm going to pick up the Midland myself, what antenna did you use?

 

[kennedyma]

I would love to know what antenna you used also. Trying to figure out options for the radio I just picked up.


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[Rob Frank]

It was a model EM-MX0452 from EMWave.

I am very happy with the setup

 

[dstock]

I picked up a Browning BR-180 which is a dual band HAM antenna. While not specifically for GMRS there were enough comments in the reviews that it works fine on GMRS frequencies. Initial testing was good but need to spend some more time with it. I wanted something to work with my HAM radio as well.

 

[aearles]

One downside to using a dualband antenna is that it's much larger than necessary to accommodate the longer wavelength of 2M.

 

[Prerunner1982]

The Tram (same as Browning) 1128 is a short UHF antenna that seems to work on GMRS fine per the reviews.

 

[dstock]

The Tram (same as Browning) 1128 is a short UHF antenna that seems to work on GMRS fine per the reviews.

Thanks, I'll check it out. I only run the antenna when we are actually headed out on an adventure so length isn't a huge concern. That said these antennas are relatively cheap, always good to have options!

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[aearles]

I think if I were running UHF/GMRS only, I'd do something like this:
https://www.lairdtech.com/products/trab4503
https://www.lairdtech.com/products/etra4503

Of course, that's assuming you're willing to drill a hole and go NMO.

 

[w_m_photo]

I like the profile of those... But do the work? Do they provide good reception/transmit capabilities?

 

[aearles]

Reviews look good on Amazon, of course it's a compromise compared to 1/2 or 5/8 but reasonable for small group comms on GMRS. 1/4 wave of 460MHz is only 6.3". One review pointed out something that I hadn't considered, the lack of flutter, compared to a whip.

 

[dstock]

I think if I were running UHF/GMRS only, I'd do something like this:
https://www.lairdtech.com/products/trab4503
https://www.lairdtech.com/products/etra4503

Of course, that's assuming you're willing to drill a hole and go NMO.

I've already got an NMO mount on 1 of my Arizona Rocky Road antenna mounts. Not a big fan of drilling the JK roof!

 

[aearles]

Yeah, shows how much I was paying attention, I didn't realize it was going on a JK... I wouldn't do that either.

 

[Big110]

Yeah, shows how much I was paying attention, I didn't realize it was going on a JK... I wouldn't do that either.

What about up front on a bullbar?


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[Graeman]

I love those Midland's. How does it perform with the new antenna, better than the stock one that comes with it? Enough to warrant the change? That will be my next radio to install, the small size makes it great for mounting anywhere inside the cab.

 

[Big110]

I'm awaiting @Michael to post some feedback on his Midland experience. I've got a pair to trial- love me some 40 watts!


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[Steve]

I don't know if it was available when @Rob Frank bought his Midland Micro for $150 at Cabala's, but the 15 watt version is now available for the same price. (5 W on the lower channels and 15W on the higher.)

 

[dstock]

I don't know if it was available when @Rob Frank bought his Midland Micro for $150 at Cabala's, but the 15 watt version is now available for the same price. (5 W on the lower channels and 15W on the higher.)

Probably not, those 3 new models just came out. I picked up a Btech (Baofeng) GMRS V1 before they came out as it has the repeater functions and can monitor HAM, but now with these new Midlands I will probably trade up at some point. The GMRS V1 is still a good deal in my opinion for those that don't want to spend the extra cash, I posted up a thread about it for those that are interested:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/btech-gmrs-v1-radio.5856/

Would be great to see some more Midland reviews if anyone has picked up one of the new models.

 

[Big110]

I will be doing a review of the 40w unit I've been testing. It's a beast, and I've been blown away.

 

[DAVISPM1]

Just installed the Midland GMRS in my jeep, removed my Cobra CB radio, and enjoying this radio.

CB has too many issues and upkeep, tuning/keeping it grounded, lack of range.

With my install, went with a different antenna; from my local radio shop

http://www.cabelas.com/product/MIDLAND-MICRO-MOBILE-GMRS-RADIO/2041820.uts?productVariantId=4199603&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKEAiA-rfDBRDeyOybg8jd2U4SJAAoE5XqukcMRkcjo2dkOupGRezYnQOw_Tgzy3TzZCneVjf_TRoC54Pw_wcB

Who do you talk to? Other GMRS people with the same radio? Are you limited because i would think more people would have a cb.