Enthusiast III
We Got Comms
- Thread starter CubbyXL7
- Start date
Pragmatic
Rank I
Contributor I
- 175
- First Name
- Dennis
- Last Name
- Grimes
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KG6RPX
- Service Branch
- US Navy Retired
Mike:
You're right. CB is "old school" from a performance and range standpoint. It can still work for short range trail and convoy coordination. Since we've been Jeeping for decades, I have a pile of older CBs and GMRS radios (self use and loaners for trail guest vehicles). New GMRS radios have much more (legal) power and range than older GMRS (or CB radios). 2-meter Ham radios are great for emergency LEO/FIRE/EMS coordination since they are repeater capable - it's worth the effort to study for and take the exam - to get a FCC Ham license. Just remember to use the power you need to reach those you must talk to - but don't waste or abuse transmit power, you're cluttering/denying airways use to others.
New GMRS radios can also leverage GMRS capable repeaters that are out there. So - If you have an old GMRS radio (or an old CB radio) it's somewhat obsolete or definitely obsolete now, so recommend saving up for an upgrade to a current GMRS radio.
Enthusiast III
All good advice and input. Was a Jeeper for about 10 years (89 YJ). And the CB was the go to. Have had handheld GMRS /FRS for a few years for camping / hiking / SHTF. Decided to move up to the Motorola MXT 275 for some more range and commonality.
HAM is on the to do list. Nearing retirement and want to get involved in disaster relief / recovery and want to be a comm asset - or at least have the capability.
Was a radio repairman as enlisted Marine and then Naval Flight Officer in the Marine Corps. Comms are key to effective operations.
Again, appreciate the input.
Pragmatic
Rank I
Contributor I
- 175
- First Name
- Dennis
- Last Name
- Grimes
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KG6RPX
- Service Branch
- US Navy Retired
I salute your service. Everyone loves the Marines - The Marines do more, with less, than of any of the services. They often get hand-me-down equipment from the Navy and Army, and they just make it work! From an old Navy guy - Semper Fi!
Enthusiast III
Enthusiast III
Member III
Along the same lines is Skywarn storm spotting. Clubs may activate skywarn nets during a chance of severe/tornadic weather or at least here in Oklahoma a handful of clubs do. If that's something you might be interested in.
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
The ARES affiliated ham clubs do as well in central Texas.
Enthusiast III
Pathfinder III
- 4,417
- First Name
- Rick
- Last Name
- Esquibel
- Member #
22290
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- N5FMF
- Service Branch
- USMC/USN
If you are looking for disaster relief/recovery after your retirement, take a look at Team Rubicon, and when you get your ham license take a look at ARES.
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
- Last Name
- Downs
- Member #
20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
The local HAM club runs SKYWARN around here. I've activated a few times from the house but rarely driven anywhere they've just asked for my report from my QTH.
We haven't regularly used hand me down equipment for a long time. A ton of our stuff is almost USMC specific even down to our uniforms and standard rifles. MARPAT, CH53 helicopters, V22s (only recently started to get used by the Navy and Japanese SDF)LAVs, AAVs, M16A4s (while you can find this model in other branches it was standard issue for E5 and below Marines until the M27 came along, which is yet another thing no one else but Marines use), even our Y and Z models Hueys and Cobras are new builds that no one else uses.
What antenna specifically is that, please? Midland's site for the 115, 275 and 400 show a short whip type. Same for RightChannel.
Enthusiast III
[/QUOTE]
What antenna specifically is that, please? Midland's site for the 115, 275 and 400 show a short whip type. Same for RightChannel.[/QUOTE]
It’s the Midland Ghost 3db. I got the same small antenna with the 275. It comes with the package.
Got the Ghost on Amazon. Be sure you buy the lip mount bracket as well.
What antenna specifically is that, please? Midland's site for the 115, 275 and 400 show a short whip type. Same for RightChannel.[/QUOTE]
It’s the Midland Ghost 3db. I got the same small antenna with the 275. It comes with the package.
Got the Ghost on Amazon. Be sure you buy the lip mount bracket as well.
What antenna specifically is that, please? Midland's site for the 115, 275 and 400 show a short whip type. Same for RightChannel.[/QUOTE]
It’s the Midland Ghost 3db. I got the same small antenna with the 275. It comes with the package.
Got the Ghost on Amazon. Be sure you buy the lip mount bracket as well.
[/QUOTE]
Thank you, Cubby
